N32205-21-R-4117 conformed through Amend 0006.pdf

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7. ISSUED BY

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IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

Previous Edition is Unusable 33-134 STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

DO-A3 1 232

(If other than Item 7)

15A. NAME 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

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18. OFFER DATE

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

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2. CONTRACT NO.

N32205 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

See Item 7

9. Sealed offers in original and 0 copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and

N/A conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

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11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

SOLICITATION/ CONTRACT FORM

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/ COSTS

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X I CONTRACT CLAUSES

DESCRIPTION/ SPECS./ WORK STATEMENT X

PACKAGING AND MARKING

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J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

158 - 160 X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 161 - 169 X

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) 170 - 178 X M

L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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AMENDMENT NO. DATE

to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

FACILITY

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

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26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

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19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( ) 41 U.S.C. 253(c)( ) (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

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PART III - LIST O F DO CUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND O THER ATTACHMENTS

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NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NO.5. DATE ISSUED

02 Nov 2020

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

[ X ]

3. SOLICITATION NO.

N3220521R4117

Section SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

AMENDMENT 0006

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

1. Add Section C-1.4.3.3 Prescription Drugs and Eyeglasses as shown in red font followed by the associated amendment number in superscript.

2. Revise Attachment V per Questions & Answers below.

3. Respond to solicitation questions. Questions are italicized and answers are in bold font. All questions received have now been answered as of this amendment.

Solicitation N32205-21-R-4117 Questions and Answers

99. We are still waiting for final CBA’s from our unions, and as you know we can’t finalize our pricing without these critical items. Given the upcoming holidays and the need to complete normal end of year accounting functions we request a 2 week extension on the due date for the proposal. Will the Government consider this request?

ANSWER: The closing date was revised in Amendment 0004. See SF-33 for closing date.

100. Question 31 and 32 asked what the work hours were for the wages shown in Appendix B for the SIU, the answer referred to the work hours shown in Section B.1.15 and Section C1.7.10.2. We are aware of what hours the crew is to work, what the question was trying to determine was whether the wages shown in Attachment B for the SIU on the Bobo class included the first 8 hours on Saturday and Sunday or if the SIU were paid overtime for those hours and whether on the Stockholm whether the wages paid included the first 8 hours on Saturday and Sunday or if they were paid overtime for the first 8 hours on these days. Please have the SIU MOU updated to define when overtime is payable on the Bobo Class vessels and on the Stockhom so that we may insure we are incompliance with the SCA.

ANSWER: See amendment 0003, question #62 for information on when overtime is payable. The Wage Determination establishes the minimum wage and fringe benefit requirements required by the Department of Labor for the contractor's employees covered by the Wage Determination.

101. The answer to Question 33 was not sufficiently answered. We understand that the unions provide the CBA, however for us to certify that we are incompliance with the SCA, the information provided in the RFP needs to provide all the wage and benefit information. The MOU for the Stockholm for with the AMO, did not provide ROS benefit costs.

Without this information we will not be able to certify we are in compliance with the SCA. Please have the AMO update their MOU.

ANSWER: In the AMO memorandum of understanding for USNS STOCKHAM, Section II, Reduced Operation Status (ROS) and Repair Availability (RAV), paragraph A, Wages, states “For the purpose of calculating the defined contribution benefits, the Officers earned Weekly Base Wage shall be used to calculate benefits for all shipboard and vacation days.”

102. Please provide the missing sections: 6.8.1, 6.8.2, 6.8, 6.10.26.11.4, 6.12.3, 6.12.4, 6.13.1.1, 6.13.1, 6.17.1, 6.17.2, 6.18.1, 6.18.4, 6.19.1, 6.19.2, 6.19.3 ANSWER: These sections are reserved for future use and have been marked accordingly in amendment 0005.

The Government is not using these sections at this time.

103. C-6.4.5.3 & C-6.4.5.4 LAN/IT Managers: These individuals must be certified to Operating System (OS) certification for Win 7 or appropriate version being utilized onboard the MSC Vessels, along with A+, NETWORK + and SECURITY+. Technical Exhibit 1 indicates that current client/server architecture is using XP/Server 2003.

These systems are outdated and certifications for them no longer provided by authorized Microsoft vendors. Will the government respect a more modern/current Microsoft OS certification?

ANSWER: The MSC networks are currently running on Server 2008 and Win7 or WIN10 with the Update. See revised Technical Exhibit 1 in Attachment V.

104. Att L AMD 2 / Att P - New Tabs D7 and D8 were added in AMD 2 for Comms Suite pricing for each Squadron. Is it the governments intent that the Shore Based Manager costs be split between the two squadrons since the costs are Comms Suite associated or to include them elsewhere in our fixed expenses?

ANSWER: IAW with Section C-3.7.2.a, “The contractor shall include all costs associated with shore side personnel support in the contractor’s fixed rate.” Amendment 0002 revised the table in this section to include the Shore Based Communication Manager.

105. Att L AMD 2 - New Tabs D7 and D8 were added in AMD 2 for Comms Suite pricing for each Squadron. Since these costs are associated with OCONUS ROH, OCONUS major repairs, is it the governments intent that the Shore Based Manager costs be split between the two squadrons since the costs are Comms Suite associated or to include them elsewhere?

