WATSON_19R3009_QA6_24Jul19_Final.pdf

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N32205-19-R-3009 WATSON Operation & Maintenance

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS # 6

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

120. In C-1.1.4.6. Ships in ROS

The contractor shall work within the approved budget to maintain the ships in a mission ready state and be able to transition to FOS within the applicable reactivation timeframe.

The contractor’s budget or Governments budget? Will the budget be adequate for the operational tempo and level of readiness required? Are all maintenance and repairs included in the budgets?

ANSWER: The contractor shall propose a budget IAW Section C-4.2.2. The Government will review and approve the contractor’s budget.

121. In C-1.1.4.8 Items for Transition from ROS to FOS

The transition plan, shall include a checklist that contractor shall submit daily though out the activation that indicates status of the following ship systems:

Full crew aboard IAW terms of contract Review of physical security, bomb threat procedures completed by master Small arms and ammunition aboard Reviewed pertinent instructions of MSC Area Command under whose TACON ship will be Assignments made for FOS crew to fire bill and lifeboat stations Ensure crewmembers provided with ship familiarization briefing upon arrival Arrangements made for disconnecting shore water and electric power hoses/cables Watch schedules posted Line handlers, tugs and pilots arranged Provide crew list to MSC Rep, and identify ROS crew All navigational equipment, including radars, satellite navigation, RDF, fathometer, and speed log tested and operational Required charts for mission onboard All communications equipment tested and operational including bridge to bridge VHF Test all cargo hold watertight doors

Test all forklifts Test all ramps, internal and external All cargo cranes & stores cranes tested satisfactorily in single and twin modes Exercise the operating assembly of all spreaders to insure they are not seized Test operate all power swivels and scissor lift Yokohama fenders aboard Cargo deck drains checked for proper operation (free of debris) Anchors walked clear of hawse and returned to stowed position Adequate fuel aboard or bunkering arrangements made for next port Anchor and navigation lights verified operable Ship’s whistles, bell, and gong tested (local regulation permitting) Test mooring winches Test constant tension winches All cargo lights operational Certified Lifejackets (required number onboard) Test lifeboat/rescue boat lowering motors Check gyro repeaters against master gyro Test general announcing system/loud hailers Ensure all ship’s clocks synchronized Communications guard shift, weather routing, and mail routing messages sent All hand-held radios and sound powered communications tested and operational Test general alarm Inspect condition of hatch cover slings Medical supplies onboard, distributed in first aid or medical lockers as required all expiration dates shall be validated Ensure all IA materials are removed from ship or stowed clear of cargo stowage areas Main engine(s) fully operational Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) system operational and tested satisfactorily (If applicable) 95% capacity potable and boiler water aboard Ship’s service generators on line and fully operational Emergency diesel generator tested satisfactorily Steering engines, alarms, and rudder angle indicators tested satisfactorily from bridge and after steering Shipboard chemicals aboard duration of voyage and expiration dates validated Dehumidifier hoses removed from equipment as necessary Starting air, control air, and ship’s service air system functioning properly Cargo hold blowers and heat sensors tested satisfactory CO sensor systems tested satisfactory Lube oil purifying system on line and fully operational

Main engine throttles tested satisfactory.

Bridge, Engine Room, Local Test bridge alarm system Ensure P/S main circulating pumps/motors controllers fully operational Test fire main system Validate all damage control equipment Bilges and equipment surfaces free of lube oil and fuel oil All required flange spray shields properly installed on oil systems Test main console alarm systems Charts and pubs for intended voyage are onboard Galley/ hotel services equipment fully functional

Is a report of this nature required daily during the entire activation? Appears redundant and overly excessive. Can this be reduced to provide the report at the beginning and ending of the activation?

ANSWER: The Government determined it is in its best interest to leave the requirement as it is.

122. In C-1.1.4.8.1. Repair Availability (RAV)

For ships in a RAV status, contractor crews shall work a minimum of seven days a week, ten hours per day, which shall be included in the contractor’s firm fixed price. The contractor shall provide a deck officer onboard the ship who shall make hourly rounds, 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. Contractor crews shall maintain and operate ship equipment in support of the RAV and IAW 0. Contractor crews shall live onboard during the entire RAV period unless prior authorization is obtained from the

COR.

