VENDOR INQUIRIES_24-Sep.pdf

CONTRACTOR INQUIRIES – VESSAL TOWAGE (LSV-4)

1. Solicitation Page 5, Factor 1 c. states “Only U.S. Flag Vessels will be considered”. Will the Government consider Foreign Flag offers if no viable US Flag offers are received? This of course assumes that key personnel are fluent in English (spoken, listening, and written form) -and- Contractor Operators are proficient in conversational Basic English.

No; PWS states U.S. Flag Vessel only.

2. PWS page 3, paragraph 1.8: Will these potential post award conferences and progress meetings be virtual or in-person? If in person, who is responsible for arranging the meeting space?

Virtual.

3. PWS page 5, paragraph 1.21: Please advise why contracted personnel shall be equipped and adhere to U.S. and Philippine Safety standards? There is no Philippine component of this Solicitation.

Please disregard statement regarding Philippine Safety Standards. However, contracted personnel shall be equipped and adhere to U.S. Safety and applicable host nation Standards.

4. PWS Page 6, paragraph 1.26.3: Please advise if this iWATCH Training requirement is applicable. Is this training to be completed before commencement of tow? With the quick turn-around time of this solicitation, there is not sufficient time to complete this requirement.

If unable to meet the requirements prior to commencement (EG., start sail day one), simply report suspicious activity to the COR.

5. Can you confirm whether a Cook Islands-flagged vessel would be accepted by the United States for this towage operation?

No.

6. Would it be possible to inspect the vessel and speak with the crew while it is berthed at Kuru Wharf tomorrow, Thursday 25th September (Australian time)?

No; Crew can be spoken to, post-award.

7. Could you please advise the proposed tow draft for the vessel?

11.5 feet (3.5052 meters) stern / 10.5 ft (3.2004 meters) bow.

8. Does the vessel have certified primary tow bridal & emergency tow connection points in suitable condition for the approval of the Marine Warranty Surveyor

(MWS)?

Yes, both are in suitable condition.

9. Will the tow vessel be manned by U.S. military personnel who will maintain an appropriate watch and condition monitoring schedule, with reporting capabilities to the towing vessel?

The preference is unmanned tow.

10. Will the U.S. military permit the vessel’s tail shafts to rotate during towage, or is it required that they be secured/locked?

They should be secured / locked during towage.

11. Are there any outstanding international export requirements or customs agent processes that need to be completed prior to the vessel’s departure?

No requirement.

12. What is the specific port in Darwin, Australia and what are the specific entry requirements for the ports in Darwin, Australia and Yokohama North Dock, Japan?

The vessel is currently located at HMAS Coonawarra Pier. Entry requirement for Yokohama North Dock is a LOGREQ, declaration of health, and Ship Sanitation Certificate that must be submitted to Military Sealift Command prior to entry. The vessel master / crew can assist with this.

Must coordinate with HMAS Coonawarra port ops (portservices.north@defence.gov.au or thomas.ford@defence.gov.au)

Assuming both of these ports in Darwin and Yokohama are military ports:

a) are they subject to the host countries’ entry requirements or only the military port requirements?

For both locations they are subject to military port requirements.

mailto:portservices.north@defence.gov.au mailto:thomas.ford@defence.gov.au

b) are commercial agents required to coordinate entry into the ports?

Yokohama (No); Australia (Yes)