ANSWER: See question #104.

106. Att L AMD 2 - New Tabs D7 and D8 were added in AMD 2 for Comms Suite pricing for each Squadron. Since these costs are associated with OCONUS ROH, OCONUS major repairs, will the vessels be in FOS during these OCONUS ROH and repair periods for pricing purposes?

ANSWER: When a flagship enters a shipyard availability, a Flag Shift typically occurs. Services shall be provided IAW section C-6.1. See sections C-6.2.1 and C-6.3.1 for further information on Flag Shifts.

107. Att L AMD 2 - New Tabs D7 and D8 were added in AMD 2 for Comms Suite pricing for each Squadron. Since some of these costs are associated with CONUS ROH with the vessel in RAV, where should we price the attendance as D7 and D8 only provide for FOS rates?

ANSWER: See questions #106

108. The Government did not adequately answer Question 50 in Amendment 003. If the labor agreements that are part of the subsequent contract require payments to crewmembers who are restricted to the ship by either local authorities or MSC policy due to the COVID-19 global pandemic or other similar events will these payments be reimbursed by the government under the terms of the contract?

ANSWER: MSC is not able to provide a more definitive response to Question 50 in Amendment 0003 because the response depends on many variables, such as the specific collective bargaining agreement wage determination in effect and incorporated into the contract at the time, the terms of the contract and the facts and circumstances resulting in the implementation of a liberty restriction at a given location.

109. The Government’s answer to Question 74 in Amendment 003 does not appear to be correct. The contractor will be the employer of the Communications Suite personnel regardless of their union affiliation, as are all of the shipboard employees working aboard these ships. If the employee is working on a federal service contract, the government must provide a wage determination for the position. Will the Government reconsider the answer to Question 74 and provide a wage determination for the onboard Communications Suite personnel required by this contract?

ANSWER: The Government submitted a Communications Suite personnel wage determination request to the U.S. Department of Labor. When received, the wage determination will be incorporated via amendment.

110. While the Answer says a “Communications Suite” training section has been added to C1.8.1.a, it appears to be missing so we cannot provide adequate pricing. The section titled “Communications” is the same training required for vessel crew not the comms suite staff. Please provide the required training for communication suite personnel.

ANSWER: Amendment 0005 updated the training matrix to include the Communications Suite training.

AMENDMENT 0005

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

4. Revise Sections B-1.7 and C-6.13.1.4. Revisions are shown in red font followed by the associated amendment number in superscript.

5. Add Communications Suite portion to training matrix in Section C-1.8.1.a.

6. Mark unused paragraphs in Section C-6 as “reserved.”

7. Revise Attachment P per Questions and Answers below.

8. Respond to solicitation questions. Questions are italicized and answers are in bold font. Questions received but not answered in this amendment will be answered in a future amendment.

78. In Attach+B+-+CBA-2019-12514-2 and Attach+B+-+CBA-2019-12515-1, it appears that some ROS fringe benefits are missing in the wage determinations from one or both contracts. Only FOS fringes are provided which fund 30/30 and 26/30 vacations but the ROS vacation is 1.5 for 30 with no change in the FOS fringe. Will you please provide clarifications or updated Wage Determinations so wages and fringes in a CBA for this new Contract can be certified to meet SCLS?

ANSWER: See amendment 0002, question #33.

79. Paragraph C-1.5.2.2 states that “The contractor shall provide the capability to transmit and receive radio teletype message on each ship” and paragraph C-1.5.2.3 states that “The contractor shall provide the capability to send and receive voice and data messages over analog and digital single channel radio (SCR) and satellite equipment in the VHF, USH, HF and MF bands.” Will you please provide clarification on whether these two paragraphs mean the contractor shall provide mariners who are capable of using such government-furnished equipment (i.e. RO or GMDSS qualifications), or do they imply that the contract shall provide new such electronic equipment with the specified capabilities?

ANSWER: The intent of the word “capability” in the above paragraphs is to require the contractor’s crew to operate and maintain the Government’s installed equipment in accordance with the qualifications identified in Paragraphs C-1.1.4 Scope of Work/Mission and C-1.1.4.b Certificates.

80. The last sentence in Paragraph C-1.6.5 states that “The contractor shall provide a single lockable access point to the ship (i.e. gated cipher lock). Will you please provide clarification if this means the contractor shall provide in their fixed price to provide new such physical security? If the latter, are their physical security doors (i.e. stern door fences with personnel doors or side port doors) on which the contractor shall procure and install cipher locks?

ANSWER (Part A): No, not included in fixed price. See amendment 0002, question #15 for clarification of pricing.

ANSWER (Part B): No, there are not physical security doors, but there are physical security requirements that must be met by the port/pier facility. Depending on the location (result of the survey) and the requirement for ROS, capital improvements required for security are amortized in the monthly payment for the berthing location.

81. Section C-6 is a unique one compared to all previous MSC asset O&M contracts and it appears that is used to be a stand-alone RFP intended for electronic communication companies, so will you please consider removal of Section C-6 from this RFP? If not, Section C-6 makes several references to Technical Exhibits TE-1, TE-2, and TE-4, so will you please provide those TE mission from the solicitation?

