Att_10_Solicitation_QA_Final_rev1.docx

N00024-13-R-2205 September 24, 2013 Attachment 10 – Solicitation Questions and Answers

HSMST – N00024-13-R-2205

Question 1: In Item 051-01 you specify the boat shall sustain speeds of 40+ knots in minimum operating condition in sea state three, in 051-03 you state that the diesel powered boat shall sustain speeds of 40+ knots in minimum operating condition in sea state one. Is this an error? There is a minor difference in HP between the gas powered versus the diesel powered Outboards. Also the ability for any boat to operate at 40+ knots safely in sea state three is minimal. Please advise.

Government Response 1: The requirements stated in Item 051-01 and 051-03 are correct. The difference between sea state three specified for the HSMST with the Gasoline Fuel Outboard Engine Package and sea state one specified for the HSMST with the JP/Diesel Fuel Outboard Engine Package is intended to account for the difference in horsepower, in addition to other factors such as different propellers. As stated in Item No. 040 and in numerous other sections of the specification, the HSMST must be capable of being operated unmanned, following installation of Government remote control systems. As stated in Item No. 070-05, Minimum Operating Condition does not necessarily include crew.

Question 2: Item 061-01, You state Structural components shall be constructed only of T and L shaped angle aluminum. This is a very unusual construction system that limits the bidder's construction system, it is highly unconventional and does not meet ABS standard construction methods which is comprised of transverse sawn plate frames and longitudinal that may be T or L shapes. Please advise that you will accept a bidder's normal construction system and not limit competition by specifying a specific construction technique?

Government Response 2: Item 061-01 in the Attachment 1 Specification has been revised to clarify the requirement. (Note: The intent of the requirement stated in Item No. 061-01 is not to prohibit flat plate aluminum, which can be cut, "sawn", or bent as necessary to create transverse frames and other structural components. The intent of the requirement is to prohibit the use of unconventional closed shapes such as square tube for structural components since square tube creates inaccessible voids. Inaccessible voids impede maintenance and can impede distribution of flotation foam in the hull.)

Question 3: Item 061-01, please confirm that all T and or L shapes shall be either 5083 or 5086?

Government Response 3: The requirement is as stated in the revised Item No. 061-01 of the specification. All T and L shaped aluminum composing the hull shall be 5083 and/or 5086 aluminum. T and L shaped aluminum used for non-structural components may be 6061 aluminum, in addition to 5083 or 5086 aluminum.

Question 4: Item 070-04, Please confirm if the LOA stated includes the engines and outboard guard, or is just to the transom or outboard bracket transom?

Government Response 4: LOA includes engines and engine rope/crash guard.

Question 5: Items 320-02.01 through 320-03.18, Can the Navy please provide an electrical schematic of current boats so that the bidder's can assess the work required and provide an accurate quote for this work to the Navy?

Government Response 5: No, the Navy will not provide an electrical schematic of current boats. Integration of the electronic controls, GFE, engine, and power distribution wiring as required by Item No. 320-02 and Item No. 320-03 depends on the configuration of the Offeror's proposed craft. Offerors should use the GFE list to estimate the work required and provide a proposal accordingly.

Question 6: Item 611-01-02 and other multiple CLINS, Can the Navy please provide guidance as to how delivery orders will be processed with the [multiple] CLINS proposed and the tight delivery schedule. Is it conceivable that boats 1-2 could be one air and one foam collar? Will monthly delivery be for the same type boat and CLINS and will it be for the same delivery location?

Government Response 6: The notional delivery schedule, delivery location, and boat configuration for the first 6 crafts are listed in the revised attachment 7. Craft No. 1 and Craft No. 2 shall be configured with Gasoline Fuel Outboard Engine Packages (Item No. 236-01), Foam Collars (Item No. 611-01), and Flotation Foam installed in the hull (Item No. 079-02). All other craft configurations for the delivery schedule will be determined at post award conference and all crafts for the first delivery order will be delivered to Port Hueneme, CA.

Question 7: Delivery Schedule, is there to be an expected delay between boats 1-2 and the next four boats to introduce certain changes desired by the Navy in the next four boats?

Government Response 7: No changes are expected in the configurations. The notional delivery schedule is stated in Attachment 7. Offerors are allowed to propose an alternative delivery schedule to meet the delivery requirements.

