Questions and Responses_060526.pdf

SPE603-26-R-0522 Amendment 0003 Attachment III-Questions and Responses

Davao, Philippines

TECHNICAL

THROUGHPUT, VOLUMES, AND MOVEMENT PROFILES

1. What are the DLA’s expected "minimum and maximum annual throughput volumes"

(receipts + shipments ÷ 2) for F-76 and JP-5 separately?

Answer: The Performance Work Statement (PWS), Paragraph 1.6 states annual throughput and segregation by product. Minimum and maximum cannot be specifically defined as they will align with mission needs.

2. What are the expected "minimum and maximum monthly throughput volumes", including any seasonal or surge requirements, for each product?

Answer: PWS Paragraph 1.6 states annual throughput and segregation by product. Minimum and maximum cannot be specifically defined as they will align with mission needs.

3. Does the stated 1,000,000 BBL annual allowed throughput represent the Government’s anticipated operational requirement, or is it solely an included allowance for pricing purposes?

Answer: The annual throughput represents the Government’s anticipated operational requirement.

4. What is the expected "maximum single receipt parcel" and "maximum single shipment parcel" for F-76 and JP-5 under the two-tank-per-product configuration?

Answer: The receipt amounts will vary based on mission need, origin of shipment and vessel size; therefore, the Government cannot provide an expected maximum single receipt parcel or maximum single shipment parcel. 235K barrels are the normal chartered amount but my vary based on ullage.

5. For JP-5, what is the anticipated maximum daily, weekly, and monthly volume for third-party tanker truck receipts and shipments?

Answer: The anticipated maximum volume for third-party Tank truck receipts and shipments is dependent on mission requirement and may vary. The Contractor must be able to ship in accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.9.1.

6. Does the DLA expect simultaneous receipt into one tank and shipment from the second tank for each product?

Answer: Please expand on this question

7. Please confirm that initial fill and final shipment are fully excluded from the annual throughput calculation and associated charges.

Answer: Yes, the initial fill and final shipment are fully excluded from the annual throughput calculation and associated charges. Please see the PWS Paragraph 1.6.

8. Will inter-tank transfers between the two tanks of the same product count toward the annual throughput calculation?

Answer: No, inter-tank transfers between the two tanks of the same product will not count toward the annual throughput calculation. Throughput is defined in PWS Paragraph 1.6

9. Should offerors assume that inbound receipts and outbound movements will occur in a relatively even monthly pattern throughout the year, or should offerors expect more irregular batch or periodic deliveries?

Answer: Inbound receipts and outbound shipments could be irregular. Movements depend on operational needs and may vary. Throughput is defined in PWS Paragraph1.6

10. Can the Government indicate whether F-76 and JP-5 are generally expected to be received and replenished concurrently, or whether each product may follow a separate delivery cycle?

Answer: F76 and JP5 could be received and replenished concurrently via a split load tanker based on demand.

11. Can the Government clarify whether the expected minimum and maximum parcel sizes may differ by product type (F-76 versus JP-5)?

Answer: Parcel sizes are the same for both products. 235K barrels are the normal chartered amount and may vary based on ullage.

12. With respect to the initial fill, can the Government indicate whether the minimum and maximum parcel sizes for initial fill movements are expected to be the same as, or different from, normal replenishment movements?

Answer: Parcel sizes for initial fill movements are 235K barrels which are the normal chartered amount and my vary based on ullage.

13. Can the Government provide any estimated operational profile for product movements, including:

a. expected frequency of inbound tanker/barge receipts?

b. expected frequency of outbound tanker/barge shipments?

c. whether such movements are expected to occur on a regular, periodic, or ad hoc basis?

Answer: No, the Government cannot provide an estimated operational profile for product movements. Product movement is dictated by mission requirements. A total of allowable annual throughput is defined in PWS Paragraph 1.6.

14. Can the Government provide any indication of the expected minimum and maximum cargo quantities per tanker or barge movement?

Answer: Parcel size of 235K barrels are the normal chartered amount and may vary based on ullage.

15. With respect to the initial fill and subsequent replenishment of stocks, can the Government clarify whether the initial fill is expected to occur through a single cargo movement, multiple cargo movements, or phased receipts over time?

Answer: The initial fill could occur through multiple cargo movements or phased receipts overtime.

16. With respect to JP-5 movements by Government-provided third-party tank trucks, can the

Government provide any expected operational assumptions regarding:

a. average truck dispatch frequency?

b. peak/surge truck dispatch requirements?

c. Any expected delivery-time considerations?

