This Request for Information (RFI) is for sealift services to Port of Praia, Azores and to Antigua/Ascension Islands. There is no solicitation package available at this time. USTRANSCOM/TCAQ-R is seeking sources that may be able to provide both break-bulk and intermodal container service, including terminal handling, all stevedoring, loading and discharging. For Port of Praia, Azores the designated U.S. Government contractor 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. For Antigua/Ascension Islands, a vessel operating ocean Carrier, shall provide transportation of lawful cargo by U.S. flag ships between points in the Continental United States of America (CONUS) (specified in CARE –SM II), Port of Cape Canaveral, Antigua and Ascension Island. The Carrier shall maintain door-to-door service to Antigua and door-to-port service to Ascension Island throughout the period of the Contract The Carrier shall provide Liner Terms in Antigua and CONUS and in stream vessel discharge in Ascension Island. Subsequently, CONUS departures shall occur at two-month intervals on the first Wednesday of each sailing month. Actual cargo transit time will not exceed eighteen (18) days from Cape Canaveral to Ascension Island. Types of cargo to be carried are military’s cargo, mail, and any other cargo shipped by the Department of Defense (DoD) in the Defense Transportation System (DTS). All cargo shall be stowed in accordance with commercial shipping practices to prevent damage due to exposure to the elements. Ascension Island port operations are provided by the Air Force contractors. Tugs are not available to position vessel. Cargo is discharged, transshipped and loaded from the vessel offshore by ship’s crew using vessel gear, to/from Air Force owned mule barges. Barges discharge and loading operations are conducted during daylight hours between sunrise and sunset. Discharge and loading operations will normally be conducted, as required, on recognized U.S. and Ascension Island holidays. No bunkers are available at the port. Antigua Island port operations are provided by commercial port agents. Normal base support services at Antigua AS are performed by the Range Contractor, which includes logistics and transportation. Appropriate equipment is available on the air station for discharge and loading operations. All interested parties should respond with the following: 1. The estimated price or price range, per 20’ container & per 40’ container (include reefers) from Port in Norfolk, VA to Port of Praia, Azores. 2. The estimated price or price range, per 20’ container & per 40’ container (include reefers) from Port in Cape Canaveral, FL to Antigua/Ascension Islands. 3. Please provide your business size. 4. Please tell us if you have minimum space available to the Government for each outbound (CONUS to Azores) or inbound (Azores to CONUS) sailing 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 and your vessel capabilities. 5. Please tell us if you have minimum space available to the government for each voyage, no less than 100 - 20’ containers and 2000 square feet of protected breakbulk/vehicle space per voyage and your vessel capabilities for Antigua/Ascension Islands. 6. Please provide a price for self-sustaining vessel vs. non self-sustaining vessel and plan for off-loading cargo if you would use a non self-sustaining vessel for the Port of Praia, Azores. 7. Please provide a price for self-sustaining vessel vs. non self-sustaining vessel and plan for off-loading cargo if you would use a non self-sustaining vessel for Antigua/Ascension Islands. 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, nor 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 12 August 2008, 1600hrs (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. All correspondence regarding this RFI should be addressed to Carrie Yearian, Contract Specialist, USTRANSCOM/TCAQ-R, email
[email protected].