Questions and Answers_Bahrain_Round 1-3 combined.xlsx
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- Kingdom of Bahrain S&RTS
- Solicitation number
- HTC71126QE170
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers log for solicitation HTC71126QE170 (updated to HTC71127QE127), a Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) contract for the Kingdom of Bahrain issued by the Department of Defense United States Transportation Command. The Q&A document contains 67 questions and government responses from three rounds of vendor inquiries conducted between October 5-19, 2026, addressing clarifications on scope, pricing, compliance, and operational requirements. The submission deadline was extended to November 13, 2026.
Key service requirements include stevedoring, cargo handling, staging, storage, and inward/outward movement of U.S. Government cargo (containers, vehicles, breakbulk, aircraft, ammunition, and hazardous materials) across seven primary locations: Mina Salman Port, Khalifa Bin Salman Port, ASRY Dry Dock, NSA1, MSN Naval Base (NSA2), Shaikh Isa Air Base (NSA3), and Riffa Air Base, plus other designated Bahrain locations as directed. This is an Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract with no guaranteed frequency; work will be authorized via individual task orders based on vessel schedules and mission requirements. Critical compliance requirements include CMMC Level 1 certification (mandatory before award, not required at proposal submission), valid business licenses or work permits for all subcontractors performing at named ports, and NIST SP 800-171 compliance for handling Federal Contract Information. Pricing must include all port handling charges, VAT, tariffs, facility setup costs, and inland transportation; rates apply uniformly across all locations. The contractor must provide detailed cost breakdowns for each line item separate from the Schedule of Rates, maintain surge capacity as specified in the Performance Work Statement, and accommodate mobilization on short notice. Nine days of free storage apply at commercial sea port terminals, with storage charges beginning on day 10. The contract includes a 25% estimated ceiling increase to account for inflation over the five-year base period plus six-month extension.
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Round 1
SOLICITATION Q&A LOG
HTC71126QE170 Kingdom of Bahrain S&RTS UPDATED: 27 October 2026
| QUESTION # | DATE RECEIVED | PROSPECTIVE VENDOR'S QUESTION | DATE OF REPLY | GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE | AMEND RFQ? | |
| 1 | 5-Oct-26 | For cargo handled under a “Reception Only” or “Disposition Only” commodity line item, please confirm whether all applicable port handling and tariff charges associated with the cargo unit are to be incorporated into the Reception Only / Disposition Only commodity rate, or whether any of these charges should be incorporated into the corresponding cargo commodity rate (container, vehicle, breakbulk, etc.). | 8-Oct-26 | The Government would advise the Port Handling and Tariff charges be included into the vessel operations commodities (load/discharge vessel) as the reception/disposition only commodity may not be utilized for terminal operations. If there are specific charges related to reception of disposition cargo from the port, the Government would advise the contractor to include those charges into commodities 1C/1D and 1B3/1B4 accordingly. | No | |
| 2 | 5-Oct-26 | Attachment 5, Item 3b requires evidence of a valid business license or work permit demonstrating the legal ability to work at “all named ports within the PWS.” Please confirm which locations identified in the PWS are considered “named ports” for purposes of this requirement and for which locations such evidence must be provided with the Technical Worksheet. | 8-Oct-26 | Primary performance locations include Mina Salman Port, Khalifa Bin Salman Port, ASRY Dry Dock, Naval Support Activity (NSA1), Mina Salman Naval Base (NSA2), Shaikh Isa Air Base, Aviation Unit (NSA3), and Riffa Air Base. However, the Government does leave it open ended when stating, "any other designated locations within the Kingdom of Bahrain." Therefore, with prior notification, the contractor is expected to provide services at other designated locations other than the ones specified in the PWS. | No | |
| 3 | 5-Oct-26 | We understand that the SOR provides commodity pricing specifically for operations at Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP). For cargo movements involving NSA1, ASRY, NSA2, Shaikh Isa Air Base, NSA3, and Riffa Air Base, should we understand that the requirement is limited to inland transportation to/from these locations, with no separate stevedoring/terminal commodity rates required for these locations? The PWS identifies these locations within the overall performance scope. | 8-Oct-26 | Commodity rates support all base locations as specified in the contract with the understanding that airbase activities will not include vessel related SOR schedules. | No | |
