YT_Pre-Solicitation_Q&A.pdf

90 ft. Azimuthing Stern Drive (ASD) Harbor Tugboats (YTs) N00024-17-R-2205

1. Question: Is there a specific design the Navy was looking at, or if you knew of any specific naval architecture firms that I should connect with at this point.

Answer: The Navy's upcoming YT solicitation will specify the required performance parameters and characteristics of the tugboat. Brand name or equal descriptions for equipment and components will permit prospective contractors to offer products other than those specifically referenced by brand name. Shipyards will have the flexibility to offer their own specific designs or subcontract naval architecture and marine engineering services to provide the best value to the Navy. The Navy cannot recommend specific naval architecture firms or other contractors. The solicitation for the YT 808 Class will include clauses requiring that the tugboats be constructed at a shipyard in the United States and built from a majority of domestic components in accordance with 10 U.S.C.7309, 41 U.S.C. 8301 (Buy American Act), and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

2. Question: Would it be out of order at this time to request the current equipment list for the existing YTs, and/or drawings to ensure we are sourcing common equipment to include in our upcoming offer?

We would appreciate this information, as it would certainly help in ensuring the goals of the solicitation are met as fully as possible.

Answer: The YT 808 Class Requirements Matrix will be an attachment on the RFP and will specify makes and model numbers (or equal) for certain parts and equipment that are of particular concern to the Navy for commonality and standardization. A separate equipment list and/or drawings will not be released.

3. Is the statement above intended to address equipment and parts commonality only, or will the Navy require the same vessel designer to be used - rejecting alternate designs of equal performance? Further, will the Navy prefer to use the same design as previous YTs.

Answer: Commonality and standardization applies to parts, equipment, and any performance/operational characteristics which affect personnel training and other lifecycle support requirements. For example, if the propulsion units (Z-drives) are placed in different locations on the vessel than on existing tugs, personnel may need to be re-trained to operate the tugs. This change would increase training costs and therefore be viewed as less favorable unless the change provides an operational cost savings to more than offset the cost of the additional training. The Navy will consider any design that meets the performance and configuration requirements that will be stated in the YT 808 Class Requirements Matrix, which will be an attachment to the RFP.

4. Please confirm that these vessels will require EPA Tier 4 and/or IMO3 emission certifications.

Answer: Yes, the YTs will be required to obtain EPA Tier 4 emission certification.

90 ft. Azimuthing Stern Drive (ASD) Harbor Tugboats (YTs) N00024-17-R-2205

5. Will the U.S. Navy be looking to sole source the propulsion system for the new 90-foot ASD tugs?

Answer: No US Navy will not sole source the propulsion system. The Navy's upcoming YT solicitation will specify the required performance parameters and characteristics of the tugboat. Brand name or equal descriptions for equipment and components will permit prospective contractors to offer products other than those specifically referenced by brand name. Shipyards will have the flexibility to offer their own specific designs or subcontract naval architecture and marine engineering services to provide the best value to the Navy.

6. We understand that the Solicitation has not been released, but we do want to make notification that we intend to review and bid this project for 90 Foot ASD Tugs. If there is a notification list for updates to this Solicitation, we asked to be placed on it so that we may immediately react.

Answer: The Navy does not provide notification services. Check with FedBizOpps for any notification services they provide to potential Offerors. It is the potential Offeror’s responsibility to continue to monitor FBO.gov for any updates to the solicitation.

7. Is there a full list of requirements available that could be shared with us?

Answer: The full list of requirements will be available when the Request for Proposal (RFP) is posted to FedBizOpps.