Shipping_Solicitation_UCF_2012.docx

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide services for the U.S. Embassy Panama in accordance with Section C - Description/Specifications/Work Statement and the Exhibits contained in Section J of this contract.

Nothing in this contract shall prohibit the Government, at its discretion, from using International-Through-Government-Bill-of-Lading (ITGBL) contractor(s) (door-to-door) for movement of effects to any destination covered by ITGBL tender(s) in effect. The Government reserves the right to assign these ITGBL shipments without recourse by Contractors awarded a contract from this solicitation so long as the guaranteed minimum is met.

B.2. TYPE OF CONTRACT

This is a fixed price indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, type contract. Orders will be placed by firm-fixed price task orders.

For each year of the contract, the U.S. Government guarantees a minimum order of USD$1000.00. The maximum amount of shipping/packing services each year of this contract will not exceed USD$500,000.00.

Individual purchases shall be documented as follows: a GBL for shipping services and a task order for packing services.

B.3. LEVEL OF EFFORT

(a) The contractor shall provide the services for the base period of the contract at the rates shown in Section B and any option years exercised by the Government.

(b) The quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not guaranteed by this contract.

(c) The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations. Except as specified in the Delivery-Order Limitations clause or in the paragraph below, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued/ordered.

B.4. PRICING

(a) For satisfactory performance of all the scheduled service required under this contract, the Government shall pay the Contractor a fixed-price per unit of service.

(b) The cost of Workers’ Compensation War-Hazard Insurance Overseas (See Section I, FAR 52.228-4) is not reimbursable and shall be included in the Contractor’s rates.

(c) The Government will make payment in local currency.

(d) The contractor shall be reimbursed at cost for additional charges, including: demurrage, port charges, airport charges, document handling charges or charges levied by Government of Panama entities. The contractor shall obtain advance approval from the COR for the reimbursement of any of these additional charges which shall be supported by third party receipts.

B.5.

B.6. BASE PERIOD PRICES: Option Term: Twelve (12) Months

(a) Packing Services

*2,880

*320

(b) Unpacking Services

*2,880

*320

(c) Storage Services

27,630

(d) Freight Handling/Transportation between:

(1) Embassy/Atlantic Side & Vice Versa

(iv) Vehicle

(2) Embassy/Pacific Side & Vice Versa

(iv) Vehicles

(e) Special Services

7,000

*1200

(f) Reimbursement for building access/elevator fees

$1,500.00

(g) Reimbursement for customs broker clearing and exoneration fees for incoming shipments.

$10,000.00

(h) Reimbursement for charges such as demurrage, port charges, airport charges, document handling charges or charges levied by Government of Panama entities such as the Bureau of Customs or Ministry of Agriculture.

$15,000.00

TOTAL

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

B.7. FIRST OPTION YEAR PRICES: Option Term: Twelve (12) Months

(a) Packing Services

*2,880

*320

(b) Unpacking Services

*2,880

*320

(c) Storage Services

27,630

(d) Freight Handling/Transportation between:

(1) Embassy/Atlantic Side & Vice Versa

(iv) Vehicle

(2) Embassy/Pacific Side & Vice Versa

(iv) Vehicles

(e) Special Services

7,000

*1200

(f) Reimbursement for building access/elevator fees

$1,500.00

(g) Reimbursement for customs broker clearing and exoneration fees for incoming shipments.

$10,000.00

(h) Reimbursement for charges such as demurrage, port charges, airport charges, document handling charges or charges levied by Government of Panama entities such as the Bureau of Customs or Ministry of Agriculture.

$15,000.00

TOTAL

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

B.8. SECOND OPTION YEAR PRICES: Option Term: Twelve (12) Months

(a) Packing Services

*2,880

*320

(b) Unpacking Services

*2,880

*320

(c) Storage Services

27,630

(d) Freight Handling/Transportation between:

(1) Embassy/Atlantic Side & Vice Versa

(iv) Vehicle

(2) Embassy/Pacific Side & Vice Versa

(iv) Vehicles

(e) Special Services

7,000

*1200

(f) Reimbursement for building access/elevator fees

$1,500.00

(g) Reimbursement for customs broker clearing and exoneration fees for incoming shipments.

$10,000.00

(h) Reimbursement for charges such as demurrage, port charges, airport charges, document handling charges or charges levied by Government of Panama entities such as the Bureau of Customs or Ministry of Agriculture.

