J-8_RFC_Questions_and_Answers.doc

N3220519R6505

USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20)

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: __WI 458_____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: _2.1.1_____________

TITLE: ____WHIP ANTENNA MAINTENANCE_______

QUESTION: #1

COULD YOU PLEASE PROVIDE THE REFERENCE AS LISTED IN SPECIFICATIONS? THE ARRANGEMENT IS NOT IN THE PACKAGE.

ANSWER:

Please see attached references.

0967-LP-177-3050

0967-LP-421-1010

0967-LP-297-6010

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: __WI 301____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: _3.3___________

TITLE: ____NR 2 ADG JACKET WATER PUMP_______

QUESTION: #2

THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY DO NOT SELL MATERIALS TO A THIRD PARTY ENTITY. THEY STATE THAT THEY SELL TO GOVERNMENT ONLY. THE MANUFACTURER IS MAN B&W AG

ANSWER:

Gov has also found parts to be long lead items. To prevent undue stress on the contractor, the Gov will “delete the work item” from the package and send out as a separate work request NOT attached to this solicitation.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: __WI 881____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ALL__________

TITLE: ____AC CHILLER SERVICING_______

QUESTION: #3

CAN ALL THREE UNITS BE TAGGED OUT AT THE SAME TIME TO BE SERVICED ?

ANSWER:

NO.

At least 1 unit must remain in operation daily.

With ship’s force participation, it may be possible to secure all 3 for the maximum of 1 to 2 hours.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: _______WI 503_____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ___________________

TITLE: _________________________________________________________________

QUESTION: #4

Does the work listed for Main Circulating Pump and Motor Overhaul require the installation of a cofferdam?

ANSWER:

YES.

The present arrangement is only One (1) valve protection, Butterfly valve.

The scope of work will require divers to install a “cofferdam” and contractor to install a “Pancake” to provide Two (2) valve protection for pump overhaul.

Recap:

Three step process:

1) Divers install cofferdam, contractor install pancake. Test for leakage prior to divers departing the water. Prior to opening pump case.

2) Contractor / divers monitor status of cofferdam daily while pump case is opened.

3) After pump has been put back together, divers to verify cofferdam integrity, contractors remove pancake, test for leakage, prior to divers leaving the water.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: __SECTION I____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: 52.211-11__________

TITLE: ______LIQUIDATED DAMAGES__

QUESTION: #5

Being the ship will be on the base for repairs and not a Contractor Facility, the Contractor does not have control of all of the subs and OEMs gaining access to the vessel. Can the $90,342.00 a day be removed from the Contract?

ANSWER:

This clause will not be removed but, Total Liquidated Damages shall not exceed 50% of the contract value

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: __0011___________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: 7.1.3.1.__________

TITLE: ______FURNISH GENERAL SERVICES__

QUESTION: #8

Paragraph states to provide 90 ton crane 10 times with a 24 hour notice. Since it takes at least 5 days to get crane lifts approved, is it the intent for contractor to have crane on pier for entire availability?

ANSWER:

Crane capacity reduced from 90 Ton to 25 Tons and notice increased from 24 hours to 40 hours. Revision A of work item attached.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: __102___________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ALL__________

TITLE: ______01 DECK NON SKID RENEWAL__

QUESTION: #9

This work item requires port and starboard 01 level decks to be blasted and non-skidded during this availability. These two decks are like the major interstate highway on this ship. Prepping and painting of these decks would interfere and prevent repairs on many items. Items include accommodation ladders, life raft davits, lifeboat davits, life boats, rescue boats and davits, security boats and crane. Contractor feels that this item should not be accomplished at this time given all of the work to be done. Can this item be rescheduled?

ANSWER:

Work Item removed from Work Package.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: __ALL__________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ALL__________

TITLE: ______ALL__

QUESTION: #6

Due to the extensive amount of work associated with this availability, can more time be allotted to complete repairs?

ANSWER:

Period of Performance has been extended eighteen days (18). It has gone from an 60 day availability to a 78 day availability. POP is now January 8, 2020 to March 27, 2020.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: ____353_______

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ____ALL_____

TITLE: ______THEMOGRAPHIC SURVY_

QUESTION: #7

While obtaining subcontractor pricing, it was revealed that the subcontractor just completed survey in March during shipyard period. Are we certain we want this item completed again?

ANSWER:

Work Item to be retained as written.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: __102___________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ALL__________

TITLE: ______01 DECK NON SKID RENEWAL__

QUESTION: #8

This work item requires port and starboard 01 level decks to be blasted and non-skidded during this availability. These two decks are like the major interstate highway on this ship. Prepping and painting of these decks would interfere and prevent repairs on many items. Items include accommodation ladders, life raft davits, lifeboat davits, life boats, rescue boats and davits, security boats and crane. Contractor feels that this item should not be accomplished at this time given all of the work to be done. Can this item be rescheduled?

ANSWER:

Work Item removed from Work Package.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: ____353_______

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ____ALL_____

TITLE: ______THEMOGRAPHIC SURVY_

QUESTION: #9

While obtaining subcontractor pricing, it was revealed that the subcontractor just completed survey in March during shipyard period. Are we certain we want this item completed again?

