approved_shipping_solicitation_2013.doc

PACKING AND CRATING SERVICES

COMMERCIAL ITEMS SERVICES

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

PAGE 1 OF34

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SGH100-10-Q-0004

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

May 15, 2013

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL

a. NAME

Kevin Babcock – A/GSO

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER(No collect calls)

0302 741481

8. OFFER DUE DATE/ LOCAL TIME July 16, 2013 at 4:00 pm

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

The Contracting Officer

U.S.Embassy, Accra Ghana

P.O. Box 194

Accra

UNRESTRICTED

SET ASIDE: % FOR

EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESS SMALL BUSINESS

8(A) SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED

NAICS:

SIZE STD:

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

DESTINATION UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFP IFB RFQ

15. DELIVER TO:

Code

16. Administered by:

Procurement Office

17.a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE

TELEPHONE NO:

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

The Financial Management Officer

U.S. Embassy Accra

Ghana

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

See attached.

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

FORMCHECKBOX

27a.SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA FORMCHECKBOX

ARE FORMCHECKBOX

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

FORMCHECKBOX

27b.CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA FORMCHECKBOX

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT)

30c. DATE SIGNED

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or Print)

Kevin Babcock 31c. DATE SIGNED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 - The Schedule

· SF 18 or SF1449 cover sheet

· Continuation to SF1449, RFQ SGH100-13-Q-0004

· Attachment 1: Scope of Work

· Attachment 2: Packing Specifications

Section 2 - Contract Clauses

· Contract Clauses

· Addendum to Contract Clauses, FAR and DOSAR clauses not prescribed in Part 12

Section 3 - Solicitation Provisions

· Solicitation Provisions

· Addendum to Solicitation Provisions - FAR and DOSAR clauses not prescribed in Part 12

Section 4 - Evaluation Factors

· Evaluation Factors

· Addendum to Evaluation Factors - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

Section 5 - Representations and Certifications

· Representations and Certifications

· Addendum to Representations and Certifications - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

Continuation to SF1449

RFQ SGH100-13-Q-0004

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

INDEFINITE DELIVERY/INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT

SHIPPING/PACKING SERVICES

1.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

For each year of the contract, the U.S. Government guarantees a minimum order of 20 shipments. The maximum amount of shipping/packing services each year of this contract will not exceed 200 shipments

Individual purchases shall be documented as follows: Government Bill of Lading (GBL) for each shipment.

2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

After contract award and submission of acceptable insurance certificates, the Contracting Officer shall issue a Notice to Proceed. The Notice to Proceed will establish a specific date (a minimum of ten (10) days from date of contract award unless the Contractor agrees to an earlier date) on which performance shall start.

1. PRICING.

The rates below shall include all direct and indirect costs, insurance (see FAR 52.228-4 and 52.228-5), overhead, and profit. The prices include all expenses and materials required to complete the work.

The currency of this contract is US Dollars

BASE PERIOD PRICES

Unit Rate Estimated Total Est.

of Measure per Unit Quantity* Amount

(a) Packing Services

(1) Packing of HHE 100 Kg _____ 1,300 _______

Effects

(2) Packing of UAB

_____ 350 _______

(b) Unpacking Services

(1) Unpacking of HHE

(2) Unpacking of UAB

_____ 350 _______

(c) Storage Services

(1) Monthly Storage of

_____ 10 _______

(d) Freight Handling

Transportation between:

(1) Post/Port City

(i) Container Cargo Container (40’)_____ 15 _______

(ii) Container Cargo Container (20’)_____ 30 _______

(iii) General Cargo 100 KG _____ 20 _______

(2) Post/Local Airport

100 KG

_____ 30 _______

(3) Vehicles

(i) Without Boxing Vehicle

(ii) With Boxing Vehicle

(e) Cost of fumigating the

Empty wooden Containers Container

TOTAL

*This estimated amount is based on total estimated Government requirements. This means that if more than one award is made, the estimated amount of work awarded under task order(s) to any single contractor will be less than the amount shown.

FIRST OPTION YEAR PRICES

Option Term: Twelve (12) Months

_____ 350 _______

_____ 350 _______

(ii) General Cargo Container (20’)_____ 30 _______

2) Post/Local Airport

(e) Cost of fumigating the

*This estimated amount is based on total estimated Government requirements. This means that if more than one award is made, the estimated amount of work awarded under task order(s) to any single contractor will be less than the amount shown.

SECOND OPTION YEAR PRICES

_____ 350 _______

_____ 350 _______

(i) Container Cargo Container (40’) _____ 15 _______

(ii) General Cargo Container (20’) _____ 30 _______

(3 Vehicles

(e) Cost of fumigating the

Empty wooden Containers Container

*This estimated amount is based on total estimated Government requirements. This means that if more than one award is made, the estimated amount of work awarded under task order(s) to any single contractor will be less than the amount shown.

