19R3375_Q&A_0001.pdf

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N32205-19-R-3375

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

09 August 2019

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

1. Who will arrange for escorts in the Arabian Gulf for the vessel's transit to and from the high risk areas even after vessel redelivers in Kuwait? What are the expected escort pick-up and drop-off positions?

ANSWER: Escorts are not guaranteed under the terms of the contract. To the extent that escorts are provided during the course of the contract and after redelivery, issues related to this will be addressed during post-award contract administration.

2. Does MSC intend to add a communications package suite with corresponding communications team for this charter?

ANSWER: MSC intends to put two strategic sealift officers, as supercargo, on all vessels as Tactical Advisors (TACADS). These TACADS will, at a minimum, bring on a satellite phone capable of secure communications with the area commands and MSCHQ. Additional secure communication packages beyond that will be handled as post-award contract administration.

3. Is Part (V)(1)1 Contractor Security for Contractor's account? Will MSC use military EST given recent incidents in the Persian Gulf? Will MSC provide any specific guidance on Rules of Engagement for Contractor Security teams?

ANSWER: First, we will be amending the RFP as follows:

AMEND : “CALL-OUT: PART (V)(l)(1) CONTRACTOR SECURITY (CS) – DEC 2012 Amend to read as follows: The Government requires the Contractor to furnish an armed contractor security (CS) team consisting of a minimum of four (4) persons. The Contractor shall provide the team makeup for approval by the Government prior to award and the team shall be onboard while in the CENTCOM AOR (starting at 68⁰ East longitude) under this contract.”

TO READ:

“Call out part V(l) and amend the second sentence of part V(l)(1) read as follows: The contractor shall provide the team makeup for approval by the government prior to award and the team shall be onboard while in the CENTCOM AOR (starting at 68⁰ east longitude) under this contract.”

To address the questions, Contract Security Teams are for contractors’ account and DRYTIME PARTV(l)(4) provides guidance on Rules of Engagement. Any embarkation of military EST’s will be at the charterer’s sole discretion, is not guaranteed, and will be addressed as post-award contract administration.

4. Will MSC add a Ship Security Officer for this charter?

ANSWER: No.

5. Will MSC reimburse additional war risk premiums?

ANSWER: DRYTIME Part IV(h) speaks for itself.