SSZ23017Q0001_BERN_Shipping_Contract_2016_v4.doc

November 23, 2016 U.S. Embassy Bern Sulgeneckstrasse 19

3007 Bern Dear Prospective Quoter:

SUBJECT: Solicitation Number: Packing and Shipping Contract SSZ23017Q0001 The Embassy of the United States of America invites you to submit a quotation for packing and shipping contract for U.S. Embassy Bern. The Embassy is seeking vendors to provide 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 Bern, Switzerland. The Embassy intends to award multiple contracts for these services.

The Embassy intends to conduct a pre-quotation conference at the site, and all prospective offerors who have received a solicitation package will be invited to attend. See Section 3 of the attached Request for Quotations (RFQ).

Your quotation must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked "Quotation Enclosed" to the U.S. Embassy, Contracting Officer Ms. Leslie Abitz, Sulgeneckstrasse 19, 3007 Bern on or before 17:00pm on January 20, 2017. No quotations will be accepted after this time.

For a quotation to be considered, you must also complete and submit the following:

1. SF-1449

2. Section 1, Block 23

3. Section 5, Representations and Certifications;

4. Additional information as required in Section 3.

Direct any questions regarding this solicitation to Mr. Paul Aeschlimann by letter or by telephone 031 357 7264 during regular business hours.

Sincerely, Leslie Abitz Contracting Officer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 - The Schedule

· SF 18 or SF1449 cover sheet

· Continuation to SF1449, RFQ SSZ23017Q0001

· Attachment 1: Scope of Work

· Attachment 2: Packing Specifications

· Attachment 3: Government Furnished Property

Section 2 - Contract Clauses

· Contract Clauses

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

Section 3 - Solicitation Provisions

· Solicitation Provisions

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

Section 4 - Evaluation Factors

· Evaluation Factors

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

Section 5 - Representations and Certifications

· Representations and Certifications

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

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449

RFQ SSZ23017Q0001

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

PRICES, BLOCK 23

INDEFINITE DELIVERY/INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT

SHIPPING/PACKING SERVICES

1.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

For each year of the contract, the U.S. Government guarantees a minimum order of $20,000. The maximum amount of shipping/packing services each year of this contract will not exceed $350,000.

Individual purchases shall be documented as follows:

· Task order Optional Form 347

2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

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

3. PRICING

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

3.A. VALUE ADDED TAX

Value Added Tax (VAT) is not applicable to this contract and shall not be included in the CLIN rates or Invoices because the U.S. Embassy has a tax exemption certificate from the Swiss government.

4. BASE PERIOD PRICES:

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

5. ORDERS

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

(a) Name of Contractor, (b) Contract number

(c) Date of purchase

(d) Purchase number

(e) Name of person placing order

(f) Itemized list of shipment and services furnished

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

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

If more than one contractor has received an award for these services, the following procedures shall govern the issuance of individual orders. No work shall be performed without an order being issued to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer.

(1) As the need for services arises, the Government will develop a price estimate. If the estimate does not exceed US $3,500, the Government will follow the procedures in paragraph (2) below. If the estimate exceeds US $3,500, the Government will follow the procedures in paragraph (3) below.

(2) Orders not exceeding US $3,500 - The Government will select a contractor for issuance of the order. This decision will be based on the Government's best interests, which may include factors such as estimated price and past performance record.

(3) Orders exceeding US $3,500 - Unless one of the exceptions in paragraph (5), below, applies, the Government will follow one of the following two scenarios:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. DELIVERY SCHEDULE

The following items shall be delivered under this contract.

COR – one

Client

Client

COR - original

COR and client

COR

Availability

COR

COR

COR

COR - copy

Contractor – original

COR – one

Client – one

COR

7.

INVOICES AND PAYMENT

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

U.S. Embassy Bern

FMO/DBO

Sulgeneckstrasse 19

3007 Bern (b) An acceptable invoice containing expenditures for international air and sea shipments on foreign flag air carriers or vessels shall include the appropriate certificate or waiver for a U.S. carrier. The Government will disallow expenditures for international air on foreign flag air carriers unless the appropriate certificate or waiver is attached to invoices. The certification used in clause 52.247-63, Preference for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers, satisfies the justification requirement.

8.

GOVERNMENT APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES.

