Q_AND_A__1__PTV.docx

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS #1

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. SF 1449, Box 15 & Box 20 – What does “See Schedule” refer to?

Answer: In Box 15 the schedule refers to the parts of Section C that describe where and how the vessel is to be originally delivered and where performance of the service will occur. In Box 20, the schedule refers to all services and supplies required by the contract.

2. Section B-2, subsection 2.1 – The reference to “Box 14” appears to be erroneous.

Answer: The reference to Box 14 is incorrect. The requirement of B-2, 2.1 should refer to Box 18. Amendment 0003 will be issued in the near future to update this requirement.

3. Section C, 2 - Does the 6 hour window include the time spent loading the cargo onboard the vessel?

Answer: No. The six hour window includes the time to transit from the pier to the operation area, conduct the transfer and return. Language will be added to clarify this requirement in Amendment 0003.

4. Is there a delay between loading cargo and leaving for the run?

Answer: No. It is not intended that there should be an extended delay between loading the cargo and departing; however, operational considerations may cause this to occur.

5. Section C, 3.4 – Is the 50 tons mentioned in reference to the vessel’s cargo capacity, GRT or NRT?

Answer: Gross Registered Tonnage. Amendment 0003 will clarify this requirement.

6. Section C, 3.7 – What is the required length of the brow (gangway) as measured from the deck edge of the chartered vessel to the vessel being serviced?

Answer: This would be dependent on the freeboard of the charter vessel and the fendering supplied by the vessel to support the operation. That said the vessel being supported has a beam of approximately 42’ and a freeboard of approximately 11’. The brow required would have to lie flush with or above the deck of the vessel. It should be, at minimum, 2 feet in width and would measure about 18 feet when extended across. The bottom of the brow would have to be fitted with rubber-coated rollers to prevent the metal-to-metal contact between the brow and submarine deck. Section 3.7 will be updated to reflect this requirement via Amendment 0003.

7. Are there any particular standards/specification by which the brow must be constructed (e.g. material selection, handrail height/spacing)?

Answer: No. Any commercially available brow meeting United States Coast Guard standards will be acceptable.

8. Can you provide pictures or mechanical drawings of an approximate example?

Answer: Drawings cannot be provided

9. Are two separate (port and starboard) brows needed?

Answer: No, however, the vessel will need the ability to move the brow to either side while underway as operational requirements dictate. This requirement will be clarified via Amendment 0003.

10. Can the brow be set to a side prior to leaving the berth?

Answer: See answer for question #9.

11. Will the vessel need the ability to switch sides while at sea/underway to the destination or while at the destination?

Answer: See answer for question #9.

12. Section C, 3.12 –Can you provide a profile of the vessel to be serviced at the particular draft or range of drafts to which the chartered vessel will be alongside so we can assess the actual fendering required?

Answer: A drawing cannot be provided, however the vessel(s) will be SSBN/SSGN. In addition, for more particulars regarding the vessel to be serviced, see the answer to question 6.

13. What are the particular set of parameters that would require propeller guards?

Answer: Propeller guards, if fitted, are required to be fendered.

14. Section C, 3.13 – Does the government rider require their own cabin or can they be berthed in a crew cabin with a designated/personal bunk?

Answer: No. A dedicated stateroom is not required. This requirement will be clarified via Amendment 0003.

15. Section C, 3.14 –What is the required reach (from the side shell of the chartered vessel) to the offloading point on the vessel to be serviced?

Answer: This is dependent on the configuration of the fendering employed by the contracted vessel. The beam of the vessel supported is 42 feet.

16. What is the height above the waterline of the deck onto which the pallets are off loaded?

Answer: The deck is approximately 11’ AWL. See same information from question #15, above for the brow. This requirement shall be clarified via Amendment 0008.

17. Section G, 8.1 – Precisely where in this contract does it identify services and supplies approved for reimbursement?

Answer: In accordance with Section C-6, port services, if not being provided by the Government, will be reimbursed.

18. Section H, 4.1 – The operating limits listed in this section seems to be in contrast to the work defined and priced elsewhere. Can the contractor assume insurance requirements for the proposed operating area?

Answer: The insurance requirements of the contract will be updated by Amendment 0003.

19. Section H, 8.4 – This section discusses securing cargo. Typical crew/supply boats do not have deck lashing points directly on their deck due to their plank wood decks. Is there requirement for center deck lashing points and if so you can provide specifications?

Answer: No, there is no specific requirement for lashing points. Vessel must be able to secure the cargo mentioned.

20. Section H-10.3 – The crew compliment per the vessel’s COI for the basic BSP service is one Master and two deckhands. Is this sufficient for the service envisioned?

Answer: Yes

21. What is the crew complement of the current contract holder for this service?

Answer: This information is not available.

22. If the crew of the Contractor’s vessel is a member of a collective bargaining unit (Seafarer International Union) does the stipulations for pay rates and benefits of Attachment G still apply?

Answer: DoL sets the minimum pay requirements for a given industry. The CBA must meet these minimal requirements.