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NOTICE TO THE TRADE
TRN-09-003 AMENDMENT NO. 1
Warehouse Management Services (Dubai)
Solicitation: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OP/WashingtonDC/TRN-09-003/listing.html
53 Questions and answers regarding solicitation USAID/OFDA RFP TRN-09-003; Warehouse Management in Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
- What is the size of the land on which the facility is located?
ANSWER: About 60,000 square feet. The physical building is about 40,000 square feet.
- Solicitation CLIN 0006 and CLIN 0007 - TRANSPORT DOOR TO SHARJAH / DUBAI AIRPORT : What does the term "Door" mean?
ANSWER: The term "Door" refers to the warehouse door. This is a term of delivery which establishes the responsibility (and reimbursable expense) of the warehouse contractor to transport and deliver stored humanitarian assistance commodities from the warehouse to the Sharjah or Dubai airport. As directed by the government, delivery of commodities from the warehouse to the USAID-selected air transport contractor's ground handler at the airport shall be on a F.o.b. Truck or Trailer basis.
- Solicitation Page 14, Section 3.2 Equipment refers to "Appendix A ." Does this refer to the table on Page 18?
ANSWER: Yes. The reference to Appendix A is not accurate. The section on Equipment should refer to Government Furnished Equipment or Government Property on page 18 of the solicitation.
- Is the warehouse facility currently operated by the government or is the service provided by a contractor?
ANSWER: The warehouse facility is currently maintained and operated by a contractor.
- Please confirm there are no attachments to the solicitation.
ANSWER: There are no attachments to the solicitation.
- What Warehouse Management System is currently in use at the USAID OFDA warehouse facility? What make / brand / model?
ANSWER: The US government does not operate a Warehouse Management System at our Dubai warehouse facility. Tracking and reporting of supplies is accomplished via spreadsheet. (Note: Offerors may propose the use of their own warehouse management system under any resulting contract.)
- What Automated Data Capture System is currently in use at the USAID OFDA warehouse facility? What make / brand / model?
ANSWER: The US government does not operate an Automated Data Capture System at our Dubai warehouse facility. Tracking and reporting of supplies is accomplished via spreadsheet. (Note: Offerors may propose the use of their own data capture system under any resulting contract.)
- Does USAID have a representative on site? Does the government plan to have a permanent representative on site to provide direction?
ANSWER: USAID does not have a permanent representative on site. Our oversight of the facility is conducted from Washington, D.C. through routine site visits and a regular exchange of emails, phone calls and reports between USAID and the contractor representative.
- Will the contractor be responsible for lease of the land? Will the contractor be responsible for the lease of the warehouse space?
ANSWER: The US government has already established a long term lease on the land. The contractor will pay the price of the lease in accordance with the lease payment schedule. The contractor will be reimbursed for the lease payments they make. The lease payment will be funded in the contract as part of the Contract Line Item (CLIN) 0012 - Warehouse Other Direct Costs. The expense for the lease will be included in CLIN 0012 and will be funded by the contract. The warehouse facility is already built and owned by the US government. There is no requirement for a separate warehouse facility lease.
- What constitutes a surge in reference to surge capacity for handling shipments?
ANSWER: The government work performance expectation is that the contractor will be able to hire additional labor, equipment and conveyances (if necessary) to efficiently and effectively handle cargo receipt and re-delivery. In some instances a large percentage of the warehouse commodities and supplies may be received or re-delivered for transport. In these situations the contractor may have to go beyond the normal crew and equipment levels and hire additional labor or equipment. These are temporary hires to accommodate a surge in commodity handling requirements.
- What is the estimated surge volume per month or percentage per year?
ANSWER: The government does not have an estimated surge volume per month or year. Most receipts and deliveries involve four to eight TEU. The reference to "surge" in the solicitation is to assure the contractor understands that, should the requirement develop, they will be prepared to hire additional temporary labor and equipment to handle more cargo as necessary.
