Round 2 RESPONSES_TO_QUESTIONS_5-10.pdf

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ROUND #2

S&RTS REPUBLIC OF PHILIPPINES

SOLICITATION # HTC71123RR006

Question 5: Extension Request. We are actively working to build a well-priced, technically acceptable proposal for this program. Considering the time required to coordinate with 10+ ports as well as the Thanksgiving Holiday in the USA, would TRANSCOM consider granting a one-week extension to the proposal due date?

RESPONSE: We will extend the proposal due date until 5 Dec 22 @ 2:00 pm CT, no other extension will be given beyond this date. Amendment 0002 will be posted to SAM.gov with the revised due date.

Question 6: Per the SOR, pricing must be valid for five years. Would TRANSCOM consider permitting contractors to escalate pricing each year instead by revising the SOR accordingly?

RESPONSE: No, Offerors are to provide pricing valid for five years, the SOR will not be revised to allow escalation of pricing for each year.

Question 7: In general, port tariff/charges can be increased in a way that far outpaces standard inflation. How would contractors account for large increases in port tariff rates? Would TRANSCOM consider permitting port tariff rates to be passed through at cost?

RESPONSE: No, Port tariffs will not be passed through at cost, if port tariffs were to increase to the point it causes a significant loss to the contractor, they can file an REA with the Contracting Officer to recoup those expenses.

Question 8: Per Section 4.4.1.2 of the PWS, “the Contractor shall not receive any compensation for cargo handling conducted by the Military…unless commodity, extra labor, equipment rental, or other facility support services were ordered by the COR/OO, whereby the USG will then compensate the Contractor per established rates in the SOR.” In some cases, the port(s) will apply charges regardless of whether the military or commercial stevedores load/discharge equipment to/from a vessel.

a. If that were to happen, how would contractors recover these port tariff charges for vessel loading/discharge?

RESPONSE: Per PWS paragraph 4.1.2 Labor Rules & Agreements and Port Tariffs. The Contractor shall submit copies upon award of this contract to the USG all current labor rules or labor agreements (if applicable), and current year published port tariffs (English version). The Contractor shall also furnish updated information about specific changes to local work rules, labor agreements, and new port tariffs affecting USG cargo operations IAW the performance of this contract as they are available.

Therefore, if you can provide receipts for payment of port tariffs by your company during operations when cargo handling was conducted by military personnel was charged, those fees will be reimbursed.

b. In other words, should these port charges also be loaded into the lashing/unlashing lines?

RESPONSE: Same response as above.

Question 9: We have been advised that Hanjin Shipyard is not currently operating. Could TRANSCOM please confirm and advise how pricing for utilization of that terminal should be priced?

RESPONSE: Yes, however we expect the rates to be similar to other ports in the area.

Question 10: Per Section 5.24 of the PWS and Line 159 of the SOR, will contractors be required to stuff/unstuff containers with explosives/ammunition?

RESPONSE: Yes, the contractor will be required to stuff/unstuff containers with explosives/ammunitions