The Contractor shall subject its personnel to the Government's approval. All employees must pass a suitable investigation conducted by the Contractor, including recommendation(s) from their respective supervisor(s). Also required: (1) a police check covering criminal and/or subversive activities; (2) a check of personal residence, and (3) a credit investigation. The Contractor shall provide all such investigations in summary form to the COR for review and approval or disapproval. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT USE ANY EMPLOYEES UNDER THIS CONTRACT WITHOUT GOVERNMENT APPROVAL.

9.

KEY PERSONNEL.

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

Position/Function Name

Project Manager *

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

10.

PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE (LIABILITY)

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

11.

INSURANCE

The Contractor, at its own expense, shall provide and maintain during the entire period of performance of this contract, whatever insurance is legally necessary. The Contractor shall carry during the entire period of performance the following minimum insurance:

Comprehensive General Liability Bodily injury

CHF 5,000,000.00 per occurrence

Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability Workers' Compensation and

Occupational Disease

CHF 5,000,000.00 Statutory, as required by host country law Employer's Liability

CHF 5,000,000.00

12.

BONDING OF EMPLOYEES

The Government imposes bonding requirement on this contract. The Contractor shall provide any official bonds required, pay any fees or costs involved or related to equipping of any employees engaged in providing services under this contract, if legally required by the local government or local practice.

13.

PERMITS

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

ATTACHMENT 1

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT CONTINUATION

PACKING AND SHIPPING

1.

GENERAL

The Contractor shall provide services for the United States Embassy, Bern Switzerland. 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 Bern, Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

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

2.

DEFINITIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Lift Van" means a wooden storage crate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

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

4.

PACKING SPECIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· All rugs and carpets shall be mothproofed with crating or wrapping without folding.

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

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

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

5.

INVENTORY SYSTEM

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

6. FREIGHT HANDLING

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

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

The Contractor shall pick up from the Government in the Bern area or elsewhere in Switzerland in time to insure delivery to Bern cargo terminal facilities within 24 hours of the request for pickup. The Contractor shall not place cargo in any warehouse at Government expense without prior approval of the COR.

7. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

The Contractor's employees shall not at any time:

Smoke in the client's facility or residence;

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

(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.

8. SCHEDULING AND PLANNING SHIPMENT PICKUPS

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

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

9. DURATION OF PACKING

The Contractor shall perform all packing and/or pickup of household goods and personal effects on the date beginning and at the time agreed upon between the Contractor and the client or his/her agent. The client shall be any person the COR specifies as the client in the "Request for Shipment" form authorizing service. All services performed shall be performed on normal workdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. or other than normal workdays or work times with the mutual agreement of the parties. Services may only be performed at the residences before 8am or after 6pm on normal workdays, or other than normal workdays, with the mutual agreement of the parties. This agreement shall create no liability on the part of the Government for overtime or premium pay or other charges to be paid to the Contractor’s employees. If the packing and/or pickup crews will arrive more than two hours later than the scheduled time agreed upon, the Contractor shall notify both the client and the COR in advance. Authorization for any changes in date and time must be authorized by the COR.

10.

WEIGHT

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

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

11.

RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

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

· Art Objects

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

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

N/A 13.

STORAGE AREA REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

14.

REQUIREMENTS FOR STORAGE METHODS

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

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

U.S. Embassy Bern (Shipper's Last Name)

(Lot Number)

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

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

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

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

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

15.

WAREHOUSE RECEIPT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16.

NOTIFICATION OF COMPLETION OF SERVICES

As soon as the required services for outgoing cargo and unaccompanied air baggage shipments and household effects 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, and

· 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; and e.

Bill of Lading or Air Way Bill number assigned to the shipment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Name of client and Agency affiliation,

(b) Government Agency packing authorization number,

(c) ultimate destination of shipment,

(d) one copy of the export inventory properly prepared, and (e) a 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 total shipment.

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

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

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

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

17.

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

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

Delivery of Household Effects and Unaccompanied Air Baggage To a Residence The placing of Household Effects and UAB in the client's 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 move furniture within the residence after the first placing of furniture.

The Contractor shall inquire of the client at the time arrangements are made for delivery, if the shipments include large items such as pianos, freezers, refrigerators, etc. The Contractor shall have piano boards and other necessary tools and equipment on hand to open containers and safely move these items.