- What types of hazardous goods will be handled? What is the volume estimated?
ANSWER: Calcium Hypoclorite, small engines, automobile batteries, motor oil, etc. The volume of hazardous goods transiting the facility is relatively low.
- Is the following information correct: RFP due date: December 8th 2008? Award date: Early January 2009? Start date: Early February 2009?
ANSWER: Yes, all three are correct projections.
- This is a warehouse management contract, therefore can we visit the facility and if so when?
ANSWER: The government will perform an initial evaluation of proposals. Based upon this initial evaluation a short list of companies, which have a chance to win the contract award, will be established. The government may permit visits by those organizations that make up this "competitive range."
- How many days between submission of invoice including correct documentation and payment for both fixed and variable invoices?
ANSWER: The government normally makes payment within 30 days of receipt of a correct invoice.
- Please clarify the following section as it pertains to: Fixed costs; Variable costs; Both; Extra work due to unforeseen disasters or relief operations?
QUOTE
B.2 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS - INDEFINITE QUANITY LEVEL OF EFFORT TYPE
CONTRACT.
(a) Per FAR 52.216-22 "INDEFINITE QUANITY (OCT 1995)," the minimum for this indefinite quantity contract shall be any quantity or combination of level of effort, supplies and services equal to the amount(s) set forth below. If this contract contains options, the minimum for each option shall apply separately and independently to that option.
Base $50,000.00
Option 1 $50,000.00
Option 2 $50,000.00
Option 3 $50,000.00
Option 4 $50,000.00
(b) The maximum for this indefinite quantity contract (including options) shall be any quantity or combination of supplies and services equal to $1,000,000.00. UNQUOTE
ANSWER: The government states the above minimums (per contract year) and maximum (for the five year expected term of the contract) based upon our actual experience during the preceding years of the current contract. The minimum and maximum relate to all contract costs - fixed, variable and extra work due to relief operations. As a fixed rate level of effort type contract, with indefinite service delivery quantities, the above base and option year dollar amounts inform the potential contractor of the annual minimum level of services that may be expected.
- Please confirm that insurance is not required for inventory or government owned equipment including the building and facilities?
ANSWER: The government does not have a requirement for insurance on the commodities which are stored in our facility. The government does not have a requirement for insurance on our facility or the land. The government does have a requirement for contractor liability insurance. The government requires the contractor to maintain worker's compensation, employer's liability, comprehensive general liability, comprehensive automobile liability insurance, etc. during the term of this contract. See the Federal Acquisition Regulation clause at 52.228-5 "Insurance - Work on a Government Installation (January 1997)" which is a part of this solicitation/contract. Subcontractors shall be subject to the same requirements.
- As the warehouse is owned by the government, is the contractor responsible for the lease of the land?
ANSWER: The contractor is not responsible for leasing the land upon which the warehouse facility is located. The government has already leased this land. The contractor will be responsible for paying for the existing lease through the CLIN 0012 - Warehouse Other Direct Costs. See Question and Answer 9 above.
- Is it true that the only employee that must be dedicated is the Warehouse Manager? Is it true that other employees may be temporary, however they must be fully trained personnel?
ANSWER: It is true that the Warehouse Manager will be a Key Person under the contract. All other labor and services may be procured as necessary to receive, handle, re-deliver, inspect, document, clear and transport commodities to local ports and airports as necessary. Facility repair and maintenance will also be accomplished on an ad hoc basis by various outside service suppliers.
