WestPac Question_and_Answer_03.pdf

1. Q: Were there any particular reason for JP5 quantity decrease in WESTPAC and is there possibility of an increase in JP5 quantity for 2022? Do you see JP5 quantities increasing for 2023 back to 2020-2021 levels?

A: Quantity solicited is based upon the projected needs of the Government. If the JP5 quantity is revised, it will be done via Amendment to the solicitation.

2. Q: Would we be able to see how our freight cost was evaluated and if there are any ways we can lower our freight costs? Looking back on minimum cost evaluation results for previous years, I did notice that the freight costs were lower for some bidders even when considering nautical miles or voyage days due to different shipping points vs destinations. I’m wondering why discrepancies exist, and if there is any way we can improve our freight costs.

A: Transportation rates for evaluation of all waterborne movements are based on the daily vessel rates for each mode as stated in Amendment 0001 (also reference M2.08 EVALUATION

OF OFFERS INVOLVING F.O.B. BARGE OR SHALLOW DRAFT TANKER LOADING (ALL PRODUCTS

SOLICITED FOR WESTPAC) (DLA ENERGY JULY 2020) and M24 EVALUATION OF OFFERS INVOLVING F.O.B. TANKER LOADING (ALL PROGRAMS) (DLA ENERGY OCT 2020)) Factors that affect transportation rates are: distance to end requirement, parcel size, and evaluation penalties. Non mileage-related rate discrepancies are usually due to differences in evaluated parcel size (i.e., voyage cost divided over a smaller load quantity results in a higher per-gallon rate) and evaluation penalties such as the extra 12 hours added to the calculations for restricting berthing to daylight hours only.

3. Q: How will the transportation evaluation penalty be applied during the evaluation process? Is there a $/USG addition to the transportation cost?

A: Total voyage time is calculated based on mileage between the shipping point and offload point(s). Standard time for loading and offloading and any applicable penalties are added to this time. (See Solicitation Note #9 for more information on evaluation penalties). Then the hours are multiplied by the hourly vessel rate to monetize the voyage cost. The total voyage cost for each leg is divided by the load quantity to result in a per-gallon rate for the leg. The sum of the rates for all legs represents the transportation cost which is added to the offered price for evaluation purposes.

4. Q: When will be the last opportunity to adjust quantities? Will I be able to delete shipping modes (e.g. Barge mode) right before FPR and corresponding quantity for Tanker mode?

A: In accordance with FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2021), “… following submission of Interim Proposal Revisions (IPRs), offerors will not be able to add new shipping points, products, methods of delivery, sources of supply, FOB, or exception requests pertaining to escalators.” Quantities may be adjusted until closing for Final Proposal Revisions (FPRs). After FPRs, an offer may be withdrawn up until an award is made, but it may not be otherwise adjusted.

5. Q: How many opportunities will we have to change our price? Will FPR be the final opportunity to adjust price? Or will there be a Reverse Auction price (OET Price Reduction round)? Will we be able to see the lowest offer in comparison to our offer by destination?

A: In accordance with FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION COMMERICAL ITEMS (APR 2021), the Final Proposal Revisions (FPRs) round is the last chance to change price unless a Price Reduction round is offered. During a Price Reduction round, the price may only be reduced. DLA Energy reserves the right to conduct zero or more price reduction rounds. The decision to either conduct a price reduction round or not conduct a Price Reduction round under this solicitation has yet to be determined, and this decision is in the sole discretion of the Government. If a Price Reduction round is held, offerors will be provided with an updated Minimum Cost Bid Evaluation Worksheet (MCBEW) as well as a Laid-Down Cost Report (LCR), which provides information on the price currently in line for award at each demand location.

6. Q: What will be the approximate time for the [preaward survey (PAS)] visit? Will it be within

August? Is there a checklist when conducting the survey? Could we get a list of Locations/documents to prepare in advance of the visit?

A. In general terms, a technical PAS may be requested by DLA after the close of the IPRs. The decision to conduct or not conduct a PAS is determined on a case-by-case basis. The Contracting Officer considers PAS results when making a contractor responsibility determination in accordance with FAR Part 9.

A PAS normally takes 30-60 days to complete, so a visit within August/September is likely.

However, we are unable to guarantee a timeframe. The QAR will inform the offeror of all details and requirements for the PAS when they are contacted for the visit.