MSC_MUTC_Questions_2__12_APR_2017_UPLOAD.pdf

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N32205-17-R-2003

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (2)

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. Page 3 SF1449 continuation lists Attachments that are different from those on page 81 – can the government clarify?

ANSWER: Lists of attachments on page 3 are a duplicate of page 81. When the solicitation is amended the list of attachments on page 3 will be deleted.

2. PWS 2.1.1.5 refers to Section C-4 to teach classes during the workweek in accordance with Section H-8 – can the government clarify this section? (relates to number of instructors per course) .

ANSWER: Instructors teaching courses are all contract, all CIVMAR or a combination of contract and CIVMAR. The number of instructors depends on the size of each class (1 student or max).

Usually the minimum number of instructors for lecture and additional instructors in the labs and practicals. See question 4 below for additional information.

3. PWS 2.1.1.5 states that “a basic curriculum for each class, including course materials, will be provided by the government”, however, PWS 2.1.2.1.3 states that course materials are the responsibility of the contractor. Can the government clarify?

ANSWER: The student manuals/guides are printed in the MSC technical library. When insufficient student manuals/guides are available the contract/CIVMAR/GS instructors will print and bind the student manuals/guides at the MUTC building using government equipment. It is the responsibility of the contract/CIVMAR/GS instructors to ensure that the course materials (student manuals/guides, tools and parts) are on station and available prior to the start of the class. Upon completion of each class the instructor will provide a list of supplies used to the MUTC supply person.

4. PWS 2.1.1.5 Can the government identify by numbers (Qty) which resident courses require 1, 2 and or 3 instructors?

ANSWER:

a. AMC - 2-3 instructor

b. Banding and Palletization - 1-3 instructors

c. Basic Seamanship - 1 instructor

d. Cargo Droop Reel - 1 instructor

e. Cargo Handling & Storage – 1-2 instructors

f. Cargo Ordnance – 1-2 instructors

g. Cargo Storage – 1 – 2 instructors

h. Crane Office Admin – 1 instructor

i. Crane Operator Certification – 2 instructors

j. EXPLOSIVE MHE – 1-3 instructors

k. EPF MHE – 1-2 instructors

l. Magazine Sprinkler System OPS and Maintenance – 1-2 instructors

m. OHE – 1-2 instructors

n. OHA – 1 instructor

o. STREAM courses – 4-5 instructors (4 on deck, 1 in booth)

p. STREAM Winch Booth – 1 instructor

q. VERTREP – 1-2 instructors

5. PWS 2.1.1.5.3 How many Non-Resident exportable events are there each year and what are the durations?

ANSWER: 5-7 training courses that require travel out of the area(usually 2 instructors), 10-15 training courses on board ships in the Hampton Roads area, If MUTC contractors are used for Underway UNREP SQTs will be 10-15. To date have only used contractors for inport UNREP SQTs (5 events). Next year 10-15 events.

6. PWS 2.1.1.5.3 Non-resident Courses - refers to Section H-6 (which is in the prior RFP, not his one) for REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL (p. 24 of 81) - which states that G&A is not an allowable charge on Travel Cost. Would the government re-consider this requirement as there are costs associated with making travel arrangements, processing travel claims and invoices that are direct hits on a contractor G&A expenses?

ANSWER: Travel CLINS’s annual amount not to exceed $300,000.00. G&A expenses should be categorized under program management not travel. G&A expenses are not written to in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

7. PWS 2.1.1.7 states that Underway Sustainment Training is “as required” – to properly price maritime insurance, how many underway events are there each year and what is the duration?

ANSWER: If MUTC contractors are used for Underway UNREP SQTs will be 10-15. To date only CIVMARs have been used for Underway UNREP SQTs. To date have only used contractors for inport UNREP SQTs (5 events local area). Next year possibly 10-15 events if MUTC is tasked. Duration of underway training 2-5 days.

8. PWS 2.1.1.7 For Underway Sustainment Training, what is the composition of support provided for embarked CART units?

ANSWER: Would support STREAM, MHE, OHE, VERTREP training. Have not supported Underway training for embarked CART units in the last two years. If CART team end strength increases and usage of CART teams increase may implement the training. Have support STEAVADOR and contractor ammunition training in Charleston and JAX prior to AMMO offloads. Instructors were off the ships prior to any operations. In the future may support NAVELSG crane training onboard USNS ships inport.

9. PWS 2.1.1.7 Is there any historic data for the location and duration of embarked training support?

ANSWER: In the last two years: 3-5 days embarked on ships inport Charleston and JAX.

10. PWS 2.1.1.7 How much advance notice is provided for scheduling embarked training?

ANSWER:2-3 weeks

11. PWS 2.1.2.1.2 (and 4.1.1.4, 4.1.1.11) refers to paragraph F-4 (Deliverables) – this section or any labeled as Deliverables is not in the RFP. Can the government clarify?