- The following government property/equipment is provided the contractor. What is the age of this equipment and are we correct that we need to maintain this property for the term of the contract?
| ITEM NAME | SERIAL NBR | CLASSIFICATION | QTY |
| Warehouse Complex | | | 1 |
| Shrink wrap machine | 1673 | | 1 |
| Air compressor | GG 520 | | 1 |
| Pneumatic Nail Gun | F18/30 | | 1 |
| Pallet jacks ( 1 ) | 23573427 | | 1 |
| Pallet jacks ( 2 ) | 0613211 | | 1 |
| Floor scales ( 1 ) | A041402920 | | 1 |
| Floor scales ( 2 ) | A04102926l, | | 1 |
| Computer | CN-OP1446-71618-46G-GAL5 | | 1 |
| Printer | CNCGK32876 | | 1 |
| Fax | E60567E4J591645 | | 1 |
| Copier | AGH3056562 | | 1 |
| Fork lift ( 1 ) | BFAEI 0003 | | 1 |
| Fork lift ( 2 ) | BFAEH 0001 | | 1 |
| Battery Charger | 593715/03-1 | | 1 |
ANSWER: This government property will be provided to the contractor, and must be maintained by the contractor in accordance with the clause of the contract entitled, "Government Property" (Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.245-1.)
- Please clarify our understanding of the Pricing sheets:
21a) Fixed rates are line items 0001 through 0011. Within these rates will we include all employee costs like fringe benefits, G and A, overhead, insurance, vacation, travel, expenses, profit, etc.?
ANSWER: Yes. Labor rates and per shipment rates should be fully loaded to reflect labor costs, corporate overhead expenses and profit. As an alternative the offeror may propose a separate profit or fee.
21b) Variable costs are line items 0012 through 14
ANSWER: These are not strictly "variable" expense Contract Line Items (CLINS). These are line items which will include your estimated expenses for maintaining the warehouse facility, the commodities / vehicles and the warehouse equipment. These other direct cost will include the lease payments, and other costs to maintain the facility lot, warehouse facility, commodities, vehicles, equipment - all of the government property. The offeror is to fill in or populate these items in their proposed budget. These are negotiable estimates for the various other direct costs. The government believes that, among other factors, proposed estimates will be an indication of the experience of the offeror, with respect to managing a warehouse facility of the size and location noted in this solicitation.
21c) CLIN 0012 - Warehouse other costs. Within this will we include Land lease, Licensing, cleaning?
ANSWER: Yes. See the answer to question 21b. Warehouse other direct costs will include the land lease payments, as well as other estimated expenses to maintain the lot and physical facility. Your proposal should include your estimate for these other direct costs.
21d) CLIN 0013 - Commodity / Vehicle other direct costs. Within this will we include, Utilities, General Liability insurance, communications (Telephone, Mobiles, internet)?
ANSWER: This contract line item is meant to cover the contractor's expenses to maintain the excellent condition of the government commodities and vehicles. The expense items named in the question relate much more to the warehouse other direct costs, rather than the commodity / vehicle other direct costs.
21e) CLIN 0014 - Warehouse equipment maintenance costs. Within this will we include maintenance, licenses and Inspections & Tests of equipment for the Compressors, Fire Alarm and equipment, Forklift trucks, Pallet jacks, Shrink wrap machine, Floor scales, Battery chargers, IT equipment?
ANSWER: Yes, the cost elements named in this question are among those associated with warehouse equipment maintenance. Your proposal should include your estimate for these other direct costs.
21f) Will the CLIN 0012, 0013 and 0014 expenses be charged at cost, with no profit or admin charge?
ANSWER: These time and material and service expense items will be charged at actual cost. The fully burdened Warehouse Manager level of effort, which is applied to arrange, inspect and accept these other direct services, is the area where "admin charges" and "profit" are collected by the contractor. As the Warehouse Manager is the individual responsible for ordering, inspecting and accepting these services, this is where the contract organization obtains their direct labor cost - fully burdened with overhead, G and A and profit. Offerors are free to propose a different burdened rate system and fixed fee.
- Completion of Pricing sheet for bid:
Are we correct that we need only to complete line items 0001 through 0011 and leave blank 0012 through 0014? Our understanding is based on the fact that 0001 through 0011 are fixed costs and 0012 through 0014 are variable costs and therefore will be paid on actual costs?