Please advise as to what this is In Accordance With (IAW)?

ANSWER: The Government revised section C-1.1.4.8.1 in solicitation amendment 0002 to clarify.

123. In C-1.1.8. Husbanding Agent Appointments

The Government will reimburse the contractor, IAW Section G, for the customary fee paid to port husbanding agents in conjunction with the port visits of the ships, including the fees of agents appointed for canal transits and at bunkering ports IAW Section G. For the reimbursable elements of this contract, the Government may disapprove proposed agents and require the contractor discontinue using an agent at the Government’s sole discretion. Additionally, the Government shall have the option of directing the contractor to use a specific commercial or Government agent in any port for reimbursable elements of this contract.

This conflicts with FAR 13.104 promoting competition, fair and reasonable acquisition practices and competitive bidding. At the point of the Government disapproving a proposed agent and requiring the contractor to discontinue using an agent at the Government’s sole discretion, how and when will this be communicated and will the discontinued agent’s invoices still be considered reimbursable after the discontinuation for closing out all current costs incurred?

How will the contractor enable fair and reasonable pricing, competitive bidding and fair and reasonable acquisition practices if directed by the Government to use a specific agent in any port and how will this be communicated, at what point will this be communicated and how will this be authorized and by whom will this be authorized within the Government?

ANSWER: The Government determined it is in its best interest to leave the requirement as it is. If the government contracting officer requires the contractor to discontinue using an agent, then the COR or contracting officer will notify the contractor as soon as possible after the contracting officer makes the decision.

124. In C-1.1.11. Emergency Sorties

The contractor shall emergency sortie when directed by an Operational Commander.

Will the Operational Commander coordinate with Contracting for the direction of an emergency sortie and at what point will funding be obligated and provided to the contractor? When shall the contractor take action for an emergency sortie, upon direction from the Operational Commander who does not have authority to obligate funding or will this be pre-obligated on a specific CLIN?

ANSWER: An Operational Commander possesses both the legal authority and responsibility to sortie vessels under his OPCON without prior coordination with the contracting officer. In the event the Operational Commander orders a sortie, MSC’s contracting officer will subsequently provide funding and guidance to the contractor.

125. In C-1.3.10 Provide Linen

The contractor shall provide the following cleaned/laundered items to all PEP and TEP when they report onboard ship: sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, mattresses, etc. Once these items become worn or unusable, or at the direction of the Contracting Officer or COR, the contractor shall replace these items.

Are these considered reimbursable and if not how often shall these be replaced, at what interval?

ANSWER: IAW Section B-1.3 Reimbursable Items, “Reimbursable supplies and services are those items specified in the contract as reimbursable, or expressly pre-approved, in writing, by the Contracting Officer as a reimbursable item.” Since the section does not state this is reimbursable, it is not reimbursable.

126. In C-1.3.11 Provide Self-Service Laundry Facilities

The contractor shall make self-service laundry facilities available to all PEP and TEP.

Laundry facilities shall be available at all times and shall include a sufficient amount of all cleaning supplies. All ships shall only use cleaning supplies that do not contain phosphate.

Is this reimbursable?

ANSWER: IAW Section B-1.3 Reimbursable Items, “Reimbursable supplies and services are those items specified in the contract as reimbursable, or expressly pre-approved, in writing, by the Contracting Officer as a reimbursable item.” Since the section does not state this is reimbursable, it is not reimbursable.

127. In C-1.5.2.2. Radiotelegraph Messages

The contractor shall provide the capability to transmit and receive radio teletype messages on each ship.

128. In C-1.5.2.3. Radiotelephone Services

The contractor shall provide the capability to send a receive voice and data messages over analog and digital single channel radio (SCR) and satellite equipment in the VHF, USH, HF and MF bands.

129. In C-1.6.2.4. Visit Notification Process

This process shall apply to contractor personnel coming to perform work onboard the ship and non-MSC U.S. Military and Government Civilian employees possessing a valid

CAC.

