3500_RFP_QA__3.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.

30. Is the 85.3 Meter vessel length a firm requirement?

ANSWER: Yes

31. Please clarify if a Subchapter I OSV is required for this project. If so, will MSC assist the vessel operator in getting the appropriate waiver(s) from USCG to allow an OSV sailing under Subchapter I to discharge fuel to an offshore facility?

ANSWER: MSC will coordinate with USCG for a National Defense Waiver for the OSV to resupply the SBX (which under USCG/ABS standards is classified as an MODU - Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit).

32. Ref: Attachment B Basic Pricing Data Rev1 Is the formula in line 35 correct for Option 1 through Option 5?

ANSWER: Line 35 for Option 1 through Option 5 have been corrected; see amendment 0003 of the RFP.

33. In the Government’s answer to question 27, and referencing the following bullet of the PWS (Ref: Amend 1, Attachment E PWS)

· Vessel must be fully outfitted with container deck fittings, semi-automatic twist locks, stackers, rods, turnbuckles, lashing gear, dunnage, and shifting boards in sufficient quantity to safely stow and secure cargo; it is not clear what the intent is for container deck fittings and semi-automatic twist locks.

Question: Is it a requirement that the vessel be fitted with fixed container deck fittings/sockets with, or that will accept, semi-automatic twist locks?

ANSWER: The vessel will be operating in the extreme North Pacific/Aleutian Islands operations area, the appropriate deck fittings & semi-automatic twist locks are required to ensure the safety of the cargo (20' TEU's as described in the PWS).

34. Will MSC consider amending the ladays period to reflect a canceling date of November 30, 2018?

ANSWER: MSC will not consider amending the laydays period.

35. Following up on the response to question #13, can you confirm if the vessel marine crew is in addition to the required accommodations of 36. The answer states contractor marine crews but we are not sure if it's the SBX marine crew or the vessel marine crew.

ANSWER: A. Thirty-six (36) contract marine crew are the SBX crew members joining/departing the SBX, the OSV must be able to accommodate their own crew in addition to the 36 SBX contract marine crew.

36. Will MSC allow the proposed ship to operate from a regulatory perspective as an OSV or is the proposed ship required to operate under Subchapter I as a freight vessel?

ANSWER: MSC will submit to the regulatory authority a National Defense Waiver allowing the OSV to operate as an OSV.

37. Will operations of the ship take the ship 400 miles or more offshore?

ANSWER: Operations will take the ship approximately 1000 miles off-shore.