| 4 | 7-Oct-26 | With regards to the below in the document “Attachment 4 - RFQ Information and General Compliance Worksheet_Bahrain” and the solicitation document, can you clarify if our sub-contractor needs to be CMMC Level 1 certified for this contract? | 8-Oct-26 | CMMC level 2 is a more extensive set of self-evaluation criteria and should also encompass the same content as level 1, so Contractors who have a CMMC level 2 certification do not need both. As for subcontractors, yes, the CMMC Level 1 requirement does extend to subcontractors, but only if the subcontractor will process, store, or transmit Federal Contract Information (FCI) during contract performance. | No | |
| 5 | 7-Oct-26 | Appendix states that Invoices will be settled through TFMS system. Is the TFMS system similar to the TIPP system? | 8-Oct-26 | TFMS is the accounting database from which all invoices are paid through. The TIPP system is a completely unrelated entity from TFMS. | No | |
| 6 | 7-Oct-26 | Is there any percentage distribution of activity between Mina Salman, KBSP, NSA1 and NSA2? | 8-Oct-26 | The activity and cargo distribution remain fluid due to recent DoW initiatives within the CENTCOM AOR. ARTRANS will not be providing a location‑specific cargo breakdown. Instead, the contractor should refer to the quantities outlined in the Schedule of Rates (SOR) for all cargo required to be handled in Bahrain. | No | |
| 7 | 7-Oct-26 | Bahrain market minimum chargeable for cancellation is 8 hour period but unit of measure in PWS does not specify we can re-charge per “HR”. Can that be altered to fit market? | 8-Oct-26 | If this question references cancellation policy - Cancellation procedure will be negotiated between COR, OO, and Contractor post award. At a minimum the COR will provide 24-hour notice per the language in the PWS: 4.2.6 Cancellation of Services. Cancellation of Services. The COR, OO, and contractor will establish service cancellation procedure, to include daily cut-off times within one month of the contract award. Unless modified by a written agreement, standard cancellations must occur at least 24 hours before the scheduled operational start time. The COR must explicitly notify the contractor of any cancellations made within 24 hours of the start time. If this question is asking about Guaranteed time, PWS specifies Minimum Guaranteed Time will be paid at the XL/OT rate for with the Minimum Guaranteed Time occurs. Reference 4.7 for more information. | No | |
| 8 | 7-Oct-26 | Port Handling Charges are not mentioned as being part of the commodity rates, but such charges will apply at some of the locations in Bahrain AOR. Can PHC be recharged separately, at cost, when applicable? | 8-Oct-26 | Port Handling Charges need to be included in the Commodity Rates. Reference PWS 4.5 (16) | No | |
| 9 | 7-Oct-26 | Port tariff for Washing is charged per dimensions for Containers or Breakbulk cargo, not per Unit. Can SPR be altered to allow separate charge for Rolling cargo? | 8-Oct-26 | PWS Section 5.10.2 states the contractor will be compensated via Schedule 2 (XL) + Schedule (4) EQR for cleaning cargo. This is how the contractor will be compensated for washing cargo. | No | |
| 10 | 7-Oct-26 | Clause states that states that USM will not pay the costs involved in creating Port storage / Staging yards. Can this be re-considered given that Contractor will have to pay to relocate third party cargo and equipment that is in the port space , and there will be other costs such as space rental, sweeping and associated activities? | 8-Oct-26 | Contractor should include staging area set up costs in commodity rates as stated in 5.7.2.. The USG will pay for staging/storage space per CLINs in Schedule 6 of the SOR. | No | |
| 11 | 7-Oct-26 | Clause states that USM is exempt from paying VAT and Duties on cargo. Please note that Contractors will be charged VAT for providing services to the USM and therefore it has to be included in quoted rates | 8-Oct-26 | Noted. The contractor should include VAT any other port charges/fees/tax into the commodity rates. | No | |
| 12 | 7-Oct-26 | Solicitation requires Bidder to disclose how quoted line-item rates are worked out. Does that disclosure extend to each and every line item? And, if so, where do we submit that disclosure, given that we are not allowed to alter the format of the SOR document? | 8-Oct-26 | Yes, the disclosure requirement extends to each and every line item you have quoted, as the Government must establish price reasonableness or cost realism across the entire bid. Because you are strictly prohibited from altering the structure of the Schedule of Requirements (SOR) document, you should submit this detailed rate breakdown as a separate, clearly marked Cost Narrative or Pricing Methodology attachment within your Price Quotation. | No | |
| 13 | 7-Oct-26 | Please specify expected dimensions and weight to calculate as unit of measure is “EA”. | 8-Oct-26 | Here are some examples of common Military aircrafts handled during ARTRANS terminal operations: UH 60A Black Hawk | ||
