RFP-RFQ_Q_AND_A__5__NSWC-PC_-_LA_22615.docx

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N62387-15-R-2017

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS #5

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. If vessel does not have DP, what warranties must offerors submit that vessel is capable of station-keeping as required in Attachment 7 C-2.9.1?

ANSWER: DP is not required; offeror must warrant that their vessel shall have station-keeping ability during Remote Operating Vehicle operations and be able to maintain position within 10-15 meters of launch point for up to 3 hours in Sea State 3.

2. If not DP, are there any additional engine requirements for the purposes of station keeping?

ANSWER: No.

3. Are the captain and any officers required to hold any certificates/training to meet this requirement?

ANSWER: Nothing above what is required by the USCG for the operation of the vessel is required.

4. Is anchoring a suitable means of station-keeping during ROV operations, assuming that vessel is able to meet the minimum requirements under this action?

ANSWER: No. Section 2.3, requires the vessel to meet a range of 1200 NM. It is not possible to anchor in the depth of water that will be involved with this requirement.

5. What warranties/certifications are required to demonstrate vessel’s capability to follow a track line as required in Attachment 7 C-2.9.2?

ANSWER: As required by Section L, in order to be considered technically acceptable the offeror must warrant that the vessel shall be capable of following a track line at 4 knots with a cross track error of + or – 3 meters in a Sea State 3 while towing various sonars or arrays. H-10.6. Should actual performance or readiness condition of the Vessel show any failure to satisfy one or more of such warranties or other contract requirements not due to the fault of the Charterer, the hire may be equitably decreased, the Charter may be terminated, or the Vessel may be placed off-hire, at Charterer's option so as to indemnify the Charterer to the extent of such failure.

6. Is station keeping required during deployment and recovery of equipment as required in Attachment 7 C-2.9.4?

ANSWER: Yes. An amendment will follow that incorporates this change to the solicitation.

7. In order to allow for more time to meet the DP requirements, can MSC extend the RFP until March 10, 2015?

ANSWER: The Government has no intention to extend the due date for offers beyond the current due date of 5 March 2015.