26R6111 QA_0002.pdf

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N3220526R6111

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

02 July 2026

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. QUESTION: Can MSC clarify that Part(s) X & IX are both RESERVED and therefore N/A from this RFP? The Proforma listed on MSC's website for a Tug Contract does not include those sections but they are included by reference in the RFP. Please advise.

ANSWER: Parts X and XI are both RESERVED and not applicable to this RFP and TUGCON Proforma. References of Part X and XI in the RFP will be updated to the appropriate Proforma sections.

2. QUESTION: Does the Government expect the small business prime, together with any similarly situated small business subcontractors, to perform at least 50% of the service portion of the requirement?

ANSWER: Per FAR 52.219-14(e)(1): By submission of an offer and execution of a contract, the Contractor agrees that in performance of a contract assigned a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for—

(1) Services (except construction), it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor's 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.

3. QUESTION: Would the use of a large business subcontractor for a limited portion of the vessel/asset support be acceptable, provided the overall team remains compliant with the limitation on subcontracting requirements?

ANSWER: Per FAR 52.219-14(e)(1): By submission of an offer and execution of a contract, the Contractor agrees that in performance of a contract assigned a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for—

(1) Services (except construction), it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor's 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.

4. QUESTION: For purposes of the limitation on subcontracting calculation, how should reimbursable items such as fuel or other pass-through marine operating costs be treated?

ANSWER: Fuel must be included in the offeror’s firm fixed-price lump sum and is not reimbursable. Other reimbursable items will be subject to Part III(z) Reimbursable Supplies and Services, (Charters) and should not be included in the offeror’s firm fixed price lump sum or demurrage.

5. QUESTION: If the market does not appear to have sufficient small business sources capable of performing the primary vessel/ROV scope while remaining compliant, would the Government consider revisiting the set-aside determination or issuing additional guidance?

ANSWER: If there are no technically acceptable small businesses proposals, the Government will consider re-opening the solicitation as full and open competition.