ANSWER: Indeed, CLIN 0012 through 0014 will be reimbursed on an actual cost basis. The offeror is to fill in or populate these items in their proposed budget, based upon their estimate to maintain the facility. These are negotiable estimates for the various other direct costs. The government believes that, among other factors, proposed estimates will be an indication of the experience of the offeror, with respect to managing a warehouse facility of the size and location noted in this solicitation.
- If we do need to complete line items 0012 through 0014, then how do you recommend the estimates to be presented, per year, per day, per hour?
ANSWER: Estimates of these other direct costs shall be based upon a year.
- It is indicated in your guidelines that the Warehouse Manager is expected to report 24 hours a day i.e. full-time, to your Head Office or other concerned parties including The US General Consulate in Dubai who may visit the premises on a regular basis. Besides the above, according to section B.5, normal business hours of warehouse operations are during any eight hour period between 0800 hours to 1700 hours five days a week, 365 days a year. As such, the number of hours the warehouse manager and labor foreman expected to work are significantly greater than those already stated. Furthermore, as per UAE Labour Law, staff who are employed are allowed only to work for the same company/associates who sponsor them for residence and work permit. This means that the recruiter company must pay full-time salary on a monthly basis plus additional charges e.g. working overtime/week end and public holiday (if applicable).
ANSWER: The normal business hours for the warehouse are during any (selected) eight hour period between 0800 and 1700 hours. Five days per week. 260 days per year. These are the normal business hours. The government expects to be able to communicate with the Warehouse Manager or Project Manager 24/7/365, but this does not require the individual to be at the warehouse except during operating business hours. Operating Business Hours: Cargo is arriving or leaving, work is being performed, operations are being conducted, maintenance is being performed, there is an inspection or a visitor, or similar circumstances requiring the presence of the Warehouse Manager or Project Manager. The government estimate for the level of effort required by the Warehouse Manager is about 1500 hours per year. Operational days are estimated to be 200 days per year.
- Please advise us if you have accommodation for staff members partitioned/built or close to the warehouse, if yes, please advise us of the number of rooms and facilities available. This would help alleviate some costs and time due to high renting cost and traffic .
ANSWER: The warehouse shall not be used to house or accommodate or provide living space for contractor staff members or labor. Staff and labor accommodations are a separate matter that is not included in this solicitation.
- Our approved cost accounting practice is to apply G&A to total costs for all projects. Can you clarify whether section B.7 of the RFP precludes an offeror from proposing G&A on ODCs, even if that is the offeror's standard cost accounting practice?
ANSWER: The labor rate for the Warehouse Manager and other labor may be burdened with corporate overhead and G and A expenses. As other direct costs are passed through the contract and do not actually require much administration by the contractor (beyond the oversight and management by the warehouse manager) the government prefers that a contractor only burden the Warehouse Management level of effort with overhead and G and A expenses. If a contractor wishes to propose an alternate means of capturing overhead and G and A expenses to the government, the government will evaluate the proposal using the evaluation factors set forth in this solicitation, including price.
- The minimum value for each year of this IDIQ contract is $50,000. As this might not pay for the government estimated hours/trailers in Section B, do you anticipate the minimum order to cover a certain period of time, certain CLINS or both?
ANSWER: The minimum price per year set forth by the government is only to be paid should there be less than $50,000 worth of goods and services ordered by the government during the year. The government fully expects to exceed this contract minimum each year, rendering the payment of the minimum amount unnecessary.
- The maximum value of the IDIQ is $1,000,000. Can you clarify whether you anticipate allotting this value in equal increments over the contract period, or whether it is possible that the $1M could be ordered before all options are exercised?
ANSWER: The $1,000,000 maximum contract value is meant to inform potential contractors of the maximum value of the contract over the entire term of the contract. It will not be allocated in equal increments over the contract period. Rather, it represents the maximum value for the entire contract term. It is possible that the value may be exceeded prior to the expiration of all option periods. On the other hand, the government may increase this value if it is in our best interest to do so.