ANSWER: The Government determined it is in its best interest to leave the requirement as it is. See amendment 0002, question #7 in reference to the Technical Exhibits.

82. The release of this solicitation on November 2, 2020 came unexpectedly, and the original due date for offers of December 2, 2020 and the recently extended due date for offers of December 22, 2020 remain unrealistic expectations. Mindful of the recent Thanksgiving holiday and the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, and with respect to missing information and unanswered questions will you please provide another extension for the due date for offers until January 26, 2021?

ANSWER: The closing date was revised in Amendment 0004. See SF-33 for latest closing date.

83. Will the small business subcontract plan require the total contract value (TCV) be used to as a basis for determining the percentage and dollar value for the small business goals? Given that a large portion of the TCV is the FFP to (MSC Removed Company Name), should the amount that is to be subcontracted out as Reimbursables be the basis for determining the small business goals rather than the TCV and also be the basis for the 25% Minimum Quantitative Requirement (MQR)?

ANSWER (Part A): The Small Business Subcontracting Plan, if required, shall be prepared per Section L-7(A)(12) with values in accordance with FAR Clause 52.219-9(d).

ANSWER (Part B): The TCV is calculated per Section L-7 (15)(a)(ii) and includes both the reimbursable estimate provided plus the offerors proposed total per diem rate for each period.

84. Berthing on a vessel in the shipyard is not safe or healthy for the vessel’s crew. Our union agreements are requiring the crew to be housed in local hotels during RAV periods to attain proper rest and to escape the unhealthy breathing environment which occurs during every yard period. We are merely asking for the same accommodations afforded to civilian mariners during yard availabilities. Will the Government consider reimbursing the operator for these costs?

ANSWER: The Government determined it is in its best interest to leave the requirement as it is. The terms of the CBA between the contractor and the union are neither considered to be part of the contract nor shall they form the basis of any claim or request for equitable adjustment (REA).

85. Where is Contested Environment Training, Basic Ops and Advanced Ops held? How many days is each training class?

ANSWER: The Basic Ops and Advanced Ops courses cover the contested environment training. The training location and length is as follows:

Basic Ops Course (4-days): Fort Eustis and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek (JEB-LC) Advance Ops Course (4-days): JEB-LC (only)

86. Are the five Communication Suite personnel noted in C-6.10.1 included in the 30 PEP count in support of the Flagship in section C-1.3.2.a?

ANSWER: See amendment 0002, question #36 and the associated revision to the number of personnel in section C-6.10.1.

87. C-1.8.1.a - As STCW requires Basic Safety Training (or BST refresher) and Advanced Firefighting for Licensed crew every five years, will the MMC showing current certification be sufficient to meet the five-year periodicity or does the training need to be completed at the start of the contract?

ANSWER: Current training certification (within required periodicity and will not expire during the crew member’s tour) are acceptable at the start of the contract.

88. In the answer to question 19 it states that PEP is to be included in ROS and RAV as well as FOS. This is unrealistic as the steward complement required in ROS and RAV is not sufficient to support the crew plus the extra personnel. Please clarify.

ANSWER: PEP is only for FOS (both flag and non-flag) vessels. The Government may embark additional personnel onboard a ship at anytime.

89. Section B 1.7 has been modified to state that the fixed per diem is to include a two day turnover for key personnel. Section C – 1.7.4 requires a three day turnover for key personnel. Please clarify which is correct.

ANSWER: Section C – 1.7.4 is correct. See revised section B-1.7.

90. When are the communications suite detachment personnel required to report onboard during familiarization? Is there any overlap required during regular crew rotations for any members of the communication detachment?

ANSWER: Section C-6.8 addresses Communications Suite personnel familiarization. Section C-

6.11.1 addresses rotations of Communication Suite personnel.

91. On the total evaluated price form, tabs D-1 thru D-4, have all four of the ships as flag ships every year except when the ship is in RAV. This will inflate the price in the evaluation as only two of the ships will be flagship at any one time. Please clarify.

ANSWER: See amendment 0003, revised Attachment L.

92. Are the onboard COMM Suite personnel currently subcontracted civilian employees or are they signed on the ships as mariners?

ANSWER: See amendment 0003, question #74.

93. Section C-1.7.1a Manning Scales indicates two 1st Asst Engineers, yet the vessels are only outfitted with one 1st Asst Engineer accommodation (Stateroom) that includes approved systems such as engine room watch standing alarm panel, etc. Please advise if MSC will be modifying vessel accommodation to account for this increase or what other method is intended to align accommodations to the revised manning scales.

ANSWER: See amendment 0003, question #76.

94. Section B-1.7 Full Operating Status Per Diem – stipulates all penalty time, bonuses, emoluments, … are included however the remaining sections of the RFP are silent to Crew restriction to ship designated by the operational commander, or US Government, outside of a war zone. Please confirm that restriction to ship by the operational commander for purposes other than war zone are considered reimbursable since a contractor has no ability to estimate unknown operational requirements.

ANSWER: See amendment 0003, question #50.

