0513Amd0004.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE J

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

June 26, 2007

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ.

NO.

5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable) AF GOCOs-Region 2

6. ISSUED BY CODE SCO600 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE SCO600

DEFENSE ENERGY SUPPORT CENTER

8725 JOHN J. KINGMAN RD., SUITE 4950

FT. BELVOIR, VA 22060-6222

BUYER/SYMBOL – Patricia Jacobs/DESC-FPA

PHONE - (703) 767-9328 FAX - (703) 767- 9338

Email – Patricia.Jacobs@dla.mil 6.1a

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (NO., street,city,county,State,and ZIP Code)

9a. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

SP0600-07-R-0513

X

9b. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

April 16, 2007

10a. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10b. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

[xx] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers [ }is extended, [X ] is not extended Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning ___1____ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or(c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

N/A

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b)

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Solicitation SP0600-07-R-0513 is amended to incorporate the technical questions and answers and the revised Appendix D information for the Region #2 sites. The closing date remains July 13, 2007 at 3:00 PM (EDST).

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16A. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. NAME OF CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

BY

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C.DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C.DATE SIGNED

SF30

Amendment 0004

Grounds Maintenance (Mowing, Snow Removal, etc.)

1. C-5.4.5 Buildings and Grounds: At present, all grounds maintenance is performed by a base contractor. Discussions held during the site visits did not seem to provide a clear guidance to the contractors. Can the government provide clear guidance on how the contractor is to handle this in its proposal?

2. Clear expectation of ground maintenance required; Expenses for ground maintenance equipment and labor will not be built into proposal if Base will continue maintaining the fuels area. If Base will NOT maintain grounds, contractor will have to staff and price this requirement accordingly.

3. PWS Appendix G. If facility maintenance (including grounds) do not meet AQL at the time the contract begins, will the government issue Task Orders to the contractor to bring the facilities up to AQL levels? For instance, if grass is too high or gages/meters are overdue calibration at the start of the contract period, what will be the process to establish a baseline for acceptable contract performance?

ANSWER FOR QUESTIONS #1-3: Facility and grounds maintenance should be included in the contractor developed Operations and Maintenance Manual. During the 10-day transition prior to contractor take-over, AQL’s in regards to grounds maintenance will be identified by the COR. Section 5.4.5 of the Performance Work Statement has been clarified as follows in regards to grounds maintenance:

C-5.4.5 Buildings and Grounds maintenance. The Contractor shall maintain buildings and grounds in accordance with Base guidelines. Mowing will be provided by the Base. The Contractor will be responsible for weed control on berms and within containment areas using Base approved methods. The Base will provide snow removal for access roads and parking lots.

The Contractor will be responsible for snow and ice removal on all walking surfaces within the Bulk Fuel Facility to include sidewalks, tank stairs, and dike wall stairs. The Contractor will ensure buildings are clean, free from debris, and pest free. The Contractor will not permit or allow fire hazards to accumulate in buildings or on grounds. The Contractor shall not perform major repairs or make any alterations to the buildings or grounds without prior approval from the

COR.

QUESTION #4: C-5.4.5 Buildings and Grounds: In several instances, the office buildings and grounds within the fenced boundaries of facilities will be shared with other elements of the fuel mission. In these instances who will be responsible for building and grounds maintenance?

ANSWER FOR QUESTION #4: Buildings located within the bulk facility will be the responsibility of the contractor while buildings outside the bulk facility will be maintained by the government.

Government Furnished Equipment – General

QUESTIONS #5-8 and Observation:

5. What type of vehicle will the government supply to the contractor and will we be able to refuel at the government service station?

6. PWS Appendix D: There is no mention of a boat becoming contractor property through transfer but during the job walks, it was stated at both Hurlbert Field and Eglin, that the boat currently used might be transferred to the contractor for use. Can this be verified and /or confirmed?

7. Any unique requirements – such as life preservers, etc. for boats -- at each of the 7 sites so we can price and staff accordingly.

8. One location had a very thorough list of items to be turned-over to the contractor and some bases had a very shallow list. This information is important to know as we develop our pricing.

OBSERVATION -- I am concerned about the accuracy of information presented in Appendix D. Appendix D appears to be more of a “snapshot in time” rather than a statement of the Air Force’s requirements in December 2007. While I understand completely that the only binding criteria is what is presented in Appendix D, during the Site Survey, I observed countless discrepancies between what was written in Appendix D and what the Air Force Fuels Spokesmen thinks they really want. This may be a good time -- after the Site Survey -- to get the Air Force to validate what is presented in Appendix D. Again, this will allow contractors to present the best pricing proposal possible.

Most of my concerns center on the inadequacy of Appendix D to define, with any precision, the specifics of the Air Force requirement. The vagueness of Appendix D makes it very difficult to accurately price out the proposal and present to DESC our “best-value” proposal. My follow-on questions below will address some of those concerns.