In order to provide proper notification of personnel visiting a ship, the contractor shall provide a clearance certification via the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) at SMO 404426, via fax at (757) 443-2983, or a scanned visit request letter on company letterhead to email address MSC_NRFK_N0211@NAVY.MIL within five days of the visit.

Is this in addition to Section C-1.6.2.3. of the initial visitor authorization (VAR) request to the MSC Security Officer for each visitor or for each visitor that isn’t listed on the VAR as well as subcontractors?

How will this be tracked, approved and how will the contractor be informed of the approval and at what time frame will the approval be returned prior to personnel travel?

ANSWER: The requirements found in Section C-1.6.2.4 are in addition to those found in Section C-1.6.2.3. Section C-1.6.2.3 states the contractor’s Facility Security Manager shall provide an initial Visitor Authorization Request (VAR) to the MSC Security Officer prior to the commencement of work on the contract. VAR shall list: all CONMARS located on-board ships that require or will have access to classified information, other contractors that perform contractual services on-board ships and have access to sensitive unclassified information, and people who require routine or frequent entry to the installation or ship in the performance of requirements under this contract. Section C-1.6.2.4 applies to contractor personnel coming to perform work onboard the ship and non-MSC U.S. Military and Government Civilian employees possessing a valid CAC. Timely approval/disapproval of visit requests will be provided by MSC to the contractor.

130. In C-1.6.4. Security in Port-FOS

For each ship in port, the contractor shall provide, at its own expense, a gangway security watch and roving patrol IAW COMSCINST 5530.3 (series), Shipboard Force Protection Program.

Based on the Operating Tempo how often will this be required and what are the requirements of the Shipboard Force Protection Program?

ANSWER: Section C-1.1.4.b provides an estimate of the OPTEMPO of the vessels including the amount of time INPORT and UNDERWAY.

131. In C-1.6.8.2 Contracted Security Team

If government EST(s) are not available, the contractor shall acquire contracted security teams to satisfy Fleet Commander FPCON requirements for each ship. The contractor shall provide documentation that demonstrates contracted security personnel operating on MSC Government-Owned ships possess a TWIC. If security personnel do not possess a TWIC due to ineligibility under the immigration and nationality requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 1572.105i, then contractor shall provide documentation that demonstrates the individual(s) possess personal identification that meets the requirements of 33 CFR 101.515; ii and the individual(s) successfully completed a terrorism check (Terrorist Screening Data Base) that was conducted or approved by the U.S. Government. The contractor shall provide the above documentation no later than 14 days prior to embarking the security team.

Is this a reimbursable item?

ANSWER: IAW Section B-1.3 Reimbursable Items, “Reimbursable supplies and services are those items specified in the contract as reimbursable, or expressly pre-approved, in writing, by the Contracting Officer as a reimbursable item.” Since the section does not state this is reimbursable, it is not reimbursable.

132. In C-2.2.1. Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management (SAMM) Overview

The contractor shall use SAMM for planning, execution, and documentation of all afloat and ashore maintenance activities for each ship. The contractor shall document all corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance, and tests performed on each ship in the SAMM system. The contractor shall utilize and populate operating logs and data required in the SAMM Engine Room Log and Deck Log modules.

How does the MSC plan to remedy the access issues currently within the SAMM system that is out of the contractors control?

ANSWER: The Government needs more information to answer this question. Please ensure questions include specific examples of access issues so the questions can be properly addressed.

133. In C-2.2.3.2.1. Planned Maintenance Industrial Assistance (PMIA)

Planned Maintenance Industrial Assistance (PMIA) consists of actions performed with IA to ensure that components, equipment and systems provide their intended functions when required. These actions may include replacement, major overhaul or a complete rebuild of parts, assemblies, subassemblies, and end items, including the manufacture of parts, testing and calibration of safety devices and inspection of major hull components. PMIA maintenance items are recurring items that are scheduled throughout the expected service life of the machine. PMIA maintenance is influenced by regulatory requirements specified in the CFRs, ABS rules, Navy Policy, Navy Standard Technical Manuals, and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) maintenance requirements.