$15,000.00

TOTAL

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

B.9. THIRD OPTION YEAR PRICES: Option Term: Twelve (12) Months

(a) Packing Services

*2,880

*320

(b) Unpacking Services

*2,880

*320

(c) Storage Services

27,630

(d) Freight Handling/Transportation between:

(1) Embassy/Atlantic Side & Vice Versa

4. Vehicle

(2) Embassy/Pacific Side & Vice Versa

4. Vehicles

(e) Special Services

7,000

*1200

(f) Reimbursement for building access/elevator fees

$1,500.00

(g) Reimbursement for customs broker clearing and exoneration fees for incoming shipments.

$10,000.00

(h) Reimbursement for charges such as demurrage, port charges, airport charges, document handling charges or charges levied by Government of Panama entities such as the Bureau of Customs or Ministry of Agriculture.

$15,000.00

TOTAL

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

B.10. FOURTH OPTION YEAR PRICES: Option Term: Twelve (12) Months

(a) Packing Services

*2,880

*320

(b) Unpacking Services

*2,880

*320

(c) Storage Services

27,630

(d) Freight Handling/Transportation between:

(1) Embassy/Atlantic Side & Vice Versa

4. Vehicle

(2) Embassy/Pacific Side & Vice Versa

4. Vehicles

(e) Special Services

7,000

*1200

(f) Reimbursement for building access/elevator fees

$1,500.00

(g) Reimbursement for customs broker clearing and exoneration fees for incoming shipments.

$10,000.00

(h) Reimbursement for charges such as demurrage, port charges, airport charges, document handling charges or charges levied by Government of Panama entities such as the Bureau of Customs or Ministry of Agriculture.

$15,000.00

TOTAL

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

B.11. GRAND TOTAL OF BASE PLUS ALL OPTION YEARS

Grand total of base Plus all option years: ______________

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT - SHIPPING/PACKING SERVICES

C.1. WORK REQUIREMENTS

C.1.1. General. The contractor shall provide services for the United States Embassy Panama, as described. This consists of packing, freight handling, forwarding, cargo storage, customs clearance and other related services that apply to shipments originating from, consigned to, routed through, and/or moved within the geographic area(s) of Panama City.

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

C.1.2. Personnel. The contractor shall provide a qualified work force capable of providing the services specified in this contract.

C.2. DEFINITIONS.

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

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

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

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

"COR" means the Contracting Officer's Representative, appointed in accordance with Section G of this contract.

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

“Drayage” means the transportation of loose Cargo or Wooden boxes with cargo moved within the geographic area(s) of Panama City.

"Embassy/Atlantic Side & Vice Versa" refers to the transportation between the U.S. Embassy and its residences to Manzanillo Port, Cristobal Port, and Colon Container Terminal, located on the Atlantic Side of the Panama Canal.

"Embassy/Pacific Side & Vice Versa" refers to the transportation between the U.S. Embassy and its residences to Balboa Port, located on the Pacific Side of the Panama Canal.

“Embassy/Local Airport” refers to the transportation between the U.S. Embassy and its residences to Tocumen Airport, located in Tocumen.

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

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

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

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

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

"Lift Van" means a wooden storage crate.

"Loose Cargo" refers to items that are packed without wooden boxes in a container.

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

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

"Ordering Officer" means the Contracting Officer of the U.S. Post.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C.3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

Packing of client Household Effects or Government-owned materials for transportation is a highly specialized function. The measure of performance shall be the condition of packed articles upon arrival at their destination. The contractor must appreciate the importance of family possessions and U.S. Government property and always take the greatest care in handling and packing such articles. No claim for any additional compensation shall be considered unless it has been authorized by the Government in writing in advance. The Government shall not be responsible for any work performed that is not specifically provided for under the terms of this contract or authorized by the Government in writing in advance.

C.4. PACKING SPECIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

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

C.4.1. PACKING SERVICES

C.4.1.1. The contractor agrees to provide complete services for surveying, packing, crating, weighing, and marking of household effects, surface baggage and official Government shipments of commodities including, but not limited to, household effects, office and residential furniture, vehicles, and equipment and supplies for shipment within and from Panama. Such services will be performed on goods located primarily within the Panama City metropolitan area, but also other areas of Panama as requested.

C.4.1.2. The contractor shall provide all necessary packing and crating material required by this specification and standard industry practice for the services under this contract.

C.4.1.3. At the request of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), the contractor shall survey the goods to be packed and furnish the Government with a written estimate of the weight and required number of lift vans or other containers in which to pack the goods to be shipped. The contractor shall transport packing materials and vans to the designated location ready to perform the services required on the date and at the same time specified by the COR. The Government shall notify the contractor 48 hours in advance unless otherwise mutually agreed. Any services performed outside of normal business hours as may be agreed upon between the parties to this contract shall be for the mutual convenience of the contracting parties and shall create no liability on the part of the Government for overtime or premium pay charges.

