Questions and Answers_PNW_Amendment3.xlsx
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- S&RTS, Pacific Northwest (PNW) Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- HTC71125RE120
About this file
This file is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document for Solicitation Number HTC71125RE120, a Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) contract for the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Ports. The document contains 26 questions and responses from potential vendors, addressing various technical and operational aspects of the solicitation, with the government providing clarifications and making amendments to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Schedule of Rates.
Key updates include modifications to sections on mobile crane operations, driver licensing, contact maintenance mechanics, hours of operation, and reception and delivery (R&D) services. Notably, the government made changes to clarify that the contractor is responsible for factoring in Port Tariff rates and costs into commodity rates, and removed provisions for explosive cargo handling. The solicitation covers stevedoring services for military cargo at ports in Washington (Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, Grays Harbor) and Oregon (Portland), with the United States Transportation Command as the sponsoring agency. The document reflects ongoing dialogue between potential vendors and the government to refine contract specifications, with Amendment 3 incorporating several of the vendors' suggested clarifications.
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Text version
Q&A 24 Apr 25
SOLICITATION Q&A LOG
HTC71125RE120 Pacific Northwest (PNW) S&RTS UPDATED: 29 April 2025
| QUESTION # | DATE RECEIVED | PROSPECTIVE VENDOR'S QUESTION | DATE OF REPLY | GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE | AMEND RFQ? |
| 1 | 14-Apr-25 | Good day I wanted to let you know about an issue with the PWS, in the PWS TABLE 2 on page 62 of 92 it references the Mississippi State Port Authorities (MSPA) instead of the PNW ports as well as the wrong union. 4.1.1 and 4.1.2, on page 10 it has the correct information. |
4.1.1 Port Licensing and Permits.
Business License (BL) issued in the state of Mississippi. As well as a work permit issued by the applicable Mississippi State Port Authorities (MSPA) as evidence the Contractor or its named Subcontractor(s) has legal right to work in/at Port of Gulfport MS. The Contractor shall provide documentation/copies (Prime and Subcontractor(s)) to the CO for record within (2) calendar days of the date the contract was awarded.
4.1.2 Union Agreements and Port Tariffs.
The Contractor shall submit copies (2) calendar days of contract award date to the CO/COR, the most current version of the Collective
| Bargaining Agreement (CBA), International Longshoremen’s Associations (ILA) & South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District (SAGCD) and current year published port tariff for the MSPA. | 24-Apr-25 | The PWS has been updated with the information on page 10 in Sections 4.1.1 and 4.1.2. | Yes | |||
| 2 | 18-Apr-25 | I was going through the SOR and noticed there weren’t any line items for explosive man-hours. We also received the Notice of solicitation release yesterday and they have man-hour line items for MOTCO when handling explosives. Should the PNW have them as well? | 24-Apr-25 | No change. Currently the PNW S&RTS contract does not operate in any ports that allow any Net Explosive Weight (NEW) capacity. | No | |
| 3 | 21-Apr-25 | 4.1.2.1 Port Provided Services (Reception & Disposition), and throughout the PWS related to receiving and delivery (R&D). a. We would like to seek clarification on the rate structure against this solicitation calls for under hook to/from vessel only. Terminal labor to / from gate receiving / delivery and under hook is the responsibility of the Port Authority. Our understanding is that the Port authority is hiring labor and all components of R&D work and would bill USG directly for any of these activities. Please clarify. | 24-Apr-25 | No change. The USG requires that the vendor awarded the contract be responsible for factoring in the Port Tariff rates and all associated Port Tariff costs for all Reception and Disposition operations into the commodity rates and other rates associated with the SOR. | No | |
| 4 | 21-Apr-25 | 4.1.2.2 Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) Cargo Assessments Charges/Fees. a.Commercial best practice is to exclude PMA tonnage from commodity rates and charge it as a separate passthrough item, contractor suggests excluding PMA cargo assessments from commodity rates to align with commercial best practice. | 24-Apr-25 | No change. PMA assessments are published and predictable and should be able to be factored into a commodity rate. | No | |
| 5 | 21-Apr-25 | 4.2 Ordering Services. |
a. Ordering Services NLT 1400hrs for 0800hrs start next day.
i. Should be NLT 1330hrs for 0800hrs start next day.