| • | Reduced (blades/pylon folded): | |||||
| o | Length: 496 in (41'4") | |||||
| o | Width: 117 in (9'9") | |||||
| o | Height: 105 in (8'9") | |||||
| o | Weight: 16,000 lbs. CH‑47D Chinook | |||||
| • | Reduced (cargo transport): | |||||
| o | Length: 609 in (50'9") | |||||
| o | Width: 149 in (12'5") | |||||
| o | Height: 224 in (18'8") | |||||
| o | Weight: 20,570 lbs. AH 64D Apache – | |||||
| • | Reduced (Sealift Configuration) | |||||
| o | Length: 603 in (50 ft 3 in) | |||||
| o | Width: 196 in (16 ft 4 in) | |||||
| o | Height: 193 in (16 ft 1 in) | |||||
| o | Weight: 13,807 lbs. | No | ||||
| 14 | 7-Oct-26 | Are full measurement surveys required at point of Receipt and Disposition? Or is requirement a Tally of the units? | 8-Oct-26 | This is what is expected for Schedules 1C + 1D (in accordance with PWS 5.5.4: The contractor shall provide cargo management, tallying & checking, ground guides, contact maintenance, CFE/MHE, and other support services for arriving or departing convoys. | No | |
| 15 | 7-Oct-26 | Please specify if Crane required is “crawler” type, or standard Mobile Crane? | 8-Oct-26 | Standard Mobile Crane | No | |
| 16 | 7-Oct-26 | Please explain requirement in SPRS system. Is CMMC level 1 Mandatory and, if so, how do we apply? | 8-Oct-26 | Yes, CMMC Level 1 is Mandatory. To pass CMMC Level 1, you must implement all 17 basic safeguarding requirements. Unlike higher levels, there are no partial scores and no POA&Ms (Plans of Action & Milestones) allowed. You either meet all 17, or you do not comply. Your senior company executive must legally sign off on this, and you must re-assess and re-submit every 12 months. Review the 17 safeguarding requirements (mapped from FAR 52.204-21) and ensure you have documented evidence (policies, screenshots, configuration logs) proving each is “met.” Once you have verified that all 17 requirements are implemented, you need the administrative credentials to upload the results by logging into PIEE, select the SPRS icon from your dashboard. Under the main menu click Cyber Reports and then select CMMC Self-Assessment. | No |
Round 2
SOLICITATION Q&A LOG
HTC71126QE170 Kingdom of Bahrain S&RTS UPDATED: 27 October 2026
| QUESTION # | DATE RECEIVED | PROSPECTIVE VENDOR'S QUESTION | DATE OF REPLY | GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE | AMEND RFQ? |
| 17 | 18-Oct-26 | May a U.S. prime contractor satisfy Bahrain licensing and port-permit requirements through licensed local subcontractors performing the services? Please identify any licenses the prime must hold independently and whether they are required at quotation submission, award, or commencement of performance. | Yes, the prime contractor can satisfy licensing and port-permit requirements through licensed local subcontractors performing the services. However, the technical worksheet requires proof of a valid and current business license or work permit for the subcontractors issued by the applicable Host Nation as evidence to legally work at all named ports named within the PWS. | No | |
| 18 | 18-Oct-26 | Are the quantities annual estimates? Please provide available historical workload and expenditures by location, including vessel calls, container sizes and loaded/empty status, vehicles, aircraft, hazardous cargo, and breakbulk. Please distinguish unique cargo units from repeated handling events. | The quantities provided on the SOR are based on historical workload. The Schedule of Rates (SOR) represents the contractor's projected annual billing, calculated by applying the proposed unit rates to the estimated quantities provided for each category. | No | |
| 19 | 18-Oct-26 | Please identify the anticipated services and workload distribution at each named location. What assumptions should quoters use for “other designated locations,” and do the same quoted rates apply at all locations? | Reference section 1.2.1 in the PWS. Primary performance locations include Mina Salman Port, Khalifa Bin Salman Port, ASRY Dry Dock, Naval Support Activity (NSA1), Mina Salman Naval Base (NSA2), Shaikh Isa Air Base, Aviation Unit (NSA3), and Riffa Air Base. However, the Government does leave it open ended when stating, "any other designated locations within the Kingdom of Bahrain." Therefore, with prior notification, the contractor is expected to provide services at other designated locations other than the ones specified in the PWS. Yes, the same quoted rates apply at all locations. | No | |
| 20 | 18-Oct-26 | Please confirm which customs, port-entry, inland-movement, environmental, and security approvals for Class 1 dangerous goods will be arranged by the Government. Where approvals are contractor responsibilities, please identify the required permits, Government-provided documentation, and applicable payment provisions. | US Govt will arrange police escort. Contractor is responsible for any custom fees charged from origin to destination, which are chargeable to US Govt listed in the SOR. | No | |
