Questions_21_through_37_-_Final.pdf

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N00033-14-R-2001

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are answers to questions received from potential offerors. The answers provide clarification only and DO NOT constitute an amendment to the solicitation.

21. Page 17, Paragraph C-2.1.2, Minimum Range and Transit Speed, says that: The Minimum Range is 3,000 NM, and the minimum Transit Speed is 10 Knots.

a. Is that Minimum Range for the East Coast Craft, 3,000 NM, correct?

ANSWER: Yes.

b. Might the East Coast Craft be called on to tow a DCS-M or even a DDS for extended distances, like the West Coast Craft?

ANSWER: No.

c. Is this issue (towing) at all relevant to the East Coast Combat Submersibles Surface Support Craft?

ANSWER: No.

22. Page 17, Paragraph C-2.1.4, Open Deck Space, calls for a minimum of 2,000 sq. ft. of contiguous open deck space. In the West Coast RFP, Paragraph C-2.1.6 calls for 4,650 sq. ft. of contiguous open deck space. The 2 Paragraphs for “Deck Strength” in the two RFP’s have equipment lists that are fairly similar. I would expect the amount of deck space needed to be similar.

a. Is that minimum open deck space for the East Coast Surface Support Craft correct, 2,000 sq. ft.?

ANSWER: Yes.

b. Why are the two requirements so different? Does the West Coast RFP anticipate carrying everything on the list all the time, and does East Coast RFP anticipate carrying only some of the listed equipment on each cruise, as reflected in Attachment 7, Deck Load Plan Proposed Load Scenarios?

ANSWER: The load plans are for illustrative purposes and do not reflect all loading scenarios possible.

23. Page 17, Paragraph C-2.1.4, Open Deck Space, calls for a minimum of 2,000 sq. ft. of contiguous open deck space. The West Coast RFP calls for 4,650 sq. ft.

If the East Coast need is actually for more contiguous open deck space, must all of that space be on one level and in one location (contiguous,) or can part of that space be elsewhere on board ? For example, if the need is for 3,500 sq. ft., could that be broken into two separate open deck spaces, one of 2,500 sq. ft. and one of 1,000 sq. ft.?

ANSWER: Per C-2.1.4 a minimum of 2,000 sq. ft. contiguous open deck space is required.

24. Page 17, Paragraph C-2.1.5, Deck Strength, has some differences from the corresponding paragraph in the West Coast RFP, Paragraph C-2.2.

a. The East Coast RFP says 2 Mission-Specific Support Vans, weighing up to 7,500 lbs. each; the West Coast RFP says 3, weighing up to 24,000 lbs. each. Are these both correct?

ANSWER: Both are correct.

b. The East Coast RFP lists 2 24-ft RHIB’s, saying that each one takes up 34 ft. by 9 ft.; the West Coast RFP lists 2 24-ft RHIB’s, saying that each one takes up 24

ft. by 11 ft.. Are these both correct?

ANSWER: See amendment. Actual dimensions should be 24 ft. by 11 ft.

c. The East Coast RFP lists 2 SDV’s, saying that each one takes up 26.5 ft. by 7.55

ft. by 5 ft.; the West Coast RFP lists 2 SDV’s, saying that each one takes up 20

ft. by 5 ft. by 5 ft. Are these both correct?

ANSWER: Both are correct. Different size SDVs will be used on the East and West Coast.

d. The East Coast RFP lists 1 Dry Submersible, saying it is 24.6 ft by 8.2 ft., which won’t fit inside the legacy DDS. These dimensions don’t match up with any DCS prototype I’m familiar with.

ANSWER: Per C-2.1.5, the DS is 24.6 x 8.2 ft., 30,000 lbs.

e. Does this DCS have 2 or more built-in lifting eyes on top? If so, how far apart are they? Or should it be rigged for lifting with webbing / slings? Does it come with a trailer or cradle?

ANSWER: One DCS has a single lifting point and it has hardware that will attach to a crane hook. They do not come with a trailer; they lie flat on the deck.

f. The West Coast RFP doesn’t list any DCS. Is that an error?