95. “MSC COVID QMS N2.35.6100.1-Q Novel Coronavirus Disease Response Plan (Current Rev)” has been continuously revised. Because of this, valid and reasonable REAs related to COVID-19 ROM have been denied. Please clarify how a contractor is to financially account for unknown circumstances and continuously changing performance criteria in its fixed price if all COVID-19 response measures are not fully reimbursable.

ANSWER: See amendment 0003, question #50.

96. In Amendment 0002, Section B-1.7 opens with “The proposed per diem rates should include a two-day onboard turnover period when replacing shipboard key billets.” and this contradicts paragraph C-1.7.4 that states “The contractor shall include in its proposed per diem rates a three-day on board turnover period each time key personnel are replaced.” Please provide clarification and/or correct one paragraph or the other.

ANSWER: See question #89.

97. Attachment P pricing forms do not provide proper guidance or format to price Flagship, Non-Flagship, ROS and RAV. Forms A and B only allows for one set of crew complement to be priced. The crew complement between Flagship, Non-Flagship, ROS and RAV and rates for BOBO and STOCKHAM are different. Pay rates can also be different between FOS and ROS and RAV. Form C in the instructions calls out four different per diem rates (Flagship FOS, Non-Flagship FOS, ROS and RAV). The Form C has only three columns (FOS, ROS and RAV). A fourth column should be added on Form C for use with the BOBO Class. Attached are revised pricing Forms A, B & C as we read the contract requirements.

ANSWER: The pricing form structures are provided as a sample template and offerors should modify them to reflect their proposed pricing for each requirement. A fourth column has been added to Form C to differentiate FOS Flagship and Non-Flagship.

98. Because C.6.4.5.5 conditions Tech Rep attendance on the discretionary requirement of the COR (“when directed”). 6.13.1.4 indicates this attendance is mandatory without reference to direction of the COR. Because the attendance goes beyond the DD’s estimated in Att T (“and major repairs”), Q&A #8 does not provide sufficient information to reasonably price the attendance of the additional technical representative. Please provide the historic number of days attendance has been required by the COR for each of the last 3 years.

ANSWER: The Government revised the first sentence of section C-6.13.1.4. An additional technical representative is not required.

AMENDMENT 0003

9. Revise Sections C-1.4.1.1, C-1.7.7.3.a, C-1.8.1.a and C-6.1.1. Revisions are shown in red font followed by the associated amendment number in superscript.

10. Replace Attachment C with an updated version per Questions and Answers below.

11. Revise Attachment G per Questions and Answers below.

12. Revise Attachment L to incorporate updates that were intended but inadvertently omitted per Question 3 in amendment 0002. This additional revision reflects the projected flagship and non-flagship periods in forms D1- D4.

13. Respond to solicitation questions. Questions are italicized and answers are in bold font. Questions received but

38. Section C-3.3.1: Does DFARS 252.204-7019 that was issued 9/29/20 and effective 11/30/20 apply?

ANSWER: Yes, DFARS 252.204-7019 Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements (NOV 2020), applies to this requirement. The Government will add the provision with this amendment (0003). Its companion clause, DFARS 252.204-7020, is also incorporated via this amendment.

39. C-3.8.4 - This section states that “Five years of the combined experience must include work that requires the Engineering Manager to possess a state license as a Professional Engineer.” The ability to demonstrate that a candidate’s prior work history required a state license as a Professional Engineer is not practical because few jobs ‘require’ it. Does possession of a state license as a Professional Engineer for five years while engaged in work demonstrating the ability to manage and negotiate complex projects satisfy this requirement?

ANSWER: Yes, possession of the state license as a Professional Engineer while working in an engineering-related field satisfies the requirement.

40. C-6 - Several sections are missing or blank in C-6. Please confirm that they are “reserved” for future use.

For example: C-6.8.1; C-6.8.2; C-6.10.2 ANSWER: Yes, the sections are reserved.

41. C-6.4.4 - The key personnel identified in this section are not listed in Section C-3.7. Are resumes required to be submitted for the Communications Suite Key Personnel as part of the bid proposal, as identified in Section L, and included in Attachment K-3?

ANSWER: The Government revised the table from section C-3.7 in amendment 0002. From among the Communications Suite key personnel listed in C-6.4.4, only the resume of the Shore-Based Manager is required to be included in the RFP response.

42. C-6.4.5.1 - Is a single MPSRON Communications Shore-Based Manager required for the Contract, or one person assigned per MPSRON?

ANSWER: Only one (1) MPSRON Communications Shore-Based Manager is required for this contract.

43. C-1.1.6.8.1- Does the requirement for the crew to work 7 days a week include national holidays?

ANSWER: Yes, see section B-1.5 and C-1.1.6.4.

44. C-1.8 - Are all 6 ships Helicopter certified?

ANSWER: Yes, all six ships are helicopter certified.

45. C-1.2.3.1 - What make/model/type of ECDIS do the ships carry?

ANSWER: The Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) the ships carry is Raytheon Anschutz Synapsis NX.

46. C-1.4.2 - Will expenses associated with COVID-19 be reimbursable?

ANSWER: See amendment 0002, question #2.

47. C-3.3.1 - The referenced DFAR section does not specify any certification requirement. Please clarify what certification you will require.