Answer: No, the Government cannot provide any expected operational assumptions. Product movement is dictated by mission requirements facility must be capable of tank truck loading per PWS Paragraphs 1.9.1 and 1.9.2.

INVENTORY CONTROL AND STOCK LEVELS

17. What is the "minimum stock level" the DLA intends to maintain on site for F-76 and JP-5 immediately prior to resupply?

Answer: 310,000 barrels of F76 and 190,000 barrels of JP5 would be the Governments control limits; however, the minimum stock levels are dependent on mission requirements and may vary.

Please see question 19 for normal operating inventory range referenced in this answer.

18. What is the "maximum stock level" the DLA intends to maintain on site for F-76 and JP-5 immediately prior to withdrawal?

Answer: The maximum stock levels would be 548,000 barrels of F76 and 429,000 barrels of JP5 in accordance with PWS Paragraphs 1.3 and 1.4.

19. Please provide the expected "normal operating inventory range" (minimum to maximum) for each product, expressed in barrels and as a percentage of the awarded fill capacity.

Answer: The total fill capacity is provided in PWS Paragraph 1.3, 977,000 barrels (548,000 barrels F76 and 429,000 barrels of JP5). The expected normal operating inventory range is as follows: F76: 310,000 - 548,000 barrels, JP5: 190,000 - 429,000 barrels of JP5. F76: 310,000 - 548,000 barrels 56-100% , JP5: 190,000 - 429,000 barrels 44-100%.

20. At what specific inventory level will the Government normally initiate resupply for F-76 and

JP-5?

Answer: The specific inventory control level is 310,000 barrels of F76 and 190,000 barrels of JP5. Please see question 19 for normal operating inventory range referenced in this answer.

21. At what specific inventory level will the Government normally initiate withdrawal or redistribution for F-76 and JP-5?

Answer: The specific inventory level is unknown at this time.

22. What is the minimum heel, dead stock, or non-pumpable volume that must remain in each tank, and should this volume be excluded when calculating usable stock for resupply and withdrawal triggers?

Answer: This is dependent on tank size; however, the Government prefers to keep inventories above control limits as stated in question 17. Yes, the volume should be excluded when calculating usable stock.

23. Under the minimum two-tank-per-product arrangement, should minimum and maximum stock requirements be applied at the total product level or at the individual tank level?

Answer: The minimum and maximum stock requirements should be applied at the Total Product Level.

24. For planning purposes, should offerors assume that the full stated storage capacities for both products must be simultaneously available, or may stock levels fluctuate independently based on the Government’s delivery and consumption profile?

Answer: Full storage capability must be available at all times.

TANK CONFIGURATION AND FACILITY SPECIFICATIONS

25. May one tank per product be out of service for maintenance, inspection, or cleaning while the site still meets the Government’s throughput and minimum stock requirements?

Answer: Yes, one tank per product can be out of service. However, to meet the Government’s minimum throughput and stock requirements, if full capacity for that product is not available it will reflect in the monthly use charge.

26. Given the limited timeframe required for fuel storage in the Philippines, will the government allow a floating storage option in lieu of constructing a tank farm to meet the mission requirements?

Answer: The Government will evaluate all exceptions to PWS.

27. Beyond the stated minimum of 2 tanks per fuel grade, may offerors propose any tank configuration and individual tank sizing arrangement, provided that the total required fill capacities, segregation requirements, throughput requirements, and all other solicitation requirements are fully met?

Answer: Yes, offerors may propose any tank configuration and individual tank sizing arrangement as long as the total amount available is aligned with PWS Paragraph 1.3.

28. What is the Government’s preferred or limiting criteria regarding:

a. minimum or maximum individual tank size.

b. the use of more than two tanks per product.

c. additional buffer capacity above the stated required fill capacity.

d. whether the full awarded fill capacity for both products must be simultaneously available at all times.

Answer:

a. minimum or maximum individual tank size. No preference

b. the use of more than two tanks per product. No preference

c. whether the full awarded fill capacity for both products must be simultaneously available at all times. Please clarify, simultaneously available.

29. For proposal preparation purposes, should offerors assume that compliance will be evaluated based on the total required fill capacity and operational suitability of the proposed configuration, rather than on any specific Government-mandated individual tank size?

Answer: Yes

30. To adequately size the truck racks, please provide the estimated annual throughput required for shipping tank trucks at the Truck Loading Facility.