Appendix D must clearly define:

ANSWER FOR QUESTIONS #5-8 & Observation: The Appendix D spreadsheets have been reviewed extensively in regards to available Facilities and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) at each site, and revised accordingly. If GFE is not listed in Appendix D and the Offeror thinks the equipment is necessary for performance of the contract then the equipment must be provided by the Offeror. The Offeror’s proposal should identify what equipment it plans to provide. The Offeror will be responsible for maintaining the GFE. The government service station will be available for refueling of government furnished vehicles.

Government Furnished Equipment - Nitrogen for ATG

QUESTIONS #9-12:

9. Can you clarify whether the contractor will have to purchase the replacement nitrogen bottles for the ATG or if they can be filled on-base at no cost? Some locations currently fill on-base, but are not sure if it can continue.

10. Is the bidder or the LFM shop responsible for replacing the nitrogen tanks used on the Barton gauging systems?

11. Quarterly requirement for Nitrogen Cylinders at each of the 7 sites so we can price accordingly.

12. Is purchase of Nitrogen cylinders a reimbursable expense (meaning DESC will reimburse us for our costs)?

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS #9-12: Within CONUS the Contractor will be responsible for providing nitrogen for the ATG systems. Air Force sources will not be available to the contractor. Use of a delivery service will eliminate the perceived need to purchase a special vehicle for the transportation of nitrogen cylinders. Costs for this nitrogen service will be reimbursed on CLIN 1002 of the contract.

Government Furnished Equipment - Bowsers

QUESTIONS #13-16:

13. Will major maintenance to the Fuel Bowser be through the government?

14. Waste Disposal: All of the Bulk Sites had a small accumulation point. Will these be maintained and managed by the contractor? Will disposal be provided at no cost to the contractor when it is turned over to the base waste disposal unit?

15. Are special HAZ MAT or drivers permits required for either the vehicle or operator when transporting waste Jet Fuel and waste water from the Hurlburt site to the Base Environmental?

16. Specifics of Reclaimed Fuel Program at each of the 7 sites so we can price and staff accordingly

ANSWER FOR QUESTIONS #13-16: The Appendix D spreadsheets have been reviewed extensively in regards to available Facilities and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) at each site, and revised accordingly. If Bowsers are not listed as GFE in Appendix D, the Offeror should assume that they will not be required at that location or the base has other means of handling its oily waste. The Offeror’s proposal should identify what equipment it plans to provide. The Offeror will be responsible for maintaining the bowsers with labor covered under

CLIN 1001 and parts reimbursed under CLIN 1002 of the contract. Bowsers are for the collection of waste POL products. If maintaining a HAZMAT satellite accumulation point is currently a responsibility of the Air Force Bulk Storage personnel, the same functions will be performed under the contract. The contractor will prepare the waste manifest and coordinate disposal of the waste through the Base environmental office. The Base is already funded for this waste disposal. The Offeror will not be responsible for transporting the waste.

Government Furnished Equipment – Radios

QUESTIONS #17-20:

17. Have the government Radio’s been converted to the new narrow-band. If not, will they be converted at government expense when the conversion takes place?

18. PWS – Also several areas in the PWS mention notifying the RCC (i.e., PWS C-5.1.2). Will a RCC fuels radio be issued to the contractor for each location to establish that contact?

19. Will the contractor be allowed to operate a private, standalone radio communication on base or will they be provided the fuels net and radios?

20. Radios: In order for the Bulk personnel to communicate with the RCC during receipts and transfers, they need to have radios. Will the Government furnish the radios necessary? If not, what are the specific requirements (frequencies, etc.) of the radios the contractor will need to furnish?

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #17-20: The Appendix D spreadsheets have been reviewed extensively in regards to available Facilities and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) at each site, and revised accordingly. If GFE is not listed in Appendix D and the Offeror thinks the equipment is necessary for performance of the contract then the equipment must be provided by the Offeror. The Offeror’s proposal should identify what equipment it plans to provide. The Offeror will be responsible for maintaining the GFE. The Offeror should assume that it will be able to use the same frequencies as the government in order to assist in communication with the

RCC.

Government Furnished Equipment – Office Space/Furniture/Equipment

QUESTIONS #21-26:

21. PWS Appendix D: The matrixes are not clear what furnishings will stay once the contractor begins. During the walks, several locations indicated some, none or all. Can you clarify what will remain for contractor use?

22. At the Barksdale main fuel farm, will we have access to the main office building, along with locker rooms, showers, etc.?

23. Maintenance Facilities: Little information was available during the site visits as to what building or buildings would be available for contractor maintenance and storage. Can the Government provide succinct guidance as to what will be made available to the contractor?

