Questions_and_Answers-Shipping_.docx

April 23, 2013

Questions and Answers Packing and Shipping Services to American Embassy Sana’a, Yemen.

Solicitation No. SYE700-13-Q-0003

Q1: May we receive a soft copy of the tender?

A1: Electronic copies of the solicitation package may be obtained by searching solicitation No.SYE70013Q0003 on the FedBizOpps website at www.fbo.gov .

Q2: What companies are eligible to participate in the tender?

A2: All companies which fulfill requirements set forth in the solicitation package may participate in the solicitation process.

Q3: What is the estimated budget for this purchase?

A3: As stated in Section 1, the Schedule, paragraph 1, the estimated contract maximum for one year of this contract is USD 850,000.

Q4: Do you plan any extension of the bidding deadline?

A4: No, we do not plan to extend the deadline for the submission of the bids. The deadline for submission of the offers is May 13, 2013 at 4 pm local time, as stated on SF 1449 block 8.

Q5: Do you plan to issue any addendum or Pre-Bid Minutes to the solicitation package?

A5: So far there is no need to amend the solicitation package, as all questions may be answered by referenced the original solicitation package. The Minutes of the Pre-quotation Conference will be posted on FedBidOpps.

Q6: When do offerors need to submit a proof of insurance?

A6: As stated in para 5, Section 1 the proof of insurance shall be delivered to the Contracting Officer no later than ten days after the contract is awarded, and no later than 10 days after exercise of an option year.

Q7: What are the allowable sizes of shipped packages?

A7: Although, there is no specific limitation on the size of packages under this solicitation, please refer to Attachment 2, “Packing Specifications”, para 2 which describes the standards for packing Household Effects and Unaccompanied Air Baggage.

Q8: When do we have to submit the Recruitment Plan?

A8: As stated in Section 3, paragraph A4, the Recruitment Plan shall be submitted as part of the offer.

Q9: How many contracts do you plan to award under this solicitation?

A9: Based on FAR 52.216-27, the Government may elect to award multiple contracts. The decision on a number of contracts will be made upon receipt and review of the offers. Awards will be for the entire contract, not separate parts. For example, the USG will not award all air freight to one company, and all sea freight to another. Awards will be given to companies for all services, and winning bidders will be expected to provide all services they have quoted.

Q10: Will incoming shipments bound for Aden be shipped directly to Aden?

A10: All shipments destined to Aden will come to Sana’a and then will be shipped to Aden, as stated in paragraph 3 Section 1.

Q11: What is the weight allowance for HHE and UAB per employee?

A11: The weight allowance for HHE is 7,200 lbs net and for UAB is 250 lbs gross according to 14 FAM (US Foreign Affairs Manual). Due to living conditions for American diplomats in Sana’a, HHE shipments are usually substantially smaller.

Q12: Do we need to use a US carrier for international air and sea shipments? This will increase the cost of the contract significantly.

A12: As stated in Section 2, 52.247-63 Preferences for US Flag Carriers, the USG requires use of US Flag carriers unless the USG provides a waiver or certification for use foreign flag air carriers. This should be included in cost calculation before the prices are quoted.

Q13: What does it mean “TIN”?

A13: “TIN” stands for Tax Identification Number.

Q14: What does it mean “FAR”?

A14: “FAR” stands for Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Q15: Can the contractors be compensated for unexpected fluctuations in the airfreight charges?

A15: No, the quoted rates must be all inclusive and full loaded, and they must encompass any risk factors. The bidder accepts the risk of price changes.

Q16: Does the contract cover shipments of the secure containers?

A16: No, shipments of secure containers are not covered under this contract.

Q17: Does the contract cover shipping services for the support flights?

A17: No, support flight services are not included in the scope of work for this contract.

Q18: What is the contract’s rules on Third Country National (TCN) employees (employees of the contracted company who are not of Yemeni nationality)?

A18: Contractors are free to hire any employee to work this contract, provided they have legal status in Yemen and are eligible to work under Yemeni law. The US Government has a strict policy against trafficking in persons, and will verify employment status and conditions as needed.