Q A_Shipping_Istanbul.docx

1. Reference B.5.2. and similar: The government identifies ports as Ankara, Adana, Izmir, Iskenderun, Mersin, and Istanbul. Can the government provide an approximate breakdown (by percentage) of anticipated cargo movements through each port?

A: 95 % of the shipments are received through Istanbul ports.

2. Reference B.5.2, and similar: Please provide clarifications of estimated quantities, unit prices, and totals. For example, price item B.5.1.c calls for a Unit Price for 100 pounds gross weight, and estimated quantity of 1 for a shipment of 3,001 to 6,000 lbs. Assuming a mean weight of 4500 lbs, should the total price be:

a. Unit Price for 100 lbs x 1 [Listed Estimated quantity],

b. Unit price for 100 lbs x 45 [Listed Estimated quantity x mean weight],

c. Unit Price for 4500 lbs x 1, or

d. Something else entirely?

A: If we assume your unit price per 100Lbs. is $50 for B.5.1.c and the actual weight of the shipment is 4350Lbs, the calculation would be as follows:

4350Lbs. X $50/100= $2175. (The cost per unit is illustrative only.)

3. You have indicated weight breakdowns as follows:

0-1000 lbs. (500 Lbs) x estimated Qty

b. 1,001-3,000 lbs. (2000 lbs) “

c. 3,001-6,000 lbs. (4500 Lbs) “

d. 6,001-8,000 lbs. (7000 Lbs) “

e. Over 8,000 lbs. (8000 Lbs) “ Shall we base our per 100 Lbs rate on average of indicated weight breaks;

for example, we will base per 100 Lbs rate as indicated across of each weight break average another words, How should the offeror provide the total dollar value for each service?

A: Contractor will provide rate per 100Lbs for each weight scale. The rates may be different for each weight scale. For each line item, the offeror should provide the unit price for the minimum weight, and then multiply by the estimated quantities as provided in the solicitation.

4. All totals at the end mentioned as follow: You did not mention first, second, third and fourth option year.

TOTAL FOR ALL OUTBOUND SHIPMENTS FOR

THE BASE YEAR:

TOTAL FOR ALL INBOUND & OUTBOUND

SHIPMENTS FOR THE BASE YEAR:

A: Totals should be provided per year based on your submitted figures. Please use our given estimate quantities to reach the annual figure. As per page 42 B.9.17 Government only guarantees the minimum amount and will not exceed the maximum.

5. Will there be additional accessorial charge for the handling of oversized /heavy items/ high floor deliveries (if use of elevator is not allowed)? For example, recently we had to deliver an oversized sofa to 9th floor residence due to lack of proper freight elevator within the premises. We would very much appreciate if an additional accessorial charge may be applied for delivery above 3rd floor and stair carry as well. Will there be handling charges for items beyond normal manpower or detrimental to the physical health of a porter/packer (such as money safe, large freezers/fridges, or anything over 70 kg)?

A: The contractor will not be able to charge above what is authorized in the contract. Therefore, extra payments that might be required for this type of service should be factored into the line items in the offer.

6. Will the use of UPS and Maersk Lines as air and sea freight consolidators still be mandatory as we have had serious service quality and back office support issues with both consolidators.

A: Per US Law, use of US Flag carrier is mandatory as per the contract. If this requirement changes in the future, the contract may be modified accordingly.

7. Will there be a special clause in the contract to declare the mandatory Turkish customs requirement of K3 certification (domestic transport permit) and C3 certification (international road transport permit) from the contractors and subcontractors? As it seems that some of the current contractors may not have one or both certifications.

A: All contractors are obliged to possess or be able to possess all required legal certifications and licenses to perform the services required under this contract. This includes the K3 certification (international road transport permit) and C3 certification (international road transport permit).

8. Section B.5.4 on page 5 calls for return of containers to ports that will be empty. Please advise whether these containers are SOC or COC, as in do these containers belong to the government or the shipping company?

A: Containers can be owned by the Government or be leased from the shipping company. This rate is requested for your service charge only. The demurage charges will be paid separately based on the expense invoice.

9. Regarding the same containers mentioned in Section B.5.4, what are the dimensions of these containers? If standard, kindly indicate so.

