Questions_and_Answers_(2).docx

QUESTION ONE: We are a SAM registered company and we intend on filling out section b as it states in 52.212-3 however, we are a little confused as to what information needs to be provided in section b. We have verified all the information in our SAM registration is correct and accurate. Please advise.

ANSWER ONE: In this scenario, no additional information is required in paragraph b because you have verified that paragraphs (c) through (p) of the provision are accurately reflected in SAM.

QUESTION TWO: Section 7.5 in the ECDIS Chart Subscription document states the contractor shall provide a phone number for 24/7 support. Our normal business hours are 8-5pm Mon-Sat. We can provide our telephone and email contact information as first line of contact. Subsequently I can offer my cell phone number for non-business hours. The XXXX Office offers their 24/7 customer service support phone number for their S-57/S-63 charts. Will this meet the section 7.5 requirements?

ANSWER TWO: See revised section 7.5 QUESTION THREE: Is the contractor responsible for the physical installation of the electronic navigation charts (ENCs) on each ECDIS per MSC vessel?

ANSWER THREE: MSC will physically be installation the ENCs on each ECDIS per MSC vessel. Guidance will be provided by the contractor as necessary and as specified in the specifications.

QUESTION FOUR: What happens if a ship is not ready for the ENC installation or isn’t at the designated location upon the contractor’s scheduled arrival?

ANSWER FOUR: There are many factors to consider in such an unlikely scenario. A solution would be decided per unique event. However, see the revised specifications eliminating the requirement for onsite installation.

QUESTION FIVE: What is the time frame to complete installation of the ENCs on all MSC vessels?

ANSWER FIVE: The contractor is responsible for complying with the delivery time frames specified in the specifications. Installation is the responsibility of MSC with possible support from the contractor.

QUESTION SIX: What security clearance information is required to gain access to the vessels?

ANSWER SIX: Contractor shall comply with the SHIP & BASE ACCESS clause stated in the combined synopsis and solicitation. However, see the revised specifications eliminating the requirement for onsite installation.

QUESTION SEVEN: Can two representatives perform the ENC installations?

ANSWER SEVEN: The contractor may provide any solution so long as it meets the minimum requirements of the specification, however keep in mind award will go to the lowest priced solution that is technically acceptable. However, see the revised specifications eliminating the requirement for onsite installation.

QUESTION EIGHT: Will there be any costs incurred for security clearance and escort while in security areas?

ANSWER EIGHT: Cost may be incurred by the contractor for on-site visits and required badges. However, see the revised specifications eliminating the requirement for onsite installation.

QUESTION NINE: How many vessels are in San Diego and Norfolk?

ANSWER NINE: This number is constantly fluctuating QUESTION TEN: What do we need to submit as proof of completion of contracted work and authorize payment?

ANSWER TEN: See clause 252.232-7006 and MSC WAWF Instructions stated in the combined synopsis and solicitation.

QUESTION ELEVEN: Who will sign for acceptance of completed work?

ANSWER ELEVEN: An authorized MSC representative will confirm that the requirements have been met.

QUESTION TWELVE: Can you send us a revised spreadsheet that breaks down which ENCs are needed per vessel?

ANSWER TWELVE: Considering the answers provided above, and the specifications included in the combined synopsis and solicitation, the Government has concluded that this information will not be made available.

QUESTION THIRTEEN: I did not see a formal quote form in the solicitation. Did I miss it? If so can/will you please forward to me. If not, do we submit our quote on our letter head with all the appropriate info: i.e. Cage code, DUNS, MPIN etc.?

ANSWR THIRTEEN: Quoters shall submit quotes per the guidance of FAR provision 52.212-1(b).

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show --

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) “Remit to” address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

An SF 1449 has not been issued for this requirement. Be sure to provide all of the information requested in the combined synopsis and solicitation.