C.4.1.4. The contractor shall provide export packing and related services following the best commercial practices to insure a shipment of the least tare weight and smallest cubic measurement that is compatible with assurance of transportation to destinations without damage or pilferage to containers or contents. Export packing shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C.4.2. INVENTORY SYSTEM

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

C.5. FREIGHT HANDLING.

C.5.1. The contractor shall act on behalf of the Government on any selected incoming and outgoing Government cargo that may be assigned to the contractor under this contract, including the effecting of necessary transport of Government cargo within Panama. The contractor accepts full responsibility for any and all losses and/or damage, from the time such cargo is received into the hands of the contractor until it is released into the custody of the Government as evidenced by a signed receipt. The contractor further agrees that in any instance involving loss or damage to the Government cargo, where the contractor fails to exercise reasonable diligence, the contractor shall assume full responsibility for such losses or damage including payment of claims for such losses or damage.

C.5.2. The Contractor shall transport all incoming Government cargo handled under the contract from commercial facilities at Colon Container Terminal, Manzanillo, Balboa, Cristobal, freight forwarder’s facilities or Tocumen International Airport facilities to the final destination in the Panama City area or elsewhere in Panama including off-loading from the contractor's vehicle, as specified by the COR unless otherwise directed by the COR in writing to the contractor.

C.5.3. The Contractor shall pick up from the Government in Panama City or elsewhere in Panama in time to insure delivery to the Colon Container Terminal, Manzanillo, Balboa, Cristobal, freight forwarder’s facilities or Tocumen International Airport facilities within 24 hours of the request for pickup. The Contractor shall not place cargo in any warehouse at Government expense without prior approval of the COR.

C.6. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES.

C.6.1. The contractor is responsible for strict adherence to all instructions and quality requirements stated in this contract and shall provide the appropriate management effort to ensure that all services are performed. Each packing or unpacking team shall have a team leader to supervise the workforce and serve as a liaison with the COR. This designated person shall have supervision as his/her function during the time the Contractor is in the client's facility or residence and when Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, or other cargo is being loaded into lift vans or other shipping containers.

C.6.2. Work Skills and Experience. The contractor shall ensure that all personnel assigned to this contract possess the skills and experience necessary for accomplishing their individual tasks.

C.6.3. English Language Qualifications. Each Team Leader must possess sufficient ability in reading, writing, speaking and understanding the English language to carry out the duties prescribed herein for the position. The remaining staff must be able to follow simple instructions in English, and must be able to completely understand the instructions of the Team Leader.

C.6.4. The contractor's employees shall not at any time:

(a) Smoke in the client's facility or residence;

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

(c) Drink alcoholic beverages on the job, even if offered;

(d) Use the client's bathroom or towels without permission;

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

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

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

C.7. SCHEDULING AND PLANNING SHIPMENT PICKUPS.

C.7.1. SCHEDULING AND PLANNING SHIPMENT PICKUPS. The COR receives requests from clients for Household Effects pack out dates, and will coordinate the scheduling of shipments with the contractor. The COR will give the Contractor a completed "Request for Shipment" form which is the notification of scheduling and authority to proceed if "confirmed" is indicated. This form will not be given to the Contractor unless a task order has already been issued by the Contracting Officer. If "tentative" is checked, the contractor shall contact the COR for information/instructions.

C.7.2. PRE-SHIPMENT SURVEY. Before the HHE has been packed, the contractor shall, in connection with each instance of Household Effects services in this contract, make an on-site pre-shipment survey of the items to be shipped and/or stored to determine the approximate net weight of each category. The survey shall be conducted by an approved Estimator. The survey must list the major items of furniture, appliances and equipment which are to be included in the shipment and/or storage lot. It must also state the number of cartons and crates necessary to properly protect the loose and fragile items. The Contractor shall give a copy of each survey, signed and dated by the estimator, indicating total estimated net weight of both the export shipment and storage lot to the client 24 hours upon completion of the pre-shipment survey. A pre-shipment survey which deviates more than ten percent, either high or low, in either the export or storage estimates, will be documented by the COR in the contractor's performance file. A pre-shipment survey will not normally be required for shipments other than Household Effects shipments.

C.8. DURATION OF PACKING

The contractor shall perform all packing and/or pickup of household goods and personal effects on the date beginning and at the time agreed upon between the contractor and the client or his/her agent. The client shall be any person the COR specifies as the client in the "Request for Shipment" form authorizing service. All services performed shall be performed on normal workdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Services may only be performed at the residence before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. on normal workdays, or other than normal workdays with the mutual agreement of the parties. This agreement shall create no liability on the part of the Government for overtime or premium pay or other charges to be paid to the Contractor’s employees. If the packing and/or pickup crews will arrive more than two hours later than the scheduled time agreed upon, the contractor shall notify both the client and the COR in advance. Authorization for any changes in date and time must be authorized by the COR.