b. 1400hrs for 1800hrs start same day.
i. Should be NLT 1330hrs for 1800hrs start same day.
c. 1330hrs for 0300hrs start (same day 3rd shift)
| d. The above timeline will ensure that labor orders can be placed. | 24-Apr-25 | No change. A thirty minute buffer does not constitute a change. | No |
| 6 | 21-Apr-25 | 4.2.2 Cancellation of Services. |
a. PWS States: NLT 1700hrs the same day as ordered for 0800hrs start next day.
i. Should be NLT 1400hrs for 0800hrs start next day.
b. PWS States: 0700hrs next day for 1300hrs start same day.
i. Should be NLT 1400hrs for 1800hrs start same day.
| c. Hoot Shift should be NLT 1400hrs for 0300hrs start | 24-Apr-25 | No change. This is a non-necessary consideration as it would require the USG to cancel services at the same time we submit them. | No |
| 7 | 21-Apr-25 | 4.13.3 Mobile Crane. |
a. How does contractor include ILWU Crane operators in OOP Crane rental?
| b.Crane Operators should be compensated thru Man hour rates established in Schedule 2 of the SOR. | 24-Apr-25 | PWS Section 4.13.3 has been updated to read: Mobile crane equipment rental rates (when ordered) shall be inclusive of the crane operator(s), fuel, lubricants, slings, spreader bars, rigging, and accessories, and any mobilization and demobilization costs. All equipment used will be subject to written approval by the COR/OO. Crane rental/usage rates are provided in Schedule 4 of the SOR . | Yes |
| 8 | 21-Apr-25 | 5.3.3.1 Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). | |
| a. This is outside of ILWU/PMA CBA jurisdiction, PMA provides training for all ILWU, but doesn’t mandate CDL licensing, how should the contractor address this? | 24-Apr-25 | PWS Section 5.3.3.1 has been updated to read: All Contractor personnel driving/operating USG Military vehicles oversized, overweight, wheeled or track vehicles, shall have in their possession a Washington/Oregon state issued Driver’s License (DL), (at their expense) prior to that driver/operator engaging in the operation of USG military vehicles. | Yes |
| 9 | 21-Apr-25 | 5.3.3.6 Moving Military vehicles or CFE/MHE outside of the port on public roads. | |
| a. Driving on public road is outside ILWU jurisdiction, how should contractor handle this requirement? | 24-Apr-25 | No change. The vendor awarded the contract will have the responsibility to ensure equipment is positioned at the correct locations to execute the requirements of the contract. This would be handled in the same way any vendor would move their own equipment between ports or locations to support existing requirements. | No |
| 10 | 21-Apr-25 | 5.6.4.1 Railcar Inspection. | |
| a. Contractor can ensure enough proper amount of lashing/tiedown is available, however contractor is not a certified rail inspector and therefore how does contractor ensure that railcar is serviceable? | 24-Apr-25 | No change. Coordination will need to be made with the rail provider who performs the inspection, this is a tandem effort between parties. | No |
| 11 | 21-Apr-25 | 5.6.7 Military Convoys. |
a. The Port authority is responsible for receiving & delivery, how should contractor handle?
