B.08.03 Questions and Answers #1.pdf

Harlan County Dredge

W912DQ26QA008

Questions and Answers

1. Question: Page 7 – Item 2.3.1 Hull Structural Design – the revised shortened language has complicated this section, now requiring compliance with all applicable regulations leaves this up for selective or subjective interpretation.

Answer: The Government acknowledges the concern regarding potential ambiguity in Section 2.3.1. To support a consistent and objective technical evaluation, bidders are requested to identify the specific industry standards and regulations with which their proposed hull structural design complies.

2. Question: Page 9 – Item 2.7 Spuds & Spud Hoists – the change of the word

“diameter” to “square” is a surprising update which appears to favor a single supplier who provides square spuds. Square spuds were determined to be suboptimal for cutter suction dredge operation in the industry many years ago with round spuds being the norm.

Answer: Market research indicates that both round and square spuds are currently utilized in the industry. Proposals incorporating either configuration will be considered acceptable, provided they meet all other performance requirements.

3. Question: Page 19 – Section 3.4 Final Testing – the terms in “item a” describing a deadweight and lightship survey after launch are tied to the previous ABS Classifications which were deleted from the Hull Structural Design requirements. This should be deleted from this section, too.

Answer: That item can be disregarded.

4. Question: Page 19 – Section 3.4 Final Testing – the terms in “item c” describes a requirement for demonstrating the function of the flow meter. Within the specification there is no flow meter to be included with this dredge. Suggest removing the final line in item c or adding the requirement of a flow meter to the specification.

Answer: That item can be disregarded.

5. Question: I was wondering if the base cost needs to have anchors in that cost. I am including the spud package, but I wasn’t sure about the anchor. If so, how many do I need to include with the price?

Answer: There are two CLINs that include anchors:

• CLIN 0001 (Base): Includes the standard swing anchors that come with the dredge as part of the base configuration.

• CLIN 0003 (Optional): Provides pricing for one (1) spare anchor.

List the standard swing anchors under CLIN 0001 on the Bid Schedule as part of the base, and separately price one (1) spare anchor under CLIN 0003.

6. Question: on page 3 (1.6.7APP & 1.7 Submittals ) As an OEM supplier of equipment, we are not familiar w/ USACE Safety requirements. {redacted} has an internal Health and Safety program which requires compliance by all employees. This makes it very difficult for Ellicott to properly estimate the proper level of program management time and cost. We researched EM 385-1-1 and see there is a Abbreviated APP for limited scope-service. Can you confirm that this program will be selected under the Harlan County Dredge RFI?

Answer: Limited Scope Contracts, Section 2-8. b(3)(b) (p. 55): “These contracts include work such as dredging, mowing, furniture installation, fuel system maintenance, park attendants, and restroom cleaning.” In this context, “dredging” refers to a service contract and is not applicable to this solicitation. Chapter 19-8.c lists equipment requirements for vessels. Bidders are encouraged to submit any safety features with their proposals for evaluation.

7. Question: On page 5 (1.8 Safety Requirements) What is expected from the contractor to satisfy this requirement? What is the contractor’s responsibility in terms of submittals and compliance. We fully intend to read the requirements and brief the selected onsite field service technician but is there anything else we need to do?

Answer: All Submittals can be found in Section 1.7. An Accident Prevention Plan (1.7.1.2) is standard for any work being performed on Government facilities.

8. Question: Changes to the RFP Thank you for removing many of the standards and codes which would have been problematic for equipment of this size and cost.

Also noticed that many of the technical specifications have been removed, which we considered to be an important part of the RFP. Items like engine specifications, controls, instrumentation, and safety related equipment like Bilge pump/alarm system, Bio-Hydraulic Fluid and navigation mast and life rings. These seem like items the USACE would need to operate safely on a water reservoir. Was there a specific reason to remove these items? [Our] concern being that the specifications could allow for a smaller and lower quality dredging equipment.

Answer: The specifications are performance-based and will be evaluated using a Best Value to the Government approach, considering Price, Lead Time, and Design. The addition or omission of items that affect the dredge design will be considered during the technical evaluation. The bidder should make their own determination based on the solicitation.