ANSWER: Please refer to DFARS 252.204-7012(c)(3), Medium assurance certificate requirement, that states the Contractor or subcontractor shall have or acquire a DoD-approved medium assurance certificate to report cyber incidents. For information on obtaining a DoD-approved medium assurance certificate, see https://public.cyber.mil/eca/.

48. C-1.1.6.7 The provisions of this section create an unnecessary administrative burden on the Master and payroll department of the contractor. It is common for most of the new FOS crew to arrive on the same day. Entering them into the payroll system for a single day of ROS pay and benefits, then switching all of that information over to FOS pay and benefits is time consuming and creates the potential for errors. It is also often the case that the new FOS crew work a complete workday on their first day onboard. FOS pay rates reflect the increased workload and responsibly of an activation and active operations. Paying the ROS rate, even for a day, does not reflect the job the mariners are performing. This is in violation of the spirit, and possibly the letter, of the Service Contract Act. Please revise to allow for FOS pay to commence on the day the first new FOS crew member arrives.

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

How the ROS-to-FOS transition is effected is a business decision of the contractor.

49. The provisions of section C-1.1.6.8.1 are expected to require three deck officers outside of the Chief Mate and Master. However, the manning scale in section C-1.7.1a. only lists 2 licensed deck officers. Please increase the manning in RAV to facilitate compliance with this requirement.

ANSWER: The Government determined it is in its best interest to leave the requirement as it is. How the contractor meets this requirement is a business decision of the contractor. The cost shall be factored in the contractor’s firm fixed price.

50. If MSC restricts the crew to the ship due to a pandemic, will Restriction to Ship Wages be reimbursable?

ANSWER: The contract is subject to the policies and procedures of the Service Contract Labor Standards and the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, and implementing federal regulations.

The contract will include the required contract clauses implementing these laws. The solicitation will include the applicable Wage Determination establishing the minimum wage and fringe benefit requirements required by the Department of Labor for the contractor's employees covered by the Wage Determination. Whether MSC will reimburse the contractor for a specific type of restriction penalty pay as a wage and fringe benefit will depend on the terms of the specific collective bargaining agreement wage determination in effect and incorporated into the contract at the time, the terms of the contract and the facts and circumstances resulting in the implementation of a liberty restriction at a given location.

51. Section C-1.7.1a designates four specific vessels as Squadron Commander Flagships and only two of those vessels will be manned as Flagships at any given time. Pricing Attachment L does not specify which of these four vessels should be priced as Flagships. Please clarify how FOS-Flag and FOS Non-Flag daily rates should be captured in the total evaluated price on Attachment L.

ANSWER: See amendment 0002, question #3.

52. Section B-1.7 states any bonuses should be included in the FOS per diem rates. Follow-on section B-1.7.1 Ammo Bonus states that the government will pay the contractor at the FOS ammo bonus rate when applicable. Pricing Attachment L does not provide an avenue to supply FOS ammo bonus rate information with our bid submission. Please clarify how FOS Ammo Bonus per diem rate should be captured for designated Flagships and Non-Flagships in the total evaluated price on Attachment L.

ANSWER: See amendment 0002, question #1.

53. Attachment L, Total Evaluated Price Form, includes 120 days of RAV in option year 4 for the Button.

Attachment T, Reimbursable Expenses, does not include a drydock in FY2025 (option year 4). If a drydock https://public.cyber.mil/eca/ of the Button is planned for option year 4, please update the reimbursable expenses in option year 4 for the Button on Attachment T.

ANSWER: See revisions to Attachment L with this amendment.

54. Section F-1 of the RFP shows 366 days for each vessel in Option Period Three. Attachment L, Total Evaluated Price Form, only shows 366 days in Option Period Three for the Stockham with 365 days for each of the other vessels during this period. Please confirm which number of days is correct for each vessel for Option Period Three.

55. Recent proposals for management of vessels that normally carry ammunition have required a separate rate for FOS and FOS with Ammo. Will Attachment L – Total Evaluated Price Form be modified to include both options for this proposal?

56. The SF-LLL provided, Attachment G, has the boxes prechecked for 1. Type of Federal Action = b. Grant and 2. Status of Federal Action = b. initial award. Can we change those to 1. Type of Federal Action = a.

Contract and 2. Status of Federal Action = a. bid/offer/application?

ANSWER: See revised Attachment G.

57. We have not received CBAs from either union, and we are unsure of when we will receive them. Once received, we require sufficient time to evaluate these CBAs. We anticipate needing multiple rounds of clarifications before the CBAs are acceptable to all parties and this will take a substantial amount of time.

Because of this, we respectfully request an extension to January 04, 2021.

ANSWER: The closing date was revised in Amendment 0002. See SF-33 for closing date.

58. C-1.8.1.a. MAC[sic]/NAVY Required Training Matrix the validity for CBRD Officer is 3 years. Please confirm change from 5 years validity to 3 years.

ANSWER: COMSCINST 5530.3G states it is required every 5 years for currency. The Government revised Section C-1.8.1a in Amendment 0002.

59. "C-1.8.1.a. MAC[sic]/NAVY Required Training Matrix the following training is MSC/Navy required training.