24. The subject of availability of workshop space for the Bulk Storage Systems Mechanic is not clearly defined. What arrangements are available at each location to provide access to workshop space so the mechanic can perform his duties in an appropriate work space

25. Facility Sharing between Contractors and Fuels Flight Personnel. OBSERVATION -- This comment reflects back on the inadequacy of Appendix D but, in my opinion, is worth a stand-alone comment. It became clear during a number of the site visits that a “battle of wills” would be inevitable if Appendix D did not adequately define contractor space, Air Force space, and shared space. Several comments, (one in particular made by an Air Force spokesman when questioned about bathroom facilities responded that the contractor could “hold it”) raise a concern that this “merger” must be well orchestrated prior to the contractor coming on-board in December 2007. Issues like office space, bathroom sharing, maintenance facilities, etc., must be clearly defined.

26. PWS Appendix D appears to be incomplete. Will the government be providing a more comprehensive list of GFE, to include any furniture items, existing spill kits, etc.?

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #21-26: The Appendix D spreadsheets have been reviewed extensively in regards to available Facilities and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) at each site, and revised accordingly. If specific Facilities and GFE are not listed in Appendix D and the Offeror thinks the Facilities and Equipment are necessary for performance of the contract then the Facilities and Equipment must be provided by the Offeror. The Offeror’s proposal should identify what Facilities and Equipment it plans to provide. The Offeror will be responsible for maintaining the Equipment and any Facilities that it provides.

Staffing Hours and Access

QUESTIONS #27-39:

27. PWS Appendix D - The facility matrices at the bottom state “Once Bulk Storage is contracted by DESC and the contractor becomes responsible, it is off limits to all military personnel.” Yet this statement is contradictory to some of the locations of services as provided by some of the bases; i.e., hydrants are located inside storage at some bases. Please clarify.

28. The matrices do not clearly indicate what weekend support is actually needed. Several indicate weekend support, but with split shifts. Please clarify.

29. PWS Appendix D - Please restate or reconfirm the operating hours at each site; what was stated on the Site Visits conflicts with the PWS. We need to clearly know which facilities have second and third shifts; are a 24/7 rather than 8/5, etc. Many locations could not give a clear definition of what hours they want or require, especially for the weekends.

30. PWS C 5.1.1 states that operating hours are established in Appendix D. During the job walks, each location stated hours differed from those in Appendix D so is it possible to have the correct normal operating hours and shifts for each location clarified?

31. C-5.1.1 Operating Hours: The SOW requires the contractor to work the hours listed in Appendix D for each facility. However, the hours listed for many of the sites are not in agreement with the operations described during the site visits. Will the Government provide an accurate update to the required operating hours for each site?

32. C-5.1.1 Operating Hours: The last sentence requires the operator to provide support withinone hour of notification. This is normally a 2 hour requirement. Will the Government change this to two hours?

33. Please clarify the hours of operation at Hurlburt. The PWS says 0700-1500 yet on the walk-through it was conveyed that it was a 24/7 operation. If it is 24/7, what is driving the need for that degree of coverage? What would necessitate off-hours coverage?

34. Will Overtime pay incurred due to “stand-by” requests (currently handled by distro) be reimbursed? (Altus)

35. The PWS indicates Altus hours of operation are from 0600-2300. Is this 7 days per week or M-F? With that, why must all trucks be received by 1900?

36. Clear understanding of the escort requirements if contractor is expected to perform escort duties at each of the 7 sites so we can price and staff accordingly.

37. Appendix D and Bulk Storage Being Off-limits OBSERVATION -- Appendix D clearly states “Bulk Storage will be OFF-LIMITS to military personnel without an escort from the contractor” Off-limits is a strong military term that, for the most part, is non-negotiable and dramatic in effect. Additionally, it has possible manning implications if Air Force personnel needed access into Bulk Storage after duty hours and contractor personnel had to be called in to escort the military personnel. Is this what DESC and the Air Force intended with the “Off Limits” terminology in Appendix D?

38. PWS C-5.1.1 Operating hours - In Appendix D operating hours are listed 0600-2400, Monday – Friday. 0600-1800 Tuesday – Friday, and 0700-2400 Saturday and Sunday. During the site visit, POL staff indicated that their mission is 24/7. Please clarify what hours and days the contractor will be required to operate the facility continuously, and what hours and days the contractor will be required to provide stand-by (1-hr response) support?

39. Can you more clearly define the “shared access” responsibilities for the contractor?

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #27-39: The Appendix D spreadsheets have been reviewed extensively in regards to hours of operation at each site, and revised accordingly to remove ambiguities. Typical hours outside the normal hours of operation cannot be quantified, but the 1-hr response time cannot be waived. These hours will be covered as overtime in CLIN 1004.

Frequencies and Duration of Exercises

QUESTION #40: Does the base support extended exercises that will affect bulk storage operating hours and required manning? If yes, will the government provide a schedule to facilitate our proposal preparation?

ANSWERS TO QUESTION #40: The Appendix D spreadsheets have been reviewed extensively in regards to hours of operation at each site, and revised accordingly to remove ambiguities. Typical hours outside the normal hours of operation cannot be quantified. These hours will be covered as overtime in CLIN 1004. Surge and stand-by personnel requirements are difficult to predict due to OPSTEMPO, deployments, etc.; however, the key to minimizing bulk storage operations on nights and weekends is close coordination with the COR regarding upcoming operational requirements and actions that may be taken in advance. An example of this is to make sure the hydrant tanks are full before shutting down storage for the day.

