2023.11.22 NSGB-2 RFP QA Master.pdf

Question # Date Rcvd Document/Attachment

Page #/Paragraph Reference Question Government Response

Date Posted to SAM.gov

1 11/12/2023 Attachments 8 & 9 N/A The text fields in Atch 8, under “Description of Work Performed” only allow for 3 lines of visible text and Atch 9, under “Brief Description of Work Performed” only allow for 6 lines of visible text. Would the Government allow the contactors to attach the project descriptions on a separate page in order to fully explain scope, size, and complexity of the referenced projects? Or would the Government provide this form in a MS Word format, so that the fields are expandable?

The Government will not accept project descriptions on a separate page and will not issue Word documents for Atch 8, Past-Present Performance Worksheet, or Atch 9, Past-Present Performance Questionnaire.

Contractors and references shall fill out Atch 8 and Atch 9 utilizing the provided fields.

11/22/2023

2 11/12/2023 Solicitation Page 38; Para D.iii. Would the Government please clarify that international ocean liner service includes ocean transportation service to Puerto Rico/USVI?

International Ocean Liner service is the movement of cargo through international waters.

11/22/2023

3 11/12/2023 Solicitation N/A Considering the requirements to assemble a responsive proposal and the holidays in November, would the Government consider a two-week extension?

Due to the published amendment, an extension has been granted.

Proposals are now due at 4:00PM CT on 11 December 2023.

11/22/2023

4 11/12/2023 Volume II - Technical Proposal N/A Would the Government consider issuing the Technical template as an MS Word document with a page count restriction to facilitate the offeror’s ability to prepare a response that includes graphics?

The Government will not issue Atch 6, Technical Capability Worksheet, as a Word document. The technical requirements of the solicitation do not require graphics and graphics will not be evaluated per FAR clause 52.212-2 of the solicitation.

11/22/2023

5 11/13/2023 Attachment 1, PWS Page 7; Para 3.F.4 3.F.4 - If the shipper fails to return containers in a timely manner, the Contractor may request reimbursement from the CO. Requests will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Question: Please define “timely”. Does this reimbursement also apply to other Contractor Equipment such as 40’/20’ Flatracks, and 40’/20’ Chassis, that are paired with containers? If the consignee fails to return containers in a timely manner, will this clause apply?

Please advise the method for invoicing detention incurred by the shipper/consignee’s untimely release of the following Contractor Owned Equipment:

40’ Dry 20’ Dry 40 Reefer 20’ Reefer 40’ Flatrack 20’ Flatrack 40’ Chassis 20’ Chassis

Detention language has been added to Paragraph 3.F.4 in red font. The Contractor shall provide 10 calendar days of free time commencing at 0001 hours on the first calendar day after delivery. Detention charges will begin to accrue upon the expiration of free time. The Government will pay the daily detention charges as set forth in 3.F.4.4.1. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO) of containers, flatracks, and/or chassis detained for 20 calendar days so the COR and/or CO can engage with the customer for prompt return.

11/22/2023

6 11/13/2023 Attachment 1, PWS Page 8; Para 3.G.1.1.1

Contractor is required to store the POV 30 business days at Blount Island before they can start charging storage.

Question: Will the Government be responsible for paying POV storage fees or will the POV owner be responsible? How will the Government guarantee that the POV owners will pay the storage? Will the storage fee be an established CARE rate? Similarly, suggest the Government allow the Contractor to charge storage for any cargo that remains at the Contractor’s facilities at Blount Island for more than 30 business days due to consignee’s failure to remove cargo.

If storage is required beyond thirty (30) business days in the Contractor's Jacksonville/Blount Island facility, storage charges will be paid in accordance with Paragraph 3.J.14. To receive reimbursement for Port Storage services while the cargo is in the possession of the Contractor, the Contractor shall submit an invoice as established in Appendix VII, Invoicing and Payment.

11/22/2023

7 11/13/2023 Attachment 1, PWS Page 11; Para 3.H.2.2.7

3.H.2.2.7 The contractor shall provide continuous measurement of internal temperature using a digital recorder capable of continuous recording.

Question: Can the Contactor use Ryan Strips or similar single-use recording methods to monitor refrigerated containers? Single-use analogue recorders are an inexpensive and efficient way to monitor reefer containers.

As updated in 3.H.2.2.7, the use of Ryan Recorders or similar single-use analogue recorders is acceptable if able to provide 90 calendar days worth of data.

11/22/2023

8 11/13/2023 Attachment 1, PWS Page 11;

Paragraphs 3.H.2.4.3 and 3.H.2.4.4

3.H.2.4.3 - The Contractor shall provide a chassis for GFC shipments whenever the Contractor is responsible for the associated inland transportation, unless this requirement is waived by the local shipping/receiving facility or custom of the trade does not normally call for the use of chassis.

3.H2.4.4. - The Contractor shall not be entitled to detention for GFC. The Contractor shall return GFC in the same condition as received and shall be liable for loss or damage to the GFC resulting from the Contractor’s negligence.