Answer: No specific throughput has been determined at this time; the capability to fill trucks is required per PWS Paragraphs 1.9.1 and 1.9.2.

ADDITIVES, FUEL SPECIFICATIONS, AND QUALITY TESTING

Thorpe, Samuel B CIV DLA ENERGY (USA) We are missing response to (d). Of the above question.

31. Will JP5 always be received and stored without additives? If not, are separate tanks for additized and non-additized JP5 required to ensure segregation? If so, what volumes of each will be required? Would this also require dual receipt and issuance lines?

Answer: JP5 will be stored partially additized and separate tanks will not be required. Volumes stored will be in alignment with PWS Paragraph 1.3.

32. What is the minimum tankage for each JP5 product with and without additives.

Answer: JP5 will be stored partially additized and separate tanks will not be required. Volumes stored will be in alignment with PWS Paragraph 1.3.

33. Will both additives (FSII and/or CI/LI). be required for JP5, or might only one be used? What are the economic resupply volumes for each product?

Answer: Yes, both additives are required. The economic resupply volumes should be based on charted receipt amount for each product.

34. Can dosing JP5 in tanks with additives be considered in lieu of in-line additive injection in supply pipelines and at the loading rack? This approach could also accommodate returns of additized JP5.

Answer: No, additives should be added by in-line injection in supply pipelines and at the loading rack as stated in PWS Paragraph 1.12.

35. Will JP5 have a minimum flash point of 61.5°C and be classified as combustible rather than flammable?

Answer: JP5 has a minimum flash point of 60C and is combustible. The JP5 flash may be >61.5C.

36. WPS Section 1.5 refers to two additives (FSII and CI/LI), whereas the solicitation refers to three additives (conductivity, FSII, and CI/LI). Is the conductivity additive required, and if so, where is it used and added in the system?

Answer: The PWS is correct as only two additives are required per PWS Paragraph 1.5 and Paragraph 1.12. An amendment will be issued deleting Supplement: Operation of Conductivity Additive System on page 33 of the solicitation.

37. The WPS states that all additives are included in the monthly cost, whereas the solicitation indicates that the conductivity additive and FSII shall be government-supplied, with out-of pocket costs reimbursed. Please clarify.

Answer: An amendment will be issued deleting Supplement: Operation of Conductivity Additive System on page 33 of the solicitation. Per PWS Paragraph 1.12.1, the Contractor shall purchase additives, and all additives are included in the monthly costs.

38. WPS Section 1.12 (Additive Injection) states that additive injection occurs on the outbound side of the system for shipping, meaning stored JP5 is non-additized. However, it also states that the system should have the capability to recirculate through storage tanks, which suggests some stored JP5 may be additized. Please clarify.

Answer: JP5 will be partially additized and will need to be fully additized for shipments.

Internal recirculation may be required if fuel becomes out of spec. Please see PWS Paragraph

1.12 for details.

39. In WPS 1.12.1.1, it states that the FSII storage system must have the ability to fill 55-gallon drums for shipment. How many loading heads are required, what volume of FSII is required for shipment in barrels, and how is it shipped? Given the minimum FSII inventory and resupply timeline, how much notice will be provided to the contractor?

Answer: The Contractors’ facility shall be capable of filling up Government provided 55-gallon drums with FSII when requested. Transportation of filled drums is the responsibility of the U.S.

Government. The Contractor will be provided notice resupply time.

40. What is the volume requirement for the additive tanker(s)?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for determining the volume requirement for the additive storage tank(s) per PWS Paragraph 1.12.1

41. PWS Section 1.13 requires the contractor to maintain product quality IAW MIL-STD-3004-

1. PWS Section 1.13.3 requires Type C testing capability on site and Type B2 level on site or subcontracted. For proposals involving storage configurations where laboratory space is not co-located with the storage asset, would the Government accept Type C laboratory testing performed at a nearby facility, provided sampling can be conducted at the storage location and testing turnaround times specified in PWS Section 1.13.3.1 are met?

Answer: No, C-Level testing will be required onsite please refer to PWS Paragraph 1.13.3

MARINE OPERATIONS AND VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

42. Please confirm that factors such as tidal restrictions and pilot availability are not the responsibility of the contractor, and that fees typically associated with berthing (e.g., pilots, tugs, husbanding agents) are chargeable directly to the performing vessel.