Security/Background Checks

QUESTIONS #41-43:

41. C-5.6: Security: How is the contractor to address security on jointly occupied facilities?

42. Need a clear understanding of the security requirements at each particular location. Each base had a particular procedure and this must be clearly defined at each of the 7 locations so we can not only satisfy the requirement but staff and price this tasking accordingly.

43. PWS C-5.6 Security - Please describe contractor’s responsibility for security during hours the facility is unmanned.

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #41-43: Section 5.6 of the Performance Work Statement has been revised as follows to clarify the requirement regarding Security:

C-5.6 Security. The Contractor shall incorporate necessary physical, personnel, and information system security to ensure the integrity and safety of the bulk fuel facility and any government furnished equipment. Base specific requirements are identified in Appendix D. The Contractor shall incorporate security measures in the Contract Compliance Plan. These security measures shall include controlling access by only authorized personnel to fuel facilities and equipment under Contractor control; maintaining fencing surrounding fuel facilities; securing gates, buildings, and system valves when not in use; conducting background checks meeting National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) standards for Contractor personnel, and establishing information systems security measures appropriate to the level of computer use. The Contractor shall establish liaison with appropriate base law enforcement agencies in development of security measures.

Resumes

QUESTIONS #44-47:

44. PWS Appendix F, Para 2, page 21 states “The Contractor agrees to assign to the contract those persons whose resumes and personnel qualifications statements were submitted as required above to fill the requirements of the contract. No substitution or addition of personnel shall be made except in accordance with this contract.”

This seems to assume they are all current employees who we have some control over, and we do not know of anyone who has enough personnel on-staff to fill all of the positions requiring resumes. Most personnel have submitted their resumes in anticipation of or desire to work on the contract, and will need background checks performed after award and then be hired; by then they may have found other employment.

It is understandable that DESC/USAF would want resumes for the Corporate Fuels Officer, and possibly a proposed Facility Superintendent. However, it appears that going beyond that is unrealistic due to the circumstance that there are currently active solicitations for 33 CONUS bases, and candidates are listing multiple sites depending on who wins contracts.

Request that the resume requirement be removed, and replaced with more open language that still makes the contractor use qualified personnel, such as “The Contractor agrees to hire/assign to the contract those persons who meet or exceed all of the qualifications in the solicitation and PWS, and that their background and resumes may be vetted prior to commencement of services, or if a replacement, during the period of service.”

45. OSP L201.100(b)(1) and PWS Appendix F – As a follow-up to the previous question if an FDSM is required per facility, then the requirement in the PWS Appendix F to actually provide resumes at this time for other than the CFO and proposed Superintendent seems an extremely difficult requirement considering that we know of no company who has all of these personnel already on staff and could make such a commitment. Why not just have the requirements that, upon award but before the commencement of services, the contractor will furnish resumes of the other key personnel for acceptance since no one can guarantee that, seven months from now, any of the personnel whose resumes were furnished will be available even if they are current employees (and most are not)? So there would still be a requirement to undergo vetting of replacements.

If the resumes are truly used as a “discriminator” between proposals as stated in the OSP (“If the proposed employees do not meet the minimum qualifications identified, the offer may be rejected as unacceptable.”) and a contractors proposal is rejected as insufficient for resumes, then the accepted contractor has to have his proposed personnel on the contract six months later or you have not truly used it to make a determination between contractors. Such action would be taken knowing that any or all of the proposed personnel may not be available at the time of performance, for many reasons, so in fact it is not a real discriminator between contractors.

Request that you at least limit the requirement for resumes to the CFO for the contract and proposed Superintendent for each facility, as it is much more likely that these personnel will actually serve if a contract is awarded, and then you require that the Assistant and FDSM be submitted and approved before commencement of services.

46. L201.100(b)(1): Will the Government consider relaxing or eliminating the requirement to furnish resumes for Superintendents and mechanics for all seven sites? This will be a problem for most bidders to provide such a high number of qualified resumes in such a short time period.

47. Key Personnel Resume Gathering and Presentation in the Proposal.

OBSERVATION --For the most part, all the Contractors are using the same pool of resumes to submit with their proposals. And, for the most part, personnel submitted as candidates for key positions have no commitment with contractors to accept the position (for lots of reasons to include new jobs, changing personal situations, failure to reach an agreement, etc). Further complicating the issue is the fact that the solicitation makes it somewhat cumbersome to switch out personnel once a contract has been awarded. Rather than identify a “body to a position” right now, it would be more effective, for all concerned, if the contractor was just able to demonstrate that they have the ability to identify and hire qualified personnel (by providing resumes) but make the resume submission process non-binding at this time.