THIRD OPTION YEAR PRICES

_____ 350 _______

_____ 350 _______

(ii) General Cargo Container (20’)_____ 30 _______

(e) Cost of fumigating the

*This estimated amount is based on total estimated Government requirements. This means that if more than one award is made, the estimated amount of work awarded under task order(s) to any single contractor will be less than the amount shown.

FOURTH OPTION YEAR PRICES

_____ 350 _______

_____ 350 _______

(ii) General Cargo Container (20’) _____ 20 _______

(e) Cost of fumigating the

Empty wooden Containers Container

GRAND TOTAL OF BASE PLUS ALL OPTION YEARS

*This estimated amount is based on total estimated Government requirements. This means that if more than one award is made, the estimated amount of work awarded under task order(s) to any single contractor will be less than the amount shown.

The Government will not consider any claim for any additional compensation unless it has been authorized by the Government in writing in advance. The Government shall not be responsible for any work performed that is not specifically provided for under this contract or authorized by the Government in writing in advance.

2. ORDERS.

All requests for shipments or performance of individual jobs under this contract shall be issued via an order placed by the Contracting Officer. This task order will contain the following information:

Name of contractor

(b) Contract number

(c) Date of purchase

(d) Purchase number

(e) Name of person placing order

(f) Itemized list of shipment and services furnished

(g) Quantity, unit price, and total price of each item or service, less applicable discounts

Orders may be placed orally initially, but must be followed up in writing within 48 hours via issuance of a task order. Only a Contracting Officer may place an order, either orally or in writing.

(1) As the need for services arises, the Government will develop a price estimate. If the estimate does not exceed US$3,000, the Government will follow the procedures in paragraph (2) below. If the estimate exceeds US$3,000, the Government will follow the procedures in paragraph (3) below.

(2) Orders not exceeding US$3,000 - The Government will select a contractor for issuance of the order. This decision will be based on the Government's best interests, which may include factors such as estimated price and past performance record.

(3) Orders exceeding US$3,000 - Unless one of the exceptions in paragraph (5) below applies, the Government will follow one of the following two scenarios:

The Government will request each contractor to perform, AT NO COST TO THE GOVERNMENT, a pre-shipment survey after which the contractor will present an estimate to the Government. Whether or not the contractor is selected for an individual order, the Government shall not be liable for any claim from the Contractor for the costs of performing the pre-shipment survey. Selection will be based on a combination of estimated price and past performance information; or

If the Contracting Officer can establish which Contractor’s prices will result in the lowest price for the individual order without requesting a pre-shipment survey, the Government will make its award selection based upon the prices set forth in the contract and past performance information gained as a result of contractor performance under this contract.

(4) Regardless of whether the procedures in paragraph (2) or (3) above were followed, selection of contractors shall not be protestable to GAO under Subpart 33.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, except on the grounds that the order increases the scope, period, or maximum value of the contract. However, the Department of State does have an Acquisition Ombudsman who will review complaints by contractors to ensure that all contractors are afforded a fair opportunity to be considered for these task orders, pursuant to the procedures for award of task orders established herein.

(5) Exceptions to the procedures in paragraph (3) above:

The agency need for the required services is of such urgency that providing such competitive opportunity would result in unacceptable delays;

The order should be issued on a sole-source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency as a logical follow-on to an order already issued under the contract, provided that all awardees were given a fair opportunity to be considered for the original order.

(c) It is necessary to place an order to satisfy a minimum guarantee.

3. DELIVERY SCHEDULE

The following items shall be delivered under this contract.

Description

Quantity Delivery Date

Deliver To:

Written Estimate

Upon COR Request

COR

(if required)

Inventory List

Each assigned

Original - Contractor packing effort one - client four – COR

Preshipment Survey

Before each assigned client & COR packing effort of Household effects

Changes in date/time

2 hours before

COR

of packing scheduled time/date client

Stock Levels Records throughout period of performance

Non-Negotiable

25 calendar days original - COR

Warehouse Receipt after pickup storage at the GOV facility

Notification of

Immediately upon

Completion of Services completion of required services

Notice of

Completion of each

Availability for Shipment assigned packing effort

Request for

24 hrs after

Shipping

Notice of Availability

Required Shipping

By Date of

Documentation

Embarkation

Receipt of Effects

Upon discovery

COR

and Unaccompanied Air Baggage

Delivery Receipt

Upon completion of copy to COR delivery and/or unpacking

Inventory List

7 calendar days after Original - Contractor articles lost or damaged in delivery of goods one - client shipment one – COR

Weight Certificate

Submission with each invoice or when an employee leaves contractor service

4.