Advanced Fire Fighting Basic Safety Training / BST Refresher Global Maritime Distress & Safety System Maintainer Global Maritime Distress & Safety System Operator

Please confirm MSC will pay for transportation, tuition, lodging, meals and incidental expenses associated with MSC/Navy required training, as noted above and drills are reimbursable after the trainee completes a standard tour onboard a ship, per C-1.8.2. Cost of MSC/Navy Required Training."

ANSWER: Costs of MSC/Navy required training are reimbursable IAW section C-1.8.2, Cost of MSC/Navy Required Training. Wages associated with travel, crew rotations required for complete training, and training shall be part of the firm fixed price of this contract.

60. Referencing L-7.A.7 DD-254. Contract Security Classification Specification, (Attachment C): Block 14 calls out “At a minimum, the security standards extracted from the referenced National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171 , Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Information Systems and Organizations or accepted equivalents, shall be incorporated into any InfoSec program the contractor establishes.” Isn’t this is old terminology and should be updated to address CMMC requirements associated with NIST 800-171 compliance?

ANSWER: The DD-254, APR 2018 form is obsolete. The Government has replaced the obsolete DD-

254. See updated Attachment C.

61. Could you please provide details of where the ship deliveries will take place? Bidders need to know what to expect for travel expenses for internal travel and IT installation costs. Section F-2 only gives delivery dates, not locations.

ANSWER: See amendment 0002, question #5.

62. Section B-1.7 requires any overtime required to maintain “watches” to be included fixed price per diem.

Please confirm that overtime for any day workers for the first eight hours on weekends and holidays is to be included in the fixed price per diem. In addition is overtime for work in excess of 8 hours on any given day reimbursable for day workers?

ANSWER, Part 1: Yes. Overtime for any day workers for the first eight hours on weekends and holidays is to be included in the fixed price per diem.

ANSWER, Part 2: Yes. Work in excess of 8 hours on any given day unrelated to watch standing would be reimbursable IAW Section C-1.7.10.2. The Government revised section B-1.7 with amendment 0002.

63. Section C-6.1.1 - Does this paragraph apply to this section? If so, please explain.

ANSWER: Yes, it applies to this section. The Contractor’s personnel includes the personnel onboard a vessel operating the Communications Suite. See revised Section C-6.1.1.

64. Section C-1.4.1.1 C-1.7.7.3.a Line 23 of C.1.8.1.A-Training Matrix Is the requirement for the MPIC for 2 LDO or specifically the CM and 2M?

ANSWER: The M-PIC requirement is mandatory for the Chief Mate and the 2nd Mate. It is recommended for the other LDO, but other licensed officers can be designated. See revised sections C-1.4.1.1, C-1.7.7.3.a, and the revised training matrix in C-1.8.1.a.

65. Line 14 of C.1.8.1.A-Training Matrix - There is a typo on line 14 of the Training Competency matrix, please clarify that all 6 ships in the RFP require the training.

ANSWER: All ships are helo capable ships, so all ships in the RFP will require two (2) HCOs and two (2) LSEs. See revised Section C-1.8.1.a.

66. C.1.8.1.A-Training Matrix - For the Small Arms and Shipboard Security Tactics requirements of 5 per ship, can the five be any of the crew noted, or is it required of all crew marked?

ANSWER: Those training courses are required of five (5) total crewmembers per ship (any of the crew marked in 1.8.a), in addition to the Master. The Master cannot be part of the active SRF. All five (5) crewmembers shall be pistol and shotgun qualified. Additionally, at least three (3) of the five

(5) shall be rifle qualified. See the revised training matrix in C-1.8.1.a.

67. Due to the ship check appointment for the Stockham one day before we would need to submit the bid, the number of workdays left for questions to be answered and incorporated into the initial submission, several sections of the RFP that appear to have misprints, and the upcoming holiday, (MSC Removed Company Name) is requesting an extension of the submission due date to December 30, 2020.

ANSWER: See question #57.

68. Pricing Att L C.6.2.1 C-6(top of page 133) SOW states flag ship may/will transfer every three years. This pricing form only allows for one FOS rate/ship. Given the fact ships can move from being a Flag ship to the non-flag ship, shouldn’t there six rates requested for each ship?

1 FLAG FOS w ammo 2 FLAG FOS w/o ammo 3 FOS w ammo

4 FOS w/o ammo

5 ROS

6 RAV

ANSWER: See amendment 0002, questions #1 and #3.

69. Section C-1.1.6.4 states that the crew in FOS will work 8 hours per day seven days a week including holidays. What are the working hours for the communication suite personnel? Are they considered day workers and on call for after hours or does someone need to be on duty at all times?

ANSWER: Section C-6.1 outlines the services shall be available 24-hours per day. This is a business decision of the contractor to determine how they want to meet this requirement.

70. Section C-6.4.4 states that the communication suite personnel are key personnel and resumes must be submitted and approved 30 days prior to assignment to the ship. Are resumes for prospective communication personnel required as part of the response to the RFP?

ANSWER: See question #41.

71. Part 1: Reference section H-4(d): States “contractor shall provide notice, necessary information, and support to the insurer at Contractor’s expense and the Contractor is responsible for deductibles on such claims, even if a loss or claim against insurance arises from or is related to any fault, neglect, action, or inaction by the Government.” This exposes the Contractor for the Government’s liability, which is completely one sided. Will the Government consider revising this section?