| 21 | 18-Oct-26 | Please provide anticipated aircraft types, maximum weights, dimensions, and transport configurations so equipment and handling rates can be determined. Please identify specialized lifting, towing, or support equipment that the Government will furnish. | Aircraft is typically handled by US Military personnel, with tie down only handled by stevedores. Aircraft will require a landing area and a holding area for breakdown (removal of blades and preparation for transport, which is handled by USMIL personnel) as well as force protection barricades provided by a wall of milvan containers. Each aircraft has different handling and tie down procedures. Aircraft included in this typically will be UH-60, AH-64, CH-47, V-22, UH-1, AH-1 airframes. | No | |
| 22 | 18-Oct-26 | Please provide anticipated aircraft weights, dimensions, storage configurations, and holding periods. Please confirm whether covered storage, special supports, preservation measures, or additional security will be required. | Weights and dimensions of the above aircraft will vary depending on model of that aircraft. Details of that aircraft will be given to the contractor from the COR prior to vessel arrival. For proposal purposes, utilize open source information (google) for average dimensions if required. Holding periods will vary depending on vessel arrival and departure. Indoor storage is preferred, but not required and will be handled by the COR as needs arise. Force protection requirements my require a separate yard area, under observation, and a landing zone that is preferred to be surrounded by a milvan container wall. All of this will be coordinated by the COR prior to arrival. | No | |
| 23 | 18-Oct-26 | Please clarify the boundary between services included in vessel-loading rates and separately payable services, particularly staging-to-vessel movements, lifting or towing, stowage, lashing, documentation, and additional equipment. | All of this is included in vessel loading rates. Additional services are provided on an as needed basis. | No | |
| 24 | 18-Oct-26 | Please clarify the activities included in Reception Only for each listed cargo category, how they differ from vessel and truck loading/discharge, and when they are separately payable. | The contractor shall provide cargo management, tallying & checking, ground guides, contact maintenance, CFE/MHE, and other support services for arriving or departing convoys. Compensation for reception only and disposition only of convoys defined in this paragraph is included in the commodity rates established in Schedules 1C and 1D of the SOR. The contractor shall be compensated for loading or discharging military convoyed CULT assets when/if those commodity services are ordered. The COR will identify the requirements prior to arrival. | No | |
| 25 | 18-Oct-26 | Please clarify the activities included in Disposition Only for each listed cargo category, how they differ from vessel and truck loading/discharge, and when they are separately payable. Please provide an example showing how reception, disposition, and loading/discharge services may be billed without duplication | The contractor shall provide cargo management, tallying & checking, ground guides, contact maintenance, CFE/MHE, and other support services for arriving or departing convoys. Compensation for reception only and disposition only of convoys defined in this paragraph is included in the commodity rates established in Schedules 1C and 1D of the SOR. The contractor shall be compensated for loading or discharging military convoyed CULT assets when/if those commodity services are ordered. The COR will identify the requirements prior to arrival. | No | |
| 26 | 18-Oct-26 | Please correct the references to “forty (48)” hours and “five (6)” working days and confirm the normal working week and applicable Friday/holiday arrangements. | Correction made to Section 6.4.2.2 of the PWS. The language now reads: "Published regular or normal working day shall, at the Port of Mina Salman Port, Khalifa Bin Salman Port, ASRY Dry Dock and designated Location, consist of eight (8) hours from 0600hrs to 1400hrs and the regular or normal working week shall consist of twenty-four (24) hours made up of six (6) regular or normal working days from Saturday to Thursday" | Yes | |
| 27 | 18-Oct-26 | Please confirm whether shift-differential entries require an incremental premium or a complete hourly rate. Please explain their application alongside commodity rates, hourly labor, overtime, and Friday/holiday work, including whether overtime and shift differential may apply to the same hours. | Shift differential is the rate charged on top of the commodity rate when hours extend beyond the scheduled shift rate. It is an hourly rate. OT and Friday/ Holiday rates are separate. | No | |