Answer: This is the offeror’s responsibility to research, based on proposed location.

43. WPS 1.9 states that the facility must have the ability to simultaneously load products onto two (2) of the following vessels: MR tankers and barges. Does this mean two MR tankers, two barges, or one of each simultaneously? Does it also include loading a single product to two vessels simultaneously, or loading both F76 and JP5 (additized or not) to two separate vessels at the same time?

Answer: The Contractors’ facility must be capable of loading two vessels simultaneously please see PWS Paragraph 1.9. Yes, products loaded could be JP5 and F76 to two vessels.

44. Who will handle terminal notifications and scheduling for such vessels as an agent and/or the regional office?

Answer: Terminal notifications and scheduling for such vessels will be handled by DLA Energy and Military Sealift Command (MSC).

45. You reference barges—will these be third-party provided? If so, what sizes are planned for loading (e.g., ocean-going export outside the Philippines or in-harbor transfers), and what are the loading hose sizes?

Answer: Barges will be provided by the Government. Barge sizes may vary. Please see PWS Paragraph 1.8.1.1 and Paragraph 1.8.1.2 for information regarding the loading hose sizes.

46. Do the MR Vessels and the Barges referred to in WPS section 1.9, particularly in reference to simultaneous loading, have the same overall minimum length (LOA), beam and DWT referred to in WPS 1.8.1 of 750 feet LOA? Medium Range tankers are normally only up to 656 feet or less.

Answer: The Contractors’ facility must be capable of accommodating the John Lewis class oiler T-AO 205 with an LOA of 750 feet. Barges will have a smaller LOA, beam and DWT. All dock berth and mooring requirements are stated in PWS Paragraph 1.8.1.

47. Under solicitation - General Shipping conditions (1) Basic allowed laytime - kindly confirm that delays, after commencement of lay time, attributed to the Philippine Government, local authority instructions, including stoppages outside of the contractors control such as natural disaster tsunami warnings, and any safety activities of the contractor after such event to ensure safe operation is resumed, will result in increasing the basic allowed lay time by the associated delay time.

Answer: This is covered on page 26 (k)(1) Scheduled Arrival Date and Basic Allowed Lay Time and page 27 (k)(2) Increases to Basic Allowed Lay Time of the solicitation.

48. Kindly confirm all processing time for documentation clearances and permissions of the

Philippine Government and Government Agent while the vessel is moored alongside at the terminal, will result in increasing the basic allowed lay time by the associated time.

Answer: This is covered on page 26 (k)(1) Scheduled Arrival Date and Basic Allowed Lay Time and page 27 (k)(2) Increases to Basic Allowed Lay Time of the solicitation.

49. We understand that we are required to handle two MR vessels simultaneously. Is there a scenario where the loading/unloading operations will be for the same product simultaneously? For instance, two JP5 vessels will dock at the jetty, and one will be receiving product and the other will be loading product. This is to confirm if one bi-directional pipe for each product is adequate.

Answer: Yes, the Contractor’s facility must be capable of loading two vessels simultaneously.

Yes, products loaded could be JP5 and F76 to two vessels please refer to PWS Paragraph 1.9.

50. Please provide clarification for the 750-ft LOA and 48,000 DWT vessel specification. 750ft

LOA does not appear to correspond with typical 48,000 DWT MR tanker vessels. Is the 750-ft the expected LOA for the MR Tanker vessel, a barge and tug combination, or is the 750-ft the minimum berth length?

Answer: The Contractor’s facility must be capable of accommodating the John Lewis class oiler berthing and mooring requirements are stated in PWS Paragraph 1.8.1.

51. Will a turning dolphin be required if the marine facility is not constrained by channel or turning basin depth or geometry? Please provide the basis for the turning dolphin.

Answer: The Contractor should determine if a turning dolphin is required. All requirements for Dock Berthing and Morning are in PWS Paragraph 1.8.

52. Shipping via tanker/barge is stated to be on a 24/7 basis. It is assumed during extreme environmental conditions; vessels will leave the facility for shelter elsewhere. Is there an operational wind condition or return period storm where the vessels would be allowed to depart?

Answer: Yes, there is an operational wind condition or return period storm where the vessels would be allowed to depart. This will depend upon the location of the facility and weather conditions.

For additional information, see page 26 (k)(1) Scheduled Arrival Date and Basic Allowed Lay Time and page 27 (k)(2) Increases to Basic Allowed Lay Time of the solicitation.

