Att_10_Solicitation_QA_Final_rev2.docx

N00024-13-R-2205 October 4, 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 advice.

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 are 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, except for the spare engines

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 is 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: What is the approximate weight of the remote control systems (assuming this is included in the 1,000 lbs payload)?

Government Response 15: The weight of the remote control systems will be less than 50 lbs.

Question 16: What is the maximum number of crew (understanding that their weight is included in the 1,000 lbs payload)?

Government Response 16: The Government's minimum requirement is 2 crew members as stated in 150-02. There is no maximum crew requirement.

Question 17: Is a swamped flotation test (similar to that performed by the U.S. Coast Guard for pleasure boats) required as part of 094-02.01?

Government Response 17: No, a swamped flotation test is not required during Acceptance Trials.

Question 18: Is there a preferred radius for the limber holes noted in 100?

Government Response 18: Limber holes should be appropriately sized for the space/volume being drained and to prevent clogging from debris.

Question 19: Is there a thickness required for the Lexan windshield required by 150.01?

Government Response 19: Refer to American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Standard H-3 "Windows, Windshields, Exterior Hatches, Doors, Port Lights and Glazing Materials."

Question 20: Is there a preferred operating pressure (psi) for the steering system required by 561?

Government Response 20: An unpressurized hydraulic steering system is preferred.

Question 21: Is there a specific non skid material preferred for 634-01?

Government Response 21: No specific material is preferred for the non-skid coating or texture.

Question 22: Attachment 7 does not agree with Attachment 9, in terms of number of boats shipping, descriptions etc. Can you please amend Attachment 9 to match Attachment 7 or please advise which one we should follow?

Government Response 22: Attachments 7 and 9 have been revised to clarify the requirement. Craft Nos. 101 through 110 have been deleted from the Attachment 7 Delivery Schedule Form to reduce confusion regarding the quantity for the first delivery order. Offerors should use both attachments 7 and 9 to prepare its proposal.

Question 23: Attachment 9 states one lot for shipping of all HSMST’s but does not reference the same quantity as noted in Att. 7. Please confirm that this lot price has no bearing on the quantities in Att. 7?

Government Response 23: Attachments 7 and 9 have been revised to reference the same quantities. Offerors should quote the shipping price per Lot for CLIN 1002 in attachment 9. Each lot in CLIN 1002 of attachment 9 shall include the HSMST craft and shipping cradle. The packaging and delivery of spares and trailer as described in CLINs 1003 and 1005 of attachment 9 shall be priced as part of those CLINs.

Question 24: Attachment 9 Item 1002 states a one lot price for all freight as a package. As the units can be delivered in many variations this freight price would not be binding, is that correct?

· If not binding how can it be part of the evaluated price?

· Please confirm Attachment 9 is the evaluated price sheet not Section B?

Government Response 24: CLIN 1002 in Attachment 9 has been revised to allow shipping of different units. The Offeror may group deliveries in any quantities of craft per delivery to meet the Offeror's proposed delivery schedule in Attachment 7 (e.g. craft may be delivered 1 craft per delivery, 2 craft per delivery, or 8 craft per delivery, etc . . .). The price for Packaging and ---Delivery is binding as the entire contract is Firm Fixed Priced.

-The price for Packaging and Delivery is binding for the first delivery order. For the purpose of the price evaluation, the total price for CLIN 1002, Packaging and Delivery will be evaluated per Section M.

-Offerors should use Attachment 9 to propose prices. Quantities are not stated in Section B.

Question 25: We request an extension to the close, based on the Gov’t shutdown and delays to answers to questions.

Government Response 25: The Government has already voluntarily extended the closing date of the RFP from 10/2/2013 to 10/15/13. All questions to the solicitation were responded and posted promptly on FBO. No further extension is granted.

Question 26: Item 261-05, according to Mercury Marine, it is not recommended to install a fuel/water separator between the fuel tank and the Diesel or JP Optimax engine. Please see response from Mercury Marine as it pertains to this question: Our OptiMax engines (gasoline, JP, and diesel models) all have a mechanical (pulse - pressure/vacuum) operated fuel pump that pulls the fuel from the boat's fuel tank to the IVST fuel tank on the engine where the electric fuel pumps are located. Adding an additional filter before the engine will create additional resistance for the mechanical/pulse pump to overcome. Although everything may work fine when the pump is new and the additional filter is clean over time the resistance is going to increase as the filter starts to get dirty and the pulse pump is going to start to get weaker as the diaphragms in the pulse pump go through normal use cycles. There will come a point where the pulse pump on the engine can no longer maintain the fuel supply if it is pulling through an additional filter.

Based on this information, does the Government still want a fuel / water separator provided for 261-05?

Government Response 26: The requirement for the fuel/water separators as stated in Item No 261-05 of the Attachment 1 HSMST Requirements Matrix is unchanged and Offerors should address this item in proposals. The response from Mercury forwarded in Question 26 is not Mercury Marine’s official response. The Government re-contacted the Mercury Government Accounts Manager on 4 October 2013 and he stated that the fuel pumps on the Optimax JP and Optimax Diesel engines are capable of pumping fuel through primary fuel/water separators without overly affecting the expected life of the fuel pumps. Mercury Marine can provide recommended filter micron ratings for the application.

Question 27: I still have the question relating to pg 4, item 1003 - since I'm assuming the Navy is expecting the completion of Section B this line item appears as though a single unit price is to be submitted however, calls out in the description 083-01 through 083-06. Since these would have different costing associated to the particular item how exactly are we to answer this?

Government Response 27: Per Section L of the RFP, Offerors are not required to complete Section B. Offerors are only required to propose to the quantities and the applicable items in Attachment 9 of the RFP.

Question 28: The Spec did not specify a maximum for the fork tine spread for the larger slots. Can you specify the maximum spread for this or provide the type of forklifts for each set of slots?

Government Response 28: A maximum spread requirement is not specified in Item No. 084-01 in the Att 1 HSMST Requirements Matrix since the length of the cradle is typically the limitation and builders typically design the cradle to be only as long as required to keep the craft stable during transportation. The first (smaller) set of forklift slots are intended to enable a standard commercial forklift to move the cradle only (without the HSMST on the cradle). The second (larger) set of forklift slots are intended to enable a high capacity telescoping handler ("telehandler") type machine to lift the cradle together with the HSMST strapped onto the cradle.