| 28 | 18-Oct-26 | Please identify the cargo categories and operations requiring the 160-LT and 250-LT cranes, including anticipated lift weights, dimensions, operating radii, and locations. When are crane costs included in commodity rates versus separately payable under Schedule 4? | Crane costs are included in commodity rates. Heavy cranes are required when the Item could not be loaded otherwise and is outside of the commodity identifiers. | No | |
| 29 | 18-Oct-26 | Please resolve the stated capacity of “70 Ton (or 72,574 Kgs),” as these figures are not equivalent under standard short-ton or metric-ton conversions. Please confirm the controlling capacity, unit, and certification requirements. | Equivalent to 160000 pounds. This is required for movement of Abrams tanks and M88 Hercules recovery vehicle | No | |
| 30 | 18-Oct-26 | Must the temporary/portable office be near the storage area, pier side, or at another designated location? | Location is designated by the COR and coordinated with the port authority. This varies by the port. | No | |
| 31 | 18-Oct-26 | Must these facilities be near the storage area, or must they be provided separately at each operational site? | Location is designated by the COR and coordinated with the port authority. This varies by the port | No | |
| 32 | 18-Oct-26 | Must the container be near the storage area, or are separate containers required at other work sites? | Location is designated by the COR and coordinated with the port authority. This varies by the port | No | |
| 33 | 18-Oct-26 | Are the tables intended for the temporary office near the storage area or for other operational locations? | This is in addition to those included with the office space. This is by the CORs discretion. | No | |
| 34 | 18-Oct-26 | Are the chairs intended for the temporary office near the storage area or for other operational locations? | This is in addition to those included with the office space. This is by the CORs discretion. | No | |
| 35 | 18-Oct-26 | Is internet service required at the temporary office near the storage area or at additional operational locations? | Unless directed by the COR it would be for the temporary office area. | No | |
| 36 | 18-Oct-26 | Must the open staging area be adjacent to storage, within the port, or at another approved location? | It can be any of the three. Dictated by the COR. But most often is required within the port. | No | |
| 37 | 18-Oct-26 | Must the warehouse be adjacent to the open staging/storage area, or may a separate approved warehouse be used? | It can be any of the three. Dictated by the COR. But most often is required within the port. | No | |
| 38 | 18-Oct-26 | Must the rental containers forming the security wall surround the storage/staging area or another designated operational area? | Location is designated by the COR and coordinated with the port authority. | No | |
| 39 | 18-Oct-26 | For the facilities above, please confirm whether simultaneous provision at multiple locations is anticipated, whether existing approved facilities may be used, and whether capacity must remain reserved between operations. | It depends on the operations required. If there is a simultaneous download of multiple vessels, then you may have additional requirements. If there is already a location the meets the USG requirements then accommodations can made. | No | |
| 40 | 18-Oct-26 | Please identify which cargo categories require covered warehousing and which may use uncovered yard space, including required capacities and any restrictions for hazardous cargo. | These are often sensitive items or aircraft. Sensitive items include containers with certain weapons, electronics, communication equipment and are designated by the COR. | No | |
| 41 | 18-Oct-26 | Must the contractor provide an authorized ammunition-storage facility, or only temporary staging in designated areas? Please specify locations, hazard classes, maximum quantities, holding periods, security measures, approvals, and payment provisions. | The contractor must be able to provide an ammunition holding area until the ammunition goes forward to a government facility. Duration, class, quantities, holding time, security, approvals are mission dependent. Payment are as stated in the PWS. | No | |
| 42 | 18-Oct-26 | Which mandatory terminal, crane, handling, gate, and access charges belong in commodity rates, and which are separately payable? Does the nine-day free-storage period apply at every location and to all cargo categories? Please provide the governing tariff or agreement. | Any time USG COR/OO order services it will be identify if the service/task is Commodity or if the order will be straight time. Free time of 9 days at the commercial sea port terminals, starting on the 10th day port storage charges apply per the SOR. No Tariff agreement on file. | No | |
| 43 | 18-Oct-26 | Please identify anticipated origins and destinations and confirm whether trip rates must recover empty return travel, mobilization, and permits. How will movements beyond the listed 0–50 km distance band be ordered and priced? | Cannot determine destinations for equipment from the port as it is operationally determined by the command on site. However, due diligence will determine that nearby airbases and military installations are the most likely destination for the equipment. | No | |
