Questions and Answers 14 December 2022.pdf

QUESTION

DATE

RECEIVED

PROSPECTIVE VENDOR'S QUESTION DATE OF REPLY GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE AMEND RFP?

9 14-Dec-22

Follow-up to question #2 posted 1 Dec 22: This PWS specifically calls for operations at the Klaipedos Smelte

Terminal (KST) – one of several capable and suitable terminals at the Port of Klaipeda. In communications with the terminal, KST has expressed a desire to focus on container operations which puts the long term success stevedoring operations of this program at risk. Would TRANSCOM permit offerors to propose other terminals instead?

14-Dec-22

United States Government (USG) cargo that is exported from the Port of Klaipeda must undergo agricultural cleaning to meet certain customs requirements prior to returning to the United States. The 21st Theater Sustainment Command (TSC) coordinates for agricultural cleaning at the washing facilities located on KSCT for cargo being exported through Klaipeda. KSCT is the sole terminal the 21st TSC uses for agricultural cleaning for customs clearance given the infrastructure in place (i.e., indoor washing facilities and on-site cranes) to ensure vehicles are cleaned in a safe, efficient, and proper manner.

Allowing for use of an alternate terminal to KSCT at the Port of Klaipeda would require the movement of equipment from KSCT to the alternate location after completion of agricultural cleaning and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certification. Such a transfer of equipment increases the overall logistical footprint required for a single operation. Utilizing two separate terminals would require concurrent reservation of staging space with attendant security while the transfer is performed, thereby, significantly increasing costs. In addition, such missions would also require the rental of additional trucks and trailers, as well as material handling equipment, to load items at KSCT and offload again at the alternate terminal. In all, the need to secure additional staging space, equipment rentals, and port authority approvals for use of an alternate port places operational burden on the USG and creates an unacceptable operational risk if the additional logistical requirements cannot be met. In addition to the operational burden, the use of alternate ports creates unnecessary additional financial costs.

Unlike the other terminals at the Port of Klaipeda, KSCT can provide sufficient protection from contaminants and has the ability to guarantee all cleaned cargo remains sterile until vessel upload. Grains and other raw materials continue to be present at alternate terminals, which instills little confidence in the ability to maintain the necessary sterile staging space for future operations.

No

SOLICITATION Q&A LOG

Round Three

HTC71123RR003 Klaipeda, Klaipedos Smelte Terminal, Lithuania UPDATED: 14 December 2022

Round 2