- Only the Warehouse Manager and Labor Foreman are specifically identified as separate CLINS on Schedule B. The Statement of Work allows for a Forklift Driver, Warehouse Laborer and Shipping Clerk if necessary. Can you clarify as to which CLINS these labor categories are to be priced?
ANSWER: CLINS 0003 through 0008 anticipate the hiring of labor, handlers, forklift operators, drivers, trailers, shipping clerks, customs clearance experts, etc. The price pages shall be completed to reflect your proposed per hour rate, or per trailer price, or per shipment price to perform the contract.
- What Government remedies are being contemplated for not meeting the Performance Objectives in Sections C.6.0 and E.2.5 in the RFP?
ANSWER: The full range of remedies remain as established in the contract terms. These include (without limiting the contract remedies) everything from cure notices, through terminations and claims for government expenses.
- If the level of natural disasters is higher than estimated in the RFP, will additional funding be available to be added to the IDIQ?
ANSWER: Yes, additional funding will be made available to reimburse additional contractor level of effort and services requested by, and provided to, the government.
- Is a hybrid approach to warehouse management acceptable, with PM on part time oversight of the facility operation and a subordinate available for 24/7 operations?
ANSWER: The project manager or warehouse manager does not have to be at the facility at all times. Part time oversight by a PM may be scheduled. There will be times when nothing is happening at the warehouse. The warehouse manager or project manager will be a key person under this contract. He/she will be available to communicate with the government 24/7 regarding warehouse operations. If the key person is not going to be available for a period of time, then an appropriately qualified individual may be substituted as their designee for a brief time, with the approval of the government.
- Page 3. B.3. The government anticipates about 200 days per year of operations at the warehouse, with daily hours of operations being 0800-1700hrs. Using these estimates, the warehouse manager would be required to work a minimum of 1800 hours per year. However, the Government estimate (page 6) lists the warehouse manager at 1500 hours per year. Please clarify.
ANSWER: The government estimates "about" 200 days per year of operations. The government estimates the Warehouse Manager will have a level of effort of 1500 hours each year. Fewer or greater hours of effort will be paid at the contract hourly rate, based upon the required actual usage.
- Page 4. B.5. 200 days per year are estimated (page 3), however, B.5 states that a "project manager" needs to be able to receive and respond to communications 24 hours per day. Does this mean that 24-hour management coverage is required at the warehouse during these periods? Or is the project manager to be available from a remote location with the ability to receive and send all communications (i.e. portable laptop/internet, and telephone)? How are these hours to be controlled and/or tracked?
ANSWER: The Warehouse Manager (Project Manager) is required to be available 24/7 from any location. They are not required to be at the warehouse facility 24/7. The contractor, Warehouse Manager and government will track the actual required hours of effort.
- Page 12. PWS 1.0. As part of the overall warehouse functions, this section indicates the Warehouse Manager will be required to purchase and maintain equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, machinery). What is the estimate of equipment required to be purchased in excess to items provided in the solicitation on page 18? How will these costs be allocated towards the contract value?
ANSWER: The government does not have an estimate of the equipment that may have to be purchased during the contract term. Funding will be made available in the contract, prior to purchase. In any event, if items are purchased, the purchase price is reimbursable under the contract at actual cost. Any items purchased (non-expendable items) by the contractor become the property of the government.
- Page 13. PWS 3.0. Are the costs associated with the existing services and repair agreements to be paid directly by USAID/OFDA, and not part of the total contract value? If not, how are the potential costs to be calculated ahead of time for inclusion in the pricing model (i.e. CLIN 0013)?
ANSWER: The costs associated with existing services and repair agreements will be paid by the contractor, and funded through the contract. Your proposal should estimate the cost for maintaining a warehouse facility of the type specified. Keep in mind that this is a negotiated procurement, and the estimated prices for these other direct costs are negotiable, and estimates only.
