This Request for Information (RFI) is for sealift services to Port of Praia, Azores. There is no solicitation package available at this time. Interested carriers should complete the attached RFI document and return to USTRANSCOM/TCAQ-I by the deadline. USTRANSCOM/TCAQ-I is seeking sources that may be able to provide both break-bulk and intermodal container service, including terminal handling, stevedoring, loading and discharging. For Port of Praia, Azores the designated U.S. Government shall provide all port handling and stevedoring unless the Government directs the Carrier to implement such services. The frequency of service shall be a vessel call at Azores at intervals not to exceed twenty-five (25) days between deliveries. Actual cargo transit time shall not exceed eleven (11) days from the last loading port in CONUS to Port of Praia and eleven (11) days from Port of Praia to the first discharge port in CONUS. For inbound cargo, inland cargo delivery transit after port clearance (commencement of delivery) shall not exceed one day for every 300 miles of the shortest road distance from the port of discharge. For outbound cargo, if inland cargo delivery is required by the Government, transit after commencement of delivery shall not exceed three (3) days by the shortest road distance from the port of discharge. The Carrier shall carry any and all cargoes offered by the Government up to the capacity of the vessels offered for use in this trade, with the exception of those limitations of the Carrier's obligations specified in Section 2.5. The minimum space available to the Government for each outbound (CONUS to Azores) or inbound (Azores to CONUS) sailing shall be no less than 59 - 40' containers, of which 20 spaces must be capable of accepting 40' refrigerated containers; and 2000 square feet of protected break-bulk/vehicle stowage. Each of the 40' spaces offered must be able to accommodate 2 - 20' containers or the vessel(s) must have additional space to accommodate the 20' container shortfall. At this time, USTRANSCOM is NOT looking for proposals. NO SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME. This RFI does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, or a Request for Quotations, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an order or otherwise pay for the information solicited. Responses to this RFI are due 16 September 2011, 1800hrs (CST). Electronic copies can be submitted to
[email protected]. If you submit proprietary data, please mark it clearly with the appropriate markings. Further action on this anticipated requirement will be determined following review of the responses to this RFI.