Has DESC given any consideration to relaxing the requirement for resume submission?

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #44-47: Evaluation of qualified personnel is a critical aspect of the technical review. It provides another method for the government to assess the offeror's understanding of the technical requirements. Also, one of the reasons these solicitations are regionalized is to assist the offerors in achieving efficiencies in operation, and the government expects to see these efficiencies reflected in the number and skill level of personnel identified for each contract. The proposals should describe in what capacity the personnel will be used at each location. The personnel requirements in the PWS have been revised to better match the performance requirements. The PWS does not require each location within a Region to have the positions listed above. The Contractor is expected to determine the best allocation of personnel by site/Region.

The section on Key Personnel in Appendix F of the Performance Work Statement has been revised as follows:

Key Personnel

Corporate Fuels Officer: To assure continuity between the terminal and the Contractor’s home office, the Contractor shall employ during the life of this contract an executive who can make decisions concerning this contract; who has a complete understanding of the terms and conditions of this contract; and who has experience in the operation and maintenance of bulk petroleum storage terminals.

Terminal Superintendent:

(1) Shall have a minimum of six years of specialized experience in fuel terminal operations including receiving, storing and shipping petroleum products via tank truck, pipeline, rail, and tanker/barge as appropriate to the Air Force installation capability. This experience shall include operation and maintenance of a bulk petroleum storage terminal; receiving and shipping of petroleum products via pipeline, barges, tankers and tank trucks as appropriate to the Air Force installation capability; and, maintenance and repair of bulk petroleum storage terminals.

(2) Shall have a minimum of three years of supervisory experience gained within five years just prior to the contract start date. Of these three years, two years of experience shall be specialized supervisory experience in fuel terminal operations with emphasis in terminal maintenance, operations and environmental compliance. One year may be general supervisory experience.

(3) This cannot be a collateral duty job.

Assistant Superintendent:

(1) Shall have a minimum of three years experience in fuel terminal operations engaged in receiving, storing and shipping petroleum products via tank truck, pipeline and tanker/barge.

This experience shall include operation and maintenance of a bulk petroleum storage terminal;

receiving and shipping of petroleum products via pipeline, barges, tankers, and tank trucks; and maintenance and repair of bulk petroleum storage terminals.

(2) This may be a collateral duty job.

Fuel Distribution Systems Mechanic(FDSM):

(1) Shall have a minimum of two (2) years experience and be qualified to operate, inspect, maintain, and repair fuel distribution systems, i.e., fuel storage tanks and pipeline systems, direct refueling systems, and the mechanical, electrical, and computer connected/driven components thereof.

(2) Shall be capable of detecting and correcting system component malfunctions, misalignments, leaks, and other adjustment issues and performing scheduled and unscheduled fuel system maintenance.

(3) Shall have a basic knowledge of automatic tank components and gauging systems, high/low level alarms, cathodic protection, and oily water waste systems.

(4) Shall have a basic understanding of written description and instructions pertaining to facility operations, shall be able to implement cyclic maintenance programs and safety programs relating to all aspects of facility operation

(5) Shall have demonstrated expertise in spill cleanup procedures, prevention and control measures, related equipment operation and maintenance.

(6) Should have practical experience in basic design and layout of petroleum facilities, component makeup, characteristics of fuel storage and distribution systems, and the ability to read and understand base blueprints, and system specifications.

Fuel Distribution System Operator (as defined in the Service Contract Act, Directory of Operations): Shall have a minimum of one-year experience in storage and distribution of bulk petroleum. Lead Operators shall have a minimum of two years experience.

Plans, Manual and Documents Access

QUESTIONS #48-53:

48. Ref. PWS Section C-5.4 Facility Maintenance – “The Contractor shall establish and maintain automated maintenance and supply records for all equipment and components at the fuel facility.” Will the Air Force Liquid Fuel Maintenance office currently performing this function provide the winning contractor with historical data to include maintenance records, manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures, component specification sheets, and spare parts lists?

49. Ref. PWS Appendix C – Applicable Directives – The list of applicable directives include 3.

AF Technical Order 37-1-1 and 4. AF Technical Order 42B-1-1. We have been unable to locate a publicly accessible web site where these documents can be viewed. Could the government provide contractors access to these documents for review?

50. C-5.4 Facility Maintenance: In order to fully comply with this requirement, the contractor must have full vendors documentation and previous maintenance files for each piece of equipment included in the Bulk Facility. Does LFM have and will it provide the required data?

51. Appendix C: Can the Government provide copies of AF TO 37-1-1 and 42B-1-1. These are not accessible from any website we have been able to find. Suggest they be added to the Solicitation on the DESC website.

52. Access to all Pertinent Instructions, Policies, Tech Orders, etc., Relevant to Managing the Air Force’s Bulk Storage Operation OBSERVATION --Proper management, manning, resource allocation, and pricing – critical to this proposal, depend on access to particular Air Force Instructions, Tech Orders, Base Policies, etc., that may be readily available to government personnel but NOT available to contractor personnel. Without access to this critical information, it makes management, manning, resource allocation, and pricing so much more difficult. What does DESC propose to do in order to allow the contractors to have access to all the information they need?