- Page 14 & 15. PWS 3.5 Leases and Licenses. What is exactly meant by "Contractor responsible for the lease of the land for this complex?" Is the contractor to assume the cost of lease, or simply manage the lease? If the former, are the lease costs part of the minimum $1,000,000 per year contract value, or are they separate and reimbursable?
ANSWER: The contractor will assume making the lease payment. The lease payments will be funded by the contract. The lease payments are within the $1,000,000 maximum contract value. The government, in its sole discretion, may adjust the maximum contract value.
- What exactly is meant by "Contractor is responsible for maintaining all licenses, inspections, warehouse insurance, system tests, and certifications required by Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai regulations? Is the contractor to procure these leases, licenses, and insurance? If so, are these costs part of the minimum $1,000,000 per year contract value, or are they separate and reimbursable?
ANSWER: The contractor will be responsible for maintaining the facility in such a manner as to be able to retain licenses to operate in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. This means meeting all local regulations and requirements to continue operations. The contractor is responsible for maintaining all licenses, assuring the facility passes required inspections, maintaining required levels of insurance, assuring the facility passes various system tests, assuring that certifications are made and accepted under the local rules and regulations.
- Is the contractor responsible for the payment of utility costs, or are there direct USAID/OFDA contracts in place that will cover pay associated invoices? If the contractor is responsible for the payment, what are the approximate yearly utility costs, and are these part of the total contract value?
ANSWER: The costs associated with utility agreements will be paid by the contractor, and funded through the contract. Your proposal should estimate the cost for maintaining a warehouse facility of the type specified. Keep in mind this is a negotiated procurement, and the estimated prices for other direct costs are negotiable, and estimates only.
- Page 18. PWS 7.0. Security. Is the contractor responsible for the procurement, installation, and maintenance of this system, including the complete provision of security upgrades? Is there an existing security system in place? If so, what is the cost to maintain the system per year, or the potential costs to upgrade the system in the future? Are the alarm monitoring and maintenance costs directly reimbursable? If not, how are they to be quantified?
ANSWER: The costs associated with existing security systems will be paid by the contractor, and funded through the contract. There is no requirement to procure or install a security system. Maintenance of the existing system will be required. Your proposal should estimate the cost for maintaining a warehouse facility of the type specified. Keep in mind that this is a negotiated procurement, and the estimated prices for other direct costs are negotiable, and estimates only.
- CLINs 0012, 0013, and 0014. Will USAID provide fixed dollar figures for these CLINs? Or is the contractor to populate them and if so what assumptions are to be used in the development of costs?
ANSWER: The offeror is to fill in or populate these items in their proposed budget. These are negotiable estimates for the various other direct costs. The government believes that, among other factors, proposed estimates will be an indication of the experience of the offeror, with respect to managing a warehouse facility of the size and location noted in this solicitation.
- The maximum ceiling value for all goods and services included in this IDIQ is stated at ceiling of $1,000,000. Is this figure inclusive of the base year and the four option periods and include all the potential other direct costs described in the solicitation?
ANSWER: Yes, the maximum ceiling value for all goods and services under the contract is $1,000,000.
- We assume that Dubai Port Authorities are currently in charge of OFDA warehouse in Dubai services, is this correct?
ANSWER: Dubai World is the owner of the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone. The warehouse building is owned by the US government and the land is leased from the Free Trade Zone.
- Under Section C 3.1 Warehouse management it says" Warehouse Transportation: responsible for loading and transporting commodities from the warehouse to the destination as required by the OFDA Logistics Officer…" Does this mean that the warehouse management will be the entity contracting with the shipping agency?
ANSWER: This requirement refers to the contractor arranging transport from the warehouse to a local airport or port. The Contractor and Warehouse Manager will sometimes be responsible for contracting for the local transport and clearance of commodities. In these circumstances, the shipper of record will be USAID, and the Contractor will enter into contracts for local transport and clearance services and handling. Export transport from local ports and airports to final destinations is not part of this contract. The government contracts for these transport services separately.
