Q A_0001_16-R-3313.doc

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N32205-16-R-3313

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS #1

18 February 2016 The following are answers to questions received from potential offerors. The answers provide clarification only and DO NOT constitute an amendment to the solicitation.

1. It is unclear as to the forward lifting padeye being a single point pick or two. Could you please have MSC clarify?

ANSWER: The government shall provide only shackles to connect to the 3 lifting points on the vessel (one port and two starboard). The transport contractor shall provide the vertical lift slings. The lift plans designate only vertical lift (either 2-crane or a single crane with contractor supplied strong-back).

2. Also there is a reference on the cradle system Aft & Fwd Bunk Cradle "see Plan 1-5C" (ref 3). Could you see if this reference is available?

ANSWER: Please request technical drawings from LT Christian Grau, christian.grau@navy.mil.

3. Does the cradle system need to be welded to the deck? Are the 8 X 8 X 48 wood towers supplied by the government as part of the cradle system?

ANSWER: The cradle system does not need to be welded to the deck. The shipper is required to provide the cribbing and this can be any type of cribbing.

4. Under "General Note" #6 states that the hull needs tie down straps to the deck/ground if the vessel is subjected to 50kts winds.

ANSWER: This is true. Expected tie down arrangement for the journey would be to strap the center hull down.

5. If our tow plan limits the voyage to 30 kts wind do the tie downs to the center hull still need to be installed?

ANSWER: Yes, we still recommend center hull to be tied down.

6. The drawing shows lie downs from the AMAS in 8 places at an angle that creates a tie down distance from port to starboard of 64 ft. Does this tie down configuration establish the minimum width of the barge at 64 ft?

ANSWER: Regarding the size of the barge - a 54 foot barge could potentially work as well. The government requires the use of the ama cradles and the amas may not hang overboard.

7. Please advise if the intention for this to be a small business set aside.

ANSWER: Yes. This action is 100% small business set-aside.

8. Is there is any sort of lifting gear that will come along with the Unmanned Surface Vessel, or do owners have to have it manufactured and included in the proposal?

ANSWER: The Contractor will need to provide cranes, slings, and spreader bars. All other lifting gear will be provided by the Customer. This must be a vertical lift. None of the slings are to be at an angle during the lift in order to prevent undo stresses during the lift.