ANSWER: Deliverables reports listed in section F-4. The table below lists the reports that will be considered the contract deliverables, along with each report’s periodicity:

Item Deliverable Delivery PWS Section

1 Progress Reports Monthly 2.1.5.3

2 CART Reserve Readiness Reports

Monthly 2.1.6.1.2

3 Student and Training Course Reports

At completion of each class 2.1.1.5.1

4 Equipment /Supply Inventory Report

Monthly 2.1.3.3

5 Equipment Storage Status Reports

Quarterly 2.1.3.2

6 Safety Reports Quarterly and as-needed 2.1.1.3

12. PWS 2.1.2.1.3 requires production of training materials which is “reimbursable, IAW the contract.” The REIMBURSABLES Section on p. 23 or 81 provides payment for contract materials, and states in b. :

“The Government will reimburse the Contractor only for the actual price paid. “Actual price" paid by the Contractor for such supplies includes tax paid, if any, and reduced by any and all credits and rebates, whether accrued or realized, associated with the supplies provided. “Actual price” for supplies and services and shipping charges does not include material handling charges, overhead, general and administrative costs, profit, or any other indirect cost that is in any way associated with the Contractor’s purchase or provision of such supplies, services and shipping charges.”

This language appears to be a holdover or cut and paste from other non-related MSC RFP language for MSC vessel operating agreements with paragraph b. merely editing out reference to accepted “Day Rate.” The language is verbatim from MSC Section G-8 from Operating agreements for charter roll-on roll-off vessels. This does not makes sense as we are being asked to provide a FFP quote for the various tasks for providing training, with reimbursable for travel and materials related to training and maintenance. The identified reimbursable items bound acceptable costs outside of the stated PWS and require additional efforts to support – including labor hours and allowable costs to support. A reimbursable CLIN is not appropriate without allowed incurred costs for anything other than a not-for profit entity. As there were no reimbursable ceilings, or basis for estimating the ceilings for materials (CLIN 0002), or travel (CLIN 0003), essentially the government is “requiring” that we provide an unknown ceiling for a line of credit at no cost, and with no interest. Will the government consider revising the language, or clarify?

ANSWER: Reimbursable Ceilings

- Material CLIN’s annual amount not to exceed $150,000.00

- Travel CLINS’s annual amount not to exceed $300,000.00

- New Training CLIN’s annual amount not to exceed $350,000.00

13. 2.1.3.3.7 Is the shipment cost for training equipment to exportable sites charged against the material CLIN?

ANSWER: Travel CLIN if driving the material in a rented vehicle, excess baggage if flying. If shipping will usually try to get MSC supply to ship or can use the material CLIN. Can also use the MUTC TAC code.

14. PWS 2.1.8.3 states that “the contractor shall ensure instructors with the appropriate training course qualifications remain on the contract” – is this referring to the Non-Displacement of Qualified Worker’s clause? While we can offer them employment, we have no manner in which to require them to stay after an award.

ANSWER: When new personnel replace departing workers they must have appropriate qualifications prior to being placed on the contract.

15. PWS 2.1.9 - Please provide embarked points overseas so we can price Defense Base Act insurance or can this be billed against the Travel or Material CLINS when required?

ANSWER: Guam, Rota. In the last two years have only sent instructors to Guam to teach the crane course.

16. PWS 2.1.9 – How many instructors are required for each non-resident exportable training sessions?

ANSWER: Usually 2 instructors if out of Hampton Roads area.

17. PWS 2.1.9 How many instructors are required for each SQT underway session?

ANSWER: 2-4 instructors. To date only CIVMAR instructors have completed the underway SQT training.

18. PWS 2.1.3 Are there government people in the warehouse too? Or does the contractor do it all?

Since there are two locations (Little Creek and Norfolk), is there a requirement for one warehouse person per location at all times, or do they travel between locations?

ANSWER: The MUTC contractor only takes care of MUTC equipment/supply items. There are other contract and government personnel working in the warehouse taking care of other MSC equipment.

The primary warehouse LP-26 is located in Norfolk. The person will work at both LP-26 and JEBLC building 3525. The person will spend most of their time at JEBLC 3525 when the LP-26 warehouse inventory is reduced and/or moved to JEBLC.

19. PWS 2.1.3 Is there an inventory of the warehoused equipment?

ANSWER: Yes, we have an inventory of all equipment in LP-26 NORFOLK

20. PWS 2.1.3 Are government vehicles provided for movement of equipment in preparation for shipment?

ANSWER: Yes, government owned or government contracted.