The requirement of OEM is overly restrictive with outdated and non-existent Original Equipment Parts and Manufacturers for systems onboard the vessels. How will this be addressed as issues arise requiring the use of OEM assets when the OEM no longer exists and a transalt is required?

ANSWER: There is no requirement that only OEM parts be used. The requirement is MSC N7 approve certain aftermarket parts before use under this contract. If MSC N7 approves an aftermarket part pursuant to COMSCINST

4490.1 (Series) then it may be used.

134. In C-2.2.4.3.11. Competition and Approval to Purchase

When authorized by the Contracting Officer, commodities, parts and services may be purchased from commercial entities. The Government will reimburse the contractor for the following expenses incurred to purchase alternate products: loading chemicals from lighters, lighter demurrage or detention, shifting lighters for the convenience of the ships, handling lighter lines, and other such expenses required for the loading of chemicals onto the ships. The Government will reimburse the contractor for other expenses if they are approved by the Contracting Officer prior to incurring the expense.

Does this only apply to the procurement of chemicals?

ANSWER: Sections C-2.2.4.3.11 and C-2.2.4.3.10 will be revised in a forth coming amendment to clarify. The same competition requirements will apply to all procurements under the awarded contract.

135. In C-2.2.5.2 Shipboard Scanning

The contractor shall provide to the MSC N7 team a work area with table top space for a 36-inch scanner and 8.5 × 11 inch table top scanner, on each ship, once during the performance period of this contract. The table top space shall be made available on each ship upon government direction to make it available for the time it designates for each particular ship.

Is this reimbursable?

ANSWER: IAW Section B-1.3 Reimbursable Items, “Reimbursable supplies and services are those items specified in the contract as reimbursable, or expressly pre-approved, in writing, by the Contracting Officer as a reimbursable item.” Since the section does not state this is reimbursable, it is not reimbursable.

136. In C-2.3.1.1.1. Contractor Transalt Requests

The contractor shall submit all requests for alterations using the SAMM TRANSALT-PM module.

Will the requests for alterations submitted using the SAMM TRANSALT PM module communicate with Contracting or will the contractor be required to also provide this report to Contracting and N7 and in what format?

ANSWER: The SAMM TRANSALT PM module does not communicate or notify MSC Contracting. After the program and N7 review the TRANSALT request, the program will provide approval to MSC Contracting, who will then provide approval to the Contractor IAW section C-2.3.1.1.3.

137. In C-2.4.4. SMART

The contractor shall support a Ship Material Assessment and Readiness Testing (SMART) IAW COMSCINST 4730.5 (series), Conduct of Ship Material Assessment and Readiness Testing on Government Owned Ships, when directed by the government to do so.

Upon notification of a SMART being scheduled for a ship, the SMT shall ensure the ship is properly prepared and ready to conduct prompt, sustained operations at sea. Ships presented for SMART with deficiencies that reduce its ability to conduct prompt, sustained operations at sea shall ensure these deficiencies are fully documented and known to the N7 prior to the inspection team’s arrival on the ship to conduct the SMART.

The SMT shall submit a SOE for the conduct of the SMART. The SOE shall be provided to the SMART team for review at least 30 days in advance of the SMART. Additionally, the SOE must identify high risk critical evolutions that are scheduled during the SMART and an associated Job Safety Assessment (JSA). JSAs may be replaced with a Safety Management Risk Assessment Calculator sheet or equivalent SMS procedure (as applicable). The contractor shall provide JSAs, Risk Assessment Calculator sheets, and equivalent SMS procedures prior to the scheduled test. The SMT shall provide information on issues with identified equipment configuration and testing procedures via a test memorandum to the MSC SMART Coordinator. The test memorandum shall comply with MSC QMS Procedure N0752-100.00-SQ, Preparation for Ship Material Assessment and Readiness Testing (SMART) Inspections and N0752-101-00-SQ, Execution and Follow-Up for Shipboard Material Assessment and Readiness Testing (SMART) Inspections. This shall be accomplished no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of the SMART. The SMT shall prepare, sign, and submit a MLOC to the MSC SMART Coordinator, with input from the contractor’s Program Management, 30 days prior to the commencement of the SMART, documenting issues that may impact the SMART or have a known impact to the material condition or mission capability of the ship.