| 24-Apr-25 | No change. The vendor awarded this contract will be responsible for factoring in the Port Tariff rates and all assorted Port Tariff costs for all Reception and Disposition operations in to the commodity rates and other rates assorted with the SOR. | No | |
| 12 | 21-Apr-25 | 5.7.11 & 5.7.11.1-5.7.11.6 Staging | |
| a. This is under the Port authority jurisdiction as part of R&D work. What is USG’s expectation of the contractor’s responsibility for Staging and staging setup? | 24-Apr-25 | No change. The contractor is expected to be a terminal operator as well as a stevedoring entity. We will require that the vendor awarded this contract will be responsible for factoring in the Port Tariff rates and all assorted Port Tariff costs for all Reception and Disposition operations in to the commodity rates and other rates associated with the SOR. | No |
| 13 | 21-Apr-25 | 5.11.3.3 Contact Maintenance Mechanics. | |
| a. Mechanics are classified as Journeymen or Leadmen, and are not considered skill 2 or skill 3. | 24-Apr-25 | PWS Section 5.11.3.3 has been updated to read: Each CMT shall consist of a Lead Mechanic and Mechanic, both capable of performing the work described herein. The CMT shall have experience to rapidly troubleshoot inoperable vehicles with end goal of engine running and cargo movement, within (15) fifteen minutes, whenever possible. | Yes |
| 14 | 21-Apr-25 | 6.4.1.2/3 Hours of Operation. |
a. PWS states: Monday thru Friday:
i. 1st: 0800 – 1800
ii. 2nd: 1900 – 0400
iii. 3rd: 0400 – 0800 PWS states: Saturday, Sunday & Holidays:
i. 1st: 0800 – 1800
ii. 2nd: 1900 – 0400
iii. 3rd: 0400 – 0800
c. Monday thru Friday (should be):
i. 1st: 0800 – 1700
ii. 2nd: 1800 – 0300
iii. 3rd: 0300 – 0800 (Hoot Shift)
d. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays (should be):
i. 1st: 0800 – 1700
ii. 2nd: 1800 – 0300
iii. 3rd: 0300 – 0800 (Hoot Shift) 24-Apr-25 PWS Section 6.4.1.2 has been updated to read: Published regular or normal working day shall at the Pacific Northwest (PNW) consist of eight (8) hours from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and the regular or normal working week shall consist of forty (40) hours made up of five (5) regular or normal working days from Monday to Friday:
| Monday thru Friday | Day Shift -1st Shift | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| 2nd Shift | 18:00 – 03:00 | |
| 3rd Shift | 03:00 – 08:00 | |
| 6.4.1.3 | Meal Hours: Meal hours (subject to CBA) shall be from 6:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M., from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M., from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., and from 12:00 Midnight to 1:00 A.M. or as otherwise provided in the local agreement. |
| Saturday, Sunday & Holidays | 1st Shift | 08:00 – 17:00 | |
| 2nd Shift | 18:00 – 03:00 | ||
| 3rd Shift | 03:00 – 08:00 | Yes | |
| 15 | 21-Apr-25 | 6.5.7 Warehousing. | |
| a. Port Authority is responsible for space on terminal, these charges would be better captured as OOP, instead of fixed rates in Schedule 6. | 24-Apr-25 | No change. The Vendor awarded this contract will be responsible for factoring in the Port Tariff rates and all assorted Port Tariff costs for all Reception and Disposition operations in to the commodity rates and other rates assorted with the SOR. | No |
| 16 | 21-Apr-25 | SOR 1A1 Load Vessel 40b. | |
| a. 40b is duplicated, believe the 2nd 40b should read 40c, please confirm? | 24-Apr-25 | The SOR has been updated to read 40C. | Yes |
| 17 | 21-Apr-25 | SOR | |
| a. The ILWU has not yet published rates for 2025/2026 contract period, these rates are expected to be published within the next 45 days. Should the contractor base our pricing on published 2024/2025 ILWU rates, or wait until 2025/2026 ILWU rates are published? If we are going to use 2025/2026 ILWU rates, contractor requests an extension to the contract due date. | 24-Apr-25 | No change. The USG is not able to push this requirement out further to consider 2025/2026 ILWU CBA rates. The contract will be modified when the rates are updated and published. | No |
| 18 | 21-Apr-25 | 4.2.3 Verbal request. | |
| a. How is contractor compensated for verbal request to add men/equipment? | 24-Apr-25 | PWS Section 4.2.3 has been removed/reserved. There will be no verbal requests for men, equipment, or XL labor. Everything will be in writing. | Yes |
| 19 | 21-Apr-25 | 4.4.2 USG provided drivers | |
| a. In the instances where ILWU jurisdiction dictates a mirror gang is required, how is contractor compensated for the mirror gang? | 24-Apr-25 | PWS Section 4.4.2 has been updated to read: In addition to the above, the Government reserves the right to use skilled military drivers to operate, load, and discharge normal or specialized, unique military vehicles and equipment at any time when determined by the COR. When military drivers are utilized the Contractor shall provide other designated support labor and equipment for all other stevedore related work (example: lashing, unlashing, or towing cargo) associated to that military operated cargo. The Government shall compensate the Contractor at man-hour rates for only those designated as support for those pieces of cargo operated by military drivers and commodity rates shall apply for all other cargo handled by the Contractor without Government assistance as established in the SOR. | Yes |
| 20 | 21-Apr-25 | 4.5.2.1 Roll-on/Roll-off. | |
| a. What type of commodity is a container loaded with forklifts considered? In other S&RTS contracts, this is billed as LoLo Other than Shore/Gantry Crane. | 24-Apr-25 | No change. 45c in the SOR explains the details. | No |
Q&A 25 Apr 25
| QUESTION # | DATE RECEIVED | PROSPECTIVE VENDOR'S QUESTION | DATE OF REPLY | GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE | AMEND RFQ? |
| 21 | 25-Apr-25 | Good day, we also found these issues with the SOR today when filling out the schedule of rates. |
The description should be ISO - CONTAINER NON-EXPLOSIVES (20' - 40') (MAY BE TEU CONFIGURED) (EMPTY OF FULL)
The commodity code should be 40c vice 40b.
