DFTS II Q-A Round 6.pdf

Q# Round

REFERENCE

SECTION

REFERENCE

PAGE

REFERENCE

PARAGRAPH

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1 1 Attachment 1 -

PWS

General General

Are we to provide IT personnel or is this related to the communication system, website access or something completely different?

The Offeror will be required to perform all services identified in RFP Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement

(PWS), including Task Area 11 Information Technology, 2 1 Attachment 1 -

PWS

General General Is the ability to connect to generate API/EDI 220s mandatory for bid participation? Yes.

3 1 RFP General General In regards to the security requirements, will FedRAMP certification be required?

Pursuant to DFARS 252.204-7012(b)(2)(ii)(D) If the Contractor intends to use an external cloud service provider to store, process, or transmit any covered defense information in performance of this contract, the Contractor shall require and ensure that the cloud service provider meets security requirements equivalent to those established by the

Government for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Moderate baseline

(https://www.fedramp.gov/resources/documents/) and that the cloud service provider complies with requirements in paragraphs (c) through (g) of this clause for cyber incident reporting, malicious software, media preservation and protection, access to additional information and equipment necessary for forensic analysis, and cyber incident damage assessment.

4 1 RFP General General Will this total project opportunity be awarded to one contractor or multiple contractors? DFTS II will be a single-award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract.

5 1 Attachment 1 -

PWS

General General What are the freight payment terms? Per RFP - Attachment 1 - PWS Section 1.13.2.1, invoices will be paid IAW FAR 52.232-25 (Prompt Payment).

6 1 Attachment 1 -

PWS

General General What is the fee to participate in US Bank program?

Specific US Bank questions can be directed to US Bank at (800) 417-1844 or by email at customer.support@usbank.com.

7 1 Attachment 1 -

PWS

General General Can your rail needs be met with intermodal (containerized) versus Railcar or is railcar movements a requirement?

Per RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Section 1.8.,the Government may require the use of commercial rail cars to move FAK and DoDX rail cars to move military-unique items (e.g., military tanks and tank removers). Each rail shipments require special coordination. At the time of Government notification, rail movement requirements will be identified.

8 1 Attachment 1 -

PWS

General General Are all elements of the PWS required or are you open to negotiations through the RFP process? The Offeror is required to provide all services as identified in the PWS.

9 1 Attachment 1 -

PWS

General General Industry standard for truckload cargo liability is $100,000- would this be acceptable? Refer to RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Section 1.12.2. Contractor Liability for DFTS II liability requirements.

10 1 Attachment 2 -

Pricing Rate Table

Tab 2g)

Scheduled

Truck

Lane JC#13 What is the destination(s)/route for Lane # JC-13? Lane # JC-13 Only has California listed as destination on Attachment

#2 tab 2g) Scheduled Truck Prices.

Please refer to Amendment 01, RFP Attachment 2 tab 2g) Scheduled Truck Prices for lane #JC-13 destination to state "Travis AFB, CA."

11 1 Attachment 2 -

Pricing Rate Table

Tab 2g)

Scheduled

Truck

General What is the required equipment types for the scheduled truck routes?

Scheduled Truck shipments shall be ordered utilizing the following equipment codes: AA1, AA2, AV1, AV2, AY1, AY2, AV3, AA3, AG3. Please refer to Amendment 01, RFP Attachment 2 tab 2g) Scheduled Truck Prices.

12 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General Are the scheduled truck loads included in the historical data? If so, how can they be identified?

Scheduled truck shipments are included in the historical data provided. A unique identifier for scheduled truck shipments is not captured in the current process.

13 1 Attachment 2 -

Pricing Rate Table General General

Pricing Rate Table tab 2g) Scheduled Truck Prices - Where multiple locations are listed as the destination, does that indicate a multi-stop load, or does the destination vary day to day or week to week?

In instances where a scheduled route has multiple locations listed, this indicates a multi-stop load. If a location does not have shipment(s) for the designated schedule day, a stop will not be required.

14 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General What is the DoD definition for AL6? There are shipments listed in the historical data with equipment code AL6.

Equipment code AL6 is not a required equipment type for the DFTS II requirement. Refer to RFP PWS Appendix D -

Equipment Codes for a list of equipment types required.

15 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General What is the DoD definition for AQ5? There are shipments listed in the historical data with equipment code AQ5.

Equipment code AL6 is not a required equipment type for the DFTS II requirement. Refer to RFP PWS Appendix D -

Equipment Codes for a list of equipment types required.

16 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General What is the DoD definition for AW3? There are shipments listed in the historical data with equipment code AW3.

Equipment code AL6 is not a required equipment type for the DFTS II requirement. Refer to RFP PWS Appendix D -

Equipment Codes for a list of equipment types required.

17 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General

What is the destination data for shipments listed with <NULL> as destination? A significant amount of the data (32%) does not contain a destination.

RFP Attachment 10 - Historical Data has been provided to assist Offerors in assessing historical demand and is all the historical data the Government is able to provide.

18 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General

What is the correct number of historical shipments per? The data presented in DFTS I Historical Data 2021-2022 does not match the sum of the volumes DFTS I DSS Shipments 2021 – 2023 and DFTS I VSM Shipments 2021 - 2023 plus any scheduled truck volume taken from the Pricing spreadsheet. With only seeing 70-80% of the detailed historical data

(coupled with the gaps in the provided historical data), this puts all challengers to the incumbent at a significant disadvantage.

Data presented in the DFTS I Historical Data 2021-2022 encompasses shipments occurring in years 2021-2022.

