17-R-3513_Q__A__4_(5).docx

Solicitation N32205-17-R-3513

Additional Questions #4

1. Question: Part IX (Attachment) - Attachment F is the SF LLL but we do not see anywhere in Instructions to Offerors that this is to be submitted - Please advise.

Answer – Part X(b)(13) will be amended to read:

Vol I – Price/Past Performance must include a complete set of boxes found at RFP Part I Page I-1 through 19 with pricing information, and completed Attachments B, C, D, F and P.

Part X(b)(18) will be amended to read:

VOL II – Technical – Boxes shall not contain any pricing information.

2. Question: Part X (18)(b) (xv) - Please confirm that Offerors are to be provide evidence of IMDG certificate as we have not typically seen this requirement on Special Mission type vessels.

Answer - This requirement is deleted. Part X(b)(18)(xv) will be amended to read "Reserved".

3. Question: Can the staff operational spaces described in E-3.3.2.1 – E-3.3.2.11 be in temporary structures (e.g., berthing boxes, etc.), or do they have to be in the superstructure of the vessel?

Answer REVISED – The permanent installation of ABS and USCG approved modular components to serve as operational spaces is approved where necessary. Copies of ABS stability reviews and construction plan reviews shall be provided to the Government within 10 days of receipt from regulatory bodies.

4. Question: Assuming the conference and planning rooms are combined, please confirm that a minimum of 4,142 sq.ft. of staff operational space is required to meet the requirements stated in E-3.3.2.1 – E-3.3.2.11 of the PWS.

Answer REVISED – It is still preferred that the Conference Room specified in E-3.3.2.1 and the Planning Room specified in E-3.3.2.2 be separate areas, but they may be combined into one room with a total space of 1,200 sq.ft. if careful design and/or use of temporary room segregation methods (privacy curtains, partition walls or other methods to decrease traffic, light and/or noise) are utilized. If suitable methods are utilized during design and construction, the combined Staff Operational Spaces described in E-3.3.2 through E-3.3.2.7.8 could then be decreased from the specified 3,522 sq.ft. to 3,332 sq.ft. Proposal shall include enough information for reviewers to determine how the spaces will be combined.

5. Question: For E-3.3.2.1 – E-3.3.2.11 does each staff operational space have to be in one defined area (i.e., one big room), or can each space be a collection of smaller spaces that add up to the required size? For example, can there be three TV rooms that add up to 500 sq.ft. or must there be only one TV room with 500 sq.ft. of space?

Answer REVISED – The Staff Operational Spaces defined in E-3.3.2 – E-3.3.2.11 must remain segregated to ensure compartmentalization of information and compliance with security requirements. However, the Recreation Facilities specified in E-3.3.2.10 and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation TV Room specified in E-3.3.2.11 can be a collection of smaller spaces. In many cases, separation of these rooms would be advantageous to their intended purposes of a quiet room, television viewing, and other activities. The exercise room(s) could also be spread out over several spaces, provided the requirement for increased HVAC (as specified in E-3.3.2.10) appropriate for high levels of physical exertion were met.

6. Question: Drytime Charter Table of Contents, pages 12-13, Section IV, Time Charter Terms and Conditions lists sections (l) through (au); however these sections are not included in the RFP. Please provide sections (l) through (au) for Section IV.

Answer: Part IV will be amended as will the Table of Contents for Part IV.

7. Question: Pages 13-14, DRYTIME Charter Table of Contents, Section V - the list, (a) through (l), conflicts with clauses actually included in Section V, however, it is noted that only Part V (b), Navigation Equipment) and Part (V) (e), Time Charter War Risk only are applicable per DRYTIME box 6.

Answer: The Table of Contents will be amended.

8. Question: Part III, paragraph (g)(7), page 31 states “The Charterer shall not be liable for any vessel damage caused by stevedores whatsoever.” Can this statement be deleted from the solicitation?

Answer: The use of Stevedores is not anticipated during this charter.

9. Question: Part IV, Paragraph (b), page 41, states “It is anticipated by the parties that the vessel will be delivered within the laydays specified in Box 5 and any delay in delivery beyond the laydays’ ending date shall (emphasis added) constitute a material breach of this contract.” Can the word “shall” be replaced with the work “may” to allow for excusable delays?

Answer: No – See II(f) EXCUSABLE DELAYS (TAILORED).

10. Question: Part IV, paragraph G-7.2, page 46, references boxes 57 and 59-63 for warranted speed and warranted fuel consumption. The correct box numbers are 66-73.

Answer: The RFP will be amended. It should be Box 66 and Boxes 68 – 73.

11. Question: Part IV, paragraph (j), page 51 – please provide a copy of MSC message on the Rules for Use of Force by MSC Mariners, ALMSC message 018/12 of 261809Z SEP 2012.