C.9. TARE WEIGHT LIMITATION

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

C.10. SHIPPING WEIGHT

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

C.11. RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS.

C.11.1. INVENTORY LISTS. The contractor shall prepare a complete, accurate and legible Inventory List as the articles are packed. The client will review and sign the list. The original will be retained by the contractor; one copy shall be given to the client or the client's agent; and the remaining copies shall be forwarded to the COR immediately after the packing is completed. All exceptions as to the condition of goods listed on the Inventory List must be brought to the client’s attention before goods are removed from the government premises. The Inventory List must be signed by the client and the contractor's Team Leader, both certifying to the correctness of the Inventory List.

C.11.1.1. The Inventory List shall show the number and contents of each carton, listed by the correct name in English AND Spanish; the date of shipment; lot number; name of contractor; container (lift van); and, an explanation of the condition symbols used. The Contractor shall give a copy of the Inventory List to the client. Care in the preparation of the initial inventory will assist in protecting the owner of the property and the contractor in the event of loss and/or damage. When there are two or more shipments, each shipment shall have a separate inventory and lot number. Copies of all Inventory Lists shall be provided to the COR by the contractor.

C.11.1.2. The Inventory List shall also indicate by number which cartons are loaded into the respective shipping containers/lift vans.

C.11.1.3. The client's name shall appear on each sheet of the Inventory List, and the last sheet must also indicate the total number of boxes, total number of shipping crates (lift vans), net, tare and gross weights, with measurements and total cubic measure.

C.11.1.4. Art Objects. The packer shall list art objects by their specific names, i.e., drum, picture, mask, etc. The Inventory List shall include the type of material (malachite, wood, metal, etc.) and whether the item is of Panamanian origin.

C.12. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR U.S.GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS.

C.12.1. PACKING MATERIAL. U.S. Government furnished packing materials (see Exhibit C) is for use in packing shipments only for the U.S. Government under this contract. The contractor shall be held accountable for all supplies, and supplies not used in the course of a packing job must be returned to storage as the COR directs. The Government may deduct from contractor invoices the cost of all Government furnished materials drawn but not used or returned.

C.12.2. STOCK LEVELS. If the COR elects to allow the contractor to draw and retain stocks of Government furnished packing materials, the contractor shall maintain records of receipt and issue of such materials, and shall advise the COR when the supply of packing material and cartons reaches a low level, based upon the projected shipping schedule. The Contractor shall notify the COR of low stock levels 30 days in advance of a delivery schedule to allow for delivery of additional materials.

C.12.3. CRATES AND CONTAINERS/LIFT VANS. The Contractor shall mark and report to the COR any Government owned wooden crates, lift vans, or air freight containers that are unsuitable for reuse. The contractor shall dispose of these items as instructed by the COR.

C.13. STORAGE AREA REQUIREMENTS.

C.13.1. All temporary or permanent storage provided, either for unpacked or packed household effects and unaccompanied air baggage, shall be inside storage buildings and areas that are acceptable to and approved by the COR.

C.13.2. All temporary or permanent storage provided shall be securable (e.g. have a substantial door with adequate locking mechanism, lockable windows, etc.); it shall also have an alarm system and active alarm monitoring contract at all times.

C.13.3. In areas assigned for preparation and storage of household effects and unaccompanied air baggage the Contractor shall prevent pilferage or damage by sunlight, water, or fire. Household effects shall be stored in areas that are dry, well ventilated, clean, and free from dust, insects and rodents, have adequate fire protection, and are accessible for routine inspection.

C.13.4. The Contractor shall keep aisles, driveways, and entrances free of storage and equipment not being currently handled or operated.

C.13.5. The Contractor shall remove waste or refuse from storage areas or kept in metal containers with tight-fitting metal lids.

C.13.6. Household effects shall be stored on skids, dunnage, pallet bases, elevated platforms, or similar storage aids, maintaining a minimum of two inches of clearance from the floor to the bottom-most portion of the stored goods. The Contractor shall not store property in contact with exterior or interior walls.

C.14. REQUIREMENTS FOR STORAGE METHODS.

C.14.1. The Contractor shall place household effects and unaccompanied air baggage into temporary or permanent storage inside a warehouse on the day of receipt or, in the event of inclement weather, immediately upon receipt.