The SMT shall designate qualified personnel to operate ship systems and equipment during the SMART IAW the SMART test memos.

The SMT shall provide cause analysis of significant findings identified during a SMART and develop and submit corrective action plans to MSC Ship Inspection Branch (N7) within 30 days of completion of the SMART.

How and when will the reports from the SMART be made available to the contractor?

ANSWER: The SMART reports will be provided to the contractor via email after the Program reviews them.

138. In C-2.5.10.1.3. Dry-Docking Availabilities

When a ship is scheduled for or required to be placed in a dry dock, the contractor shall comply with the requirements of COMSCINST 9997.1 (series), Dry Dock Standards for MSC Ship Availabilities. The contractor shall submit all MSC Dry Dock Evaluation Forms (as submitted by each prospective offeror) upon receipt to the MSC Engineering Typedesk and IAW COMSCINST 9997.1 (series). The contractor shall not enter into any agreement to dry dock any ship unless the MSC Engineering Typedesk provides approval to enter into the agreement. MSC retains the sole right and authority to approve a dry dock for use with a MSC Government owned ship.

Post award of a dry-docking availability and IAW MSC SWI 0901, the contractor shall submit the subcontractor’s proposed blocking arrangement to the MSC Engineering Typedesk for approval. Ships shall not be dry-docked until MSC has approved the arrangement.

Please clarify that MSC Engineering has no authority to direct the contractor to enter into any type of agreement. Should state that the Contracting Officer provides approval to enter into an agreement to enter into a drydock. MSC Engineering will need to provide the approval to MSC Contracting Officer and then MSC Contracting Officer provide the approval to the contractor.

Who provides the docking arrangement to the shipyard after approved by MSC?

ANSWER: The Contracting Officer provides approval to award the shipyard subcontract. Following Contracting Officer approval of award, the contractor shall provide the blocking arrangement for MSC Engineering approval.

139. In C-2.5.10.2.8. Release of Work Package

IAW the POAM, the contractor shall submit the final work package to the MSC Engineering Typedesk for technical review and approval.

Final work packages shall include the following:

Work item index and all work items Complete independent estimate with man-hours and other direct cost (ODC) breakdowns for each work item Operator furnished materials list Sole source justification for any non-OEM subcontractors directed to be used in a work item Deliverable list Interport differential calculations (IPD) calculation IAW C-2.5.10.2.10 Solicitation including terms and conditions List of vendors the solicitation will be sent to for proposals

The contractor shall not release a work package soliciting offerors until the Contracting Officer approves the work package. Upon receiving technical approval from the MSC Engineering Typedesk and IAW the POAM, the contractor shall submit the final work package to the Contracting Officer with a request for the Contracting Officer approve it.

IAW the POAM and upon receiving the Contracting Officer’s approval, the contractor shall submit the work package and request for proposals (RFP) to repair facilities and shipyards within the geographic area defined in the planning letter or scheduled port.

RFP amendments will be subject to Contracting Officer approval.

Can you provide a turnaround time or days to review the work package and solicitation package to return to the contractor?

ANSWER: The POAM shall allow adequate time for the Government to review the work package. The Government will communicate with the offeror if it is unable to meet the POAM requirements for review of the work package. Review times may vary depending on the complexity of the specific shipyard period.

140. In C-3.7.1.1. Deductions for Key Shore Side Staff

The contractor shall maintain a list of key shore side staff shortages (by position) and shall calculate wages and fringes associated with each shortage within the first 5 days of each calendar month. The contractor shall make calculations based on the pro rate number of days each individual position was unfilled. IAW Section G, a copy of this list shall accompany the per diem invoice for the covered period, and the total wage/fringe shortage values shall be reflected as a credit to the Government by a line item deduction on that invoice.

