17R3519_QA__1.docx

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N32205-17-R-3519

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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

1a. In 2011, RFP N00033-11-R-5504, Q&A 2, Amendment 2, MSC replied:

A2. If a combination of vessels is used (i.e. tug & barge), the Length Overall (LOA) cannot exceed 250 feet and 65 feet in beam. Barge size cannot exceed 200 feet LOA and 60 feet in beam. (75 feet for maximum beam with tug hipped alongside barge.)

ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATION: This answer relates to an integrated tug and barge unit, where the maximum LOA permitted for a barge is 200 ft. The tug removes itself from the notch and thus the maximum LOA for the barge is then 200 ft, with tug then hipping alongside for entry.

1b. Is 200' the length of the tug and barge "end to end"?

ANSWER: No, the length is 200' for the barge only.

2. Does the beam 50' maximum include the tug if placed on the hip/side? i.e. beam of tug plus barge must be under 50'?

ANSWER: No, the maximum beam of barge alone is 50', if tug is alongside the barge then the maximum beam is 75 ft including tug.

3a. Does the maximum length of vessel include the length of the roro ramp when down?

ANSWER: No, the maximum length relates to the barge only.

3b. So if the ramp minimum length is 35' does the maximum length of vessel (tug/barge) need to be 200' less 35' = 165'?

ANSWER : No, see earlier answer that the ramp is not part of the LOA calculation.

4. A Google Earth Shot of the harbor at Andros Island, Bahamas shows a berth of 234'. Can MSC amend the RFP to allow discharge at this berth and extend the RFP LOA to 234'?

ANSWER: The Google Earth Shot does not include water depth. There is a shoal area at the foot of the pier that is unnavigatable. There is shallow water and shoal area on the wharf adjacent nearest landward end where vessel must moor. Further, there must be sufficient bow and stern leads for safe mooring, as high winds are a constant in the AUTEC harbor, regularly reaching 25-30 kts winds in the winter and spring months.

5. Subject to the replies to the above questions, would a 210' vessel, that has twin screw and power thruster with a max beam of 50' be acceptable?

ANSWER: No, vessel could not manuever or dock safely due to navigation , prevailing weather and pier limitations.

6. Why is MSC not allowing the LOA and beam restrictions in this RFP as allowed in 2011 on RFP N00033-11-R-5504?

ANSWER: See “ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATION” to question 1a. This answer relates to an integrated tug and barge unit.