53. For previous solicitations involving GOCO DFSPs, DESC ordinarily provides a facility O&M guide to aid in preparation of the solicitation. Will the government provide similar documents for this solicitation (i.e. Operating Checklists or Local Operating Instructions)?

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #48-53: Base specific plans and maintenance records will be provided to the Contractor upon award of the contract. Links to AF Technical Orders 37-1-1 and 42B-1-1 as well as the most current version of UFC 3-460-03 are provided as part of this solicitation amendment. Current up to date checklists for each storage operation will be available for the Contractor to consider as it develops its Operations and Maintenance Manual.

Any time an operational change to facilities or procedures is necessary; the contractor would be required to submit a new revised checklist to Fuels Management for approval.

Fuels Manager and Computer Availability

QUESTION #54-57:

54. PWS C-5.10.1 - Provided equipment. Since several matrixes don’t clearly address what is available to the contractor, is it assumed no computer whatsoever will be provided by the government? If so, will the ATG and related FMD programs have to be loaded on the contractor systems? Or is the contractor even to have the BMS-E requirements?

55. Will Fuels Manager software be provided at no cost to all locations, or will the contractor be responsible to purchase the license?

56. PC for Fuels Manager: Each Bulk facility requires Fuels Manager so that the Bulk personnel can see tank levels and inventories. The PCs currently set up at each facility for this purpose is a Government PC belonging to DESC. Will these remain or will the contractor have to replace them? If the contractor has to replace them, will the Government have Fuel Manager installed at no cost to the contractor?

57. Appendix D did not clearly indicate what contractor-provided facilities would have computer connections (some facilities did not) and some locations were unclear as to what facilities would be passed on to the contractor. The concern, of course is access to Fuels Manager. Appendix D needs to clearly define what is available as far as locations, computer and internet connectivity, and availability of Fuels Manager.

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #54-57: Please check the facility worksheets in Appendix D for availability of Fuels Manager at each site. If a computer is listed as GFE, this computer is used for Fuels Manager. If a computer is not listed then Fuels Manager will be maintained by the Responsible Officer at the base. The Fuels Manager data will be readily available to the Contractor through the Responsible Officer, so the Contractor will not need to purchase the software.

Maintenance of Oil/Water Separators

QUESTION #58: Unique facilities and operations must be clearly spelled out. One location had a Water Treatment Facility and operation that was not identified in Appendix D, yet this would be a contractor responsibility. Another location performed their water/fuel recovery by carrying buckets over the berms and into the bowser (very manpower intensive). What other unique operations, or facilities, exist at the 7 locations but are not identified in Appendix D.

ANSWER TO QUESTION #58: Water treatment facilities are not the operational or maintenance responsibility of the contractor. The contractor will monitor the oil/water separators and alert the base Civil Engineering office for pump outs and maintenance requirements. DESC programs and funds for this work under its Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (SRM) Program. Manual water/fuel recovery and transfer is a standard procedure at Air Force locations and the contractor will need to staffed accordingly.

Maintenance and Reimbursement of Filters

QUESTIONS #59-62:

59. Will the filter elements (for the filter/water separators) be provided by the government?

60. With respect to filtration change-out: Are the elements provided by Base Supply or is the Contractor obligated to purchase them at their own cost?

61. Filter Elements: It is understood that the contractor will be responsible for changing out filter elements as required. Will the Government continue to provide the elements as it currently does through its DESC replacement program?

62. Who will be responsible for paying for and performing the filter changes at the respective bases, the bidder or the current LFM shop?

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #59-62: DESC will reimburse the contractor for the purchase of the filters under CLIN 1002. The contractor will perform the filter changes under CLIN 1001.

General Maintenance

QUESTION #63: Will the AF provide a 90 day Bench Stock of parts and system spares, and will we be back filling through the base supply system?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #63: The contractor is responsible for providing their own bench stocks and maintenance supplies/parts on a reimbursable basis under CLIN 0002. The contractor is responsible for providing any tools required to perform the scope of work under CLIN 0001.

Appendix D spreadsheets have been reviewed extensively in regards to available Facilities and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) at each site, and revised accordingly. If specific Facilities and GFE are not listed in Appendix D and the Offeror thinks the Facilities and Equipment are necessary for performance of the contract then the Facilities and Equipment must be provided by the Offeror. The Offeror’s proposal should identify what Facilities and Equipment it plans to provide. The Offeror will be responsible for maintaining the Equipment and any Facilities that it provides.

QUESTION #64: Who and where are the meters and gages being calibrated? Will we be able to use the same source?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #64: Calibration of equipment will be conducted by Task Order.

QUESTION #65: Who is the contractor that accomplishes the annual line pressure checks?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #65: The Offeror is responsible for ensuring that the annual line pressure checks are performed.