Data presented in DFTS I DSS Shipments 2021 - 2023 and DFTS I VSM Shipments 2021-2023 encompass a longer time frame of shipments occurring in years 2021 - June 2023. Attachment 10 - Historical Data has been provided to assist Offerors in assessing historical demand and is all the historical data the Government is able to provide.

19 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General

Are all shipments listed in the historical data single stop, or are any multi-stop loads? If there are multi-stop loads, how can those be identified and is stop level detail included?

Multi-stop load shipments are included in the data provided. A unique identifier for multi-stop shipments is not captured in the current process.

20 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General

Is there any indication in the historical data of which loads are live delivery and which are drop and hook? If not, can a percentage of live unloads be provided? No. That information is not something the Government is able to provide.

21 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General

How long does the typical live unload take?

Unloading time varies by shipment depending on the load characteristics and the equipment required to unload.

22 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data General General

What kind of driver activity is required for the loads (ex: Loading, unloading, strapping/tarping)?

The Government is responsible for loading, unloading, or strapping/tarping shipments unless otherwise ordered as an accessorial on the EDI219 or communicated by the shipper as outlined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Section 1.11.1.

The Contractor shall be responsible for checking the load prior to departure.

23 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data Equipment Plan General

What is the route and schedule for this truck? There is no Scheduled Truck listed on tab 2g) Scheduled Truck Prices.

Please refer to Amendment 01, RFP Attachment 10. The Equipment Pool for Richmond depot was updated to state

"Truckload".

24 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data Equipment Plan General

What is the equipment ask here? Since TDSL is mode agnostic what type of equipment is needed?

The equipment type needed is AV1.

25 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data Equipment Plan General

What is the equipment ask here? Since TDSL is mode agnostic what type of equipment is needed?

The equipment type needed is AV1.

26 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data Equipment Plan General

How many lanes? There 11 lanes listed on tab Dom OD Pair TL Calc, however it appears that TL Mode may include shipments requiring AV6?

Eleven lanes are utilized at San Joaquin for truckload services.

27 1 Attachment 10

Historical Data Equipment Plan General

How many lanes? The equipment need is based on the count per lane, however, the number of lanes is not available.

DFTS I DSS Shipments (tab HWBJ2 21-Pres) does list shipments with the AV6 equipment type but there are no

Destinations included.

Five lanes are utilized at San Joaquin for Rollerbed services.

28 1 Attachment 2 -

Pricing Rate Table

Tabs Total

Evaluated Price and 2a - 2d

N/A

N/A

Refer to Amendment 01 for the following revisions to RFP Attachment 2 - Pricing Rate Table:

1.) Tab Total Evaluated Price (TEP), the Government erroneously excluded site and system implementation cost from the TEP. Implementation costs are now included in the TEP and the formula to calculate TEP was updated.

2.) Tab Total Evaluated Price (TEP), the Government removed line items that are not included in the TEP previously listed as "N/A" to avoid confusion of the TEP calculation.

29 1 RFP General General General information of program throughout the attachments there wasn’t a verifiable number indicating approximately work load volume. The volume number would greatly improve the quality of service.

The Government anticipates shipment of approximately 300,000 orders annually.

30 1 Attachment 1 -

PWS

General General

Would load rates be a factor in the arrangement of each load as they vary in size , weights needs and etc.. Just trying to be clear pricing is only to include the service provide or all inclusive.

Prices include all cost associated with transportation of the given shipment as defined in RFP Attachment 2 - Pricing

Rate Table, tab 1a) Directions. Refer to RFP Attachment 2, tab 1a) for specific guidance.

31 1 RFP 30

(ii) Volume I – Business

Proposal, (F)

Organizational Conflict of

Interest (OCI)

Please confirm that if offerors determine that they do not have any real or perceived OCI matters, then they need not submit an OCI Mitigation Plan.

Correct. IAW "HTC71123RR009" DFTS II RFP, Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-1(ii)(F), Organization Conflict of

Interest (OCI), "if the Offeror believes there is no OCI, a statement as such shall be included". No other documentation is required if the Offeror believes there is no OCI.

32 1 RFP 30

(ii) Volume I – Business

Proposal, (B) The Offeror shall submit the Standard

Form (SF) 1449, Solicitation for

Commercial Items

For the Business Proposal, SF 1449, is the offeror to submit only the two-page SF 1449 itself, or also the SF 1449

Continuation Sheet? If the latter, is this up to and including Item 5001, or beyond? Please clarify the extent of what is to be provided. Offerors are not required to submit pages 3-55/ of the SF1499 unless Representation and Certifications need to be submitted with the Offeror's contract documentation as outlined in Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-1(ii)(D). IAW

"HTC71123RR009" DFTS II RFP, Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-1(ii)(B), "the Offeror shall submit the Standard

Form (SF) 1449, Solicitation for Commercial Items. The following blocks shall be completed: 12 (even if no discount is offered), 17a, 30a, 30b and 30c. The Offeror shall complete Block 17b only if remittance address is different (such address must be registered in the SAM database)."

33 1 RFP 33

(iv) Volume III – Past

Performance Proposal.

(A) Past Performance

References.

Is the Past Performance Questionnaire Log included in the 5-page limit for Volume III?

Yes, the Past Performance Questionnaire Log is included in the 5-page limit for Volume III.

34 1 RFP

i) General Information, (D)

Page Limitations,

(iv) Volume III – Past

Performance Proposal, Past Performance

References

(D) By stating that questionnaires are not included in the page count, the section implies that the blank questionnaires should be included with an offeror's proposal. However, the instructions for the Past Performance Volume do not state such a requirement. Can the government please clarify?