INVOICES AND PAYMENT

Individual invoices shall be submitted for each order, accompanied by the task order and description of goods. Invoices shall be submitted in an original and three (3) copies to the Contracting' Officer's Representative (COR) at the following address (designated payment office only for the purpose of submitting invoices):

FINANCIAL SERVICES CENTER

U.S. EMBASSY ACCRA GHANA

No. 24 FOURTH CIRCULAR ROAD

CANTONMENTS

ACCRA, GHANA

(b) An acceptable invoice containing expenditures for international air and sea shipments on foreign flag air carriers or vessels shall include the appropriate certificate or waiver for a US carrier. The Government will disallow expenditures for international air on foreign flag air carriers unless the appropriate certificate or waiver is attached to invoices. The certification used in clause 52.247-63, Preference for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers, satisfies the justification requirement.

The contractor shall show Value Added Tax (VAT) as a separate item on invoices submitted for payment.

5.

GOVERNMENT APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES.

The Contractor shall subject its personnel to the Government's approval. At least 24 hours prior to each job, the Contractor will provide employee information to the U.S. Embassy. All employees must pass a suitable background investigation conducted by the U.S. Embassy. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT USE ANY EMPLOYEES UNDER THIS CONTRACT WITHOUT GOVERNMENT APPROVAL.

6.

KEY PERSONNEL.

The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel.

Position/Function Name

Project Manager *

The Project Manager shall be fluent in the English language. During the first 90 days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment.

7.

PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE (LIABILITY)

The Contractor hereby assumes absolute responsibility and liability for any and all personal injuries or death and/or property damage or losses suffered due to negligence of the Contractor's personnel in the performance of the services under this contract.

8.

INSURANCE

The Contractor, at its own expense, shall provide and maintain during the entire period of performance of this contract, whatever insurance is legally necessary. The Contractor shall obtain insurance required by local law or that are ordinarily or customarily obtained in the location of the work. The limit of such insurance shall be as provided by law or sufficient to meet normal and customary claims.

The Contractor agrees that the Government shall not be responsible for personal injuries or for damages to any property of the Contractor, its officers, agents, servants, and employees, or any other person, arising from an incident to the Contractor's performance of this contract. The Contractor shall hold harmless and indemnify the Government from any and all claims arising there from, except in the instance of gross negligence on the part of the Government.

9.

BONDING OF EMPLOYEES

The Government imposes no bonding requirement on this contract. The contractor shall provide any official bonds required, pay any fees or costs involved or related to equipping of any employees engaged in providing services under this contract, if legally required by the local government or local practice.

10.

PERMITS

At no cost to the Government, the Contractor shall obtain all permits, licenses, and appointments required for the prosecution of work. The Contractor shall obtain these permits, licenses, and appointments in compliance with applicable host country laws. The Contractor shall provide evidence of possession or status of application for such permits, licenses, and appointments to the Contracting Officer with its proposal.

11. RECRUITMENT OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS FOR PERFORMANCE ON DEPARTMENT OF STATE CONTRACTS (February 28, 2012)

1. On contracts exceeding $150,000 where performance will require the recruitment of non-professional third country nationals, the offeror is required to submit a Recruitment Plan as part of the proposal. Contractors providing employer furnished housing are required to submit a Housing Plan.

2. Recruitment Plan

a. State the anticipated number of workers to be recruited, the skills they are expected to have, and the country or countries from which the contractor intends to recruit them.

b. Explain how the contractor intends to attract candidates and the recruitment strategy including the recruiter.

c. Provide sample recruitment agreement in English.

d. State in the offer that the recruited employee will not be charged recruitment or any similar fees. The contractor or employer pays the recruitment fees for the worker if recruited by the contractor or subcontractor to work specifically on Department of State jobs.

e. State in the offer that the contractor’s recruitment practices comply with recruiting nation and host country labor laws.

f. State in the offer that the contractor has read and understands the requirements of FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons.

g. Contractor and subcontractors shall only use bona fide licensed recruitment companies. Recruitment companies shall only use bona fide employees and not independent agents.

h. Contractor will advise the Contracting Officer of any changes to the Recruitment Plan during performance.

3. The offeror will submit a Housing Plan if the contractor intends to provide employer furnished housing for TCNs. The Housing Plan must describe the location and description of the proposed housing. Contractors must state in their offer that housing meets host country housing and safety standards and local codes or explain any variance. Contractor shall comply with any Temporary Labor Camp standards contained in this contract. In contracts without a Temporary Labor Camp standard, fifty square feet is the minimum amount of space per person without a Contracting Officer waiver. Contractor shall submit proposed changes to their Housing Plan to the Contracting Officer for approval.