ANSWER: No.

g. The West Coast RFP lists a SWCS. The East Coast RFP does not list a SWCS.

Is that an error?

ANSWER: No.

25. Page 83, Paragraph L-4.1.2(3)(a) Certifications

This paragraph requires bidders to submit a copy of the vessel’s USCG COI under Subchapter I and a copy of the vessel’s classification certificate from an IACS member society.

I do not have a USCG COI at this time. Can’t I submit that COI after I get her reflagged, which I will only do if I win the contract?

ANSWER: Please see revised paragraph, L-4.1.2(3)(a), in Amendment 0003.

26. Page 83, Paragraph L-4.1.2(3)(b) Flag

This paragraph requires bidders to submit a copy of the vessel’s Certificate of Documentation showing that the vessel is US Flagged, Jones Act Qualified. I do not have a current US Certificate of Documentation at this time.

a. Can’t I submit that after I get her reflagged, which I will only do if I win the contract?

b. Isn’t it sufficient for me to show that she was built in the US and Jones Act qualified?

ANSWER: Please see revised paragraph, L-4.1.2(3)(b), in Amendment 0003.

27. Page 83, Paragraph L-4.1.2(3)(c)v.1 & 2 Craft Launch and Recovery System.

These paragraphs require bidders to submit a narrative that demonstrates how the vessel is already equipped with an adequate, appropriate LARS, and that also demonstrates that the LARS was manufactured IAW a suitable standard for lifting devices promulgated by an IACS member.

Can’t I submit that after I get the LARS manufactured and installed, which I will only do if I win the contract? I will firmly commit in my proposal to provide such a LARS, but only if I win.

ANSWER: No. Per L-4.1.2(3)(c), Offerors shall provide a narrative demonstrating how the proposed vessel meets or exceeds the minimum requirements.

28. C-2.3 Water Supply. The vessel shall provide a minimum of 2,000 gallons of potable water production to support sponsor personnel and crew living onboard and 2,000 gallons fresh water daily on back deck for miscellaneous use, including but not limited to equipment wash down. The contractor shall provide a seawater system for cooling batteries.

We will need more information on the batteries to provide an adequate cooling system. Please provide battery details and cooling requirements?

ANSWER: Please see revised C-2.3 in Amendment 0003; the Government will be providing the seawater cooling system.

29. C-2.1.5 Deck Strength.

This section gives a list of CFE/CFE. Is it intended that the deck strength of the open space must be able to handle the load of all of this equipment simultaneously? If not, what are the different loading scenarios and what equipment items are included in each scenario?

ANSWER: The load plans are for illustrative purposes and do not reflect all loading scenarios possible. Please see Attachment 7.

30. C-2.1.5 Deck Strength.

What is the worst local point load of any of the equipment listed in this section? What is the footprint?

ANSWER: The worst local point load is 30,000 lbs. The footprint of the DS is 24.6 x 8.2 ft.

31. C-2.1.4 Open Deck Space, C-2.1.5 Deck Strength.

Section C-2.1.4 calls for 2000 sq. ft. open deck space. Section C-2.1.5 lists all of the equipment that must be carried on the contiguous open deck space.

It appears that the sum of all of the space required for all of the equipment of Section C-2.1.5 far exceeds 2000 sq. ft. Are there different loading scenarios made up of subsets of the list of equipment that add up to 2000 sq. ft.? If so what are they? Is equipment allowed to be stacked in order to fit it into the space? If so, which pieces of equipment?”

ANSWER: There are 5 loading scenarios which can be reviewed on Attachment 7 of the solicitation. Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts (CRRCs) may be stacked.

32. C-2.4 Compressed Air.

The vessel shall provide divers quality air at 3,000 PSI @ 30 CFM. US Navy Diving and Manned Hyperbaric System Safety Certification Manual, NAVSEA (SS521-AA-MAN-010, Revision 2, 1 Nov 2006) applies. A copy is available via website:

http://www.navsea.navy.mil/Organization/NAVSEA%20Instructions.aspx or upon request. Vessel shall be able to recharge one SDV at a minimum of 30 CFM to a max of 3,000 PSI. The contractor shall provide current air sample results upon delivery and in accordance with U.S.