QUESTION #66: Are we responsible for completing cathodic protection (CP) monitoring and repairs of the tanks and piping systems?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #66: Cathodic protection monitoring is the responsibility of the Civil Engineering Electrical section at the base while repairs beyond preventative and minor maintenance are funded by the DESC SRM program.

QUESTION #67: Can you provide the operating & maintenance expenses for the bulk fuel facilities for the past couple years?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #67: The estimate of the level of effort required to operate the facility is the responsibility of the contractor. Parts and materials related to maintenance will be reimbursed under CLIN 1002.

QUESTION #68: Ref. PWS Section C-5.4.3 Major maintenance: “Major maintenance required is the Government’s responsibility in accordance with the Sustainment, Restoration and Modification (SRM) program policies in DoD 4140.25M.” Also ref. PWS Appendix A:

Definitions – under the definition of “Major Maintenance” one of the listed items is “annual hydrostatic pressure test”, yet in Appendix E Recommended Maintenance “Preventive Maintenance and Minor Repairs” list “Piping: Annual Pipeline Pressure Check”. Are we correct in assuming that by definition annual hydostatic pressure testing is under Line Item 0002 cost reimbursable maintenance and repair and should not be priced in Line Item 0001?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #68: Yes, you are correct in assuming that an annual hydrostatic pressure test is to be reimbursed on CLIN 1002 and not priced in CLIN 1001.

QUESTION #69: Per UFC 3-460-03 Chapter 10, Paragraph 10.2 clearly assigns responsibility for an effective recurring maintenance program to the CE LFM shop. Will this manual be changed in view of the contract specifications for maintenance? The paragraph further recognizes the need for operator maintenance and tasks the LFM shop foreman to verify the work is performed satisfactorily. Wouldn’t it significantly facilitate and clarify these solicitations if the government complied with this manual and kept maintenance responsibilities with LFM at least until maintenance responsibilities can be more finitely defined? In so doing, contractor maintenance responsibilities could be limited to operator maintenance and the requirement for a Fuel Distribution Mechanic could be deferred or eliminated.

ANSWER TO QUESTION #69: We are not at liberty to project what the Air Force’s plans are for updating this manual to capture the LFM responsibilities. We do think, however, that the PWS clearly defines the role of the contractor in regards to liquid fuels maintenance.

QUESTIONS #70-71:

70. A clear delineation needs to be presented as to what constitutes minor maintenance and what constitutes maintenance beyond what the contractor is expected to perform.

71. PWS C-5.4 Facility Maintenance - Can you more clearly define the line between minor/major maintenance? Will the minimum qualifications for the maintenance mechanic be adjusted as needed to reflect the actual requirement?

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #70-71: LFM will no longer perform maintenance of bulk storage. The contractor is responsible for operator maintenance under CLIN 0001. Operator maintenance is typically what POL accomplished as operators/system users IAW T.O. 37-1-1:

GENERAL OPERATION AND INSPECTION OF INSTALLED FUEL STORAGE AND

DISPENSING SYSTEMS. It may include, but is not limited to, work such as the replacement of ground wires, plugs, and clips, the replacement of 0-rings and gaskets, the tightening of nuts, bolts, screws, to prevent leakage, cleaning of fuel system strainers, or corrosion control and spot painting, changing single-point nozzles, hoses and camlock fittings; performing product recover operations, draining filter separators sumps for water and sediment, removing water from fuel pits and tank dikes; replacing nitrogen bottles on an ATG system using common hand tools.

The contractor is responsible for minor maintenance under CLIN 0002 via Task Order. Minor maintenance is any and all maintenance activities which are normally performed in a typical Air Force LFM shop as outlined in UFC 3-460-03F, Chapter 10 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PETROLEUM SYSTEMS such as repair of Filter Separators, air eliminators, surge suppressors, pressure reliefs, fuel discharge valves, Filter element/coalescer changes, Automatic Control valves repair, rebuild and replacement to include all sub-assemblies, diaphragms, seats, discs, seals and pilot controls. Repair and overhaul of installed fuel system pumps i.e., adjusting the packing glands, stuffing boxes, mechanical seals, pump shafts, impellers, bearings etc. Repair/rebuild fuel meters and associated components, gears, rotors, sliding vanes; repair/replacement of fuel system electrical components, motors, contactors, starters, relays, solenoids, actuators, capacitors, anodes, flow/pressure and emergency switches;

tank components i.e.. tank and pressure gauges, vacuum/pressure vents, floating pans, tank seals, roof drains, Testing of flange float controls, High and Low level shutoffs and alarms.

The contractor is responsible for identifying and coordinating major maintenance with DESC.

Major maintenance is everything above the level of minor maintenance. An example rule of thumb is: If it takes more than two people using a portable A-Frame hoist/lift assembly, chain, cable, skids, roller and or jack apparatus to move a Fuel pump, Automatic or Manual Control Valve, Meter, Strainer, Filter Separator, Spool, or Piping assembly; then it may qualify as major maintenance or an SRM activity.

