Cable_Ship_RFP_(N32205-18-R-3506)_Q&A_Document.docx

N32205-17-R-3506 Cable Ship Long-term Time Charter Solicitation Questions and Answers #1 - 50

1. Q. Could you please clarify how many Crew Members for Force Protection we are required to provide as there is a conflict between PART V, Section (I) and Attachment E (PWS) Section 6.10.5?

A. Contractors are required to provide five (5) crewmembers for force protection per the following:

· COMSC INST 5530.3F, Pg. 15 of 313, c.12 - “Ensure each ship has a minimum of 5 shipboard personnel who are qualified to be members of the Ship's Reaction Force (SRF) and the Ship's Watch Stander Team prior to being sent to join the ship. If necessary, this training may be conducted on board ship by the MSC Afloat Training Team or an MSC-approved civilian instructor.”

· Additionally, potential Offerors are advised that Box 6 of PART I is blank; therefore, none of the clauses of PART V are applicable to this solicitation.

2. Q. Is the Navy planning on providing any additional Force Protection in addition to what we are required to provide? If so, how many?

A. Additional force protection personnel may be embarked per Attachment E para 6.10.1 Force Protection. The Contractor shall provide accommodations and victualling for those embarked personnel, cost to be reimbursable. The Master and SDR will identify suitable berthing space. The Government shall reimburse the Contractor for all expenses relating to the embarkation of force protection personnel as provided in this charter for supercargo. Note: In the past, these teams have been afforded portable cots in a common area when sufficient berthing was unavailable. In the case that cots are required, the Contractor will be requested to provide them as a reimbursable expense.

3. Q. Could Please clarify if you would consider an offer that has a longer time frame for Vessel Delivery?

A. Yes, Offerors are referred to Amendment 0002 of the solicitation which amended the laydays in Box 5 of PART I to Commencing 01 November 2018 and canceling on 15 December 2018.

4. Q. Is the delivery time for the Vessel more important than the price?

A. Delivery schedule (i.e. required Laydays listed in box 5 of PART I of the solicitation) is not a trade-off factor; rather, it is an issue of technical compliance with the solicitation. All offerors are reminded that all responses must conform to the requirements of the solicitation, including laydays, as amended, to be eligible for award.

5. Q. What is the maximum acceptable window for delivery?

A. See Question #3 – Amendment 0002 changed the laydays to beginning 01 November 2018 and cancelling 15 December 2018.

6. Q. Can we assume Part II, Section (o), part (6), Page 37 of the solicitation is referring to INMARSAT B?

Yes. INMARSAT B will satisfy this requirement.

7. Q. Can we invoice for material, freight, and shipping for non-reimbursable items?

A. Material, freight and shipping for non-reimbursable items are non-reimbursable, and should not be invoiced.

8. Q. Please clarify who will pay for the crew immunizations referenced in Part IV, Section (aj), Page 68 of the solicitation.

A. Charter rate is to include costs related to crewing the vessel, including, but not limited to immunizations.

9. Q. What is the securing mechanism for the van referenced in Attachment A, GFP?

A. CCV - Standard ISO-1611:1984 corner fittings “Peck and Hale fittings” to serve as primary deck securing points, and pad-eyes, etc. to serve as secondary gripping points to secure the container to the ship’s deck. The Communications Suite is built with receptacles for universal twist lock-type devices as well as Peck and Hale connection points.

10. Q. Will securing hardware for Attachment A, GFP be GFE?

A. Contractor shall provide security hardware.

11. Q. Who will install and integrate the sponsor radar system referenced in Attachment A, GFP?

A. The Government will procure the additional radar (GFE) and the Contractor will install and integrate the radar at a location that is acceptable to the Government and the Contractor.

12. Q. Who will integrate the various pieces of equipment listed in Attachment A, GFP (ie-Makai, Winfrog, CCTV) into ship systems?

A. Government will integrate GFE into ship's systems. Contractor will provide CCTV per section 4.5 of Attachment E PWS, but Government will integrate it.