A: Refer to B 5.4 and same part in the following option years. These are standard measurements.

10. Section B.5.8 on page 6 discusses packaging for vehicles. Does the government prefer stretch type vehicle wrapping material to be utilized in order to minimize the risk of potential scratches etc. to the paint during shipping?

A: Stretch type vehicle wrapping is not a reqirement. Vehicles must be loaded securily and lashed for secure transportation.

11. Please advise whether all “packing” activities and whether “export” or “loose” involve the wrapping and storing of an article in an appropriate box, and then in a lift van accordingly?

A: Yes

12. Kindly clarify Unit Pricing formula in Section B wherein the government for instance advises the unit of measure is per 100 pounds. Does that mean that for example in Inbound General Cargo Shipments, the weight of total cargo is 1000 lbs so therefore the unit price will be calculated by dividing 1000 by 100 pounds?

A: Yes, it will be calculated by dividing by 100 pounds. For example, if the arrived cargo weighs 1000 pounds, the calculation will be: 1000 x your given rate/100 pounds.

13. Section B.5.8 discusses 20 M3 and 40M3 trucks to be shipped to ELSO in Antwerp, please advise the dimensions of these trucks if possible.

A: Standard dimensions are 20 m3 and 40m3.

14. Will there be any other companies bidding than the companies in the pre-solicitation meeting?

A: There may be. The solicitation is open to all interested companies and published publicly.

15. Can we receive the list of the bidders?

A: Government will only provide information about successful offers.

16. Reference B.5.11.c,d,g,h and option years: The price sheet gives the description as 20cu truck or 40 cu truck while the unit of measure is 100 lbs. Please advise if this is an error and the price should be per truck.

A: Provide rates per truck for the weights that exceed 1000 pounds.

17. Reference B.5.16 and option years: Please clarify if you mean the cost for getting a duty free extension time if the item/items cannot be cleared in the standard time allowed by the Government.

A: This article applies only to the household effects and vehicles imported by letter of guarantee. Duty free extension time is requested when the letter of guarantee expires. Due to a very recent regulation change we anticipate this service will be used only on a very limited basis.

19. Who will check our storage area?

A: The Contracting Officer will designate a Technical Evaluation Panel to evaluate the capability of all interested companies as stated on M-1.2.c. Representatives from this panel will check the storage areas.

20. Will there be any periodical check in our warehouse during Contract period?

A: Contractor is responsible to inform any address changes. Based on this notification Consulate will visit the new storage area. During the contract period the COR or Contracting Officer may also visit the storage area, but he/she will provide advance notice.

21. If we refuse a work order what is the penalty?

A: Once the contractor signs the contract it’s expected that the contractor provides service for each line item as long as it is above the minimum and below the maximum requirements in the contract. If the Contractor refuses a work order for a reason other than mentioned on page 85 under order limitations (52.216-19), contractor is responsible to provide a written explanation regarding the reason. A cure notice will be issued by the CO to the Contractor to fulfill the required service.

22. If a contractor refuses work orders for the same line items and continues to refuse the work order for certain services what would the penalty be?

A: If the contractor continues to refuse a work order the Contracting Officer will send a “Show Cause Notice” and request the reason for fault or delay. If the Contractors cause is not acceptable, the Government Consulate can choose to terminate the contract for default. A termination for default occurs when a contract is terminated of fault or negligence of the contractor in violation of the contract.

23. Is there a way to increase 100 pound Min for HHE Shipments?

A: As specified in the solicitation, all rates for all services are based on 100 pound criteria.

24. Who will be responsible for the damage if a tow truck is involved in a traffic accident?

A: The contractor is held responsible for any damages performing under a work order.

25. The contract holds the contractors responsible for legal employment. Who controls if the employees working at US residences and warehouse are legally employed under the Contractor’s company?

A: All contractors are obliged to receive all required all legal certifications and licenses to perform the services required under this contract and to ensure their employees are legally allowed to work in Turkey. If a violation on this issue comes up for any reason this will be the complete responsibility of the Contractor.

26. Do you have another format copy for the contract to fill out?

A: Please use the provided PDF copy to submit your offers.