Ultimately, if a question arises regarding the level of maintenance, it should be addressed to the

COR.

QUESTION #72: Please confirm that contracts are in place and will continue providing the following services through the Base CE:

Spot painting on piping and tanks Corrosion protection Mowing and grounds maintenance

ANSWER TO QUESTION #72: Spot painting and corrosion control is the responsibility of the contractor. For mowing and grounds maintenance, see Answer for Questions #1 and #2 and

PWS C-5.4.5.

Operations

QUESTIONS #73-74:

73. Will the QC&I continue with normal scheduled inspections of Bulk Storage, or will storage be removed from QC&I inspections?

74. It was stated that all QC sampling would continue to be done by the fuels group at no cost to the contractor? We assume that we, therefore, need no specific test equipment or sample containers. Is that correct?

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #73-74: The Air Force will have COR and COTR responsibility for the contracts and will provide contract oversight in accordance with current directives.

QUESTIONS #75-76:

75. PWS Appendix D: Many of the matrix indicated the location has de-icing fluid. Some locations stated during the job walks that function was not a part of the contractor duties and some indicated it was. Can you clarify which locations have de-icing fluid and whether that duty will become contractor responsibility?

76. If operating the de-icing system becomes necessary, will the cost be considered re-chargeable or shall a certain amount of man-hours be forecast in advance? If so, what is the historical time to factor in to our base cost? (Dyess)

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS #75-76: The contractor will not have any responsibility for the De-Icing Fluid at Dyess or any other Air Force location.

QUESTION #77: PWS Appendix D: Altus AFB indicated during the job walk that South Ramp delivery off-loading will become contractor duties even though this is a Hydrants location. Can you verify that this duty will become a contractor duty?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #77: The offload headers are located in the storage yard, but flow into hydrant tanks. The hydrants are not included in the contract.

QUESTION #78: PWS Appendix D: Eglin AFB indicated Duke Field may become part of contractor duties or may not. Can you clarify if Duke Field will become part of contractor duties?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #78: The operations at Duke Field will not be included in the contractor duties.

QUESTION #79: PWS Appendix D: Whiteman AFB and Altus AFB indicated during the job walk that tank truck deliveries are currently escorted by storage from gate to gate. Can you verify whether this responsibility will remain once the contractor begins and that it is a requirement to continue?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #79: This requirement will be the responsibility of the contractor, and is expected to continue.

QUESTION #80: C3.2 discusses turnover with out going contractors. Are we to assume that this refers to turnover with government personnel only?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #80: No. Section C3.2 of the PWS refers to contract turnover at the conclusion of this contract.

QUESTION #81: How will the successful bidder be informed of the respective fuel receipt schedules at the Region 2 bases?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #81: Individual base CORs will coordinate receipts with the successful offeror.

QUESTION #82: Will all locations have an operational tank management and surveillance (SCADA) system? We are concerned that the comment was made at the Hurlbert walk-through that that system was not going to be accessible by the successful bidder.

ANSWER TO QUESTION #82: At Hurlburt the contractor will have access to the tanks for which they are responsible.

QUESTION #83: Are there any projects planned to replace the current Barton tank gauging systems that are at each location? If so, when?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #83: There are no immediate plans to replace the existing tank gauging systems.

QUESTION #84: Who is responsible for draining the low-points on the pipelines that transport fuel from the docks to the tank farms? (Eglin/Hurlburt).

ANSWER TO QUESTION #84: The contractor will be responsible for drawing the low points on the transfer pipelines.

QUESTION #85: Please clarify if the role of the LFM at Hurlburt will change to the bidder such as draining low-points, checking pipeline valve-vaults, rebuilding pumps, changing hoses and nozzles.

ANSWER TO QUESTION #85: LFM will only be responsible for those systems outside the bulk storage areas such as the hydrant systems.

QUESTION #86: Is the bidder or current POL responsible for checking in and receiving trucks at Whiteman?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #86: Receiving tank trucks at bulk storage is a storage responsibility; therefore, this will be the contractors responsibility after contract award.

QUESTION #87: Does Altus receive trucks five days per week or seven days per week?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #87: See Appendix D for this information.

QUESTION #88: Availability of ATG – one location in particular indicated Bulk Storage ATG did not work.

ANSWER TO QUESTION #88: If ATG is not working, contractor will need to gauge tank by hand and report quantity to RCC.

QUESTION #89: What other specific taskings are reimbursable to the Contractor via a Task Order; an example is Cathodic Protection; this is important to know so we can staff and price accordingly.

ANSWER TO QUESTION #89: Cathodic Protection testing will be performed by Civil Engineering. Repair that is beyond the scope of Civil Engineering will be performed through DESC’s SRM program.

QUESTION #90: A clear delineation must be made between bulk storage responsibilities, and distribution and hydrants…