How does this take into account staff members that vacate without notice or permanent/long term disability, personal hardship, termination, deployed and or maternity leave?

ANSWER: The government is paying a daily rate to include the cost of the required key shoreside staff. If a key position is vacant for any reason, the government shall receive a credit starting on the first day of the key position being vacant.

141. In C-3.8. Qualifications for Shore Side Personnel

Qualification for shore side personnel are listed below. C-.3.8.1.

Are there any general guidelines identifying the specific qualifications, reasoning and a salary range for each?

ANSWER: The contract states the minimum requirements.

142. In C-3.9 Training for Shore Side Personnel

The contractor shall schedule and confirm all shore side key billet personnel complete the prescribed MSC courses IAW the table below. All costs associated with shore side personnel attending required training shall be in the contractor’s fixed rate.

The contractor shall arrange training with the MSCGSD (MSCGSD@navy.mil) for training or use the SAMM training module to complete computer based training course content as specified in the table below. Descriptions and registration for MSC Engineering Training courses are available at http://cmeo.msc.emprisecorporation.com/

How is the contractor to price training and include as part of the fixed rate without the costs of the training?

ANSWER: Training cost will be provided as an attachment to the solicitation in a forthcoming amendment.

143. In C-3.10.3.3.3. Familiarization Personnel Wages, Transportation, Subsistence and Lodging

Costs associated with the familiarization period shall be included in the contractor’s fixed rate.

How is the contractor to price without knowledge of location of vessels, estimated cost of transportation subsistence and lodging?

ANSWER: Offerors should use information available in the contract, use its business expertise and acumen, utilize its technical expertise, account for maximum potential costs, and consider any other factors they deem appropriate when determining their offered price.

144. In C-3.10.4.3. Phase-in Phase-out services

See FAR 52.237-3 (Continuity of Services). All personnel and other associated costs of attending phase-in are to be included in the incoming contractor’s fixed rate.

Ship redelivery dates will be provided by the Government No minimum amount of ship per diem workload is guaranteed

Can you provide more description in order to price appropriately?

ANSWER: The Government needs more information to answer this question.

Please ensure questions include specific examples of what information your question is looking for so the questions can be answered.

145. In C-3.11.4. Routine Contractor Attendance

For FOS vessels deployed overseas, the contractor’s Port Engineer shall attend each ship four times per year to conduct an assessment of the vessel and provide a status report to the MSC COR and Life Cycle Engineer. Additionally, a contractor Port Engineer assigned to the Contract shall attend each MSC Inspection (OCI, SMART, etc.).

Port Engineer attendance for MSC inspections may count towards one of the four annual visits. All costs associated with attending the vessels shall be included in the contractor’s fixed rate. Reimbursement for contractor visits exceeding four visits per year must be approved by the COR.

How is the contractor to price in our fixed rate for travel to unknown destinations and unknown periods?

ANSWER: The Government determined the solicitation provides adequate information for an offeror to price routine contractor attendance in its fixed rate.

The Government has provided information on the ships location in Section F-2.

Offerors should use information available in the contract, use its business expertise and acumen, utilize its technical expertise, account for maximum potential costs, and consider any other factors they deem appropriate when determining their offered price.

146. In C-4.2.3. List of Annual O&M Budget Items

Estimated costs for reimbursable crew travel.

How often will the crew rotate and at what ports?

ANSWER: Section C-1.7.3(a), last bullet, states “The maximum crew rotation per billet per ship in any operational status is 4 times per year.” This is the only restriction on how the Contractor manages its crew rotations.

147. In C-4.3.1. List of directly Funded Items

Estimated costs for proposed TRANSALT development and approved TRANSALT execution.

Does this mean the costs to draft the white paper, design, specification drafting and to solicit responses?

ANSWER: Any work completed by the contractor to develop, solicit, or implement a TRANSALT shall be included in the fixed rate.

