VI_Q&A_3.docx

Questions and Answers 3 N32205-19-R-2001 10/25/2018

Question 1: Where are the Areas of Responsibility (AOR) headquartered?

Answer 1: MSC has AOR headquarters in Bahrain, Singapore, Naples, San Diego and Norfolk, however that should have little bearing on the VI Specialists. They will be on vessels when in any AOR.

Question 2: How many ships are in each AOR and operational at any given time? What are the ships’ homeports?

Answer 2: The number of vessels varies from AOR to AOR from a few to several dozen. Vessels that are out of the United States are not really homeported, and seldom stay in the same port more than a week at a time.

Question 3: Where will the personnel fly into to meet ships?

Answer 3: Ports of embarkation are varied within the AORs and depend on the port visits of the ships. The VI Specialists need to be able to travel internationally and independently. MSC will work with the VI Specialist on their destination and timing requirements.

Question 4: Does any section of the Civil Service Mariner handbook apply to the Visual Information Specialists (VIs) aboard MSC ships?

Answer 4: The VI Specialist position is a new requirement and not addressed specifically in the Handbook.

Question 5: Are there requirements for physical standards? What medical and physical screening requirements are required for sea duty? Are physicals required and, if so, what are the requirements for physicals and who can perform them?

Answer 5: There is not a physical standard or medical screening requirement, but the VI Specialist is expected to respond quickly to take photos and video of events. Some vessels are quite large and the best locations for filming require traversing longer distances and multiple flights of stairs.

Question 6: What are the minimum medical and physical requirements provided aboard ship for the contractor VIs?

Answer 6: See Question/Answer 5.

Question 7: During the time they are not aboard ship, are the VIs required to live in the AOR?

Answer 7: No. If the MSC ship is in port for longer than 2 weeks at any time, travel should be coordinated with the MSC COR to either provide travel for the VI specialist to locate to another MSC ship location or back to their home.

Question 8: Are companies required to provide a housing allowance as part of the FFP contract?

Answer 8: It is at the company’s discretion to provide a housing allowance. When in port for less than 2 weeks, the VI Specialist’s will typically remain onboard. If the MSC vessel is in port for longer than 2 weeks at any time, travel should be coordinated with the MSC COR to either provide travel for the VI specialist to locate to another MSC ship location or back to their home.

Question 9: Aside from passports, do photographers need additional documentation? Mariners’ certifications?

Answer 9: No. All personnel qualifications and requirements are identified in Section 13 of the PWS.

Question 10: What are the expectations of the VIs’ time when they are not shooting photography? Will VIs be assigned any collateral duties such as Damage Control Team, Security Force, Line Handling or Sea and Anchor Detail?

Answer 10: No. The VI Specialists are only required to perform work detailed within the performance work statement (PWS). They will be expected to be on-call at all times while onboard for the services described in the PWS.

Question 11: Will Visual Information Specialists be required to participate in mandatory ship damage control training? Safety training? What are the other classes and required training for VIs aboard ship?

Answer 11: VI Specialists will be required to participate in weekly drills, such as damage control or abandon ship, for safety and muster purposes or to secure their own equipment.

Question 12: How are VIs communicating from the ship to their more senior managers and contractor personnel? Is email available? Are phone communications available? What type of internet bandwidth can the VIs expect to have?

Answer 12: VIs will be able to communicate via email. Phone communications and bandwidth vary from vessel to vessel. They should anticipate being able to use a vessels computer connected to the ships network. Wi-Fi is not available.

Question 13: Will the onboard internet bandwidth support FTP transfer protocols for video or streaming capability based on emergent needs?

Answer 13: Yes. The VI Specialist will be utilizing operating systems to allow for video and streaming capabilities. The required training will cover this requirement.

Question 14: What types of insurance are companies required to carry for these personnel?

Answer 14: MSC does not mandate a type of insurance the companies are required to carry for their personnel.

Question 15: What types of personal insurance do the VIs need to carry?

Answer 15: MSC does not mandate a type of insurance that the VI Specialists shall carry, but while the ship can assist with emergency medical needs and potentially evacuation, all costs will be borne by the individual, and reimbursement may be required.

Question 16: Will VIs have their own staterooms?

Answer 16: Living quarters will vary from vessel to vessel. Some vessels will have staterooms which might be single or double, while some vessels may have large group berthing where the VI Specialist may have a Navy rack and locker. They will be segregated by gender.

Question 17: Is CCTV onboard and, if so, is the VI expected to provide input and/or support for it as well?

Answer 17: CCTV capabilities vary from vessel to vessel. The VI specialist will have no responsibility/duties related to the CCTV.

Question 18: Secret level clearances are currently taking 12-18 months to fully process due to backlogs. Will the government accept interim clearances for personnel?

Answer 18: Section 10 of the PWS requires that the Contractor provides personnel who are U.S. citizens and who hold a current SECRET clearance at time of award. The PWS does not require that the clearance be final at the time of the award. Because of this, a current interim Secret clearance at time of award will be acceptable.

Question 19: Can the Government clarify how many manuals and videos are required for the training course? The RFP states “ten training manuals and CDs” but is that ten training manual/CDs on ten different subjects or ten copies of the entire training.

Answer 19: 10 copies of the entire training.

Question 20: What areas does the government expect the training to cover?

Answer 20: In accordance with Section 6.5.1 of the PWS, “VI Specialists shall train designated CIVMARS and CONMARS in VI techniques and procedures using GFE equipment. Further, the Contractor shall develop a training curriculum for VI that includes demonstration videos and “how-to” manuals for VI techniques and procedures.” The training curriculum shall encompass the entirety of the VI Specialist’s required duties and any other relevant information required to complete the VI Specialist duties. The CIVMARS/CONMARS should be able to read/watch the training and be fully informed on how to complete the VI Specialist’s job successfully.

Question 21: Referencing the requirement in paragraph 6.2 for VI Specialists to attend a training exercise at MSC: How often are these trainings held? Where are these trainings held and will the VIs be required to stay in a location for a few days or weeks during this training? Will per diem be required for these trainings? Will this training be done during the initial 30-day transition period?

Answer 21: The training discussed in Section 6.2 of the PWS will take place at the end of the training detailed in Section 12 of the PWS as a culminating exercise. The VI Specialists should be located within the Norfolk, VA area for the duration of the two-day training.

Question 22: The DD254 is locked and can’t be edited for signature. Can the government please provide an unlocked version for signature?

Answer 22: The DD254 cannot be unlocked due to having the security officer’s signature. You will need to print the DD254 to complete it and scan the document back into your computer for submission.

Question 23: Does the government require a PDF version of a bidders’ full SAM file or a certification that the SAM file is current?

Answer 23: No. MSC will be accessing SAM after receipt of proposals.

Question 24: In order to properly research and prepare a full technical proposal, bidders will need time after these questions are answered to review and research. Will the government extend the deadline of this proposal in order to ensure questions are answered and bidders are given adequate time to understand them and develop technical and pricing documentation? Request 3 weeks after the government response to questions.

Answer 24: No. The proposal submission deadline will not be extended.

Question 25: Will the Government consider changing the NAICS for this procurement?

Answer 25: Prior to solicitation, the Government and the MSC Small Business Representative reviewed NAICS codes that could encompass the work detailed in the PWS. After careful consideration, NAICS 541922 was selected. The NAICS code will not be changed.