53. Please confirm that two Medium Range Tankers are required to be berthed simultaneously, or if one berth can be dedicated as a barge berth.

Answer: The Contractors’ facility must be capable of accommodating the John Lewis class oiler berthing and mooring requirements are stated in PWS Paragraph 1.8.1.

LOCATION, SITE APPROVALS, PERMITS, AND DOCUMENTATION

54. Many of the documents are government initiated, please confirm that government assistance will be provided and that delays due to document production and processing will not be the contractor’s responsibility.

Answer: Please identify which documents you are referring to.

55. Is there any maximum distance, transit time, or other proximity requirement between the proposed storage facility and the end-use aviation location/airport/airfield for JP-5 truck deliveries?

Answer: This is not applicable to the COCO contractor. Tank Truck shipment requirements can be found in PWS Paragraphs 1.9.1 and1.9.2.

56. Will the Government consider a proposed site located outside the currently stated Area of

Consideration, provided that such site otherwise fully meets the operational, storage, marine, throughput, and schedule requirements of the solicitation?

57. If not, can the Government please confirm that proposals will be evaluated strictly based on sites located only within the currently stated Area of Consideration?

Answer: The Government will evaluate all exceptions to PWS.

58. May offerors propose a site located anywhere within the full stated Area of Consideration, including locations outside Davao City proper but still within Davao del Sur and/or Malalag Bay, provided that the site fully meets the solicitation requirements?

59. Would an existing commercial fuel terminal, depot, or similar commercial facility within the stated Area of Consideration be acceptable, provided that it complies with the solicitation requirements and can support contract performance as required?

Answer: Any proposal that meets all requirements will be considered.

60. At the time of proposal submission, what level of evidence will be considered acceptable regarding site control and local approvals? For example, would documentation such as proof of ownership, lease/option rights, title documents, and a permitting/ clearance plan be sufficient at the proposal stage?

Answer: Please provide all available documentation.

61. Can the Government please confirm that all host-country, national, and local notifications, clearances, permits, and filings remain the sole responsibility of the contractor, and that offerors should not assume any separate host-government endorsement or local-government facilitation by the U.S. Government at the proposal stage?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for all notifications, clearances, permits, and filings per PWS Paragraph 1.10.

62. Are drawings of preferred sites available to be shared?

Answer: No, the Contractor is to provide the location and facility.

SCHEDULE, TIMELINE, AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

63. Will DLA accept partial capacity and begin paying rent if the contractor delivers the majority of the storage requirements at an earlier date? For example, if the contractor provides 70% of the storage capacity requirement eight months after award, and the remaining 30% is delivered 18 months after award, will the 70% capacity earn revenue for a total of 3.5 years plus 10 months?

64. Is the intended structure of this requirement that the contractor may have up to eighteen (18) months after contract award to complete facility readiness / construction / preparation activities prior to inspection and acceptance?

Answer: Yes, the contractor may have up to 18 months after contract award per PWS Paragraph 1.4.

65. If so, is the paid operating and storage service period then limited to forty-two (42) months following inspection and acceptance?

Answer: Yes, the paid operating and storage service period is 42 months contingent on the inspection and acceptance of the facility (5-year 60 months contract minus 18-month build time, per PWS Paragraph 1.4 leaving 42 months for period of performance).

66. Is the operations duration fixed or flexible to the offer’s submitted schedule? The duration for out-of-country site location, permit, design, and procurement of materials may be possible in 18 months, but another 18-month minimum is required for the construction.

Answer: The operation duration (period of performance) is fixed. The PWS Paragraph 1.4, Storage Capacity/Tank Requirements, states the performance start date will be within 18 months after contract award.

67. PWS Section 1.4 requires performance start within 18 months after contract award. There is no existing petroleum storage facility of the required scale on the western Davao Gulf coast;

any offeror meeting the full RFP requirements will need to construct a new or significantly expanded facility. Philippine law (Presidential Decree 1586) requires an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) before any construction can commence, and the ECC is in turn a prerequisite for the Foreshore Lease and Miscellaneous Lease applications required for a marine terminal (DENR DAO 99-34). This sequential regulatory chain makes 18-month delivery unachievable for a new-build facility. Would the Government consider extending the performance start requirement to 24 months? This would not delay the Government’s access to the capability, since the evaluation criteria in Subfactor 1 already incentivize early delivery

– a bidder capable of delivering in fewer than 24 months will propose to do so and receive evaluation credit. However, maintaining the 18-month requirement may limit competition to offerors with pre-existing infrastructure, which may not serve the Government’s interest in competitive pricing.

after contract award.