QUESTION FOURTEEN: In the specification document, par 7.1 it states : " Contractor shall provide a worldwide portfolio visible for route planning on the TRANSAS NaviSailor 4000 ECDIS ". If a worldwide portfolio of ENC's ( S57 / S63 ) is visible for voyage planning, this means that all charts are already licensed. ENC's would not be visible if not licensed (=purchased). This is not only applicable to the Transas NS4000 ECDIS but to ALL ECDIS units from ALL manufacturers. If the entire world coverage is licensed, obtaining the individual folio pricing would not be necessary. Can you please clarify this paragraph ?

Note 1 : The only way that a worldwide coverage would be available for route planning, would be a so-called PAYS ( Pay As You Sail ) ENC service. Since a PAYS service would involve vessel tracking this is most likely not compatible with MSC's mission(s).

Note 2 : A worldwide ENC coverage would be very much cost prohibitive.

ASNWER FOURTEEN: Vessels will be provided a complete set of base discs containing every ENC available within the service. These discs are locked, but allow the vessel to carry complete coverage. Vessel will only have access to folios and cells they hold licenses for.

QUESTION FIFTEEN: In the Excel spread sheet, the West Coast coverage includes the Port of Portland (ME – Maine), we assume that this should be Portland, OR. The Port of Portland folio is non-existent in the Admiralty folios, only the Columbia River folio. Please advise exact coverage required.

ANSWER FIFTEEN: Your assumption is correct a Port Portfolio for Portland(OR USA) is desired. See revised enclosure 2.1.1 QUESTION SIXTEEN: Par 7.4 it states that " Contractor shall provide regular chart maintenance updates at a minimum every seven (7) days. Chart updates may be furnished digitally or by CD to the following address. Etc. etc. "

Can you please clarify what the definition of " digitally " is. For example :

a) Companies have the ability to provide the ENC updates digitally through a dedicated website hosted in the USA, which is only accessible to MSC and is password protected.

b) The XXXX has free software available through which chart updates can be downloaded.

These options would eliminate the need for weekly mailings and would ensure that the vessels always have the latest updates on board, provided they have the bandwidth and internet access available

ANSWER SIXTEEN: Digital downloads of updates are acceptable. Digital downloads of software shall be able to pass a network security and be able to be emailed to the vessel at the discretion of the Government.

QUESTION SEVENTEEN: There is no mention in the specification of required ENC Base CD's / DVD. The Base CD/DVD's are issued on a quarterly basis by the XXXX. We assume that the Base CD/DVD's need to be included in the updating process.

ANSWER SEVENTEEN: Vessels will be provided a complete set of base discs containing every ENC available within the service. These discs are locked, but allow the vessel to carry complete coverage. Vessel will only have access to folios and cells they hold licenses for.

QUESTION EIGHTEEN: I noticed that some items need clarification:

In the Far East Section:

Cell: Okinawa Shima is actually 6 cells. Named: Okinawa Shima 1, Okinawa Shima 2, Okinawa Shima 3, Okinawa Shima 4, Okinawa Shima 5, and Okinawa 6.

Cell: Keihin Ko Yokohama unit is included in Port Folio: Tokyo Bay. It does not need to be ordered separately. There are actually 3 cells with that that make up the unit.

Cell: Yokjido to Geumo Yeoldo. This title is used twice. One for KR4F4H20, and KR4F4H40.

In the West Coast section:

You list Port Foilio: Portland (ME). This is Portland Maine. Do you want the Port of Portland Oregon? It is Port Foilio: Columbia River.

Please advise.

ANSWER EIGHTEEN: Replace Okinawa Shima with Okinawa Shima 2 If Keihin Ko Yokohama is included in your quoted Port Folio: Tokyo Bay please do not include a separate order for Keihin Ko Yokohama KR4F4H20 AVCS Cell: Yokjido to Geumo Yeoldo or equivalent shall be utilized.

See revised enclosure 2.1.1 QUESTION NINETEEN: Does the UKHO FTP site meet the acceptable digital update method mentioned in section 7.4?

ANSWER NINETEEN: Yes QUESTION TWENTY: Will each ship have a designated email address to email the permit files to?

ANSWER TWENTY: Yes