D01_Q and A_M2900025Q6002.pdf

Questions and Answers (Q&A) M2900025Q6002 Barge Support

1. Is it correct to say “port to port” 16 times?

a. Answer: Port to port just specifies that the Contractor is only responsible to deliver the equipment from one port to the other with a total of (16) trips or

(8) round trips as stated in the PWS.

2. Is loading and off-loading by USG or contractor?

a. Answer: Requested additional forklift support to aid in the offload at Ie

Shima port to minimize barge time at the port. USG will offload at Naha Military port.

3. Do you require a crane to move the EFK in the 20ft container, or will that arrive already placed on a truck?

a. Answer: No lift required for EFK. The containers will be mobile loaded onto trucks and trailers. The EFK will be pulled via prime mover.

4. In regard to “vehicles/trucks:” will stevedore (Contractor) drive off to the Ie Shima pier from the barge? Or the Marine Unit staff will drive?

a. Answer: USG will be responsible for operating vehicles on and off the barge.

5. Base passes: will stevedore (Contractor) be required to work on the Ie Shima base? Or just on the Ie Shima port (pier) area?

a. Answer: Requesting MHE support at Ie Shima port only. No base pass required for Ie Shima Training Facility.

6. Is this a brand new contract, or is there an incumbent performing these services?

a. Answer: This is a new requirement.

7. Regarding the schedule, equipment is planned to be transported out starting September 3, 2025. Will it be possible to obtain the necessary passes for crew members (and other personnel involved in the work) to enter Naha Military Port in time for that date?

a. Answer: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain access.

8. Regarding the 10,000-pound (4,535 kg) material handling support required at Ie

Shima Port, does the Government have a preference for whether a forklift or a crane should be used to perform this work?

a. Answer: The preference is for a forklift to expedite movement of deck loaded cargo off the barge. Crane operations would be slower and will incur additional load and offload time.

9. Given that insurance providers require the declared value of cargo to issue appropriate coverage, can the Government provide a cost breakdown of all equipment to be loaded per trip?

a. Answer: Yes, this can be provided.

10. Does the total of 8 material handling jobs mean 4 at Ie Shima Port between 3–7

September and 4 more between 27–30 September?

a. Answer: This is correct.

11. Does the material handling support at Ie Shima Port include loading equipment onto the barge, or just unloading?

a. Answer: Unloading breakbulk cargo from the barge and load onto prime movers at Ie Shima port upon barge entry into Ie Shima Port and loading for return trip.

12. Is it correct to understand that while there is material handling support at Ie Shima, all onloading and offloading at Naha Military Port will be handled entirely by the military?

a. Answer: This is correct.

13. Could you please provide the military's schedule to ensure the work is completed on time?

a. Answer: See PWS 3.1.1. “These movements are expected to begin in the morning on each day, pending final coordination between port authorities, Contractor, USG technical representative, and weather/sea state permitting.”

14. Can we moor overnight at Naha Military Port?

a. Answer: This will be up to the Contractor to decide with the port.

15. Is heavy machinery needed for all eight handling support sessions?

a. Answer: Yes.

16. The mobile field kitchen weighs over 10 tons. Can it move on its own?

a. Answer: The mobile kitchen is on a trailer that will be pulled by a prime mover.

17. In order to ensure timely coordination with port authorities, scheduling of barge assets, and base access processing, can the Government confirm the anticipated award date and whether at least 14 calendar days of lead time will be provided between award and the required first movement?

a. Answer: The USG will make every effort to afford the maximum amount of time for mobilization.

18. The PWS and RFQ (as amended) describe 16 total barge movements between Naha Military Port and Ie Shima Port — 8 during the Deployment phase (3–7 September) and 8 during the Redeployment phase (27–30 September). For planning and pricing purposes, we would like to confirm our understanding:

We assume that during the Deployment phase, all movements are intended to transport cargo from Naha to Ie Shima, and that no cargo is expected to be transported back to Naha during that time. Similarly, during the Redeployment phase, we assume all movements are intended to transport cargo from Ie Shima back to Naha, with no cargo expected from Naha to Ie Shima.

Can the Government confirm whether this is correct. If not, can the Government provide the intended sequence of port-to-port movements?

a. Answer: Incorrect, all movements must allow for equipment to be transported back to Naha military port. Prime movers will have to come back and support follow on barge movements. This is a must since equipment that breaks down must be brought to Naha for repairs. See PWS 3.1.1. “The round-trip movements include (4) trips from Naha Military Port to Ie Village Port and (4) trips from Ie Village Port to Naha Military Port.”

19. In order to plan for high-tide barge loading and offloading, particularly with roll-on/roll-off operations, can the Government provide the lowest ground clearance of any vehicle scheduled to be transported? This is necessary to confirm safe ramp access during elevated tide conditions. Additionally, would the Government be able to provide photos or catalog cutsheets (or other reference documents) for the specific cargo expected to be loaded?

a. Answer: This information can be provided once the barge is scheduled for movement.

20. Are there any operational time restrictions at Naha Military Port or Ie Shima Port that would limit when barge loading or unloading can take place? For example, is work prohibited after sunset or during hours of darkness? We’ve been informed that operations at Ie Shima may be subject to local restrictions (e.g., ending work at sundown), so clarification is appreciated to properly plan for labor, equipment, and lighting requirements.

a. Answer: This will have to be deconflicted with Naha military port and Ie Village by the Contractor. Operations at Ie Port are anticipated to cease by 2000 each day. See PWS 3.1. “The Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating schedule requirements with port authorities upon notification of movement requirements by the Government, in accordance with this

PWS.”

21. PWS §3.2.1 states that the USG will embark and debark military equipment from both ports. However, PWS §3.1.2 also requires the Contractor to provide material handling support at Ie Shima. Can the Government clarify which specific equipment items will require Contractor-operated handling at Ie Shima, and which will be handled exclusively by USG personnel?

a. Answer: The only support requested for embarkation and disembarkation by the Contractor is Forklift support offloading and loading equipment. This will be further coordinated with the Contractor and USG representative.

22. PWS §5.4 states that the USG will provide “cargo riders” to assist with equipment operations onboard the barge. Can the Government please confirm the maximum number of cargo riders expected to be present on the barge at any given time?

a. Answer: This is dependent on mission requirements and will be communicated with the Contractor. The intent is to not exceed (20) cargo riders.

23. Additionally, as the Contractor’s vessel does not include accommodations for cargo riders, can the Government please confirm that it will assume responsibility for planning appropriate shelter arrangements and accepting liability for its personnel while onboard?

a. Answer: Yes, the USG will assume responsibility and provide appropriate arrangements regarding safety and life support for cargo riders.

24. We respectfully request that the Government assign a single POC for Naha Military Port and another for Ie Shima Port for the duration of the contract. If there is a change in either POC, we ask that the Government provide timely updates to avoid confusion or delays in coordination.

a. Answer: A USG POC will be provided upon award.

25. The PWS does not specify the expected timeframe for loading and unloading operations at Naha Military Port and Ie Shima Port. To properly estimate costs and allocate resources, can the Government please clarify the anticipated duration of loading and unloading activities per movement at each port?

a. Answer: The anticipated duration of loading and unloading is dependent on the loadout of equipment required to support the movement.

26. Noticed the contract is in USD. Is it possible to have the contract in JPY?

a. Answer: Yes. Quotes can be submitted in JPY.