4. Department of State contractor and subcontractors will treat employees with respect and dignity by taking the following actions:

a. Contractor may not hold employee passports and other identification documents longer than 48 hours without employee concurrence. Contractors and subcontractors are reminded of the prohibition contained in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1592, against knowingly destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or possessing any actual or purported passport or other immigration document to prevent or restrict the person’s liberty to move or travel in order to maintain the services of that person, when the person is or has been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons.

b. Contractor shall provide employees with signed copies of the/their employment contracts, in English and the employee’s native language, that define the terms of employment, compensation, job description, and benefits. Contracts must be provided prior to employee departure from their countries of origin.

c. Contractor shall provide all employees with a “Know Your Rights” brochure and document that employees have been briefed on the contents of the brochure. The English language version is available at http://www.state.gov/g/tip or from the Contracting Officer.

d. Contractor shall brief employees on the requirements of the FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons including the requirements against commercial sex even in countries where it is legal and shall provide a copy of the briefing to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

e. Contractor shall display posters in worker housing advising employees in English and the dominant language of the Third Country Nationals being housed of the requirement to report violations of Trafficking in Persons to the company and the company’s obligation to report to the Contracting Officer. The poster shall also indicate that reports can also be submitted to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Hotline at 202-647-3320 or 1-800-409-9926 or via email at OIGHOTLINE@STATE.GOV. 3

f. Contractor and subcontractors shall comply with sending and receiving nation laws regarding transit, entry, exit, visas, and work permits. Contractors are responsible for repatriation of workers imported for contract performance.

g. Contractor will monitor subcontractor compliance at all tiers. This includes verification that subcontractors are aware of, and understand, the requirements of FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons and this clause. Contractors specifically agree to allow U.S. Government personnel access to contractor and subcontractor personnel, records, and housing for audit of compliance with these requirements.

h. The contractor agrees to include this clause in all subcontracts over $150,000 involving recruitment of third country national for subcontractor performance.

ATTACHMENT 1

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT CONTINUATION

PACKING AND SHIPPING

1.

GENERAL. The contractor shall provide services for the United States Mission, Accra, Ghana. This consists of packing, freight handling, forwarding, cargo storage, customs clearance and other related services that apply to shipments originating from, consigned to, routed through, and/or moved within the geographic area(s) of Accra and Tema.

The contractor shall furnish all managerial, administrative, direct labor personnel, materials and transportation that are necessary to accomplish all work required. Contractor employees shall be on site only for performance of contractual duties and not for other business purposes. Performance requirements for required work are described below.

2.

DEFINITIONS.

"Article" means one item, piece, or package and contents thereof received by the contractor as listed on the inventory. It can be household effects, professional books, papers and equipment, privately owned vehicles, or general effects included in a shipment.

"Calendar Day" means the twenty-four hour period from midnight to midnight. Saturdays, Sundays and all holidays are considered calendar days.

"Cargo" means any items consigned to the contractor under this contract for inbound or outbound shipment, whether consisting of household effects or U.S. Government-owned materials.

"Client" means all United States mission personnel for whom the required services are to be rendered.

"COR" means the Contracting Officer's Representative, appointed in accordance with Section 2 of this contract/purchase order.

"Cube" means the cubic measure of space occupied by a given article after it has been packaged for shipment.

"Estimator" means the contractor employee who has the responsibility to evaluate and provide calculations of the price of packing work to be undertaken. This employee shall provide all calculations in writing.

"Government" means the Government of the United States of America unless specifically stated otherwise.

"Gross Weight" means the weight of the packed shipping container, including the articles packed therein and all materials used for wrapping, cushioning, banding, waterproofing, packaging, blocking and bracing the container.

"Household Effects" means those items that are the personal property of post officials, and are therefore to be packed and transported at U.S. Government expense. This includes furniture, personal effects and consumables that, because of volume and weight, are shipped via surface freight. (Note: See the clause in Section 1, Attachment 2, and paragraph 5 entitled "Prohibited Items" for a listing of items which are not to be packed or transported at U.S. Government expense).

"Inventory" means a contractor-prepared list originated at the time the goods are packed. Each inventory is to be reviewed and signed by the client then turned over to the Contracting Officer's Representative.

"Lift Van" means a wooden storage crate.

“Modular Containers” – lift vans that are reduced in size to accommodate a particular shipment.

"Net Weight" means the gross weight of a shipment less its tare weight.

"Ordering Officer" means the Contracting Officer of the U.S. post. If a GBL is used, the ordering officer does not have to be a warranted CO.

"Packing" means the activities required to wrap and protect an article, properly place the article in appropriate carton or box, and stow the article and its carton or box in a lift van of sufficient size and constructed in accordance with post specifications; includes obtaining customs clearances and required documentation for shipment, via surface or air as appropriate.

"Packaging" means application or use of protective measures, including appropriate protective wrappings, cushioning and interior containers.

"Professional books, papers, and equipment" means reference material, instruments, tools, and equipment peculiar to technicians, mechanics and members of the professions and special skill areas; specialized, job-related clothing not considered to be normal or usual clothing; communication equipment used by members in association with their particular specialty; and military and individually owned or specifically issued field clothing and equipment.