| 44 | 18-Oct-26 | Are escorts required for movements between ports and designated yards, warehouses, or other delivery locations? If so, who arranges and pays for police, military, or other required escorts? | USG will arrange the escorts for any HAZ-MAT and/or SI cargo. All other military cargo does not currently require escorts. Tarping is required for US military vehicles and USAU marked containers. Subject to charge if theater SOPs are updated regarding the movement of US Military cargo. | No | |
| 45 | 18-Oct-26 | What maximum number of simultaneous vessels, locations, and shifts should quoters plan to support? Must personnel and equipment remain dedicated between orders, or may they be mobilized within the stated notice periods? | Whatever the port can handle. Typically though this includes probably two vessels, holding areas, truck upload/download sites. | No | |
| 46 | 18-Oct-26 | Are productivity standards measured per vessel, crane, gang, or work site? How are delays outside contractor control—including weather, berth availability, customs holds, and Government-directed stoppages—documented and treated? | All are documented by the COR and dependent on the situation. Productivity is measured by time and pieces of equipment and type of operation. Any delays that where the shipper is not found as cause are documented and agreed to by the COR. | No | |
| 47 | 18-Oct-26 | The RFQ requires annual inflation inputs, while the workbook appears to repeat annual costs and states that unit rates apply throughout performance. Please confirm the intended method and identify the input cells or provide a corrected workbook, including treatment of the six-month extension. | There is a 25% estimated ceiling increase that is applied on the summary page of the SOR. That 25% is included to cover annual inflation throughout the contract lifecycle. | No | |
| 48 | 18-Oct-26 | How should quoters provide linked labor, equipment, and commodity-cost breakdowns without modifying the prescribed workbook? Should supporting information be submitted separately? May proprietary subcontractor pricing support be submitted directly to the Contracting Officer? | The Government is requesting you create a new tab within the SOR and input the requested information. | No | |
| 49 | 18-Oct-26 | Please correct references to PWS sections that do not appear in the supplied document, including §§4.27.4, 6.14, and 5.31–5.36, and confirm the applicable requirements for technical evaluation. | Revised the Technical Worksheet to replace reference to section 4.27.4 with 4.24, section 6.14 with 6.4.2.2, and sections 5.8.6 with 5.4.1, 5.9 with 5.5.1.1, 5.31 with 5.6.1.2, sections 5.32-5.36 with 5.6.3, 5.6.4, 5.6.10.1, 5.14, 5.15, 5.16, 5.17, and 5.23. | Yes | |
| 50 | 18-Oct-26 | Please clarify how the stated CMMC Level 1 requirement relates to Appendix C’s NIST SP 800-171 obligations, including requirements applicable to local subcontractors. Please provide or identify the referenced Appendix N control table and Appendix O plan-of-action template. | The relationship between a CMMC Level 1 requirement and Appendix C’s NIST SP 800-171 obligations centers on a critical distinction between two different tiers of federal information security: Federal Contract Information (FCI) versus Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The 15 basic cybersecurity safeguards required to achieve CMMC Level 1 are pulled directly from, and map to, the subset of the 110 controls found in NIST SP 800-171 . If you are fully compliant with Appendix C's NIST SP 800-171 requirements, you inherently satisfy all CMMC Level 1 requirements. The Appendix N: Modified NIST SP 800-171 Requirements Table is a specialized compliance matrix used in specific federal, defense, or agency-level solicitations and contracts. Appendix O functions as a dynamic, living document that tracks how and when an organization will remediate its identified cybersecurity vulnerabilities and control gaps | No |
Round 3
SOLICITATION Q&A LOG
HTC71126QE170 Kingdom of Bahrain S&RTS UPDATED: 27 October 2026
| QUESTION # | DATE RECEIVED | PROSPECTIVE VENDOR'S QUESTION | DATE OF REPLY | GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE | AMEND RFQ? | |
| 51 | 19-Oct-26 | With reference to RFQ HTC71126QE170 – Kingdom of Bahrain S&RTS, we respectfully request an extension of the quotation submission deadline from current date of October 29, 2026, to November 19, 2026. | The Government will extend the submission deadline by two (2) weeks to from 29 October 2026 to 13 November 2026. *Amendment 0001 was posted on 23 October extending the due date. | Yes | ||