68. Please clarify what constitutes ‘performance start’ under PWS Section 1.4 and the PPF base period commencement (April 12, 2028). Does this require full operational capability including marine terminal operations (vessel berthing, marine loading/offloading)? Or can the performance start requirement be satisfied by partial capability – for example, storage operations and truck loading/offloading – with marine terminal operations following upon completion of marine construction?”

Answer: The performance start date is within 18 months after contract award; however, the facility and tanks must be inspected, accepted, and put on revenue prior to the start of the performance period. Yes, this requires full operational capability as required under PWS Paragraph 1.4.

69. The Government's 18 month timeline for performance start contemplates adaptation or construction of facilities to meet the 977,000 barrels of storage capacity requirement in Davao. As some of the environmental and regulatory requirements for new construction could require additional time, would the government consider basing the best value assessment on a 24-month timeline with soonest available storage and distribution facility capable of receiving, storing, protecting and shipping U.S. Government-owned Fuel, Naval Distillate, and Turbine Fuel, Aviation?

performance period. Yes, this requires full operational capability as required under PWS Paragraph 1.4.

CONTRACTING

CONTRACT TERM AND OPTIONS

1. With the deletion of FAR 52.217-9 (Option to Extend), is it the intent that this requirement is limited to the base term of five years and a performance period of only 42 months (3.5 years), with no intention of extension and/or a follow-on contract?

Answer: The contract will include six one-month extensions, if required, as outlined in the solicitation. Please see pg. 131 (b) Options (Extension) price in accordance with FAR 52.217-8.

The base requirement remains a five-year contract with a 42-month performance period.

2. Could you kindly confirm whether the solicitation should now be interpreted as a five-year base period only, with no option period(s) and no additional six-month extension?

Answer: The contract will include six one-month extensions, if required, as outlined in the solicitation. Please see page 131 (b) Options (Extension) price in accordance with FAR 52.217-8.

The base requirement remains a five-year contract with a 42-month performance period.

3. Why were the option years deleted from the RFP for the Davao COCO.

Answer: The Government’s requirement is for a five-year base period as stated in Paragraph 1.1 of the PWS.

4. As the Government removed 52.217-9, option to extend, in Amendment 01, please confirm that this requirement is strictly for short term fuel storage in Davao.

Answer: The contract will include six one-month extensions, if required, as outlined in the solicitation. Please see page 131 (b) Options (Extension) price in accordance with FAR 52.217-8.

The base requirement remains a five-year contract with a 42-month performance period.

5. Is the contract period being reduced to expedite the award process by reducing the total contract value?

Answer: No, the contract period has not been reduced to expedite the award process by reducing the total contract value.

SCHEDULE, READINESS, AND DELAYS

6. Is the operations duration fixed or flexible to the offer’s submitted schedule? The duration for out-of-country site location, permit, design, and procurement of materials may be possible in 18 months, but another 18-month minimum is required for the construction.

after contract award.

7. Please clarify what constitutes ‘performance start’ under PWS Section 1.4 and the PPF base period commencement (April 12, 2028). Does this require full operational capability including marine terminal operations (vessel berthing, marine loading/offloading)? Or can the performance start requirement be satisfied by partial capability – for example, storage operations and truck loading/offloading – with marine terminal operations following upon completion of marine construction?”

8. Do the monthly COCO storage/service charges begin only upon commencement of actual operations following inspection and acceptance, and not during the facility development/readiness period?

9. Is the contract for 5 years (60-months) of performance after 18 months of preparation or is it for 42-months (3.5 years) of performance after 18 months of preparation? Should we price our bid for 60 months or 42 months?

Answer: The contract is a five year contract which includes the 18 month preparation stated in PWS Paragraph 1.4 and the 42 month performance period. Offerors should continue to use the pricing schedule provided in Attachment II of the solicitation.

10. Assuming the contractor is delayed by six months, will the delay reduce the performance period (i.e., the contractor earns revenue for only three years instead of 3.5 years)?

Answer: Yes, the contract period would be reduced, and payment would reflect the delay.

PROPOSAL PRESENTATION, FORMATTING, AND SUBMISSION

11. Is the solicitation is now limited to companies that attended the pre-proposal conference, or if it remains open to those who did not attend?