"Services" means the services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or used in the performance of the services.

"Storage Pack" means the final result of wrapping and protecting of articles, and then properly placing these articles in appropriate cartons and boxes, and then storing these articles/cartons in storage pallet boxes as loose pack storage.

"Tare Weight" means the weight of an empty shipping container, excluding all materials used for wrapping, cushioning, banding, waterproofing, packaging, blocking and bracing articles within the exterior container.

"Unaccompanied Air Baggage (UAB)" means that portion of the total weight allowance of personal property that the client is permitted to ship via airfreight. UAB typically includes those items required for short-term housekeeping, such as clothing, linen, and kitchen items.

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

Packing of client Household Effects and Government-owned materials for transportation is a highly specialized function. The measure of performance shall be the condition of packed articles upon arrival at their destination. The contractor must appreciate the importance of family possessions and U.S. Government property and always take the greatest care in handling and packing such articles.

4. PACKING SPECIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

Labor employed to perform services under this contract shall be experienced and competent in the performance of such services. Those employees who perform services at the client’s office or residence shall be neat and in uniform identifying them as employees of the contractor.

The contractor agrees to provide complete services for surveying, packing, crating, weighing, and marking of household effects, surface baggage and official Government shipments of commodities including, but not limited to, household effects, office and residential furniture, vehicles, and equipment and supplies for shipment within and from Ghana. Such services will be performed on goods located primarily within the Accra metropolitan area, but also other areas of Ghana as requested.

The contractor shall provide all necessary packing and crating material required by this specification and standard industry practice for the services under this contract.

At the request of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), the contractor shall survey the goods to be packed and furnish the Government with a written estimate of the weight and required number of lift vans or other containers in which to pack the goods to be shipped. The contractor shall transport packing materials and vans to the designated location ready to perform the services required on the date and at the same time specified by the COR. The Government shall notify the contractor 48 hours in advance unless otherwise mutually agreed. Any services performed outside of normal business hours as may be agreed upon between the parties to this contract shall be for the mutual convenience of the contracting parties and shall create no liability on the part of the Government for overtime or premium pay charges.

The contractor agrees to provide export packing and related services using the best commercial practices to insure a shipment of the least tare weight and smallest cubic measurement compatible with assurance of transportation to destinations without damage or pilferage to containers or contents. Export packing shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following actions by the Contractor:

· Padding, dunnage and packing into cases, barrels or crates of all fragile items.

· Wrapping in waterproof paper and padding all items of furniture, television sets and other valuable equipment. The Contractor shall crate these items. The Contractor shall place these items in the lift vans so as to prevent damage or shifting while in transit.

· Padding securely all mirrors and framed pictures, marble tops, etc., in crates made to the proper size of good packing grade dry lumber with least tare weight.

· Mothproofing all rugs and carpets shall be mothproofed, and crated or wrapped without folding.

· Packing clothing items, linens, bedding, lampshades and similar items in containers lined with tissue paper, carefully, to prevent excessive wrinkling or folding.

· Freezers or refrigerators shall be dry inside and the Contractor shall pad and secure all removable shelving and interior parts to prevent breakage or damage.

· Applying tightly and securely adequate steel banding to all wooden cases and containers and to the outside of other appropriate containers that may be used for shipments.

5.

INVENTORY SYSTEM.

In conjunction with the client or his/her agent, the contractor shall prepare six copies of an Inventory List of all articles packed, bearing the signature of the client or his/her agent together with the signature of the contractor, both certifying to the correctness of the inventory. The contractor shall ensure diligence in recording any unusual condition of the goods being packed by the contractor. The inventory shall list each article. Words such as "HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS" or other general descriptive terms such as marred, scratched, soiled, worn, torn, gouged, and the like shall be avoided unless they are supplemented with a statement describing the degree and location of the exception. Care in the preparation of the initial inventory will assist in protecting the client of the property and the contractor in the event of loss and/or damage. Inventory Lists shall specify the name of the client of the goods, the date of shipment and the name of the contractor, and contain on the form an explanation of the condition symbols and location symbols. The original of the Inventory List will be retained by the contractor; one copy shall be given to the client or the client's agent; and the remaining copies shall be forwarded to the COR.

6.

FREIGHT HANDLING.

The contractor shall act on behalf of the Government on any selected incoming and outgoing Government cargo that may be assigned to the contractor under this contract, including the effecting of necessary transport of Government cargo within Accra. The contractor accepts full responsibility for any and all losses and/or damage, from the time such cargo is received into the hands of the contractor until it is released into the custody of the Government as evidenced by a signed receipt. The contractor further agrees that in any instance involving loss or damage to the Government cargo, where the contractor fails to exercise reasonable diligence, the contractor shall assume full responsibility for such losses or damage including payment of claims for such losses or damage.

