Q and A_Round 4_PORTS_(Questions 9-18).pdf

QUESTION

DATE

RECEIVED

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

9 3‐Nov‐23

Will the S&RTS contract currently performed be terminated when this contract starts?

9‐Nov‐23

The PORTS contract is the follow on effort to replace the P&RLS‐E contract once awarded. All other standalone enduring contracts currently in execution today within the identified regions of support under PORTS are expected to run through their natural completion. The Contracting Officer will determine whether it is in the government's best interest to exercise any unexecuted option periods under these existing contracts prior to taking action. All future recompete actions will be reviewed by the government to see if a continued enduring contract vehicle is needed or if operational requirements can be met through the PORTS contract. The government reserves the right to determine which contract vehicle is most appropriate to order against when meeting future mission needs.

No

10 3‐Nov‐23 If Mutiple contractor can provide S&RTS in one country, What are the criteria for selecting a contractor?

9‐Nov‐23 Please refer to Attachment 2, RFP Information and General Compliance Worksheet. Regarding the award of individual task orders under the PORTS IDIQ contract, please refer to the PWS, Appendix A, Ordering, Invoicing, and Payment Instructions.

No

11 3‐Nov‐23 Does the contractor can provide the service all countries in the propsed region?

9‐Nov‐23

The government is asking for proposal submissions in the six individual regions (see Attachment 1, PWS, Appendix C) in which you are able to provide services in any country within that region.

Example 1: If you can provide services in Japan and Singapore then you would submit a proposal for Region 4 (USINDOPACOM). Example 2: If you can provide services in Germany and Kuwait, then you would submit a proposal for regions 2 (USCENTCOM) and 3 (USEUCOM).

No

12 3‐Nov‐23

Reference: Attachment 3

Would the Government please revise the form to enable tables, bullet lists, formatted text and graphics in the text boxes labeled "Click here to enter text"? This fix was provided previously for Attachment 4.

9‐Nov‐23 See revised Attachment 3, Contractor Plan for Continuation of Essential Contractor Services_Revision 01.

Yes

13 6‐Nov‐23

Per page 41 and page 42 of the contract document RFP_SRTS PORTS_HTC711‐ 23‐R‐R010, we are required to submit the listed Representations and Certifications either via SAM or with the contract documentation. In our case, all listed reps and certs have been submitted via an active registration in SAM, except DFARS 252‐229‐7001 Tax Relief. No taxes or duties whatsoever are applicable.

Are we allowed to check ‘N/A’ in the Attachment 2 document?

9‐Nov‐23 No, all responses related to Representations and Certifications must be completed in the specific clause with your submission. Only annotating in the comments section of Attachment 2 for DFARS 252.229‐7001, Tax Relief (Apr 2020), is not sufficient.

No

SOLICITATION Q&A LOG

S&RTS Port Operations & Related Transportation Services (PORTS)

HTC711‐23‐R‐R010

UPDATED: 9 November 2023

14 6‐Nov‐23

What document or data formats are available to receive Vessel Discharge Stow Plans and Vessel Load Pre‐Stow Plans from MSDDC as per PWS Tasks

4.19 and 4.20, and is there a preferred format?

What document or data formats are acceptable to deliver final ‘as loaded’ Stow Plans via email to the COR as per Task 4.21 and Deliverable 4.20, and is there a preferred format?

What document or data formats are acceptable to deliver Vessel Discharge Plans via email to the COR as per Task 4.21 and Deliverable 4.20, and is there a preferred format?

Does the Government provide or recommend load planning software for execution of tasks 4.20 through 4.23?

9‐Nov‐23

ICODES is the preferred software used by MSDDC for vessel planning pre‐stow and staging plans for cargo import/export. MSDDC Battalions will provide contractors with pre‐stow plans in ICODES files, PDF files, or printed PDF's. Contractors shall provide emailed "as stowed drawing" (manually drawn stow plans) or PDF drawings created in other ship loading/stowage software.

No

15 7‐Nov‐23

We no ced the USG stated that they can cancel with 96 hours no ce without penalty. As commercial business have to prepare and change their existing liner business, they will find it difficult to cancel without penalty in 96 hours. Professionally we suggest 14 business days is normal commercial practice. Would the USG consider?

9‐Nov‐23 The government's requirement remains unchanged. No

16 7‐Nov‐23

Also, we did not see how far in advance that the USG needs to give notices for the missions? Normal commercial practice the terminals would need 90 days minimum to be able to accommodate a mission to avoid interfering with the terminal’s existing business. Will the USG provide 90 day minimum notice?

9‐Nov‐23

The government will strive to provide contractors as much advance notice as possible related to upcoming missions; however, mission requirements will dictate acquisition timelines. Short notice requirements are anticipated under this contract. Per PWS Appendix A, paragraph 1.1, the government intends to provide at least 14 days lead time to respond to the RFTOP; however, this time could be shorter when required.

No

17 7‐Nov‐23

There are a lot of information required that Contractor need more sufficient time to be able complete the proposal. Is Contracting willing to extend the deadline to 15th of December to give all contractors an opportunity to ask more questions and submit a complete proposal as per requirement.

9‐Nov‐23

Per Amendment 2, the government understands the request and recognizes there is additional work for those wanting to propose in multiple regions.

The government t has extended the due date for proposals by two weeks (from 21 November to 4 December 2023). No additional extension will be provided at this time.

No

18 7‐Nov‐23

On the Corporate Expereince Questionnaire numbers 3‐6 (Attached). We will augment our US Government Contract Expereince with Commercial Partners Contracts and not sure about the detail that needs to be put in each space.

Can we discuss this over the phone? – If not, could you provide a commercial example maybe used in a past Questionnaire that is commercial in nature?

9‐Nov‐23

Corporate Experience Questionnaire numbers 3‐6 Commercial response examples:

3. Contracting/Buying activity’s: Commercial equivalent is the shipper/customer.

4. Contracting Officer’s (or similar commercial agent): Commercial equivalent is the individual within the booking agency or brokerage firm authorized to secure services through your company.

5. Contracting Officer’s Representative/Contract Manager’s: Commercial equivalent is the shipper/customer's quality assurance/shipment manager. Individual responsible for ensuring cargo is transported in accordance with the terms and conditions of the booking.

6. See Amendment 3 edit. "Contractor or Effort" is being changed to "Contract or Effort Identifier".

The government is looking for specific movement/booking identification information related to the example that you are providing for work performed in a given region.

Yes