Blank past performance questionnaires are not required to be submitted with the Offeror's proposal. Past performance questionnaires shall be submitted IAW "HTC71123RR009" DFTS II RFP, Addendum to FAR clause

52.212-1(iv) - Volume III - Past Performance Proposal.

35 1 RFP

52.212-1, iii, (B); 52.212-2

(b)(2)b.

Can the Government please confirm that implementation is to be completed “…no later than six months after the date of contract award” and if this is the same as “…six months after the start of contract and start of contract performance”. If this is not the case, please explain the relationship and expected time interval between “contact award” and “start of contract”.

Implementation shall be completed no later than six-month after the start date of contract performance. Refer to

Amendment 01 for a revision of "HTC71123RR009" DFTS II RFP, Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-1(iii)(B)(1) and

FAR clause 52.212-2(b)(2)(b). The date of contract award and the start of contract are two different dates. The

Government anticipates a 30-day period between the date of contract award and the start of the contract.

36 1 RFP & PWS See question

In the RFP and PWS various phrases are used in association with contract award and start of contract. Can the

Government please confirm these all have the same meaning and the same point in time, and if not please explain the relationships among the different terms.

This includes:

RFP 1.2.5 “contract start”

RFP 1.14.5.4 “start of contract performance”

RFP 1.15.1 “start of the contract”

RFP 3.4.1 “start of the contract”

RFP 3.8 “start of work”

PWS 1.5.2 “after award”

PWS 1.12.1.3 “after contract award”

PWS 4.3.1 “contract award”

The date of contract award and the start of contract are two different dates. The Government anticipates a 30-day period between the date of contract award and the start of the contract. The following terms are synonymous:

- contract start

- start of contract performance

- start of contract

- start of work

Refer to Amendment 01 for a revision of RFP - Attachment 1 - PWS for date clarification updates to PWS Sections

1.5.2 and 1.12.1.3.

37 1 PWS 2 1.2.1

Should the last sentence of this paragraph read: Under this contract, FAK is considered any freight able to be shipped commercially, and consisting of, or containing parts or elements which are not specifically excluded in Exclusions paragraph

1.2.6.

Yes. Refer to Amendment 01 for a revision of RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Section 1.2.1.

38 1 PWS 49 3.5.2

Can the government please confirm that there are no plans for DFTS II contractor personnel to have "privileged access…to US Information Systems (IS), and/or access classified information, classified systems, or classified areas". DFTS II is at an unclassified level.

39 1 PWS 49 3.5.2

Can the government please confirm that it does not consider the contractor provided TMS and web applications a "US

Information System (IS)".

The Government does not consider the contractor provided TMS and web applications as a "United States

Information System".

Note, all data associated with the contract shall be available to the Government. IAW Attachment 1 - PWS Section

1.14.6, "the Contractor shall provide online storage and access to the Government as requested for all data collected in relation to DoD shipments under this contract for a period of 120 calendar days from the date of final financial settlement for a shipment (freight payment or freight claims payment)."

40 1 PWS 15;19 1.7; 1.9 Will the Government require all air freight to be shipped via CRAF carrier? Yes. Refer to Amendment 01 for a revision of RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Sections 1.7.2.3 and 1.9.2.

41 1

PWS

6 1.5.5

It appears that implementation training is limited to the depot locations. Does the Government intend for Program Office or other non-Depot personnel to be trained as part of the implementation? If so, can you provide details and locations of the requirement.

Program Office and other non-Depot personnel may be trained as part of the implementation. These personnel will attend a depot site implementation training as necessary.

42 1 PWS Attachment

General General

Will the Government please provide data for the one or more years preceding the COVID pandemic years?

RFP Attachment 10 - Historical Data has been provided to assist Offerors in assessing historical demand and is all the historical data the Government is able to provide.

43 1 Attachment 1 -

PWS

Section

1.12.19.1, 1.12.20

N/A

N/A

Refer to Amendment 01 for revisions of RFP Attachment 1 - PWS as follows:

- Section 1.12.19.1 Audit (modification)

- Section 1.12.20 Claims (addition)

44 1 RFP 1 Solicitation Due Date Please accept this as our formal request for a three-week extension.

Refer to Amendment 01 for the proposal due date extension to Friday, 08 September 2023 at 4:30PM CT.

45 1 RFP 29 (i)(C) Cover Page

N/A Refer to Amendment 01 for revisions of the RFP HTC71123RR009, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1(i)(C) to state

"Volume I-III shall include a cover page including Offeror name, title of the proposal, volume number, and solicitation number."

46 1 Att 9, PPQ 2 1

The results of this survey will aid the Government in determining whether there is a reasonable expectation the contractor will successfully perform the required effort under the Global Privately-Owned Vehicle Contract (GPC) V acquisition.

Please correct the contract reference in the Past Performance Questionnaire.

Refer to Amendment 01 for revisions of RFP Attachment 9 - Past Performance Questionnaire to state "Defense

Freight Transportation Services (DFTS) II".

47 1 HTC71123RR0009 29 (i)(D) Volume II Please confirm the 30 pages for the screenshots and mock-ups includes the Associated Procedural Descriptions, as required by Subfactor 1, 1.ii.

Yes. Refer to Amendment 01 of RFP HTC71123RR009, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1(i)(C) for revision.

48 1 Att 1, PWS 46 1.16, Table 2 The NIST SP 800-171 Self Assessment (PWS Appendix O) is due "prior to contract award." Will the Government please provide a date for submittal?

The NIST SP 800-171 Self Assessment is required to be provided no later than 60 calendar days after contract award. Refer to Amendment 01 for a revision of RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Section 4.3.1.