ANSWER (Part 1): The Government determined it is in its best interest to leave the requirement as it is.

Part 2: Reference section H-4(h): States “With respect to the Contractor, the Government shall retain such risks of property loss or damage to each vessel subject to this contract and associated fixtures, as would be covered by the American Institute Hull and Machinery policy found at Attachment E to the RFP.” The section then goes on to say. “Separately, any claims by the Government against the Contractor for loss or damage to any Government cargo carried on any vessel subject to this contract is subject to the defenses and provisions that would apply if the Government was filing a claim as a cargo owner/shipper against a carrier of cargo under a contract of carriage incorporating the provisions and defenses of the U.S.

Carriage of Goods by Sea Act.” It seems these two statements counter act one another, and the Contractor’s indemnity is not clear. Will the Government consider revising this section?

ANSWER (Part 2): The first sentence of section H-5(h) refers to the vessel hull and fixtures to it, whereas the final sentence refers to the cargo carried onboard the vessel. The Government determined it is in its best interest to leave the requirement as it is.

72. Reference section H-4(h) makes reference to the contractor having liability to cargo and COGSA being incorporated. Historically P&I cover under these contracts, excludes liability to cargo cover. Does MSC intend on requiring the Contractor to cover Government Cargo liability?

ANSWER: The RFP does not require contractor’s P&I insurance to cover damage to cargo carried aboard the vessel. However, the Government retains all rights available to it under COGSA, as amended or specified in this RFP.

73. According to section C-1.7-1a four of the ships are designated as Squadron Commander Flagship but only 2 of the 4 at any given time. There is nothing on Attachment L- Total Evaluated Price Form to provide pricing for Flagship vs Non Flagship on the four ships listed. Will the Government address this issue?

ANSWER: See amendment 0002, question #3.

74. C-6 Att. B - Please provide the wage determination for Communications Suite staff.

ANSWER: Communications Suite personnel will be considered employees of the contracting company, not union, under a salary commensurate with the position and personal experience.

75. C-6.15.1 - Section refers to all training activities outlined in C.1.8 for communications suite personnel.

Since they are not crew, no training is specified for them. Please clarify what training in C.1.8 will be required for the communications suite personnel.

ANSWER: See the revised training matrix in C-1.8.1.a. The “Contested Environment” section is deleted and the “Communication Suite” section is added. Footnotes are now numbered and updated.

76. Does MSC have plans to provide officer berthing for the additional 1st Asst. Engineer that is being added to the crew complement?

Our understanding is there is not sufficient space. If additional payments are due for berthing this billet in a non-standard space will MSC reimburse these payments?

ANSWER: The Government plans to provide officer berthing.

77. If MSC restricts mariners to ships due to a MSC self-imposed policy not being enforced by local or national authorities will payments for this restriction required under collective bargaining agreements be reimbursed by MSC?

ANSWER: See question #50.

AMENDMENT 0002

14. Extend the proposal due date to 8 January 2021.

15. Add the CLIN structure for Communications Suite at the end of Section B.

16. Add Paragraphs C-1.1.14.1.a through C-1.1.14.4.a to Section C-1.1.14.

17. Add the Shipboard Propulsion Fuels and Oils requirement to the Shipboard Readiness category and the

Contested Environment Training category in the training matrix at Section C-1.8.1.a.

18. Revise Sections B-1.7, C-1.3.2.a, C-2.5.7.2, C-3.7.2.a, C-6.4.3, C-6.10.1, F-1 and F-2(b). Revisions are shown in red font followed by the associated amendment number in superscript.

19. Revise Attachments L and P per Questions and Answers below. Revisions are shown in red font.

20. Add Attachments V and W per Questions and Answers below.

21. Respond to solicitation questions. Questions are italicized and answers are in bold font. Questions received but

1. Per Section F-1 Period of Performance – Option Period Three has 366 days. The pricing sheets (Attachment L) do not have 366 days for all the vessels. It appears only the USNS Stockham reflects the 366 days vs 365 days. USNS Bobo/USNS Button/USNS Lopez/USNS Lummus reflect a different number of days. Additionally, on page 7 it also reflects the 365 days for funding versus 366 days. Please let us know if you will be amending the pricing form.

ANSWER (PART 1): See revised Attachment L and page 7.

In section B-1.7.1 Ammo Bonus, it states:

If the Government places explosives in sufficient quantity onboard any ship that causes the Contractor to pay the crew “explosives bonus,” then the Contractor will be paid at the FOS ammo bonus rate.

If we need to provide both a FOS rate and a FOS-Ammo rate the pricing forms only include the standard FOS/ROS/RAV classifications. Please let us know if you will be amending the pricing form.

ANSWER (PART 2): The Ammo Bonus is to be included as part of the fixed rate. See Revised Statement of Work.

2. Will MSC reimburse the contractor for all direct costs driven by compliance with MSC’s COVID instruction? This includes all ROM wages, lodging, meals, travel, PPP and testing associated with COVID

19. This also includes additional wage costs associated with ships under a “gangway up” order. Will funding be provided in advance for these costs?