21. PWS 2.1.4 Do the engineering techs travel as well with instructors or are they based at the MUTC only?

ANSWER: No, only based at MUTC.

22. PWS 2.1.4.2 Can the government provide a list of the required operability tests and applicable manuals?

ANSWER: The engineers will use the MSC Ships Maintenance System computer system to track and conduct maintenance.

23. PWS 2.1.4.3 Are there governing test, inspection and maintenance manuals for the equipment and if so, can they be provided?

ANSWER: Just to list a few of the manuals and instructions: UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT NTTP 4-01.4, NAVSUP PUB 538, Management of Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) and Shipboard Mobile Support Equipment (SMSE). NAVSUP PUB 538, 3-1.2.1, Manual Pallet Trucks (Afloat) and 3-1.2.2, Manual Pallet Trucks (Ashore), NAVSEA SW023-AH-WHM-010, NAVSEA OP 2173, Approved Handling Equipment for Weapons and Explosives, NAVSUP PUB 538, NAVSUP Ammunition Sentencing Publication, P-805, NAVSEA SW020-AC-SAF-010, Transportation and Storage Data for Ammunition, Explosives and Related Hazardous Materials – transportation, NAVSEA OP 4, Ammunition and Explosives Safety Afloat - stowage afloat, NAVSEA OP 5, Ammunition and Explosives Safety Ashore - storage ashore, FED-STD-595, OPNAVINST 5100.23 G, Probe Fueling Hardware; Shipboard Level (0920-LP-103-2010), Fueling at Sea Single Probe Overhaul Procedures (S9570-AW-TRS-101), Fueling at Sea Single Probe Overhaul Procedures

NAVAIR 00-80T-122, NWP 3-04.1 , MIL-C-21215 NAVSEA OP 2173, (S9570-AW-TRS-010),

NAVSEA S9571-AA-MMA-010, NAVSEA SW023-AH-WHM-010, Handling Ammunition and Explosives with Industrial Materials Handling Equipment (MHE), describes other approved forklift attachments specifically designed to handle ammunition and explosives.

24. PWS 2.1.5.1 Is the contractor responsible for designing a NEW web page or managing existing MSC MUTC web page on the MSC servers?

ANSWER: Maintaining and updating the existing MUTC web page.

25. PWS 2.1.8.4 while any non-incumbent is obligated to offer the first right of refusal to incumbent personnel, there is no way to mandate that they stay. They have 10 days to consider and either accept or reject an offer of employment. During that time, an awardee cannot make another offer of employment to fill the position. Can you clarify the intent of this section?

ANSWER: To maintain some continuity and level of expertise for the training courses. The qualification time line for the AMC course instructors was approx. 6 months.

26. PWS 2.1.9.4 Do most all underway events average working 7 days a week, 12 hours per day?

ANSWER: Work week is 80 hours over a 14 day period. To date, have not used the contract instructors for underway SQTs. Have used CIVMARs. All underway SQTs have been less than 5 days.

27. PWS 3.1.4 states that the government will provide training facilities for classroom and hands-on training, but then in Section 3.2 states that MUTC “would” request “training facilities as required” and 3.2.1.5 states MUTC requires up to 3 additional classrooms (and a break room).

Can the government clarify the requirement? (i.e. - A. How many rooms (with square footage), and what type, b. Maximum distance from JEBLC, c. Hours of operation, d. are there any security requirements, e. what equipment is needed for instruction, f. computer and phone access requirements etc.)

ANSWER: Classrooms to hold 25 people (USCG standards). Near NOB and JEBLC. 0730-1530. All material is UNCLAS but we are in the process of developing a Classified Operations course. Will use the MUTC instructor computers and projectors.

28. PWS 3.2 – Can the government more clearly state the requirement for additional training facilities?

ANSWER: We are looking for the availability classroom space if there is a significant training surge requirement. Will the government provide tables, chairs, computers etc… or is the CLIN 0005 expected to be Turn Key? The contractor will supply all equipment except the instructor’s projector and computer. MUTC has several Non-NMCI computers for instructors use for both in-house and exportable training.

29. PWS 4 – there are no experience or professional qualifications provided for the MUTC Instructors, can the government clarify?

ANSWER: Instructor’s additional qualifications para 4.5 and 4.6.\

30. PWS 4.1 Lists Key Personnel, which includes the PM, Lead Engineer, Engineering Tech, MUTC Student Coordinator, MUTC IT, and MSC MUTC Mil. Reserve Coord. – and per the Evaluation Factors, resumes are required for these personnel. Section 4.2 then identified ALL personnel, to include the 10 instructors, and MUTC Warehouse Tech as key personnel as well. Can the government please clarify which personnel are actually key, and require resumes submitted?