The Contractor shall transport all incoming Government cargo handled under the contract from commercial facilities at Tema or the Accra International Airport to the final destination in the Accra area or elsewhere in Ghana, including off-loading from the contractor's vehicle, as specified by the COR unless otherwise directed by the COR in writing to the contractor.

The Contractor shall pick up from the Government in Accra or elsewhere in Ghana in time to insure delivery to Tema or the Accra International Airport facilities within 24 hours of the request for pickup. The Contractor shall not place cargo in any warehouse at Government expense without prior approval of the COR.

7.

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES.

The contractor is responsible for strict adherence to all instructions and quality requirements stated in this contract and shall provide the appropriate management effort to ensure that all services are performed. Each packing or unpacking team shall have a team leader to supervise the workforce and serve as a liaison with the COR. This designated person shall have supervision as his/her function during the time the Contractor is in the client's facility or residence and when Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, or other cargo is being loaded into lift vans or other shipping containers.

Work Skills and Experience. The contractor shall ensure that all personnel assigned to this contract possess the skills and experience necessary for accomplishing their individual tasks.

English Language Qualifications. Each Team Leader must possess sufficient ability in reading, writing, speaking and understanding the English language to carry out the duties prescribed herein for the position. The remaining staff must be able to follow simple instructions in English, and must be able to completely understand the instructions of the Team Leader.

The contractor's employees shall not at any time:

Smoke in the client's facility or residence;

Arrive at the facility or residence under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or even with alcohol on the breath;

Drink alcoholic beverages on the job, even if offered;

Use the client's bathroom or towels without permission;

(e) Engage in prolonged discussion or argument regarding the job;

(f) Perform any work for the client not specified in this contract; or

(g) Request or accept any articles or currency as a gratuity from the client for work performed under this contract.

8.

SCHEDULING AND PLANNING SHIPMENT PICKUPS.

The COR receives requests from clients for Household Effects pack out dates, and will coordinate the scheduling of shipments with the contractor. The COR will give the Contractor a completed "Request for Shipment" form which is the notification of scheduling and authority to proceed if "confirmed" is indicated. This form will not be given to the Contractor unless a task order has already been issued by the Contracting Officer. If "tentative" is checked, the contractor shall contact the COR for information/instructions.

Pre-shipment Survey. Before the HHE has been packed, the contractor shall, in connection with each instance of Household Effects services in this contract, make an on-site pre-shipment survey of the items to be shipped and/or stored to determine the approximate net weight of each category. The survey shall be conducted by an approved Estimator. The survey must list the major items of furniture, appliances and equipment which are to be included in the shipment and/or storage lot. It must also state the number of cartons and crates necessary to properly protect the loose and fragile items. The Contractor shall give a copy of each survey, signed and dated by the estimator, indicating total estimated net weight of both the export shipment and storage lot to the client within 48 hours upon completion of the pre-shipment survey. A pre-shipment survey which deviates more than ten percent, either high or low, in either the export or storage estimates, will be documented by the COR in the contractor's performance file. A pre-shipment survey will not normally be required for shipments other than Household Effects shipments.

9.

DURATION OF PACKING.

The contractor shall perform all packing and/or pickup of household goods and personal effects on the date beginning and at the time agreed upon between the contractor and the client or his/her agent. The client shall be any person the COR specifies as the client in the "Request for Shipment" form authorizing service. All services performed shall be performed on normal workdays between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Services may only be performed at the residence before 7:30 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. on normal workdays, or other than normal workdays with the mutual agreement of the parties. This agreement shall create no liability on the part of the Government for overtime or premium pay or other charges to be paid to the Contractor’s employees. If the packing and/or pickup crews will arrive more than two hours later than the scheduled time agreed upon, the contractor shall notify both the client and the COR in advance. Authorization for any changes in date and time must be authorized by the COR.

10.

WEIGHT

Tare Weight Limitation. Whether for official shipments or for household effects, the tare weight shall not exceed 45% of the net weight of the articles packed. If it appears that the 45% limitation will be exceeded, the contractor shall obtain advance approval of the COR before proceeding with the packing. The tare weight and cube of each shipment shall be the minimum that will afford adequate protection to the items being packed. Contractor shall weigh containers before packing in order to calculate net weight.

Shipping Weight. The contractor will be advised in writing by the COR as to the maximum weight allowance to be shipped and/or stored. The contractor shall not exceed these weights without the COR's consent. If the shipment portion exceeds the maximum authorized weight, the COR must be informed. The contractor shall remove items specified by the COR at no additional cost to the Government or employee. If a shipment is forwarded which exceeds the maximum weight designated in writing by the COR, the contractor shall be responsible for all costs on that portion of the shipment which exceeds the maximum weight designated.

11.

RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS.