C.14.2. All loose-packed storage of household effects shall be of the enclosed lift van type. The Contractor shall obtain the COR’s approval for any exceptions. Lift vans shall have sound walls and tops and shall be fully enclosed to prevent the entry of dust and other contaminants. The Contractor shall identify all pallet boxes and other boxes and storage containers by affixing to the front of each lift van or container a sign at least 24 centimeters by 15 centimeters in size, type set on poster board material, not hand printed, with the following legend:

U.S. Post (Shipper's last name) (lot number)

C.14.3. All letters on each sign described above shall be at least 5 centimeters in height.

C.14.4. The Contractor shall replace moth repellents upholstered articles at least every six months.

C.14.5. The Contractor shall store rugs in fully enclosed rug tubes or rug cartons in rug racks. No more than two rugs are to be stored in each tube or carton. The Contractor shall replenish moth repellents at least every six months.

C.14.6. The Contractor shall establish and maintain a locator system to enable prompt identification and removal of effects in storage.

C.14.7. The Contractor shall store upholstered and overstuffed furniture in special enclosed lift van containers apart from other effects. Upholstered rooms must be fully enclosed areas containing only articles of furniture in loose-pack storage. Walls must have sturdy framing and be covered with a solid sheathing material such as masonite, cellotex, or plywood of a minimum thickness of one-quarter inch Sheathing shall be free of holes and tightly joined to prevent the entry of dust and contaminants. Entry doors into such upholstered storage rooms must be kept closed at all times except during periods of actual placement into and/or removal of furniture. Any other type of upholstered storage must be specifically approved by the COR before use.

C.15. WAREHOUSE RECEIPT.

C.15.1. Upon receipt of effects, the contractor shall prepare a Non-Negotiable Warehouse Receipt. The terms shall be subject to approval by the COR, indicating the American post or other Government Agency as the depositor. If the Warehouse Receipt contains provisions that differ from items in this contract, or that are not contained in this contract, these provisions in the Warehouse Receipt shall have no effect against the United States Government unless the United States Government specifically, in writing, approved each provision at the time the receipt was drafted.

C.15.2. The Warehouse Receipt shall also indicate the name of the owner of the goods, the number of the authorization, the net weight of the storage lot, the number of items deposited, the kind of items and the condition in which they are received. The Contractor shall mail the original of the Warehouse Receipt to the COR within twenty-five calendar days of the pickup of the storage at the Government facility. If access and segregation and/or partial removal is performed, the Contractor shall prepare a new Non-Negotiable Warehouse Receipt and submit it as directed above.

C.16. WAREHOUSE FACILITIES

C.16.1. Warehouse facilities must be approved by the COR and meet the following criteria:

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

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

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

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

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

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

C.17. NOTIFICATION OF COMPLETION OF SERVICES

C.17.1. As soon as the required services for outgoing cargo and unaccompanied air baggage shipments are completed, the contractor shall notify the COR and provide the following information:

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

(b) Government Agency Packing Authorization Number

(c) Ultimate destination of shipment

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

(e) Bill of Lading or Airbill number assigned to the shipment.

C.17.1.1. A U.S. Government Bill of Lading (GBL) will be issued for each shipment by the authorizing Government Agency. The GBL will either be:

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

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

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

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

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

(a) Name of client and Agency affiliation

(b) Government Agency Packing Authorization Number

(c) Ultimate destination of shipment

(d) One copy of the export inventory properly prepared.

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

C.17.2. Upon receipt of the above information, the COR will furnish to the contractor, in writing:

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

C.18. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DELIVERY AND UPACKING OF HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS, UNACCOMPANIED AIR BAGGAGE (UAB) AND GENERAL CARGO.

C.18.1. RECEIPT OF EFFECTS AND UNACCOMPANIED AIR BAGGAGE. The Contractor shall notify the COR immediately if any shipment is received in damaged condition. The Contractor shall make notation of any visible loss or damage on the reverse side of the Government Bill of Lading and/or on carrier's delivery receipt. Loose-packed effects shall be properly inventoried on receipt and immediately placed in proper palletized storage. If it is necessary to unload a steamship container and place the effects into loose-pack storage prior to delivery, the Contractor shall prepare and sign an Inventory List when the effects are removed from the container and placed into storage.

C.18.2. Delivery of Household Effects and Unaccompanied Air Baggage to a Residence.

C.18.2.1. The placing of Household Effects and UAB in the client's residence, as specified, shall include, but not be limited to:

· the laying of pads and rugs;

· placing of items of furniture within rooms;

· setting up of beds, including the placing of springs and mattresses on bed frames; and

· the placing of all kitchenware, dinnerware, glassware, silverware, linens and other miscellaneous items in locations specified by the client or his/her representative.

The contractor is not required to…