- Under Section C 3.3 in the Scope of Work the RFP states "A shipping agency will need to be contracted to work with the Warehouse Management (paragraph 3.1 above) and various contracted shippers moving OFDA commodities." (C3.1). Will there be only one shipping agency contracted? What type of contract will be issued? When is the corresponding RFP expected to be released? Will USAID/OFDA be the contracting entity for the shipping services described in this section? If no, then please let us know who will be responsible for contracting.
ANSWER: A contractor-hired Shipping Agency will be responsible for developing or collecting documentation, acting as a freight forwarder and providing clearance (including customs clearance) for commodities entering or leaving Dubai and the Free Zone. Only one shipping agency will need to be hired. The warehouse contractor and warehouse manager will be responsible for contracting with or hiring a shipping agency to assist with the inbound and outbound clearance process and paperwork. Generally, inbound commodities are delivered to the warehouse door, already cleared, by a transport company, and a shipping agency will not be required. For outbound deliveries to local ports or airports, a shipping agency will assist the warehouse contractor with the documentation and customs clearance process.
- Under Section C 1.0 in Introduction it states "in addition USAID/OFDA intends to store approximately twenty lightly and fully armored vehicles at this location". Will there be a
forthcoming RFP/tender released by USAID/OFDA for the purchasing of the vehicles described in this section? What is the estimated tender release date?
ANSWER: USAID already owns, or will contract separately for, these vehicles. At this time there are no planned solicitations for vehicles. USAID solicitations are advertised at www.fbo.gov
- What is the specific insurance requirements per B.6.?
ANSWER: The government requires the contractor maintain worker's compensation, employer's liability, comprehensive general liability, comprehensive automobile liability insurance, etc. during the term of this contract. See the Federal Acquisition Regulation clause at 52.228-5 "Insurance - Work on a Government Installation (January 1997)" which is a part of this contract.
- Consumables, etc claimable at cost? Capital items will become the property of the US Govt - forklifts, pallet jacks, etc. Would our preference be to lease the equipment on maintenance contracts to avoid ownership risk?
ANSWER: Consumables will be claimable at cost. The existing government property will remain at the facility. New equipment will be purchased, not leased.
- Section B.8: Vehicle maintenance/inspection - we assume these are warehouse forklift or other such vehicles. Or does this involve automobiles?
ANSWER: This section involves automobile and vehicle maintenance and inspection.
- We need an inventory of goods - some items may require special certification for clearance and storage.
ANSWER: The government will provide an inventory of goods to the contractor awarded this contract. The solicitation inventory description is sufficient for proposal preparation. The government may select a different mix of commodities for storage at any time. There are some hazardous materials which are addressed in question 12 above.
- Page 14, Section C-3.3 Services states that, "a shipping agency," and "a facilities cleaning service will need to be contracted." Does the offeror need to identify those agencies in the proposal or can they be identified post award?
ANSWER: They should be identified in your proposal.
- Page 14, Section C-3.5 Warehouse Facility and Facility Complex states: "Contractor responsible for maintaining all licenses, inspections…warehouse insurance, system tests…, and certifications required by Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai regulations." What are the costs of said licenses, inspections…warehouse insurance, system tests…, and certifications? Will the government be reimbursing the contractor for this expense?
ANSWER: An experienced offeror will be able to estimate the costs associated with the maintenance of these various systems. The contract "other direct costs" will be negotiated to a reasonable level with the contractor based upon current and projected actual costs. The government will reimburse the contractor for the expenses of maintaining the facility and the various systems.
- Page 15, Section C-3.5 Warehouse Facility and Facility Complex states: "Contractor responsible for utility costs…" What are the projected utility costs? Will the government be reimbursing the offeror for this expense?
ANSWER: An experienced offeror will be able to estimate the utility expenses for this size facility. The contract "other direct costs" will be negotiated to a reasonable level with the contractor based upon current and projected actual costs. The government will reimburse the contractor for the utility expenses.
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