ANSWER: 4.1.1 through 4.1.6 and Instructors requiring specialty qualifications 4.6. (Note: This section seems excessively to the advantage of the incumbent, especially given the language in Section 2.1.8.4, and considering this is now a SCA contract and any awardee is required to offer non-management personnel first right of refusal to retain their positions, is there a need for resumes for all personnel?) ANSWER: Request resumes for all personnel.

31. PWS 4.1.1.13 PM Minimum Education/Experience required – states a Bachelor’s degree, plus 10 years of experience as a Deck or Navigation Officer: our understanding is that the current PM is a retired Gunner’s Mate ANSWER: Not correct, there are many other rates that worked extensively with the deck department, including Ordnance Officers, will the government consider expanding the background for the PM?

ANSWER: Experience in Deck, engineering, MSC operations, PREPO, MIPSRON, Crane, Ammunition, contracting, etc, is required.

32. PWS 4.16 states that the MSC MUTC CART Reserve coordinator will be co-located with the CART Program Administrator N00R at NS Norfolk, but then states they will be physically located at JEBLC – Can you clarify what location are these personnel expected to work from?

ANSWER: The MSC MUTC CART Reserve coordinator will be co-located with the CART Program Administrator N00R at NS Norfolk. The MUTC CART Reserve coordinator will be required to be on station JEBLC when CART team members are in-house for training.

33. PWS 4.5.3 the prior RFP and contract did not require a Navy Master Training Specialist qualification – only an NEC 9502 or other training-related credential. The Boatswains Mate community has very few billets where an MTS certification is available – typically associated with a formal school. This requirement seems overly restrictive and may preclude highly experienced and qualified personnel from serving. Will the government consider allowing a 9502 rating, or Maritime Trained and certified instructors with required experience as a trade-off, and as they have done in the past (as well as on other similar contracts)?

ANSWER: Provide examples of Maritime Trained and certified instructors.

34. PWS 4.3 given the requirement stating all personnel are considered key (with resumes), and under the Service Contract Act and the Non-Displacement of Qualified Workers laws, there is no way that anyone other than the incumbent can comply with this section. This directly conflicts with Section 2.1.8.4

ANSWER: To maintain some continuity and level of expertise for the training courses when the new contract takes effect, the new personnel assigned to the new MUTC contract must remain in place for at least 90 days. Some companies will move personnel from contract to contract. This practice is not acceptable. The learning curve for new instructors teaching new courses is at least 30 days (if experienced instructors in the subject, 90 days for an instructor not familiar with the subject) and checking personnel in/out of the CAC and ID process can take up to 60 days.

There are personnel in the job market that possess the skills and qualifications to teach all the MUTC courses. The Right of First Refusal - first offer jobs to those employed under the previous contract will provide some continuity and level of expertise for the training courses until the other new employees are approved to teach the training courses. All new instructors will go through a qualification process to teach each course.

All contractors can easily provide resumes for all proposed employees. Qualification time line for the AMC course instructors was approx. 6 months when we started up the course. If you hire recently retired Navy AMC instructors they can be quickly re-qualified.

35. Price - Is the exportable underway training overtime labor cost factored into the standard labor

CLIN or the Travel CLIN? ANSWER: Travel CLIN. The work week is 80 hours over a two week period. If the labor CLIN, can you provide more detail on how many trips and their duration for underway training? There is no way to estimate the additional wage costs without further detail.

ANSWER: To date, have not used the contract instructors for underway SQTs. Have used CIVMARs.

All underway SQTs have been less than 5 days.

36. Price - Are there any Volume 3 pricing requirements other than the non-marked “Section B”

CLINS?

ANSWER: There are also pricing requirements on page 72 under FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999). The pricing requirement on page 72 is for 6 months.

37. Price - Please verify the mobilization costs (phase in) are to be factored into the base year price since there is not a separate CLIN.

ANSWER: Proposal needs to be all-inclusive in accordance with the PWS.

38. Price – CLIN 0004 – this CLIN is stated as not priced, and has no information to price. Will the government clarify how we should address this and the options?

ANSWER: CLIN 0004 New Training Course $350,000.00.

39. What additional training Courses is MUTC planning on adding to the course listing?

ANSWER:

Fall Protection - Plan is to have MSC CIVMARs at MSC ATT and MUTC teach the course. Start date Late May or early June.

First Aid, CPR and AED - Plan is to have the MSC MSO's from ATT and MUTC teach the course. Start date early Late April or early May.

Would like to develop a Digital Magazine sprinkler maintenance course. MSC engineers are drafting a PowerPoint presentation. A digital training board is not available. A suitable training classroom is not available.

Would also like to develop a FO/LO Testing course. A draft PowerPoint presentation has been created but needs to be reviewed by MSC engineers. A suitable training classroom is not available.