Q_A 26QD004 HURREX.pdf

DISTRIBUTION: DoW COMMUNITY ONLY

HURREX Buses - M00263-26-QD-004

Questions:

1) Upon reviewing the solicitation, we came across the following statement: Subcontract Management - Offering service with the intent of brokering or subcontracting to another carrier is prohibited.

ANSWER: Subcontracting is prohibited (per PWS 2.4).

2) Section 2.9 of the PWS it states that the contractor must be prepared to deliver 180 buses, with the first 40 buses arriving within 24 hours and the remaining 140 buses arriving within 36 hours of notification.

(a) However, the PWS also indicates the evacuation requirement is for up to 8,600 passengers, and

Section 2.6 states that each bus must accommodate a minimum of 50 passengers. Based on standard motorcoach capacity (approximately 56 passengers per bus), transporting 8,600 passengers would require approximately 154 buses.

ANSWER: As the trajectory of storms and forecasting models evolve, the Government will maintain daily communication with the contractor, providing updates regarding the potential need for evacuating MCRDPI. This proactive communication will enable the contractor to promptly mobilize the required number of buses for the evacuation operation.

Upon receiving an official evacuation notice, the contractor is expected to deliver - 180 buses to MCRDPI. *The number of buses will be dependent on bus size (50 or 56 passenger). (per PWS 2.9)

b) Is the requirement to stage a total of 180 buses, with the first 40 arriving within 24 hours and the remaining 140 within 36 hours?

ANSWER: Yes. The requirement is to provide up to 180 buses. The initial 40 buses must arrive within 24 hours of notification to support the evacuation of approximately three (3) recruit companies traveling from MCRD Parris Island, SC to MCLB Albany, GA.

Additional buses are required to arrive within 36 hours of notification, with the remaining buses arriving no later than 50 hours after notification, if required.

The Government will maintain close coordination with the vendor and provide updates regarding the anticipated number of evacuees and the projected hurricane track to assist with planning and staging of transportation assets. (per PWS 2.9)

DISTRIBUTION: DoW COMMUNITY ONLY

3) Should offerors price their proposals assuming the full 180 buses may be required for an evacuation event, regardless of the passenger load?

ANSWER: Yes, quotes shall be for 180 buses. (per PWS 2.9)

4) Section B lists the hurricane evacuation transportation CLIN with an Estimated Quantity of two (2). At the same time, the PWS indicates that the contract may require up to two evacuation trips per year, depending on hurricane activity.

i) Does the estimated quantity of two (2) on CLIN 002 represent the total number of evacuation events anticipated during the base ordering period, or does it represent the maximum number of evacuations per year, which could potentially occur during the option period?

ANSWER: Yes, CLIN 0002: If MCRD Parris Island, SC experiences two (2) hurricanes requiring evacuation within the same year, this would result in two (2) separate evacuations. Contractors will be paid per evacuation event. Vendors shall submit quotes based on a price per evacuation.

If an evacuation is initiated and buses have already been mobilized, staged, or otherwise made ready for pickup, and the evacuation is subsequently cancelled by the Government, the contractor will still be entitled to payment for that evacuation event. (per RFQ CLIN 0002)

5) Given the scale of this requirement, many motor coach operators do not maintain fleets of this size at a single location or within a single operating region. In practice, supporting a requirement of this magnitude would typically involve mobilizing vehicles from multiple depots and operational regions across several states.

i) Is the expectation that the prime contractor must have immediate access to the full fleet of 180 buses?

ANSWER: Yes. Vendors must confirm in their quote that they have access to 180 charter buses to meet the requirement. The use of leased buses resources is acceptable to meet the total number required. Any arrangements to lease or otherwise obtain additional buses are the responsibility of the vendor and must be coordinated outside of this contract. (per PWS 2.9)

ii) Is it acceptable for the contractor to source and stage buses from multiple operational locations or affiliated fleets, provided the required quantities can be delivered within the specified 24-hour and 36-hour timeframes?

ANSWER: Yes, The vendor is responsible for coordinating and managing the logistics necessary to provide up to 180 buses in accordance with the requirements of the PWS. This includes ensuring sufficient transportation resources are available to meet the required timelines. (per PWS 2 General Requirements)