QA W912BU-MCHD3010 V3 BSM (002).pdf

Q&A MDC 3010 Medium Class Hopper Dredge (MCHD)

W912BU-MCHD3010

QUESTIONS:

1. If there are any operational constraints on main dimensions such as length, Beam, Draught, air draft, Gross tonnage etc.

2. The density (specific gravity) of the cargo to be used when the 6,000 cubic yards of soil is being carried.

3. Maximum density of spoil carried at lower volumes.

5. Please advise the nature of the dredged spoil to be dredged, for example will aggregates and stones be dredged.

6. Operational Requirements (3) Are details of the US Standard hopper doors available?

RESPONSE:

The Government issued this Request for Information (RFI) to identify the resources available and interested parties to: engineer, design, and build a Medium Class Hopper Dredge (MCHD). At this time, the Government is not publishing the technical particulars as requested in questions 1-6, since this information is currently under development. Rather, the Government is attempting to maximize the number of respondents to this RFI for market research purposes to identify interested parties, provide insight into industry capabilities, and to identify the ability of industry to utilize potential proven-in-service designs by modifying them to meet the operational requirements as outlined in this RFI for the Government.

As explained in the posting on beta.sam.gov, the sources sought notice is for information purposes only and is not a request for proposals, quotations, or bids. The information requested in questions 1-6 will be addressed in a formal request for proposal at a later date.

QUESTIONS:

We have some questions why the prerequisite is being applied:

1. Are there statutory requirements for this restriction? If so, please offer specific U.S. Code citations.

2. Are there USACE policy or other regulatory requirements that govern this restriction? If so, please offer specific policy citations.

Q&A MDC 3010 Medium Class Hopper Dredge (MCHD)

W912BU-MCHD3010

3. We understand the Jones Act and its protection of USA based shipyards and ship’s ownership and crews. We also understand it unfortunately does not protect USA based naval architecture firms.

a. Does USACE have a policy of furthering USA based naval architecture (and other engineering) firms’ advantage when seeking engineering and design? If so, please offer specific policy citations.

b. If not, is there an opportunity for firms like ours to offer recommendations for change?

RESPONSE:

The Government does not intend to alter its acquisition approach at this time. To effectively mitigate contractual, budgetary, design, and construction related risks, the acquisition approach is to use one supply contract vehicle that includes the design and construction of the vessel. This procurement approach allows the Government more flexibility to oversee all aspects of the project while limiting the Government’s burden of inherent project risks. The Government is targeting an ABS and USCG compliant design that has been developed from modern, existing, proven-in-service hopper dredge designs, in conjunction with current proven-in-service ship and hopper dredge technologies. The Government is pursuing proven hopper dredge designs with in-service records to limit the risk to the Government of the vessel being unable to execute its Ready Reserve mission.