49 1

Att 4, Contractor

Plan for

Continuation of

Essential

Contractor

Services

1 NOTE:

"Please be specific in you plan describing how you will support the particular port(s) for this requirement…". Please define the particular port(s) referenced in the Note or remove this language if not applicable to DFTS II.

Refer to Amendment 01 for revisions of RFP Attachment 4 - Contractor Plan for Continuation of Essential Contractor

Services to state "location(s)".

50 1 HTC71123RR0009 29 (i)(D) Page Limitations Will the Government accept diagrams, charts, or graphics on 11 x 17 paper size to count as 2 pages for each side that contains printed content?

No. IAW RFP HTC71123RR009 - Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, proposals are to be submitted electronically with letter paper size of 8 ½ by 11-inch format with no less than one-inch margins on all sides.

51 1 Att 1, PWS 11 1.6.8.1

States if the MDD on the EDI219 is inconsistent with the DTR that the MDD shall take precedence and no service exceptions shall be permitted. If team drivers are required to meet the MDD, please confirm Offerors will be able to use the accessorial for team drivers.

Yes. The Contractor shall follow the accessorial process as outlined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Section 1.11.1.

52 1 Att 1, PWS 14 1.6.16 Will we be informed in the EDI219 that an aRFID tag will be provided to the driver? No, notice of an aRFID tag will not be provided on the EDI219.

53 1

Att 4, Contractor

Plan for

Continuation of

Essential

Contractor

Services

1 Footer

The footer states: "Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104 (When Filled-in, this Document becomes

CUI//SP-SSEL)." It is our understanding that DFTS II will not contain CUI. Will the Government please remove this footer?

Per Attachment 1 - PWS Section 3.5.1, DFTS II contract is at an unclassified level. No access to classified information is authorized. Attachment 4 has an information designation of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Per Operations Security requirements as outlined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Section 3.15, this information is not released to the public.

54 1 HTC71123RR0009 30 (ii) Volume 1; A-F

(ii) Volume 1 - Business Proposal lists requirements A-H but the labels skip E. and go from D to F. Should the requirements be labeled through G. or is the RFP missing a requirement?

The Government erroneously skipped "E". Refer to Amendment 01 of RFP HTC71123RR009, Addendum to FAR

52.212-1(ii) for revision.

55 1 HTC71123RR0009 33 (iv)(A) Volume III Is the Past Performance Questionnaire Log excluded from the 5 page limit of Volume III? Yes, the Past Performance Questionnaire Log is included in the 5-page limit for Volume III.

56 1 HTC71123RR0009 20 N/A

CLIN 0003 Site Implementation and CLIN 0004 System Implementation are listed, but we believe the correct reference should be CLINS 0002 Site Implementation and 0003 System Implementation should instead be listed. Will the government please update the solicitation to reflect the correct CLINs?

The Government erroneously listed CLIN 0003/0004. Refer to Amendment 01of the RFP HTC71123RR009, DFARS

252.232-7006 for revisions.

57 1

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e

N/A Tab Total Evaluated Price

Attachment 2, Tab "Total Evaluated Price": The calculation in row 10 excludes row 14 "Domestic O/D Pair LTL", but the methodology for prices included in the TEP notes that this should be included. Would the government please confirm that this pricing should be included in the TEP and provide a corrected Attachment 2?

Yes, this should be included. Yes. Refer to Amendment 01 for revision to RFP Attachment 2 - Pricing Rate Table tab

'Total Evaluated Price'.

58 1

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e

N/A Tab 1b, 2b, 2d

Tab 1b has multiple base point cities listed under each service area. Tabs 2b and 2d identify a service area and a specific origin service area/city state. Would the government please confirm that city/state listed as the origin area in tabs 2b and

2d is the point of origin from which all zone pricing should be provided?

The cities listed in RFP Attachment 2 - tabs 2b and 2d are reference points so that Offerors can loosely understand where the origin service area is. The origin destination can encompass any location within the service area.

59 1

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e

N/A N/A Please confirm that domestic O/D pair pricing will have precedence over any domestic zone pricing.

As defined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Sections 1.6.6 and 1.7.4, when origin / destination (O/D) pair rates are on contract, the Contractor shall apply the lowest priced linehaul rate for each shipment.

60 1

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e

N/A Tab 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 3c "V1" is listed as an equipment type throughout the solicitation documents. Please confirm this should instead be "AV1".

Yes. Refer to Amendment 01 for revision to RFP Attachment 2 - Pricing Rate Table tabs 2a - 2d and 3a-3c.

61 1

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e

N/A Tab Domestic TL Linehaul

Zone Calc

The formulas for Domestic Tier 2 on the "Domestic TL Linehaul Zone Calc" tab (rows 257 - 482) pull data from Tier 1 on the Domestic TL Shipment Count tab (rows 15 - 240) instead of from the Tier 2 rows (rows 251 - 476). Will the

Government please update Attachment 2 with the correct formulas?

Yes. Refer to Amendment 01 for revision to RFP Attachment 2 - Pricing Rate Table tab Dom TL Zone Linehaul Calc.

62 1

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e

N/A Tab OCONUS to

OCONUS Calc

Column X on this tab does not pull in data from Option Year 3. Will the Government please update Attachment 2 with the correct formulas?

Yes. Refer to Amendment 01 for revision to RFP Attachment 2 - Pricing Rate Table tab OCONUS to OCONUS Calc.

63 1 General General General Can you please provide the incumbent and the contract number for solicitation HTC71123RR009. The DFTS I contract number is HTC71117DR003. The incumbent contractor is Crowley Government Services.