| 52 | 19-Oct-26 | DFARS 252.204-7025 requires CMMC Level 1 (Self) status and affirmation in SPRS prior to award, while DFARS 252.204-7021 requires the Contractor to submit applicable CMMC UID(s) to the Contracting Officer. Please confirm that CMMC Level 1 status and CMMC UID(s) are not required to be submitted with the initial proposal and may be completed/provided prior to contract award. | In accordance with DFARS 252.204-7025, offerors must complete their CMMC Level 1 self-assessment and submit the required affirmation in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) prior to contract award. The CMMC item listed on Attachment 4 serves as a critical reminder of this pre-award requirement. While this action is not required at the time of RFQ submission, and will not result in your quote being marked non-compliant, the successful offeror must have this status completed and verified in SPRS before the contract can be legally awarded. | No | ||
| 53 | 19-Oct-26 | Please confirm whether active Joint Contingency Contracting System (JCCS) registration is required at proposal submission, prior to contract award, or prior to commencement of performance or not required at all. | Not required. | No | ||
| 54 | 19-Oct-26 | To properly assess the required personnel, equipment, subcontractor arrangements and mobilization costs at these facilities, could the Government provide indicative historical activity under the incumbent contract for the past 2–3 years, including: a. | Approximate frequency of operations or task orders at each installation. | |||
| b. | General types of services performed (cargo handling, equipment rental, inland transportation, staging/storage, etc.). | |||||
| c. | Indicative labor and material handling equipment requirements associated with these operations. | |||||
| d. | Whether the contractor is expected to maintain personnel and equipment continuously available at these installations or mobilize resources on an as-needed basis following issuance of a task order. If historical information cannot be provided, could the Government instead provide anticipated utilization levels or minimum planning assumptions for these facilities to enable offerors to develop realistic and comparable technical and commercial proposals? | (a) This is an Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract, the Government cannot guarantee a fixed schedule or a specific frequency of vessel arrivals. Actual operations will be authorized via individual Task Orders on an as-needed basis, subject to vessel schedules, mission requirements, and port conditions. Contractors are expected to maintain the surge capacity detailed in the PWS to accommodate variable operational tempos. (b) See section 1 of PWS. (c) See sections 1, 4 and 5 of PWS. (d) See PWS. | No | |||
| 55 | 19-Oct-26 | To assist prospective contractors in developing realistic technical proposals, resource plans and pricing, could the Government provide a high-level summary of the activities performed under these delivery orders, indicating: | ||||
| a. | Location of performance: which port, airbase, or other designated location | |||||
| b. | Type of services: Stevedoring, cargo handling, inland transportation, equipment rental, staging/storage, or other related terminal services. | |||||
| c. | Approximate scope | |||||
| d. | Frequency of operations: Whether these delivery orders covered individual operations, multiple activities over a period of time, or recurring requirements. | |||||
| If order-specific information cannot be disclosed, could the Government provide an aggregated breakdown of historical activity by facility and service category, or indicative workload assumptions for the upcoming contract? | Regarding answers to (a) through (c), please see the PWS. For (d), as this is an Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract, the Government cannot guarantee a fixed schedule or a specific frequency of vessel arrivals. Actual operations will be authorized via individual Task Orders on an as-needed basis, subject to vessel schedules, mission requirements, and port conditions. Contractors are expected to maintain the surge capacity detailed in the PWS to accommodate variable operational tempos. | No | ||||
| 56 | 19-Oct-26 | a. Will the USG/USTRANSCOM facilitate or sponsor the issuance of the necessary gate passes, security clearances and installation access authorizations for contractor personnel, vehicles and equipment, including coordination with the respective military installation authorities? b. What is the expected procedure and processing time for obtaining these authorizations, particularly for temporary personnel, subcontractors and specialized equipment mobilized for individual Task Orders? | See Section 6 of the PWS | No | ||
| 57 | 19-Oct-26 | Please confirm the following for consistent preparation of labor rates: a. Whether Schedule 2B overtime rates should represent the full payable hourly rate, rather than only the premium above the Schedule 2A base rate. b. Whether Schedule 2C shift differential rates represent the additional amount payable above the applicable commodity rate when work is performed outside the first shift. c. Whether commodity work performed on Fridays and designated public holidays is compensated at the applicable commodity rate plus Schedule 2C shift differential, including where such work occurs during first-shift hours. | See sections 4.5.5, 4.7.1, 4.7.1.1, 4.8.3, and 4.9 of the PWS. | No | ||