13. Q. Who is responsible for the cost of the installations/integration of the equipment in Attachment A, GFP?

A. Installation/Integration costs should be calculated into the daily rate (e.g. reflagging and modification costs, or conversion costs) as the vessel owner’s responsibility.

14. Q. Because Box 8c of the DD254 (Attachment D) doesn't have a DSS field office or state "Same as Item 6a", and Military Sealift Command Security Office N021 was added but Box 15 was checked "No", please clarify if the Defense Security Service is to have any cognizance over any portion of the security of this program.

A. While DSS grants facility clearances, Military Sealift Command will be the POC. Audits will still be expected from Defense Security Service.

15. Q. Section 1.2 of the PWS (Attachment E) states that crew will load and offload both on board and ashore. Can you clarify whether the vessel will only load and offload at berths where local labor laws do not require use of longshoremen?

A. Offerors are referred to PART II, Paragraph (q), Other Compliances, of the solicitation: “The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.” Accordingly, the vessel shall comply with local labor laws and regulations in ports where local labor laws require the use of longshoremen.

16. Q. Section 1.5 of the PWS (Attachment E) states the vessel will operate in EMCON. Will any administrative communications be possible during such times via the equipment in the GFE communications van?

A. It depends on which EMCON condition and what the Mission Director approves. There are times when it will be possible (situationally dependent). Any answer more specific would be classified.

17. Q. Are the remote DP displays referenced in Section 2.20.1 of the PWS (Attachment E) considered GFE? Are there any security requirements for what can be displayed?

A. DP displays will be provided by ship owner and shall be included in the daily rate. Require that DP displays do not show lat./long. in the ROV Control Room and Plow Control Room.

18. Q. Are there any shielding or conduit requirements for the cable runs mentioned in Section 2.21 of the PWS (Attachment E)?

A. No conduit, but RS-232, 422 or 485 should be shielded cable runs to reduce interference. Any ethernet cable runs should also be shielded.

19. Q. Section 4.1 of the PWS (Attachment E) states a sea and acceptance trial will be conducted prior to USG on-hire date. Will the USG pay for this trial and provide GFE for specific hardware that requires trialing through cable machinery?

A. Anticipate the pre-acceptance testing to take up to 5 days. Testing to include visual inspection, power up of equipment and pull test. Uni-line and Test Turning Sheaves will be provided by Government at time of pre-acceptance testing. Offerors should include the cost of pre-acceptance testing, if any, in their delivery bonus.

20. Q. Will the PGU system be used during the acceptance trial referenced in Section 4.1 of the PWS (Attachment E)?

A. Pre-acceptance will only include a visual inspection of the PGU system.

21. Q. What diameter body must the repeater racks referenced in Section 4.3.1.8 of the PWS (Attachment E) hold?

A. The body size is 13-3/4” dia. x 40’ L.

22. Q. Is the PBU cooling bath referenced in Section 4.3.2.8 of the PWS (Attachment E) GFE?

A. No, the PBU cooling bath is not GFE. The contractor must provide a PBU cooling bath for this vessel. Use a standard commercial PBU dimension size for a measurement.

23. Q. The specification for the van, and also the communication van, referenced in Section 4.4 of the PWS (Attachment E) does not note the fire control/suppression system. Is a fire control/suppression system included as part of the outfitting for both vans?

A. CCV - Fire extinguisher in van. Communications Suite - There is no fire suppression system built into it. Government will provide, as GFE, individual fire extinguishers for fire protection.

24. Q. Section 4.11 of the PWS (Attachment E) states cable information displays will be in the CCV. Are these displays GFE and are there any compatibility requirements or security requirements?

A. Yes, displays are GFE. Must be compatible with Makia Lay and WinFrog software. The Government will control the space within the CCV and provide the security to the CCV.

25. Q. Secure storage space in the interior of the ship is available that will meet and exceed this requirement of ~160 sq. ft. Would this be acceptable in lieu of an additional container stored topside referenced in Section 4.14 of the PWS (Attachment E)?