64 2

HTC71123RR009

(RFP)

20 252.232-7006

252.232-7006 WIDE AREA WORKFLOW PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS (JAN 2023)

This clause is only applicable to the following CLINs:

0003, Site Implementation

0004, System Implementation

Would the Government please update the CLIN numbers in section 252.232-7006 to 0002 for Site Implementation and

0003 for System Implementation to correlate to the CLINs as listed on pages 3-4 on the SF 1449 Continuation Sheet?

The Government erroneously listed CLIN 0003/0004. Refer to Amendment 01 of the RFP HTC71123RR009, DFARS

252.232-7006 for revisions.

65 2

HTC71123RR009

(RFP)

AND

RFP Instructions, Section

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-

1(i)(D) "Page Limitations"

AND

52.212-1(iv)(A) "Past

Performance References"

52.212-1(i)(D) Volume III: Limited to 5 pages. Page limit does not include the questionnaire or consent letters.

52.212-1(iv)(A) The Offeror shall provide a Past Performance Questionnaire Log, including the name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address for each point of contact (POC) to whom the questionnaire for each reference was sent for completion.

Can the Government confirm that the Questionnaire Log is not included in the 5 page limit?

The Past Performance Questionnaire Log is included in the 5-page limit for Volume III.

66 2 Attachment 1 PWS 3 1.4.1.1.1.

Will the Government please clarify what meant by "full-time"? Please define days of the week and business hours that apply to this requirement. (e.g., M - F, 0800-1700)

A full-time employee is defined as an individual working on average at least 30 hours of service per week. The

Government is not dictating the days of the week and business hours required to be on-site. Full-time on-site personnel should be available to assist with the DFTS transportation efforts while coordinating with Government

Transportation Officers as needed.

67 2 Attachment 1 PWS 23 1.11.1.6.1 Would the Government define what HAZMAT classes will be offered for transport? Will any shipments require storage longer than 72 hours?

The Government may require shipment of all HAZMAT classes with the exception of the shipment types excluded from the contract as defined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Amend 01 Section 1.2.6 to include:

(g) shipment of radioactive materials (Yellow-II & Yellow-III). Excepted packages for radioactive instruments and articles in accordance with (IAW) Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 173.424 (as amended) may be shipped under this contract.

(h) shipment of Poison Inhalation Hazard (PIH) Class 2, Division 2.3, and Class 6, Division 6.1 (inhalation hazard, Zone A or B) hazardous material.

Storage timelines may vary depending on shipment pickup and MDD requirements (e.g., Friday pickup for a LTL shipment with MDD required on subsequent Tuesday). Storage requirements will be provided on the EDI 219 order.

68 2 Attachment 1 PWS 24 1.11.2.1.

When requested to provide customs brokerage services, will the provider be required to outlay any cost of customs clearance requested or will the Government provide pre-payment? If the provider is expected to outlay the customs cost, will repayment follow the same terms and process as freight?

The Government will not provide pre-payment for customs brokerage services. The One Time Only (OTO) process for custom brokerage services will follow the procedures as outlined in DFTS II PWS - Appendix F.

69 2 Attachment 1 PWS 49 3.5.3 Are Contractor employees implementing EDI interfacing with USTRANSCOM considered Tier 5 privileged users?

Please refer to Amendment 01, RFP Attachment 10. The Equipment Pool for Richmond depot was updated to state

"Truckload".

70 2 Attachment 2 -

Pricing

2d) Dom TL

Zone Linehaul

Price

Cell C4-CK, Instructions Typo - Should the last sentence of this instruction clause read "If this is the case, 4.050 would be entered into cell I15, and the domestic TL zone linehaul cost would be 1,200 miles* $4.050 per mile = $4,860."?

Yes. Refer to Amendment 02 for revision to RFP Attachment 2 - Pricing Rate Table tab 2d.

71 2 Attachment 2 -

Pricing

2h) Next Flight

Out NTE Prices N/A

Would the government please clarify that the requested rates are for trucking moves per origin/destination band, and not the price of a flight?

The next-flight-out (NFO) not to exceed rates shall encompass both trucking and air requirements to meet the required NFO Mandatory Delivery Date (MDD) as outlined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Amend 01 Section 1.7.2.2.

72 2

Appendix E -

Agency and Site

Unique

Requirements

2. Site-Unique

Requirements

Will the Government confirm that New Cumberland and Texarkana are the only specific sites that have unique requirements?

As stated in RFP DFTS II PWS - Appendix E, site requirements at New Cumberland and Texarkana are "permanent or long-term site-unique requirements which are not otherwise covered in the TFG or maintained as part of the

Shared Documents outlined in PWS paragraph 1.12.9."

ROUND 2 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

73 2 Attachment 1 PWS 25 1.12

The language in the PWS 1.12.1 was revised to include the terminology “freight forwarder” which could have legal implications. Is the intent of this language to ensure the Contractor is not double brokering or to add the requirement of freight forwarding licensure as well as ensure the Contractor is not double brokering? If it is only to ensure the Contractor is not double brokering the term “freight forwarder” should be changed to 3 rd

Party Logistics Provider (3PL) or otherwise indicate that use of the term is nomenclature only.

As defined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Amend 01 Section 1.12.1.1, "the Contractor is deemed to be a carrier and/or freight forwarder for the purposes of this contract". (Emphasis added in bold). The Government's intent is to ensure the Contractor retains responsibility for all facets of subcontractor management and the transport of goods. In addition, as defined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Amend 01 Section 1.12.1.1, "double brokering is prohibited". A freight forwarding licensure is not required by the Government for this requirement.

74 2

HTC71123RR009

(RFP)

52.212-5 In Clauses Incorporated by Full Text 52.212-5 (e)(1)(xiv) does not have (A) or (B) marked. Which one should be used?