148. In C-5.2.1. Use of Accountable Property Systems of Record (APSR) System

The contractor shall utilize MSC’s Shipboard Configuration and Logistics Information Program (ShipCLIP) to document and maintain adequate levels of material on board each ship to meet operational, maintenance, repair, alteration, and special maritime requirements. ShipCLIP is the official record of each ship’s fixed and portable hull, mechanical, and ordnance equipment that is maintenance or functionally significant. It is used to establish material, parts, and equipment allowance levels to be carried onboard for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the ship’s equipment and components as well as an automated record of Government Property. Each ship shall have onboard a Consolidated Shipboard Allowance list (COSAL) database, which resides in ShipCLIP system. The contractor shall establish and maintain a property control system utilizing ShipCLIP IAW the requirements of this Contract to control, protect, preserve, and maintain Government property.

How does ShipCLIP maintain inventories of critical spare parts as required by regulation versus non critical spare parts?

ANSWER: SHIPCLIP does not differentiate between critical and non-critical spares. However, the vessel storekeepers do have the capability to run reports to determine which parts they do not currently have onboard.

149. In C-5.2.2.2. Physical Inventories

The contractor shall conduct annual physical inventories, on each ship, once during the federal fiscal year. The contractor shall complete each physical inventory by 30 September of each federal fiscal year. The physical inventory and report must comply with the most recent ASTM standard prescribed in COMSC Instruction 4340.3 (Series).

Inventory validity for all GFP (both SRI and OSI) shall be maintained at a 94% accuracy rate based on Attachment Q. The contractor shall calculate inventory accuracy by comparing electronic inventory quantities with physical inventory quantities. The contractor shall submit a letter, on company letterhead, to the MSC GPA and Contracting officer. The letter shall report completion of the PCP-required inventories on each ship by 1 September of each calendar year (or last option period). The letter shall include a summary of inventory accuracy, inventory gains, inventory losses, and list of surveys contractor submitted to date.

Is this reimbursable to include the travel and attendance of the property administrator?

ANSWER: IAW Section B-1.3 Reimbursable Items, “Reimbursable supplies and services are those items specified in the contract as reimbursable, or expressly pre-approved, in writing, by the Contracting Officer as a reimbursable item.” Since the section does not state this is reimbursable, it is not reimbursable.

150. In E-1. Acceptance

Final acceptance of all services provided under this contract shall be made only upon certification of the final invoice as defined in the invoicing provisions contained in Section G. Such certification shall be made by the Contracting Officer or his or her designated representative.

Does final mean contract closeout and will this slow up the billing process?

ANSWER: Section E-1 is stating that final closing out of this contract will occur when the Government makes final acceptance of all services provided under this contract. The contractor shall submit invoices IAW with Section G.

151. CONTRACTOR QUESTION:

In G-3 INVOICE REQUIREMENTS

(r) When submitting all invoices, the Contractor shall:

(1) Ensure that invoices for reimbursement are itemized on the invoice for each good or service provided.

(2) Every invoice submitted shall include all required supporting documentation to support claimed expenses for reimbursement, and not refer to documentation submitted in previously submitted invoices.

(3) Ensure that supporting documentation for each invoice for reimbursement of expenses paid by the Contractor for the account of the Government includes an original vendor's receipted invoice clearly marked “Paid” by the vendor. Where this procedure would cause extensive delay submitting the charge(s) for reimbursement, or it is impractical to have the vendor mark the invoice paid, the Contractor may stamp the invoice paid annotating beneath the paid stamp the relevant payment details (check number, ACH/EFT, credit card transaction number, etc.) evidencing payment. The Government may request proof of payment in support of the paid stamp on a random sample basis.

(4) Pursuant to FAR 52.244-2 (Subcontracts) for reimbursable subcontracts, and Section C of the contract, or other instances in the Contract where approval is required, attach copies of applicable Contracting Officer's or COR’s written approval.

(3) Indicate on each vendor invoice for foreign currency, the rate of exchange as of the date of Contractor payment. In addition, the Contractor shall attach a copy of the bank draft or other suitable document showing the rate of exchange.

(4) Attach an English translation if the vendor's invoice or supporting documentation is in a foreign language.

(5) Ensure vendor has noted on invoices the date the services were performed on the face of the invoice and the line item for the services received.