A. Yes – for delicate spares to support missions.

26. Q. Section 4.14 of the PWS (Attachment E) references placement of 1 x 20 ft. ISO van. Is this different than the 20ft communications van? If yes, any power/cooling requirements?

A. This is required in addition to the 20ft communications van if there is no room for the rigging and grapnel gear on board. Lighting only would be required, if that is the case; no other power/cooling requirements

27. Q. Sections 4.14 of the PWS (Attachment E) reads as though cable gear will be furnished by contractor with no reference to being reimbursable. However, in Section 5.8 the contractor is required to provide an expended gear report at end of each operation. Terms for reimbursement of expended gear are not stated. Should expended items be reimbursable at cost (no burden)?

A. Cable gear is reimbursable. A copy of the expended gear report required in Attachment E, Section 5.8 should be included with invoices along with any other supporting documentation.

28. Q. Will 14 days' notice be given prior to the need for two PGU system operators referenced in Section 4.17(d) of the PWS (Attachment E)?

A. Yes.

29. Q. We need to be able to see if power is on the cable in the CCV, so an extension to the PGU system referenced in Section 4.17.2 of the PWS (Attachment E) is required. Who is responsible for the cost and installation?

A. Vessel owner.

30. Q. Section 5.6.2 of the PWS (Attachment E) reads: “Communication support personnel EKMS training requirement is addressed in 7.9" Please confirm the section 7.9, should it be section 7.7?

A. Attachment E, PWS, Section 5.6.2 should read: “Communication support personnel EKMS training requirement is addressed in 7.7.” A correction will be made in a future amendment.

31. Q. Sections 6.0 and 6.8.10 of the PWS (Attachment E) require that Food Handlers meet the health and training standards set forth in NAVMED P-5010-1 and ensure they are free from any communicable diseases. Please provide a copy of NAVMED P-5010-1.

A. NAVMED instructions can be found at: http://www.med.navy.mil/directives/Pages/Publications.aspx

32. Q. Section 6.10.1 of the PWS (Attachment E) states force protection personnel shall be provided berthing and victualing. Is this number included in the 16 sponsor personnel previously referenced in SOW or is this in addition and if in addition what is the number of FP personnel? Is the cost for this a separate reimbursable?

A. Attachment E, PWS, Section 6.10.1 refers to U.S. Armed Forces personnel that may board the ship. In accordance with Section 6.10.1, The Government shall reimburse the Contractor for all expenses relating to the embarkation force protection personnel as provided in this charter for supercargo. This includes expenses related to berthing and victualing.

These personnel are in addition to the 16 sponsor personnel referenced in the PWS.

33. Q. Please provide clarification for the specification of the intrusion detection system referenced in Section 6.10.4 of the PWS (Attachment E).

A. IDS will be GFE, including cabling and installation. Require open slot on bridge alarm panel to run IDS cabling.

34. Q. Will the home port locations referenced in Section 6.13 of the PWS (Attachment E) have shore power, potable water, sewage, etc. available suitable for the specific vessel?

A. Yes. All of the logistics will be done through MSC detachments.

35. Q. Please clarify that the govt. will complete the El Paso vetting procedure referenced in Section 7.2 of the PWS (Attachment E) since only law enforcement has access.

A. The Government will submit the documentation required with required input provided by the contractor.

36. Q. To fulfill the requirement of Section 7.3 of the PWs (Attachment E), will CAC cards be required and if yes, who will sponsor all mariners for CACs?

A. Upon the requirement for CACs, the Government will sponsor the mariners.

37. Q. Will a listing of communications suite equipment be provided to ensure a qualified candidate is hired to fulfill the requirements of Section 7.7 of the PWS (Attachment E)?

A. Yes, a list will be provided as soon as it is available.

38. Q. Are there versions of software that the communications officer will need familiarity with to operate equipment referenced in Section 7.7 of the PWS (Attachment E)?

A. Software versions will be provided at time of award along with Government-furnished communications equipment.

39. Q. Section 7.8 of the PWS (Attachment E) states, "Dedicated Medical Officer shall, at a minimum, have Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level training and relevant shipboard medical training". What is the complete list of requirements?