The Contractor shall unpack the client's household effects and remove all debris the same day the effects are delivered, or by the close of the next working day; unless the client requests removal of debris at a later date.

The Contractor shall place UAB in the client's residence in packed or crated condition.

The Contractor shall cut strapping and open crates when requested by the client or his/her authorized agent.

The Contractor shall use a tarpaulin or other floor covering suitable for protection of floors while work is in progress.

Obtaining Delivery Receipt The Contractor shall obtain a delivery receipt in triplicate signed by the client or his/her authorized agent upon completion of the delivery and/or the unpacking and placing of the household effects in the residence. The Contractor shall retain the original of this receipt and submit copy with the invoice for payment and provide one to client The Contractor shall prepare a separate Inventory List, signed by the client or his/her agent, listing all articles lost or damaged and describing such loss or damage. The Contractor shall submit this Inventory List to the COR within seven calendar days after delivery of the goods.

Removal of Debris and Return of Containers The Contractor shall, upon completion of delivery and unpacking services, remove all trash dunnage, and debris from all shipping vans and containers. The Contractor shall deliver promptly all empty steel vans, and other special-type containers, to the carrier or its authorized local agent. The Contractor shall release steamship containers immediately after unloading, to the local agent of the delivering carrier. In addition, at the option and discretion of the COR, the Contractor shall deliver containers owned by the Department of State to a local warehouse or depository as designated by the post. All other vans and containers, after completion of service, shall become the property and responsibility of the Contractor.

18. VEHICLES

The Contractor shall provide all vehicles necessary for the performance of this contract.

The Contractor shall provide all fuel and lubricants for the vehicles.

The Contractor shall provide the necessary vehicles of appropriate size (2.5 tons or more) for local transportation of shipments and Unaccompanied Air Baggage.

The Contractor shall maintain its vehicles in the proper mechanical condition to assure their full availability when needed, and to assure that shipments are reliably and safely transported from the residence to the appropriate staging area. If the Contractor encounters mechanical difficulties that prevent the scheduled completion of a scheduled pick-up, the Contractor shall immediately obtain a suitable substitute vehicle at no additional cost to the Government. Non-availability of suitable vehicles shall not constitute acceptable justification for late pickup or delivery, or for additional costs to the Government.

19.

COMPUTATION OF WEIGHTS

Gross Weight - see "Definitions," paragraph 2.

Net Weight - See "Definitions," paragraph 2.

Gross Weight is calculated by adding the Net Weight of the contents to the weight of the shipping container and any bracing material used to secure articles in the container. The Contractor shall designate and the COR shall approve a scale to be used for determination of shipment weights. The scale must be officially certified by the Swiss Government (Eidgenössisches Institut für Metrologie METAS) as accurate and must continually display documentation in testimony thereof. All official certificates of accuracy must be periodically updated and recertified to ensure there is no lapse of certification.

The COR or an appointed representative may be present at the scale site when any shipment weight is taken to witness the accuracy of the reading. The Contractor shall submit to the COR with each invoice a weight certificate, signed by the Government employees for whom services were rendered, and the name of any Government employee who witnessed the weight reading.

When the Net Weight of a shipment has not been determined by actual measurement before shipment occurs, for payment purposes the Net Weight shall be defined as two thirds of the Gross Weight of the shipment. With the invoice for each shipment, the Contractor shall submit a written justification describing why the shipment could not be weighed before it was shipped.

20. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

This plan provides an effective method to promote satisfactory contractor performance. The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor Contractor performance, advise the Contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to monitor quality to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Services.

Performs all shipping and packing services set forth in the scope of work.

Monitoring Performance The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

Standard The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause, FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, if any of the services exceed the standard.

21. PROCEDURES

(a) If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed, they should immediately contact the COR.

(b) The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

(c) If the COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

(d) If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

(e) The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

(f) If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint after investigation of the site and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

(g) The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complainant.

(h) Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection Clause.

ATTACHMENT 2

PACKING SPECIFICATIONS

1. CONTAINER SPECIFICATION

(a) Containers to be used for export shipments of effects under this contract must be soundly constructed of waterproof plywood, lined with a waterproof barrier, and reinforced with an inside…