(6) Attach copies of applicable Contracting Officer's or COR’s written approval.

(7) Indicate the applicable CLIN, Project, Task and Expenditure Type for which each invoiced item is payable.

(8) Verify the company name, vessel, contract number, contract per diem rate, and similar data shown on the invoice agree with that shown in the contract before submitting invoices to the government.

(9) Mark or stamp every submitted invoice, voucher, or other routine request for payment of reimbursable expenses with the following Certification Statement. No payment will be made on submitted invoices, vouchers, or other routine requests for payment of reimbursable expenses unless they contain the certification statement:

“The undersigned affirms that I am a duly authorized representative of the Contractor, and that this invoice, voucher, or other routine request for payment of reimbursable expenses is accurate, made in good faith for goods or services that have been provided to the Government, is fairly and reasonably priced, and (if based in whole or in part on goods or services provided to the Government by a Subcontractor) that all Subcontractors were selected by the Contractor after full and open competition to the maximum extent practicable."

(10) Submit all invoices through WAWF. See MSC WAWF INSTRUCTIONS below in this section for invoicing instructions. Supporting documentation for any particular invoice may be submitted via mail if the data is too large to be attached in WAWF. The Contractor shall provide advance notice to the COR when submitting supporting documentation via standard mail.

This process is overly burdensome, can this be reduced and or account for a key shore side financial analyst to complete invoicing as required?

ANSWER: The Government determined it is in its best interest to leave the requirement as it is.

152. In G-6 Post Award Conference

The contractor shall attend any post award meetings, conference, and orientations including a contract kick-off meeting IAW the requirements of Section C and Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5.

Is this reimbursable?

ANSWER: IAW Section B-1.3 Reimbursable Items, “Reimbursable supplies and services are those items specified in the contract as reimbursable, or expressly pre-approved, in writing, by the Contracting Officer as a reimbursable item.” The Government determined it is in its best interest to leave the requirement as it is.

153. In C-1.1.4.5. ROS

The ROS crew is working 8 hours a day 5 days a week, on the top of page 58, it also states that the duty watch will be two mariners on the weekends. Will they be from the crew or night mates brought in. One has to be an officer. Will they be on a 24-hour watch, and how will they get paid, will this be three crew standing 8 hour watches. Will this be 2 crew each working 8 hours plus call outs and overtime.

ANSWER: This is a business decision of the contractor to determine how they want to meet this requirement. The cost shall be factored in the contractor’s firm fixed price.

154. In C-1.1.4.8.1. RAV

RAV crew is 7 days a week at 10 hour days. Is this 2 hours of overtime for each day?

In addition, on the top of page 60 this is a deck officer only, he or she will make all the rounds 24 hours per day? What is considered a round if it’s one person working 24 hours. Will there be an engineer on call, or on the vessel, is this 24 hours pay?

ANSWER: This is a business decision of the contractor to determine how they want to meet this requirement. The cost shall be factored in the contractor’s firm fixed price.

155. In C-1.1.17 Explosive Handling

How many vessels fall into the Ammo Bonus Category?

ANSWER: Any WATSON class vessel may carry ammo at any time. Currently, all five deployed vessels fall into the Ammo Bonus Category, for which the Government is paying the contractor the FOS AMMO per diem rate.

156. In C-1.2.2. Unmanned Engine Room Operations

In Port or at Anchorage will this be considered overtime for going down and answering alarms or will a duty pay scale structure for the engineer that as the watch need to be created and or will this be an automatic 4 hours per day?

ANSWER: This is a business decision of the contractor to determine how they will meet the requirements of section C-1.2.2. The cost shall be factored in the contractor’s firm fixed price.

157. On page 170, Section C can you clarify when going from RAV/ROS to FOS when the FOS pay is to start? Will it start the day the activation is ordered?

ANSWER: See Answer to Question 55.

ANSWER: There is no requirement that only OEM parts be used. The requirement is MSC N7 approve certain aftermarket parts before use under this contract. If MSC N7 approves an aftermarket part pursuant to COMSCINST 4490.1 (Series) then it may be use...