A. This Along with the EMT level training required in the statement of work, the ship’s Medical Officer must successfully complete the International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) training required by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The Medical Officer must retake this course with a periodicity of every 5 years. Attachment E, Section 7.8 will be updated in a future amendment.

40. Q. Will Medical, PLOW and ROV personnel, referenced in Section 7.8, 7.9 and 7.10 of the PWS (Attachment E) need to be US Citizens? And will they need to possess a Security Clearance to the Secret level?

A. Yes. 100% of personnel serving aboard must be US citizens and possess a SECRET level security clearance. In accordance with Attachment E, PWS Section 7.2 PERSONNEL CLEARANCE - All crewmembers shall be U.S citizens possessing active SECRET personnel clearances prior to performance of the contract, with valid U.S. passports for the full length of their assignment. Personnel shall be required to submit to terrorist watchlist checks. All personnel clearances shall be verified in Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS). In addition, all crew members and non-crew members requiring access to the vessel shall be vetted using the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) procedures.

41. Q. Please clarify that the personnel called out in Sections 7.8, 7.9 and 7.10 of the PWS (Attachment E) require a secret clearance.

A. Yes. 100% of personnel serving aboard must be US citizens and possess a SECRET level security clearance.

42. Q. Is the system referenced in Section 8.6 of the PWS (Attachment E) to be ashore or afloat?

A. The Information Security Management System is to be developed by the contractor, and maintained both ashore and onboard the vessel.

43. Q. If the information requested by Attachment G (ATFP CBRD Training) is gathered by an electronic door access system that is monitored 24/7 by the Mate on Watch and a gangway log maintained, is a dedicated crew member required to stand watch at the gangway?

A. No, as stated in Attachment G, ATFP, CBRD, Training, G-1.2.2, a vessel watch is required to be established at all active accesses.

44. Q. Is the expectation for all training referenced in G-1.4 of Attachment G (ATFP CBRD Training) to be in place by the hire date?

A. The training is to be completed prior to commencement of shipboard employment, per Attachment E, PWS, Section 6.10.5 Small Arms Training - The vessel shall be responsible for all small arms training. The vessel shall ensure that five crew members who shall bear arms as part of their physical security duties have successfully completed a small arms familiarization course. The vessel’s course shall be taught to the same content and standards as the U.S. Navy’s Small Arms Qualifications (Ashore/Afloat) Instructor Course J-041-0148.

45. Q. Is the expectation for all training referenced in Section G-2 of Attachment G (ATFP CBRD Training) to be in place by the hire date?

A. See answer to Q44.

46. Q. If the system referenced in Section 8.6 of the PWS (Attachment E) is to be ashore, will it be accredited through DSS?

A. The Information Security Management System is to be developed by the contractor, and maintained both ashore and onboard the vessel. The ISMS is not accredited or monitored by DSS. The ISMS shall be certified by an accredited organization, and comply with ISO/IEC27001 (latest revision).

47. Q. As Section G-3.8 of Attachment G (ATFP CBRD Training) concerns Logistics/Supply Management, Government Training, will the Contractor be expected to use government supply chain systems to supply the vessel?

A. No. The government supply system is an option made available for reimbursable items, but does not have to be utilized by the Contractor.

48. Q. Figure 2 of Section TE-2.2 of the Tech Exhibit (Attachment O) shows an optical body interfacing with three cables, and the language states four cable are interfaced with the PBU. Can you clarify which is correct, and issue an updated figure if the text is correct?

A. The Government’s PBUs have 4 cables. They are basically the overall size and dimensions as a commercial PBU except with a fourth (4th) leg. Drawing will not be updated.

49. Q. Who will install the PFE and handle space modifications and air condition modifications?

A. Vessel owner.

50. Q. Note that some wet hardware will be stored in the cable tanks. Please confirm the type of hardware and if it will need to be environmentally controlled.

A. The hardware is integrated at the factory and will require the same environment that the product cable requires.