Question: Can the Contractor invoice for detention on the chassis that are paired with GFC?

As added in Paragraph 3.F.4.4.3. in red font, separate chassis detention is payable when used with a government furnished container but not when used with a contractor/carrier furnished container.

11/22/2023

US Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - 2 (NSGB-2) Sealift Transportation Services - RFP Q&A

HTC71123RW003

9 11/13/2023 Attachment 1, PWS Page 11; Para 3.H.2.6.2

3.H.2.6.2 - When a Government furnished tank container is not provided, the Contractor shall provide an acceptable, clean, and empty tank container to the shipper and transport to destination. The consignee shall empty the container of liquid but not necessarily of residue and return it to the Contractor.

Question: Will the Government reimburse the Contractor for the expenses incurred to return the container back to its original clean, odor/residue free condition, or penalties the Contractor may incur for not being able to return the container in its original condition? i.e. Contractor provides a portable water tank, and the Government uses the tank for fuel or gray water. Will the Government reimburse the Contractor for the costs to clean the container?

The Tank Container Accessorial rate shall be utilized for these situations.

Contractors shall build the cleaning expenses into the Tank Container Accessorial rate and will not be reimbursed for cleaning.

11/22/2023

10 11/13/2023 Attachment 1, PWS Page 6; Para 3.D.1.5.1

3.D.1.5.1 - In the event of inclement weather or other emergency, the Contractor shall have a destructive weather plan for evacuating all containers and the securing of all vehicles/breakbulk items from the wharf or pier where the Contractor’s vessel is berthed when instructed by the base. The base uses Conditions of Readiness for its response to destructive weather. Contractor will be required to follow base instructions during the different levels of Readiness to include the departure of the vessel. The Contractor shall notify the COR and CO via e-mail of the base’s instructions within 24 hours.

Question: What is the difference between the Destructive Weather Plan and the Hurricane Response Plan?

Please advise the details Contractors should be expected to provide in the Destructive Weather Plan.

Destructive Weather begins at 50 Knots, Hurricane Winds begin at 74 Knots. The Navy uses the nomenclature "Destructive Weather" to determine actions.

Contractor is expected to have a Destructive Weather Plan that identifies the steps it will take in preparation and during times of Destructive Weather events at NSGB that at a minimum should address where it will store cargo and how it will secure it. The Vessel/Barge will comply with the Conditions Of Readiness (COR) levels and actions located within each COR (I- V) level at the direction of the Base.

11/22/2023

11 11/13/2023 Attachment 2, Appendixes Page 1, Para 1 1. Description of NSGB Environment – 1.5 - Harbor Pilot’s, three 2000SHP Tugs, and 75’ Pusher Boat are available. NAVBASE provides line handlers and Prevention Booming. Use of Pilot, Tugs, and Pusher Boat may be available with an agreement between the Contractor and Port Services. Requests for use should be directed to Mr. Dave Moore via email at david.c.moore9.civ@us.navy.mil or by calling 904-542-4542.

Question: Please confirm Dave Moore is the POC to contact for pricing regarding use of the pilots, tugs, and pusher boats? Are there any alternate POCs?

Dave Moore is the primary POC but alternates have been povided in Paragraph 1.5 in red font.

11/22/2023

12 11/13/2023 Attachment 1, PWS Page 22; Para 3.L and Page 30; Para 6.B

3.L. Operational Security (OPSEC) The Contractor shall comply with DoD Directive 5205.02, Army Regulation 530-1, and the requiring activity OPSEC program. Failure to comply with the OPSEC directives shall be identified as adequate cause for removal of a Contractor employee from performance on this contract/task order and may be considered for appropriate legal action. The Contractor shall ensure Contractor employees as described in 6.B will complete Level I OPSEC training within thirty (30) calendar days of start of employee performance on this contract and annually thereafter. The Contractor shall maintain all OPSEC training records and shall provide copies to the COR upon request.

6.B. Customer Service Assistance The Contractor shall submit to the CO a list of points of contact who can respond to Government activities to provide expert assistance in answering questions, exchanging information, and resolving problems including at least one primary and alternate point of contact available for urgent matters on a 24 hour basis 7 days a week. The Contractor shall provide this list within one calendar week of contract award, and at the time of award of any option years. Should there be any intervening changes to the list, the Contractor will advise of any changes within one calendar week of any such change.

Question: Please clarify which Contractor Employees require Level 1 OPSEC training. Is it only the Customer Service Assistant POC(s) referenced in 6.B that require this training? Or is it anyone in a role that requires communication with the Government will require training? Are the shipper and consignees considered “Government” for the purpose of this clause? Will the Government reimburse the Contractor for the Cost of the required Level 1 OPSEC Training? Requiring a Small business to employ dedicated Customer Service Assistance POC and Alternate, who are available 24/7, will significantly add to a Contractor’s Administrative costs.