| 28-Apr-25 | The SOR has been updated. All (45) have been updated to "ISO - CONTAINER NON-EXPLOSIVES (20' - 40') (MAY BE TEU CONFIGURED) (EMPTY OF FULL)". | Yes | |||
| 22 | 25-Apr-25 | How will Extra Labor scenarios for explosive cargo be compensated for? Contractor suggests having explosive and non-explosive man hour rates in the SOR. | 28-Apr-25 | No change. None of the ports addressed in this PWS can be used for the movement of any explosives. All ports have a zero Net Explosive Weight (NEW) capacity. All explosive commodity lines have been removed from the SOR. | No |
| 23 | 25-Apr-25 | Good day, one other issue concerning paragraph 4.1.2.2 PMA Cargo assessment charges/ fees. States that the Cargo assessment fees should be included in the commodity rates. There is any issue doing this for containers but for the 60, 61, and 67 commodity types there isn’t one rate that can be applied because they wouldn’t have a single rate because of the weight range and size differences for each commodity it would be better to treat this as an OOP item similar to the SoCal SOR. Please see the example. | 28-Apr-25 | No change. Vendors should be able to factor in an approximate rate for 60,61,67 that would cover the PMA assessment for general cargo. As with any commodity based contract, rates are inclusive of the commodity. Fees and other assessments, especially when publicly available, can and should be factored into the rate. | No |
Q&A 13 May 25
| QUESTION # | DATE RECEIVED | PROSPECTIVE VENDOR'S QUESTION | DATE OF REPLY | GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE | AMEND RFQ? |
| 24 | 30-Apr-25 | We reached out to the Port Authority to help determine manning requirements and equipment needs for R&D. As you can see from below the Port Authority will be responsible for Operating the piers, and the Stevedores will only be responsible for To/From Vessel to Place of Rest in the yard. Please let us know how the potential stevedoring can provide R&D rates? As info we ran into the same issue during the 2020 RFP process and it was determined that all R&D be removed from SOR, I believe we are in the same situation here. | 13-May-25 | The PWS and Schedule of Rates have been updated. Please see Amendment 3. | Yes |
| 25 | 5-May-25 | Good day, I have spoken with the Tacoma Port Authority to try and get a list of those Tariffs that the Government pay when a Military Vessel calls the port working under the S&RTS contract move. They said they have received calls from many of the other stevedore companies asking for the same information. They also said that each vessel has different requirements and Tariff costs depending on if is a Military Sealift Command Vessel or a commercial vessel so there isn’t anyway to come up with a single cost to add to a commodity rate. They also said that they have spoken to TRANSCOM as well expressing their concerns. Can the Government provide the bidders with a list of the Tariffs that they want bidders to pay? This would give you a more realistic and lower cost if we know exactly what we are expected to pay. Thank you. | 13-May-25 | The PWS and Schedule of Rates have been updated. Please see Amendment 3. | Yes |
| 26 | 5-May-25 | The PWS mandates that the successful bidding stevedoring company performs services that are legally controlled by and operationally performed by Port Authorities. We have been in contact with the Port Authorities listed in the PWS and they have all confirmed that they maintain their jurisdiction over their Port Services and will continue to do so. They have all clarified that under their respective port tariffs the individual stevedore companies (3rd parties) cannot legally offer/provide terminal and/or port services, nor will they grant permission to do so. | 13-May-25 | The PWS and Schedule of Rates have been updated. Please see Amendment 3. | Yes |
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