Answer: No, the solicitation remains fully open to all eligible offerors, regardless of whether they attended the pre-proposal conference. Attendance was optional and has no impact on eligibility to submit a proposal or to be considered for award.

12. RFP requires proposal text to be Times New Roman with a minimum of 12 point font. May

Offerors use a smaller, still readable font for each of the following:

a. Headers and footers

b. figures/graphics

c. tables

Answer: No. Offerors must adhere strictly to the formatting requirements specified in the solicitation as stated on page 3 (a)(1), Proposal Format and Content.

13. Would the Government please confirm that DLA will accept 2 or more proposals from a single offeror with alternate technical/management approaches and pricing for evaluation under SPE603-26-R-0522?

Answer: No, DLA will not accept 2 or more proposals from a single offeror. Alternate technical approaches within a single proposal is acceptable, but multiple pricing proposals will not be considered.

14. Could you please provide a list of the attendees of the pre-proposal meeting?

Answer: The pre-proposal list of attendees can be found in Attachment III of this Amendment.

15. Will we receive the list of attendees of the Pre-Proposal Conference?

Answer: The pre-proposal list of attendees can be found in Attachment III of this Amendment.

PRICING AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT

16. Could you please confirm the correct pricing basis that offerors should use following

Amendment A0001?

Answer: The required pricing basis has not changed as a result of Amendment A0001. Offerors should continue to use the pricing schedule provided in Attachment II of the solicitation.

17. If the intended structure is now a five-year base period only, will the Government issue a revised Attachment II – PPF and/or revised price evaluation pages to align with the amended

PWS? If no revised pages will be issued, kindly confirm how offerors should prepare and present their price proposal.

Answer: No, a revised Attachment II – PPF will not be issued. The required pricing basis has not changed as a result of Amendment A0001. Offerors should continue to use the pricing schedule provided in Attachment II of the solicitation.

18. For proposal preparation purposes, should offerors therefore interpret the current pricing structure as requiring any capital investment and facility readiness costs to be recovered within the forty-two (42) month paid operating period?

Answer: All capital investments are the responsibility of the contractor.

19. Is the contract going to be renewed? If not, are we expected to recoup all our capital in 3.5/5 years assuming there won’t be any renewal.

Answer: Currently, the requirement is a five-year contract period. The Government cannot provide guidance on how an offeror should structure or recover its capital investment.

SOLICITATION AMENDMENTS AND SITE LOCATIONS

20. Amendment A0001 states that QAP E22.01 is removed from Attachment III and replaced with QAP E22. Could you kindly confirm whether this amendment affects only that specific Attachment III item, and that all other Attachment III provisions remain unchanged unless otherwise amended?

Answer: Yes, Amendment A0001 affects only the specific Quality Assurance Provision QAP E22.01, which has been replaced with QAP E22. All other provisions within Attachment III remain unchanged.

21. If the Government is open to considering locations outside the currently stated Area of

Consideration, will a formal amendment to the solicitation be issued to reflect that change?

Answer: Yes, the government is open to considering locations outside the currently stated Area of Consideration. If the Government determines that an alternate location is acceptable and should be incorporated into the requirement, a formal amendment to the solicitation will be issued to reflect that change and ensure all offerors receive the updated information simultaneously.

22. How is the evaluation done on the technical/management sub-factor? What do we need to provide beyond the requirement to attain an “Outstanding” rating on items such as area of consideration or product receiving capability?

Answer: Please see Section M of the solicitation on pg. 126, Factor 1.

23. Is a bidder going to be penalized for not being “Outstanding” while its proposal is “Acceptable” as per the requirements set forth?

Answer: No, there is no penalty for not scoring outstanding. Please see Section M of the solicitation on pg. 126, Factor 1.

24. What is the relative rating between the non-price factors and price?

Answer: When combined, non-price factors (Factors 1 and 2) are significantly more important than price (Factor 3, page 126 of the Solicitation). In addition, Technical sub-factors 1, 2, 3, and 4 are of equal importance to each other.

25. It is stated that you would require a minimum of 180 days as “Acceptance Period” to award the contract after the receipt of proposals. How long would it take you to award the contract?

Answer: The number of days to award the contract is contingent on the complexity and volume of proposals received.

26. How is the combined rating of past performance rated for joint venture partners? Is it going to be rated cumulatively or as an average across the partnership?

Answer: Past performance for a joint venture is evaluated in accordance with the requirements of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) 15.202(c)(3)(iv).