As defined in FAR 52.212-5(e)(1), "notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and

(d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph

(e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services." The Contractor is only required to flow down clauses contained within its contract and identified as such into subcontracts.

75 2 Attachment 10 -

Historical Data General General

The historical data contains shipment types with commodity descriptions that are excluded (e.g., Classified/Secret and

Arms, Ammunition and Explosives) from this contract (IAW PWS 1.2.6). Is this an error?

As defined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Amend 01 Section 1.2.6, shipments of Arms, Ammunition and Explosives

(AA&E) and Classified shipments are excluded from the DFTS II requirement.

76 2 Attachment 10 -

Historical Data N/A Equipment Pool Tab

The Equipment plan calls for equipment for a Scheduled route in Richmond, however, there is no scheduled route for

Richmond on the Scheduled Truck Price Calc. tab. Is there a scheduled route for Richmond? If so, what is the route and schedule?

Please refer to Amendment 01, RFP Attachment 10. The Equipment Pool for Richmond depot was updated to state

"Truckload".

77 2 Attachment 10 -

Historical Data N/A Equipment Pool Tab

The Equipment plan indicates that 3 locations need Rollerbed equipment pools. Susquehanna is marked as rotational, Red River is marked as 1-for-1 swap while San Joaquin is marked as min per lanes. Shouldn’t all of these be marked as rotational?

Equipment pool types vary by location due to differing workload requirements. Refer to Amendment 02, RFP

Attachment 10. The Equipment Pool requirement for Red River Rollerbed AV6 was removed.

78 2 Attachment 10 -

Historical Data N/A Equipment Pool Tab

All historical data with equipment type AV6 (Rollerbed) has NULL for destination. Need to know the route(s) and volume associated with the use of the equipment.

RFP Attachment 10 - Historical Data has been provided to assist Offerors in assessing historical demand and is all the historical data the Government is able to provide.

79 2 Attachment 10 -

Historical Data N/A Equipment Pool Tab

The Equipment plan uses minimum per lane for Truckload out of San Joaquin. Impossible to know the number of lanes with over 30% of the historical data missing destinations. Can you provide the exact lanes to consider for the type of equipment or a number of trailers required?

Eleven lanes are utilized at San Joaquin for truckload services. As stated in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Amend 01

Section 1.12.9.3, Equipment Pool Schedule, "shippers reserve the right to fluctuate equipment pool requirements with one-week advanced notice based on workload demands."

80 2 Attachment 10 -

Historical Data N/A Equipment Pool Tab

In the Equipment Pool, there is a requirement for an AF3 at Red River. What lane is that flatbed trailer? Is 1-for-1 swap with a flatbed makes no sense, should that be rotational or moved into Scheduled Routes?

For the Equipment Pool, Red River LTL "AF3" requirement, 1-for-1 swap is correctly labelled. Flatbeds are utilized for oversized LTL freight.

81 2

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e

N/A Tabs 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d

Tabs 2a and 2b of Attachment 2 are to support LTL pricing; however, the instructions include equipment types that are specific to moving freight by truckload. Tabs 2c and 2d are to support Truckload pricing; however, the instructions include equipment types that are specific to moving LTL freight. Will the Government please update the Attachment 2 instructions on tabs 2a and 2b to only include LTL equipment types AA1/AA2/AV1/AV2/AY1/AY2 and on tabs 2c and 2d to only include equipment types AV3, AA3 and AG3?

Yes. Refer to Amendment 02 for revision to RFP Attachment 2 - Pricing Rate Table tabs 1a and 2a - 2d.

82 2

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e

N/A Tab 4b

Tab 4b of Attachment 2 requests domestic/international equipment additional prices for groupings of equipment type. The government has grouped equipment types without regard to the fact that each of these equipment types have different factors and a single rate that does not escalate each year creates unbalanced risk between the government and the offeror. Would the government please allow offerors to propose a factor for each individual equipment type (A30, AB2, AE2, etc.) in tab 4B?

Yes. Refer to Amendment 02 for revision to RFP Attachment 2 - Pricing Rate Table tab 4b) Additional Prices.

83 2

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e

N/A N/A

The RFP’s current pricing structure is not consistent with commercial practice and does not permit effective price competition. The RFP requires fixed pricing that may vary based only on the mileage (and, for certain shipments, the weight) from an origin that is not specific to any zip code. As a result, two 100-mile shipments from the same broadly defined “origin” going in different directions must be priced the same, even though the cost to the contractor may differ dramatically (by more than 100% in some cases). Costs may differ for multiple reasons, including differences in the exact origin point, market conditions in the destinations, truckers’ ability to obtain backhaul, and the availability of trucks and other assets. Commercial practice accounts for these factors by using point-to-point pricing based on specific zip codes.

Here, offerors cannot account for these factors using averaged fixed rates because DFTS II is not a mandatory-use vehicle for the government, but the contractor must accept all shipment requests that are made. So the government can simply use a separate contract where the DFTS II contractor’s fixed rates are high while forcing the DFTS II contractor to ship items where rates are low. Will the Government adopt a more precise and commercially relevant pricing model to allow offerors a rational structure to price these services?

The DFTS II pricing structure is in accordance with industry standards. The pricing structure was developed from analyzing market research, other USTC FAR-based contract pricing structures, etc. The pricing strategy has been determined to be the most suitable for use under a FAR-based construct for both the Government and industry.

84 2 HTC71123RR0009 14 (1) 52.222-41

Clause 52.212-5 in the RFP checks off “52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter

67)” as applicable to this contract. Please confirm that the Service Contract Act/Service Contract Labor Standards applies and all offerors must price their proposals accordingly.