Inventory Lists. The contractor shall prepare a complete, accurate and legible Inventory List as the articles are packed. The client will review and sign the list. The original will be retained by the contractor; one copy shall be given to the client or the client's agent; and the remaining copies shall be forwarded to the COR immediately after the packing is completed. All exceptions as to the condition of goods listed on the Inventory List must be brought to the client’s attention before goods are removed from the government premises. The Inventory List must be signed by the client and the contractor's Team Leader, both certifying to the correctness of the Inventory List.

The Inventory List shall show the number and contents of each carton, listed by the correct name in English; the date of shipment; lot number; name of contractor; container (lift van); and, an explanation of the condition symbols used. The Contractor shall give a copy of the Inventory List to the client. Care in the preparation of the initial inventory will assist in protecting the owner of the property and the contractor in the event of loss and/or damage. When there are two or more shipments, each shipment shall have a separate inventory and lot number. Copies of all Inventory Lists shall be provided to the COR by the contractor.

The Inventory List shall also indicate by number which cartons are loaded into the respective shipping containers/lift vans.

· The client's name shall appear on each sheet of the Inventory List, and the last sheet must also indicate the total number of boxes, total number of shipping crates (lift vans), net, tare and gross weights, with measurements and total cubic measure.

· Art Objects. The packer shall list art objects by their specific names, i.e., drum, picture, mask, etc. The Inventory List shall include the type of material (malachite, wood, metal, etc.) and whether the item is of Ghanaian origin.

12.

(Reserved) 13.

STORAGE AREA REQUIREMENTS.

All temporary or permanent storage provided, either for unpacked or packed household effects and unaccompanied air baggage, shall be inside storage buildings and areas that are acceptable to and approved by the COR.

In areas assigned for preparation and storage of household effects and unaccompanied air baggage the Contractor shall prevent pilferage or damage by sunlight, water, or fire. Household effects shall be stored in areas that are dry, well ventilated, clean, and free from dust, insects and rodents, have adequate fire protection, and are accessible for routine inspection.

The Contractor shall keep aisles, driveways, and entrances free of storage and equipment not being currently handled or operated.

The Contractor shall remove waste or refuse from storage areas or kept in metal containers with tight-fitting metal lids.

Household effects shall be stored on skids, dunnage, pallet bases, elevated platforms, or similar storage aids, maintaining a minimum of two inches of clearance from the floor to the bottom-most portion of the stored goods. The Contractor shall not store property in contact with exterior or interior walls.

14.

REQUIREMENTS FOR STORAGE METHODS.

The Contractor shall place household effects and unaccompanied air baggage into temporary or permanent storage inside a warehouse on the day of receipt or, in the event of inclement weather, immediately upon receipt.

All loose-packed storage of household effects shall be of the enclosed lift van type. The Contractor shall obtain the COR’s approval for any exceptions. Lift vans shall have sound walls and tops and shall be fully enclosed to prevent the entry of dust and other contaminants. The Contractor shall identify all pallet boxes and other boxes and storage containers by affixing to the front of each lift van or container a sign at least 24 centimeters by 15 centimeters in size, type set on poster board material, not hand printed, with the following legend:

U.S. Post

(Shipper's last name)

(lot number)

All letters on each sign described above shall be at least 5 centimeters in height.

The Contractor shall replace moth repellents upholstered articles at least every six months.

The Contractor shall store rugs in fully enclosed rug tubes or rug cartons in rug racks. No more than two rugs are to be stored in each tube or carton. The Contractor shall replenish moth repellents at least every six months.

The Contractor shall establish and maintain a locator system to enable prompt identification and removal of effects in storage.

The Contractor shall store upholstered and overstuffed furniture in special enclosed lift van containers apart from other effects. Upholstered rooms must be fully enclosed areas containing only articles of furniture in loose-pack storage. Walls must have sturdy framing and be covered with a solid sheathing material such as masonite, cellotex, or plywood of a minimum thickness of one-quarter inch Sheathing shall be free of holes and tightly joined to prevent the entry of dust and contaminants. Entry doors into such upholstered storage rooms must be kept closed at all times except during periods of actual placement into and/or removal of furniture. Any other type of upholstered storage must be specifically approved by the COR before use.

15.

WAREHOUSE RECEIPT.

Upon receipt of effects, the contractor shall prepare a Non-Negotiable Warehouse Receipt. The terms shall be subject to approval by the COR, indicating the American post or other Government Agency as the depositor. If the Warehouse Receipt contains provisions that differ from items in this contract, or that are not contained in this contract, these provisions in the Warehouse Receipt shall have no effect against the United States Government unless the United States Government specifically, in writing, approved each provision at the time the receipt was drafted.