Level 1 OPSEC training is mandatory for the POC(s) provided to comply with PWS Para 6.B Customer Service Assistance. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for the cost of the training. The Government will not need to make regular contact with the POCs after hours; these contacts are requested only in the event an emergency occurs.

11/22/2023

13 11/13/2023 Attachment 2, Appendixes Appendix V; Page

Battery – Powered Vehicle (or) Battery Powered Equipment

Question: Will there be additional regulations for battery powered vehicles/equipment regarding the risks associated with transportation of Lithium Ion batteries? If there are additional regulations the Contractor must account for, will the Government add an EV accessorial, in addition to the POV accessorial, for applicable bookings?

At this time, we are not aware of any additional regulations for battery powered vehicles/equipment or their associated Lithium Ion batteries; and therefore, have not added an EV accessorial. In the event of future regulations, a bilateral modification will be utilized to make any necessary contractual changes.

11/22/2023

14 11/13/2023 Attachment 2, Appendixes Appendix 1; Page 1, Para 1.10

1.10. Diesel Fuel Marine (DFM) is available at Wharf Bravo, Pier Alpha, and Pier Charlie berths via 4-inch connection at a rate of 600 GPM. JP5 and MOGAS are also available via truck. A DLA Energy account must be set up in advance and renewed annually to purchase fuel in NSGB and an Environmental Action Plan approved by Base Environmental Officer. This fuel is to be used exclusively for Contractor equipment located on the Barge (generator, crane) and support equipment ashore. Contractor vessels should fuel prior to arriving at NSGB.

Question: Will the Contractor be permitted to fuel the vessel in NSGB in case of emergency (For Example:

Vessel depletes fuel stores performing weather patterns to avoid adverse weather enroute to NSGB) or in order to maintain schedule?

Contractor vessels will not be permitted to fuel at NSGB. 11/22/2023

15 11/13/2023 Attachment 5 N/A Should Offerors Submit Attachment 5 and the required supporting documents referenced therein as one PDF file? Or should the support documents be consolidated and submitted as a separate, but complimentary PDF file, to Attachment 5?

Atch 5, Business Proposal Worksheet, and supporting documents shall be submitted as one document titled Volume I - Business Proposal.

11/22/2023

16 11/13/2023 Attachment 6 N/A Should Offerors submit Attachment 6 and the required supporting documents referenced therein as one PDF file? Or should the support documents be consolidated and submitted as a separate, but complimentary PDF file, to Attachment 6?

Atch 6, Technical Capability Worksheet, and supporting documents shall be submitted as one document titled Volume II- Technical Proposal.

11/22/2023

17 11/13/2023 Attachment 9 N/A Should Offerors submit the completed Attachment 9 as part of their Past Performance Volume? Understand the cognizant Reference POC(s) will submit their evaluations directly to TRANSCOM, but is it unclear whether Offerors should also submit a completed copy of Attachment 9.

No, the Offerors shall not submit the completed Attachment 9 as part of the Past Performance Volume. The Past/Present Performance Questionnaire, Attachment 9, shall be completed in parts by both the Offeror and Past/Present Performance Reference POCs listed in the Attachment 8. Section 1 must be completed by the Offeror and once completed, the Offeror shall send it to each Past/Present Performance Reference requesting completion of sections 2 through 4. References shall submit completed questionnaires via email to Sarah Albers at sarah.l.albers2.civ@mail.mil and Shanda Lyman at shanda.l.lyman.civ@mail.mil no later than the solicitation due date/time.

The Government will not accept questionnaires submitted by Offerors.

Offerors should use diligence to follow-up with each Reference POC to ensure submittal by the due date.

**No more than four (4) references/questionnaires shall be provided/received. The references listed on the Attachment 8 shall be the references that receive the Attachment 9 for completion.

11/22/2023

18 11/13/2023 N/A N/A Are there any insurance requirements for the Contractor outside of what is commercially customary? No additonal insurance, outside of what is commercially customary, is required.

11/22/2023

19 11/13/2023 Attachment 1, PWS Page 12; Para 3.I.1.5

3.I.1.5: "Table 3.I.1.6 identifies specific events that require reporting. The Contractor shall submit all reports within 24 hours of accomplishment.”

Question: Is there a penalty if the Contractor does not submit the required reports within the required 24 hours of accomplishment due to an IBS system error, weekend, or holiday? If the Contractor submits an event and later needs to update it after the 24 hours has passed (ex: event time typo, wrong TCN accidentally reported) is the Contractor penalized for this late reporting? For cargo booked retroactively, how are Contractors expected to comply with the 24 hours reporting period?

The Contractor's monthly scorecard will be impacted if EDI is not submitted within 24 hours. In cases of retroactive bookings or system issues, the contractor will be able to submit CPP credit/exclusion so the scorecard won't be impacted.

11/22/2023

20 11/20/2023 Additonal Terms and Conditions Section 2.2 Does COGSA apply to household goods? The Additional Terms and Conditions have been updated in red font to reflect the shipment of and liability for lost or damaged household goods.

11/22/2023

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