The United States Service Contract Act (SCA) is applicable to the DFTS II contract, with exception of work performed in Canada. Services performed in Canada shall follow Canadian law. Determination of prices in the RFP is the Offeror's responsibility.

85 2 HTC71123RR0010 14 (1) 52.222-41

Please confirm that the SCA/SCLS applies to service employees of both the DFTS II prime contractor and any transportation service providers operating on behalf of the DFTS II awardee (subcontractors).

Confirmed. USTRANSCOM relies on the Department of Labor (DoL) as it relates to compliance with SCA laws. For additional SCA guidance and assistance, please direct inquiries to the DoL.

86 2 HTC71123RR0011 14 (1) 52.222-41

Please confirm that the SCA/SCLS applies to all services provided under DFTS II even though individual shipments may be less than $2,500 because DFTS II is an “indefinite” contract, the contracting officer does not have “definite knowledge in advance that the contract will not exceed $2,500 in any event,” and “[t]he amount of the contract is not determined by the amount of any individual call or purchase order.” 29 C.F.R. § 4.142.

Since the zone pricing tabs involves providing mileage based pricing from origin service areas regardless of exact origin shipment location and irrespective of destination the price provided to the Government will in some cases be much higher than would be available to the Government from other contracts and Tenders and in other cases much lower. In order to reduce the risk that the overall cost to the government for these services are not fair and reasonable, as well as the economic risk to the offerors in the case that the Government would only choose to use DFTS II for lanes where pricing is abnormally low; will the Government make DFTS a Mandatory Use contract for DLA and/or provide adequate minimum volumes quantities from each service area.

a.) Confirmed. The SCA applies to all services provided under DFTS II.

b.) The Government will not make the DFTS II contract mandatory use. Offerors may use the historical data provided in order to assist with pricing development.

87 2 Att 1, PWS 11 1.6.7

Given the serious financial risk to offerors were the Government to choose not to use DFTS II for lanes where the zone pricing results in pricing significantly higher than what they pay on the existing contract, will the Government remove

Section 1.6.7. Order Refusal and reinstate the contractor’s ability to refuse an individual load/task order

The Government will not remove RFP Attachment 1 - PWS Amend 01 Section 1.6.7, Order Refusal.

88 2

Attachment_2_-

_Pricing_Rate_Tabl e, Attachment 10

Historical Data -

DFTS | Historical

Data 2021-2022, Amend 01.xlsx

N/A N/A

The zone pricing requirements do not encompass standard commercial pricing practices. As structured, Attachment 2 does not envision the variables required to be considered reasonable in the development of the zone pricing under standard commercial pricing practices. Will the government consider modifying the solicitation and providing precise origin to destination (O/D) pairings for every lane that has more than 10 shipments in the Attachment 10?

The Government does not intend to modify the DFTS II pricing structure. The DFTS II pricing structure is in accordance with industry standards. The pricing structure was developed from analyzing market research, other

USTC FAR-based contract pricing structures, etc. The pricing strategy has been determined to be the most suitable for use under a FAR-based construct for both the Government and industry.

89 2 HTC71123RR0009 14 (1) 52.222-41

How should offerors apply the Service Contract Act wage determination on the Zone based pricing when the mileage band could potentially encompass multiple combinations of wage determination areas?

It is the responsibility of the DFTS II contractor to determine and understand its legal obligations related to the

Service Contract Act. USTRANSCOM relies on the Department of Labor (DoL) as it relates to compliance with SCA laws. For additional SCA guidance and assistance, please direct inquiries to the DoL.

90 2

HTC71123RR009

(RFP)

14 (1) 52.222-41

Please confirm that the SCA/SCLS exemption for contracts for carriage subject to published tariff rates does not apply to any services provided under DFTS II at the prime or subcontract levels because what industry frequently refer to as

“tariffs” (e.g., Czarlite for LTL) are not “published tariff rates in effect pursuant to State or Federal law for such carriage,” such as a tariff “on file with the Interstate Commerce Commission or an appropriate State or local regulatory body,” and the DFTS II services are “governed by” the DFTS II prime contract and subcontracts, not any published tariff. See 29

C.F.R. § 4.118.

The United States Service Contract Act (SCA) is applicable to the DFTS II contract, with exception of work performed in Canada. Services performed in Canada shall follow Canadian law. Determination of prices in the RFP is the Offeror's responsibility.

91 2

HTC71123RR009

(RFP)

14 (1) 52.222-41

Please confirm that the SCA/SCLS exemption for rates covered by section 10721 of the Interstate Commerce Act does not apply to any services provided under DFTS II at the prime or subcontract levels because the USTRANSCOM is procuring DFTS II under the FAR and procurement statutes, not the Interstate Commerce Act. See 29 C.F.R. §§ 4.118, 4.123(d).

The United States Service Contract Act (SCA) is applicable to the DFTS II contract, with exception of work performed in Canada. Services performed in Canada shall follow Canadian law. Determination of prices in the RFP is the Offeror's responsibility.

92 2

HTC71123RR009,

Amendment 1 7 (iv)(A)

Will the Government revise the Instruction to clearly indicate whether the Past Performance Questionnaire Log is included in the 5- page limit of Volume III? Will the Government consider excluding the log from page limit to enable more complete Past Performance references?

The Government has considered the exclusion of the Past Performance Questionnaire Log in the Volume III page limitation. The Government has concluded that the Past Performance Questionnaire Log shall continue to be included in the 5-page limit for Volume III.

As identified in "HTC71123RR009" DFTS II RFP, Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-1(i)(D), only items excluded from the page limitations of the specific volumes are listed.