Navy Diving Manual and OPNAVINST 3150.27 (Series).

Attachment 2 “Revised Schedule Government Furnished Property East Coast Follow On” lists

“AIR COMPRESSOR FOR CHAMBER SUPPORT AND SCUBA CHAR”

Is the contractor required to purchase and install the air compressor, or just install?

ANSWER: For the Air Compressor stated in C-2.4, the contractor is required to provide and install the air compressor.

33. C-2.2.1 Small Boat Fuel Capacity.

The vessel shall be equipped with a minimum 450-gallon external fuel storage tank (CFE) for gasoline and associated equipment to facilitate refueling RHIBs at sea. Storage tank shall be approved by the USCG. Additionally, the contractor shall provide a means of refueling diesel fuel for sponsor GFE (generators, etc). The contractor will refuel Government small boats as required.

Attachment 2 “Revised Schedule Government Furnished Property East Coast Follow On” lists “

450 GALLON GASOLINE STORAGE TANK”

Is the contractor required to purchase and install the tank as per 2.2.1, or is the tank GFE as per attachment 2?

ANSWER: Per C-2.1.5 and C-2.2.1., the 450 gallon gasoline stowage tank is CFE.

34. C-2.5.1 Underwater Tracking System.

The vessel must be configured to receive a GFE Track Point Underwater Tracking System and an acoustic navigation transducer. The system shall be deployed by way of retractable tube of a minimum 12-inch diameter at least three to four feet below the bottom of the hull fitted with a hydraulic lifting winch, boom, or crane. Through-hull penetrations, retractable tubes, and lifting systems are to be provided by the contractor.

C-2.5.2 Underwater Communications.

The vessel shall be able to support underwater telephone operations. Vessel shall accommodate underwater telephone compatible with GFE EDO 5400 having transponder interrogator pinger echo sounder (TIPE) capability. The vessel shall be configured to receive a GFE acoustic navigation transducer. The underwater telephone shall be deployed by way of retractable tube of a minimum 12-inch diameter at least three to four feet below the bottom of the hull fitted with a hydraulic lifting winch, boom, or crane. Through-hull penetrations, retractable tubes, and lifting system are to be provided by the contractor.

Please provide more information regarding “fitted with a hydraulic lifting winch, boom, or crane”

ANSWER: Transducers for underwater comms and tracking system are on poles that physically go up and down as required to accommodate transit, and should be located three to four feet BELOW the bottom of the hull which is fitted with the hydraulic lifting winch, boom or crane.

35. C-2.1.4, Open Deck Space: by “contiguous,” does the Government mean the open deck space must all be on one horizontal deck plane or can the open deck space be shared between two horizontal deck planes that are connected by one or more inclined ladders?

ANSWER: Yes, the 2,000 ft. of open deck space must be on one horizontal deck plane. The GFE can be moved to different places as long as the ship can launch and recover SDV and

RHIBS.

36. L-4.1.2 (3)(a) Certifications (C-1.8). Offerors shall provide a copy of the vessel’s Certificate of Inspection (COI) showing certification by USCG under Subchapter I and a copy of the vessel’s classification certificate from ABS or an equivalent IACS member society.

The RFP currently requires the offeror to provide the COI and class certificate with the proposal.

Would the government consider changing this requirement such that it states the offeror shall warrant that a COI and class certificate will be provided at delivery?

If no, is it expected that these documents (submitted with the proposal) must align with all the requirements of the RFP in terms of manning, lifesaving appliance etc. or can the offeror provide an existing COI and class certificate and warrant that a fully complaint COI and class certificate will be provided at delivery?

ANSWER: Please see revised paragraph, L-4.1.2(3)(a), in Amendment 0003.

37. C-2.2, Craft Launch/Recovery System: What sea state conditions must the craft launch/recovery operations specified in C-2.2 be capable of being carried out in?

ANSWER: Launch and Recover RHIBs/SDVs up to Sea State 5.