ANSWER: The contract’s clauses and terms and conditions address the circumstances that may arise as a result of COVID-19. In the event the contractor believes it may be entitled to an equitable adjustment to the contract price, it may submit a request for equitable adjustment using the standard FAR clause or other appropriate and applicable FAR clauses. Requests for equitable adjustment will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in consideration of the particular circumstances of each contract.

3. In section C-1.7.1a it specifies that the Flagships are BOBO, BUTTON, LUMMUS and LOPEZ however only two will be a flagship at any one time. Pricing sheet Form C (Attachment P) and the total evaluated pricing sheet (Attachment L) do not specify or account for a Flagship and Non-Flagship rate for these four vessels. We request the pricing sheets be modified to be able to price both rates on these four vessels.

ANSWER: See revised pricing sheets.

4. Section C-6 of the BOBO RFP requires that the successful bidder supply a 100% dedicated Shore Based Communications Manager (C-6.4.5.1); However, this position is currently not listed in the table at Section C-3.7.2.a. Recommend that the Shore Based Communications Manager described in C-6.4.5.1 be listed in the table at Section C-3.7.2.a.

ANSWER: The Government will revise the table at Section C-3.7.2.a to include the Shore Based Communications Manager.

5. Section C-3.10.3.3.3 requires that the cost of the familiarization period on the ships be included in the contractor’s fixed rate.

a. Does this include the transportation for joining crew or is that reimbursable as crew travel under Section C-1.7.3?

ANSWER (Part 1): No, it is not reimbursable.

b. Section F-2 lists location for delivery as TBD. It is not possible to price the cost of familiarization if we do not know where it will take place?

ANSWER (Part 2): Delivery schedule is revised in this amendment.

c. If COVID ROM restrictions are still in place at the time of delivery, will ROM expenses for the familiarization crew and office staff be reimbursable?

ANSWER (Part 3): Routine ROM costs will be submitted for Contracting Officer approval on a reimbursable basis in accordance with the MSC COVID QMS N2.35.6100.1-Q Novel Coronavirus Disease Response Plan (Current Rev).

6. Section C-6.10.4 requires the contractor to include the cost of two transient personnel in the fixed price. Is this cost to be priced as being incurred 365 days a year? Is this in addition to the 30 PEP on the Flag Ship as identified in section C-1.3.2a? Are these two transient personnel only assigned to the Flag Ship?

ANSWER: Section C-6.10.4 does not reference transient personnel. Section C-6.10.1 references transient personnel. See revised C-6.10.1 which removes the transient personnel language.

7. In various components of section C-6 there are references to TE-1, TE-2 and TE-4. Will these technical exhibits be provided as part of the RFP?

ANSWER: The Government has provided the technical exhibits referenced in section C-6 with this

8. Are wages for the attendance of the Technical Representative (section C-6.4.5.5) reimbursable or only the travel expenses? If they are not reimbursable then how many times per year and for how long each time will the services of a Technical Representative be required?

ANSWER: Technical Representative wages are not reimbursable. Technical Representative travel is reimbursable. See Section C-6.13.1.4 and Attachment T. Please reference the chart in Attachment T, Reimbursable Expenses, which provides a government estimate of shipyard dry dock overhauls by fiscal year.

9. Section C-3.7.1.1 requires a deduction for shortages of Key Shoreside Staff. What is considered a shortage other than the position is vacated due to resignation, dismissal and retirement and not immediately filled?

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.

10. On November 9, 2020 MSC uploaded files titled “Attach B - CBA-2019-12516-1 and CBA-2019-12518- 1.pdf” into SAM.GOV to add to the solicitation documents. These files are not available for downloading by potential bidders. Will you please correct this error?

ANSWER: The Government has corrected this error.

11. Section C-1.5.3 requires stand-alone world-wide internet system for the crew to have access to email and the internet. Please advise if the hardware (i.e. antenna & wiring) are in place.

ANSWER: No, the hardware is not in place.

12. Section C-1.3.2.a requires as fixed price for food and hotel services for the Squadron Commander Flagship 30 PEP and on the non-flagship and additional 12 PEP; C-1.3.2.3 requires a reconciliation quarterly of PEP and TEP and a credit to be issued. At what rate is the contractor to credit MSC; the rate reflected in C-1.3.2.1 or the cost the contractor used in pricing the PEP & TEP?

ANSWER: The rate of credit is identified in Section C-1.3.2.1.

13. Section C-1.3.2.a requires as fixed price for food and hotel services for the Squadron Commander Flagship 30 PEP and on the non-flagship and additional 12 PEP. Please confirm complement total to be priced for food and hotel; Squadron Commander Flagship = Crew of 34 and PEP of 30 = 64, Non-Flagship = Crew of 33 and PEP of 12 = 45.

ANSWER: Crew is to be priced in the fixed rate. See revised Section C-1.3.2.a.

14. Section C-1.3.10 requires contractor to provide linens. Are these expenses fixed price or reimbursable? If fixed price will the linens be new upon contract commencement?

ANSWER (Part 1): IAW Section G-7 Reimbursable Supplies and Services (Operating Contracts), “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.

ANSWER (Part 2): IAW Section C-5.1.4.3, Non-Reimbursable…