93 2 Appendix I N/A N/A Does the fuel surcharge (FRA) apply to scheduled routes?

Yes. The Domestic Fuel Surcharge / Adjustment for Surface Transportation accessorial (FSC) applies to schedule routes.

94 2 Att 1, PWS 8 1.6.3.3.1 In 1.6.3.3.1 gives weight and size limits for FBLTL – there are similar commercial standards for standard LTL, such as upper weight limits. Please define the upper weight limit for an LTL shipment.

The Government does not intend to define an upper weight limit for LTL shipments. Per RFP Attachment 2, Pricing

Rate Table, the Offeror shall propose prices for the respective LTL weight bands ranging from 150 lbs. (1.5 cwt) to

20,001+ lbs. (200.01 cwt).

95 2 Appendix I N/A N/A Is the FRA accessorial charge applied based upon the service ordered or rate matrix applied (truckload or LTL) or by the equipment type ordered?

As stated in RFP PWS Appendix I Section E(3), the Domestic Fuel Surcharge / Adjustment for Surface

Transportation accessorial (FSC) "shall be paid based on a percentage of the line-haul rate. The line-haul rate does not include accessorials". The line-haul rate, as defined in PWS Section 1.6.6.1, shall be for the ordered level of service. If the Contractor provides a lower level of service than ordered, the Contractor shall only invoice for the service level that was provided, regardless of what service was ordered. If the Contractor provides a higher service level than ordered, the Contractor shall invoice for the service level ordered.

96 2 Attachment 2,PWS

Appendix J N/A N/A

Please clarify if the EPA applies to Accessorials.

The Instructions in Tab 4c) Price Escalation Discount imply the EPA does not: “….price escalations in column D which are applied to all prices other than accessorial prices as well as additional prices of system implementation, site implementation, customs brokerage, equipment factorials and one time only general and administrative overhead fees. “

However, in the instructions in Tab 4a) Accessorials – “prices were automatically populated in columns M-AT based on proposed price in columns G-J, price escalations and proposed discounts….” Indicate the EPA will be applied to accessorials.

And in Appendix J, EPA Schedule, Section 3 indicates the EPA will be applied annually to accessorials,

3. For all Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) X001 unit prices, minimum charges and accessorials, the EPA will be calculated based on the IHS Markit Cost Index, using a weighted adjustment percentage for each category as follows:

United States, Cost Index, General Freight Trucking Long-Distance Less-than-Truckload (LTL) (85%), and United States, Cost Index, Scheduled Freight Air Transportation (15%).

The economic price adjustment (EPA) applies to accessorials. Refer to Amendment 02 for revision to RFP

Attachment 2 - Pricing Rate Table tab 4c) Price Escalation Discount, Instructions for clarification.

97 3 General N/A N/A Is there any opportunity to be used as a back-up service provider for this contract? Or even as a subcontractor for the company awarded the contract?

a.) DFTS II will be a single-award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract.

b.) The contract awardee will be publicized on SAM.gov. The government's privity of contract will be with the awardee; it will have no role in negotiating prime-subcontractor contracts under DFTS II.

98 3 Historical Data N/A Routes associated with

Rollerbed Equipment

None of the historical data contained route information for shipments with equipment type AV6. Since this is specialized equipment, we need to know the routes (locations) and volume (number of loads each week) for pricing purposes

RFP Attachment 10 - Historical Data has been provided to assist Offerors in assessing historical demand and is all the historical data the Government is able to provide.

ROUND 3 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

99 3 Attachment 10 -

Historical Data N/A Equipment Pool Tab

These should all be rotational by design due to specialized equipment?

Susquehanna Rollerbed AV6 18 Rotational

Red River Rollerbed AV6 1 1-for-1 Swap

San Joaquin Rollerbed AV6 2 Min Per Lane

Equipment pool types vary by location due to differing workload requirements. Refer to Amendment 02, RFP

Attachment 10. The Equipment Pool requirement for Red River Rollerbed AV6 was removed.

100 3 PWS 52

3.13. NOTE TO THE

PRIME CONTRACTOR

FACILITY SECURITY

OFFICER (FSO)

Does the government require a FSO given the unclassified nature of the project and there is no DD254 requirement?

Yes, as defined in RFP Attachment 1 - PWS, Amend 01 Section 3.13.3., "the prime contractor will forward the name, address, email address and telephone number of the Company FSO and backup to the USTRANSCOM Office of

Protection and Response (TCCS PR) at: Transcom.scott.tccs.mbx.industrial-security@mail.mil."

101 3 PWS 6 1.5.5

Will the government confirm that the system training that must be completed 30 days before implementation is required to be onsite?

RFP Attachment 1 - PWS, Amend 01 Section 1.5.5. states "the Contractor may conduct the training on a per-site or regional basis". Offerors should propose their approach to providing training of Government personnel in the use of the Offeror's TMS, which may include on-site training at none, some or all locations and/or virtual training.

102 3 Amendment 1, RFP Attachment 8 5,7

FAR 52.212-1 (ii)G, FAR 52.212-1 (iii)D

SB Participation Plan

The Small Business Plan for large businesses required to be included in Volume I directs that the goals should be prepared on the basis of "total domestic subcontracting dollars." The instructions for Subfactor 4 in Volume II require a company not using a Commercial subcontracting plan to complete Attachment 8. That document's instructions only refer to "total subcontracting dollars." Should contractors use "total domestic subcontracting dollars" as the basis for both documents, or is the government expecting different numbers in each volume?

The small business requirement is specific to services performed domestically. DFARS 215.304(c)(i)(B) states proposals addressing the extent of small business performance shall be separate from subcontracting plans submitted pursuant to FAR…