The Warehouse Receipt shall also indicate the name of the owner of the goods, the number of the authorization, the net weight of the storage lot, the number of items deposited, the kind of items and the condition in which they are received. The Contractor shall mail the original of the Warehouse Receipt to the COR within twenty-five calendar days of the pickup of the storage at the Government facility. If access and segregation and/or partial removal is performed, the Contractor shall prepare a new Non-Negotiable Warehouse Receipt and submit it as directed above.

Warehouse facilities must be approved by the COR and meet the following criteria:

(a) Storage buildings shall be constructed, with masonry walls and floors, watertight roofs, and maintained in good condition. The building shall be kept dry, clean, well ventilated, free of dampness, free of moths, rats, mice, and insets, and in orderly condition at all times.

(b) Each building used for storage under this contract shall have as the minimum standard for qualification either:

(1) an acceptable automatic fire detection and reporting system, or an acceptable automatic sprinkler system; or

(2) a fire prevention and control plan, posted and maintained in each building; and necessary fire extinguishers and/or approved fire-fighting apparatus available and in good working order at all times.

In addition, each storage facility must be protected by an adequate water supply for fire fighting and a fire department that is responsive twenty-four hours per day. Statements from the cognizant fire insurance rating organization shall be used by the Government as a definitive basis for determining the sufficiency or adequacy of a fire-fighting water supply and the responsiveness of a fire department to protect a facility.

(c) The Contractor shall insure that all installed fire protective systems shall be accredited by the cognizant fire insurance rating organization for insurance rate credit.

16.

NOTIFICATION OF COMPLETION OF SERVICES.

As soon as the required services for outgoing cargo and unaccompanied air baggage shipments are completed, the contractor shall notify the COR and provide the following information:

a. If a shipment of other than Household Effects: Name and Agency affiliation of employee requesting the shipment. Name and Agency affiliation of employee who owns the effects.

b. Government Agency Packing Authorization Number

c. Ultimate destination of shipment

d. Date of pickup, number of pieces and gross weight of shipment.

e.

Bill of Lading or Airbill number assigned to the shipment.

A U.S. Government Bill of Lading (GBL) will be issued for each shipment by the authorizing Government Agency. The GBL will either be:

(1) forwarded by the Government directly to the carrier specified to transport the shipment; or

(2) forwarded to the contractor to be surrendered to the carrier or its agent when the shipment is picked up at the contractor's premises; or

(3) forwarded to the contractor to be surrendered to the carrier or its agent when the shipment is delivered by the contractor to the carrier or his agent.

The contractor shall obtain a proper receipt from the carrier or its agent at the time the baggage is delivered to the carrier by the contractor.

Upon completion of each assigned packing effort, the contractor shall provide to the COR a Notice of Availability for Shipment. On this Notice, the contractor shall report the identity of each completed export packing effort, and whether each was for Household Effects, UAB, or general cargo. The contractor shall confirm each such notification by submitting to the COR, within twenty-four hours, four copies of the Inventory List, together with a written request for shipping instructions containing the following information:

Name of client and Agency affiliation

Government Agency Packing Authorization Number

Ultimate destination of shipment

(d One copy of the export inventory properly prepared.

(e) Packing list itemizing the contents of each shipping container by inventory number; Net, Tare and Gross weight; and a cubic measurement of each shipping container and of total shipment.

Upon receipt of the above information, the COR will furnish to the contractor, in writing:

· any additional shipment marking information; the necessary shipping data; and

· a completed and signed U.S. Government Bill of Lading (GBL) for each shipment that the Contractor has reported ready to ship.

The contractor shall tender the GBL to the carrier specified to transport the shipment to the port of embarkation. The contractor shall to contact the carrier in sufficient time to load the shipment on the carrier's vehicle in time to have the shipment delivered to the port of embarkation by the delivery date designated in the shipping data furnished by the Government. In addition, the contractor shall ensure that all customs procedures have been accomplished, and shall obtain required documentation for all shipments. The contractor shall notify the COR in writing if and why any shipment cannot be delivered to the port of embarkation by the date specified. Failure to provide this notice before the latest delivery to the pier may subject the contractor to any Liquidated Damages to be paid by the contractor to the carrier.

17.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DELIVERY AND UPACKING OF HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS, UNACCOMPANIED AIR BAGGAGE (UAB) AND GENERAL CARGO.

Receipt of Effects and Unaccompanied Air Baggage. The Contractor shall notify the COR immediately if any shipment is received in damaged condition. The Contractor shall make notation of any visible loss or damage on the reverse side of the Government Bill of Lading and/or on carrier's delivery receipt. Loose-packed effects shall be properly inventoried on receipt and immediately placed in proper palletized storage. If it is necessary to unload a steamship container and place the effects into loose-pack storage prior to delivery, the Contractor shall prepare and sign an Inventory List when the effects are removed from the container and placed into storage.

Delivery of Household Effects and Unaccompanied Air Baggage To a Residence.

The placing of Household Effects and UAB in the client's…