ANSWER:

Work Item to be retained as written.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: _______WI_958____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ________7.4.a___________

TITLE: _________________________________________________________________

QUESTION: #10

“Hydroblasting (high pressure water jet cleaning) may be used on all propellers and fairwater surfaces. Perform hydroblasting immediately upon drydocking and before marine growth has dried. At NO TIME shall hydroblasting on unpainted propeller surfaces exceed 10,000 psi or 2,000 psi for painted surfaces.” Please advise if the USNS COMFORT does/doesn’t have painted propellers. Specification is a generic form and this will make a difference in the cleaning method and associated pricing.

ANSWER:

USNS Comfort will not be going on dry dock, this is a pier side availability.

Comfort only has one (1) propeller.

Comfort propeller is not painted.

Propeller is Ni Al Brz, ABS Type 4, 26 Feet Diameter, 5 Blades.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: ________WI 501____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ___3.2.1 and 3.2.2________________

TITLE: _________________________________________________________________

QUESTION: #11

Paragraph 3.2.1 – “40 feet of schedule 80 piping for each of the various sizes.” Please advise if the piping material is carbon steel for all systems including sewage & seawater/freshwater.

Paragraph 3.2.2 – “20 feet of schedule 40 piping for each of the various sizes.” Please advise if the piping material is carbon steel for all systems including sewage & seawater/freshwater.

ANSWER:

For bid purposes, all piping is schedule 40 galvanized steel.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: ________WI 657____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ___7.2________________

TITLE: Accommodation Ladder Inspection

QUESTION: #12

Paragraph 7.2 – “Provide temporary means of access to the vessel whenever the accommodation ladder and gangways are unavailable due to inspection, service & testing.” Can the Public Works Center (PWC) at NOB provide the temporary ladder/gangway for this item?

ANSWER:

The standard set up for USNS Comfort while at Norfolk Naval Base is to have a quarterdeck / access point utilizing a base gangway arrangement.

Typically, the ship’s “accommodation ladder” is only used as a backup, when needed.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: _______WI 556_____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: _________7.8.1__________

TITLE: Inspect Deck Cranes

QUESTION:

Paragraph 7.8.1 – “Provide the services of a Contractor recognized as a crane certifying authority to inspect, repair, weight test and recertify the cranes & hoists located in machinery spaces using reference 2.1.1 thru 2.1.5 for guidance. Qualifications and certificates for the company and field service rep are to be submitted to the MSCREP for review and approval prior to starting any work. Suggested source: 7.8.1.2 Palfinger Marine USA Inc. and 7.8.1.3 Pine Hill Equipment”

1. The cranes requiring certification are not located in the “Machinery Spaces” as noted in paragraph 7.8.1. Since the cranes requiring servicing are not located in the Machinery Spaces do these same requirements still apply? Please advise.

2. Palfinger Marine USA directed contractor to Pine Hill Equipment for work on 3.2.2.2. Pine Hill Equipment stated “PHE is not certified by any outside surveyor, not ABS or Lloyds.” Please advise if the lack of certificates by Pine Hill Equipment will meet the MSCREP requirement to provide qualifications/certificates for review and approval prior to starting any work.

ANSWER:

1. Paragraph 7.8.1 of work items is incorrect. Paragraph 7.8.1 of the work item has been revised and will be issued in Ammendment 002.

2. Pine Hill Equipment is recognized by MSC as an acceptable contractor to accomplish the requirements of the Work Item 556 for the Palfinger 32002M Crane onboard the Comfort.

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: __________WI 581__________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ________7.9.1___________

TITLE: Steering System Annual Service

QUESTION:

Paragraph 7.9.1 – “The equipment addressed in this work item is categorized as critical equipment in accordance with MSC policy on the classification of critical shipboard systems and equipment. Only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) authorized technical field service representatives and OEM parts shall be used to accomplish the requirements of this work item for this critical equipment including oversight,….” The OEM Sperry Marine provided the contractor with a “NO BID” for this work item. Stating “We cannot meet the spec or do any hydraulic work on this system. This system is also no longer supported and has limited to no spare parts.” Please advise.

ANSWER:

The following OEM Authorized Representative is a suggested source that can accomplish the requirements of the work item:

Nav Systems Inc.

425 Network Station, STE 10

Chesapeake, Va 23320

POC: David Hall

Phone: (757) 410-4872

Mobil: (757) 675-5900

E-mail: dave.hall@nav-sys.com

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: ________ALL____________

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO: ________ALL___________

TITLE: Solicitation Extension

QUESTION:

Contractor A - Can the USNS COMFORT submittal due date of 10-9-19 be extended. Contractor is having difficulty obtaining quotes from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) as well as vendors due to No Bids, material ordering issues, requested references response delays, obsolete equipment and the need for bidder question government answered replies. If possible a 2 week extension would help.

Contractor B - We respectfully request the due date be extended until October 11, 2019 to allow additional time to prepare our proposal for the subject solicitation.

ANSWER: The solicitation for the USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20) will not be extended. Proposal due date will remain the same, with proposals being due on October 9, 2019 at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time.

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