Answer: The reference above is to Part V(j) which has not been incorporated into this solicitation via DRYTIME Box 6

12. Question: Part VIII, paragraph (9), page 63-64, DFARS 252,204-7012, Safeguarding of Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting (Oct 2016) – “Covered Defense Information” – please identify the covered defense information anticipated under the contract.

Answer: Currently there is no "covered defense information" anticipated under this contract.

13. Question: Part XI, paragraph (a), page 77, states “Award preferences for U.S. Flag vessels will be applied to the Government’s evaluation of offers.” Please advise how the preference will be applied. Is the preference more important than price and or technical?

Answer: Attachment E-1.2 identifies the requirement for a U.S. flagged vessel for this solicitation. Part XI is proforma language identifying award preferences when foreign flag vessels are being considered. Under this solicitation, foreign flag vessels will not be considered.

14. Question: Attachment E, section E-3.3.2.1 requires “multiple 120VAC/15AA/60Hz power outlets. How many outlets are required?

Answer: Conference Room power requirements:

Dual outlets, rated at 120VAC/15A/60Hz located every six to 8 feet along each bulkhead.

Four (4) dual outlets, each rated at 120AC/15A/60Hz located below the conference table.

Additional outlets will be required to support wall mounted and/or ceiling mounted audio visual displays and/or projectors.

It is requested that approximately 50% excess electrical capacity is supplied to the Conference Room to provide the current intended Government furnished equipment (GFE), as well as provide enough excess capacity for future equipment installations over the lease without having to do major changes to the electrical distribution system.

The Planning Room will require a like number of power outlets, in the same general configuration as the Conference Room, as well as the designed 50% excess electrical capacity for future installations.

If the Conference Room and Planning Room are combined, the power requirement will the same as if the rooms were separate rooms.

15. Question: Attachment E, section E-3.3.2.3 – How many tables, chairs and power outlets are required?

Answer: E-3.3.2.3 The Special Secure Office Space (SSOS) requires one conference table approximately 80”x 40”, chairs for 8 people, and four separate computer work stations/desks with dual 120VAC/15A/60Hz available per two work stations.

16. Question: Attachment E, section E-3.3.2.8.1 – confirm whether “notional antenna placement/locations” be included in the technical proposal.

Answer: Yes, notional antenna placement is requested for the technical proposal with the understanding that specific placements may need adjustment to minimize EMI/RF interference.

17. Question: Attachment E, section E-3.3.2.11.2 – who will provide satellite TV/AFRTS?

Answer: The Government will supply a suitable system to support the Government spaces.

18. Question: Attachment E, section E-4.10.4 states “The Government reserves the right to surge above maximum 50 Government personnel for specific missions. “ What is the maximum number of personnel anticipated?

Answer: Events that would require the Government to surge above 50 mission personnel would be very rare and cannot be adequately anticipated. If the need presents itself during the charter, mission support will be negotiated via the Contracting Officer and the Contractor in advance of such contingencies.

19. Question: Attachment E, section E-4.13 states “Mission related unforeseen structural modifications affecting class or vessel’s certifications may be required. The costs to restore the vessel to its original class or certification shall be included in the contractor proposal for any such modifications.” Since it is impossible to determine the nature and details of unforeseen modifications request revision of this section to allow the contractor to include costs, if any, to restore the vessel to original be included in the cost of each modification identified after award?

Answer: Revised Attachment E, section E-4.13 “Mission related structural modifications affecting class or vessel’s certifications may be required after DELIVERY AND GOVERNMENT ACCEPTANCE. The costs to restore the vessel to its original class or certification shall be included in the contractor proposal for any such modifications.”

20. Question: I just received the latest Q&A's for the C-Champion RFP and I see that the sponsor does want to carry the extra small boats in addition to the ones in the four davit cradles. I've already submitted a question regarding the danger of using the crane to launch these extra craft; however I failed to mention the fact that if the contractor is expected to use the crane for launch and recovery of these extra small boats, it is not large enough. The crane requirement is 15,000 lbs, however the CCA and 11-meter rhibs are up to 30,000 lbs. Please Clarify.

Answer: E-3.3.3.1 Equipment Storage requires contiguous, uncovered exterior open space for additional boats/craft. Storage will be on government supplied cradles and/or boat trailers that would be lashed to deck, and the boat lashed to the cradle or trailer. The Government agrees that the CCA and NSW 11MRB are excessively heavy for safety of ship and boats/craft, and removes this requirement. The ability to carry, and launch/recover additional SSC Large, SSC Small, and CRRC remains. These boats/craft would be launched and recovered only as sea conditions and safety of personnel and ship have been considered by the Ship’s Master. This additional storage, transport, and launch/recovery would primarily be utilized for administrative transport within theater, or to support scheduled operations that may require extra craft/boats in the water for safety. It is anticipated that the launch/recovery of these additional boats/craft would primarily occur while in port or within sheltered areas, though open ocean launch/recovery may be requested to support specifically scheduled evolutions, but at the discretion of the Master and the government Officer in Charge.