3500_RFP_QA_2.docx

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N32205-18-R-3500

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.

11. The answer provided to Question 1 in Q&A released July 19 indicates a requirement to move containers around the deck. Our understanding is that has never been done in practice. Please eliminate this requirement. It would drive up costs unnecessarily.

MSC’S CLARIFYING RESPONSE: There is no requirement to move containers on deck once they are loaded by the shore-side/SBX crane.

12. In the Government's answer to question 6, regarding past performance it was stated that the government will consider amending the RFP to allow contractors' own performance and subcontractors' performance, if applicable. We request the government amend the solicitation to include subcontractors' performance.

MSC’S CLARIFYING RESPONSE: After consideration, MSC has decided to not amend the RFP to allow subcontractors performance. Only the contractor’s performance will be considered for this requirement.

13. In the Government's answer to question 3, regarding berthing capacity it was stated that the requirement is for 36 persons. However, the answer leaves ambiguity regarding the number of mariners versus security force, which makes staffing needs for the vessel unclear. We request clarification.

MSC’S CLARIFYING RESPONSE: Previous answer defined the security force as part of the vessel's crew, i.e. mariners with a collateral duty/qualification. The berthing requirement is to carry 36 persons in addition to the vessel's crew.

14. Will MSC consider an extension of the proposal receipt date?

ANSWER: Due dates for proposals have been extended to 15 August 2018 at 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST); see Amendment 0001 of the RFP.

15. There are two sets of Instructions to Offerors. Please clarify which set of instructions shall be utilized to respond to the RFP requirements. (Reference: RFP Part X, Pages I-8 through I-20 and Pages X-8 through XI-3).

ANSWER: All instructions in the RFP Proforma applies. Box #6 of Part I “Special Time Boxes” contains the added, deleted, and modified terms, conditions, and attachments.

16. No past performance instructions are provided in the ITO utilized. A past performance data sheet is referenced but the attachment is not provided with the solicitation. Will the past performance data sheet and questionnaire be provided? Can one of the three past performance references be provided by principal subcontractor? (Reference: RFP Part X, Pages I-8 through I-20 and Pages X-8 through XI-3).

ANSWER: See Box #6 (and continuation box #75) of Part I “Special Time Boxes”for added, deleted, and modified terms, conditions, and attachments.

17. In the Fuel Consumption Date tab, is the In-Port Idle day 24 hours without shore power?( Ref: Attachment B Basic Pricing Date and RFP PROFORMA)

ANSWER: Yes. OSV In-Port periods in Dutch Harbor have used ship's power; shore power has not been available.

18. In the Total Evaluated Price tab, what is the basis (i.e. condition, speed, weather) for Estimated Fuel Cost? (Ref: Attachment B Basic Pricing Date)

ANSWER: Fuel evaluation is based on the offeror's fuel consumption rates.

19. In the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) and Fuel Consumption Data tabs, the total number of days is not equal – in the TEP tab it is 1,979 and in the FCD tab it is 1,977. Is this intentional?

ANSWER: Attachment B has been revised to reflect correct total number of days.

20. In the Total Evaluated Price tab, where does the Total Evaluated Fuel go (assume D12), and what cells are included in the total (assume D5-10)? (Ref: Attachment B Basic Pricing Date)

ANSWER: The Total Evaluated Fuel goes in cell E12). As shown in Attachment B’s “TOTAL EVALUATED PRICE” tab, the totals are in column E, and the formula can be found in column E21.

21. Given the described OPTEMPO, transit days and subsequent notation that the schedule “will be adjusted for weather or other delays”, could crew and Contractor Security travel and/or daily per diem in-port be reimbursable in accordance with the DOD Joint Travel Regulations in effect at the time of travel?

ANSWER: Crew and Contractor Security is a part of the requirement, all associated cost and fees should be part of the fixed daily rate.

22. For each of the billets described in both Wage Determinations the Daily Rates are considerably lower than the current market rates for the vessel described in the PWS. Can more realistic Wage Determinations be included in this RFP? (Ref: Attachment H Wage Determinations 201408019 and 2014080010 and Attachment E PWS).

ANSWER: Attachment H are the latest wage determinations issued by the Department of Labor.

23. How do we determine laydays not knowing when or how long it will take the MSC N7 Engineering Directorate to review and approve our proposed CBR-D Decontamination Station installation per Attachment L Note 2. (Ref: Attachment K Para K-1 and Attachment L Note 2).

ANSWER: An offeror’s proposed laydays should be in compliance with the required laydays as stated in the RFP. The vessel shall be delivered in an acceptable condition that meets all requirements of the RFP.

24. The CBR-D Decontamination Station is to be priced on the Contractor’s account and not reimbursable and provided at vessel delivery per Attachment K. How do we not incur undue cost risk to price the system when it requires prior approval from MSC that will not occur until after award? (Ref: Attachment K Para K-1 and Attachment L Note 2).

ANSWER: The vessel shall be delivered in an acceptable condition in accordance with the RFP and all attachments.

25. Question: Will a revised Attachment B be forthcoming? Attachment B, Total Evaluation Price Tab – Note 1 indicates option 5 pricing based on option 1 vs option year 4 pricing. Additionally only the total evaluated price block has a formula.

Option 1 Tab – Line 33 formula indicates 365 vs 366 IAW Total Evaluation Price Option 2 Tab - Line 33 formula indicates 366 vs 365 IAW Total Evaluation Price Option 3 Tab - Line 33 formula indicates 366 vs 365 IAW Total Evaluation Price Option 4 Tab - Line 33 formula indicates 333 vs 335 IAW Total Evaluation Price Option 5 Tab - Line 33 formula indicates 333 vs 183 IAW Total Evaluation Price

ANSWER: Offerors shall use the option period 4 daily charter rate as the daily rate in the "FAR 52.217-8" period; and are to be calculated by the offeror. Please see Amendment 0002 of the RFP.

Line 33 for all periods of performance reflected the correct number of days.

26. Can the Contractor Security requirement be met as an ancillary duty of existing members of the ship’s crew? If not, where does this cost need to be priced? Also, is there an additional COMSINST/supporting guidance beyond what is provided in the Solicitation?

ANSWER: Yes; security requirements can be met as collateral/ancillary duties of assigned crew. Security requirements are based upon language and references in the solicitation.

27. Question: Is there an expectation to be able to shift container/TEU’s on deck while at sea? Will the container/TEU’s being loaded onto the deck from the SBX-1 be landed on the Deck Sockets?( Crane, Tuggers or other cargo handling equipment.

ANSWER: Ship capability to shift load with ship's equipment while at sea/underway would be based upon the dynamic load limits of the installed equipment and need; determination to do so would be subject to the judgement of the Master. Dynamic loading/unloading of containers to/from SBX at sea and landing on the vessel's deck sockets would be determined between SBX Master and OSV Master and in accordance with applicable vessel safety management system/procedures.

28. Question: Is there a minimum Bandwidth and speed requirement for the Satellite internet service? (Ref: PWS 3.17 3.17 Morale Welfare and Recreation TV Room).

ANSWER: No. Bandwidth and speed requirements for satellite internet service should be determined by the offeror, based on requirements of the PWS and expected operating and environmental conditions.

29. Can you provide the incumbent’s name and contract number?

ANSWER: There is not an incumbent to this requirement, as this is a new requirement for MSC. These services are currently subcontracted by the operating company.