Question 8: Item 079-01 and 079-02: Please confirm that spray in foam solutions are acceptable for this contract.

Government Response 8: Spray-in flotation foam is acceptable as long as it meets the requirements of 33 CFR F 183.113 test of flotation materials and ABYC H-8.10 as stated in the Attachment 1 - HSMST Requirements Matrix.

Question 9: Item 083-01 and 083-02: Does the Navy want any spare props quoted for this project? We don’t see any listed here or throughout the matrix.

Government Response 9: Offerors are not required to quote prices for spare propellers in proposals.

Question 10: Item 261-01 calls for “Fuel fill line shall have two (2) inch diameter pipe and hose.” Item 593 requires compliance with the latest EPA emissions requirements. We have done extensive research on the new EPA requirements and have not been able to source a 2” fuel fill that complies. Only 1.5” fuel fills are available. We will respond accordingly but wanted to see if the Navy had any alternate sourcing options that comply with both specifications.

Government Response 10: The referenced sentence in Attachment 1 - HSMST Requirements Matrix, Item No. 261-01 has been changed to "Fuel fill line shall have minimum 1.5 inch diameter pipe and hose.”

Question 11: Section B relating to CLIN pricing shows pricing for CLIN 1001 – CLIN 1008. We have also reviewed the delivery order requirements in Section H. We are unclear if pricing submitted for CLINs 1001 – 1008 are firm, fixed prices throughout the 5 year contract or if price escalation will be allowed for future delivery orders based on increased costs? Please confirm.

Government Response 11: The prices submitted for CLINs 1001-1008 are firm, fixed prices for the first delivery order only as depicted in Attachment 9. The prices are not fixed throughout the 5 years. The prices for the first delivery order will be used for source selection and for the award of the first delivery order only. Future delivery orders will be competed amongst the two potential awardees as a result from this solicitation. The Government will issue RFPs for the future delivery orders to the awardees only. At that time, awardees can proposed to the RFP requirements, terms and conditions.

Question 12: Items 051-01 to 051-04 in the requirements matrix appear not to be consistent between engine configurations

Government Response 12: The requirements stated in Item 051-01 through 051-04 are correct. The differences between required speeds and sea states specified for the HSMST with the Gasoline Fuel Outboard Engine Package versus the HSMST with the JP/Diesel Fuel Outboard Engine Package are intended to account for the difference in horsepower, in addition to other factors such as different propellers.

Question 13: Requirements Matrix -- Item 252 (in group 200) - Requests an oil pressure gauge and alarm. We do not believe it is available from engine supplier

Government Response 13: The word “pressure” has been changed to “level” in the revised Attachment 1 - HSMST Requirements Matrix, Item No. 252 is revised as follows: "The instrument package shall include tachometer, tilt/trim indicator, voltmeter, engine coolant temperature, engine oil level, and engine hour meter. Engine oil level and coolant temperature alarms shall be both visible and audible with silence option.”

Question 14: Would consideration be given to use a Volvo Penta Diesel D3 Inboard/outboard unit for this craft?

Government response 14: At this time, we are not considering any other types of engines other than what is being specified in the requirement.

Question 15: Attachment 10 Solicitation QA dated 26 Sept 2013, Question 4 - Government Response was provided stating “LOA includes engines and engine rope/crash guard”. Within ABYC S-8 “Boat Measurement and Weight” it states “Length Overall (LOA) – the straight line measurement from the foremost part of the boat to the aftermost past of the boat, measured parallel to the centerline and to the design waterline. Integrally formed, molded, or welded components and appendages, such as bow pulpits, swim platforms, attachments structures, for the propulsion systems, and structural rub rails installed by the builder are included in the length. Attached bowsprits, pulpits, boomkins (bumpkins), rudder, sails, outboard brackets, handles, railing, and other similar attached extensions are not included in the measurement”. Since outboards are attached, they would not be considered within the LOA, does the Navy want the builders to follow ABYC definition of LOA or the guidance previously provided.

Government Response 15: For the purposes of the dimensional requirements stated in Item 070-04 of the Attachment 1 Specification, length overall (LOA) includes the flotation collar, outboard engines, and engine rope/crash guard even if these components may be “attached” and removable. Offerors should follow this guidance when responding to Item 070-04 regardless of LOA definitions provided by commercial industry standards or other sources.