| 58 | 19-Oct-26 | Based on Bahrain Port Authority agreement with the USG, please advise if Nine Days of Free time storage is applicable to all the location under this solicitation. | Free time of 9 days at the commercial sea port terminals, starting on 10th day port storage charges apply per the SOR. All locations apply. | No | ||
| 59 | 19-Oct-26 | Currently, cells I2 and K2 on the “Bahrain” tab of the spreadsheet are locked, hence, we are unable to enter the period of performance dates. Please advise if updated spreadsheet will be issues to have those cells unlocked. | The Government will fill input the Period of Performance in cells I2 and K2 at time of award. | No | ||
| 60 | 19-Oct-26 | However, Attachment 2 does not appear to contain designated inflation-rate input cells. Furthermore, the Summary worksheet calculates Years 2–5 using the same unit prices as Year 1, and the six-month extension at 50% of Year 5. Please clarify if a revised Schedule of Rates will be issued incorporating the required annual inflation-rate input cells and associated calculations. | On the Summary page of the SOR, there is a 25% ceiling that will automatically calculate once all unit prices are put in. While years 2-5 are using the same pricing as year one and the six-month extension is calculated at 50% of year 5, that 25% estimated ceiling is applied to account for inflation over years 2-5. | No | ||
| 61 | 19-Oct-26 | Schedule 10 identifies the following services: • | Line Item 205 – Fire Truck with Operators | |||
| • | Line Item 206 – Ambulance with Operator and Medics Please clarify: a) | Whether the proposed rates are intended for standby availability during vessel/cargo operations, actual emergency response services, or both. | ||||
| b) | Whether the rates should be quoted per vehicle per day, per deployment, or on another basis, and how partial-day utilization will be compensated. | |||||
| c) | Whether mobilization/demobilization and any costs associated with an actual emergency response must be included in the proposed rates or will be compensated separately. | Stand-by at the port and able to respond to emergencies during operations. Rates are per vehicle with crew required per day. Full day = 24 hours. Rates are all inclusive. | No | |||
| 62 | 19-Oct-26 | Please confirm whether the listed quantities are annual evaluation estimates. Please also confirm whether the fixed USD 3,500 OOP amount and associated quantity of 12 are Government evaluation placeholders to remain unchanged, and explain how actual authorized OOP costs will be reimbursed. | See section 4.3 and Appendix A of PWS. | No | ||
| 63 | 19-Oct-26 | Please confirm that one rate set applies to all named ports, military installations and other locations within Bahrain, and whether mobilization, demobilization and repositioning of personnel and equipment must be included in those rates. Please identify any separately payable location-specific charges | Rates apply to all ports. | No | ||
| 64 | 19-Oct-26 | Please confirm whether binding rental, supplier or subcontractor commitments demonstrating access to compliant equipment are acceptable in place of equipment ownership. | Yes, if the contractor has a sub-contractor or leasing agreement for the required equipment then that is acceptable. As long as the contractor as access to that equipment in order to maintain timeline for operations. | No | ||
| 65 | 19-Oct-26 | Please identify the accepted HAZMAT qualifications and self-certification evidence, including whether IMDG training or host-nation equivalent qualifications are acceptable and whether IATA-only certification is sufficient. | Host nation equivalent to US standards is acceptable for HAZMAT Certification. | No | ||
| 66 | 19-Oct-26 | Please confirm whether all inland transport is intended to fall within the issued 0 to 50 km band and how longer movements will be ordered and priced. Please confirm the treatment of empty return/repositioning and waiting allowances, and identify which oversize/overweight permits, escorts, route surveys and specialized trailer costs must be included in the trip rate versus separately authorized OOP services | Longer movements will be handled by the Heavy Lift 9 contracts. All movements will be coordinated by the COR as mission requirements evolve. | No | ||
| 67 | 19-Oct-26 | Please confirm whether quoters may add a separate cost-build-up worksheet to Attachment 2 while preserving all Government worksheets, formulas and evaluated quantities. Please explain how the build-up should be linked to commodity and manhour rates while keeping the yellow unit-price inputs as hardcoded values. | The Government requests you add a tab to Attachment 2, SOR, for the cost worksheet. The "build-up" should explain how the unit price was derived. | No |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .