Bremerhaven T&C

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation HTC71126QE118 for Bremerhaven Tallying and Checking (T&C) Services.

• Port Tariffs: Vendors are informed that they do not need to include Port Tariffs in their price quotations. The updated Performance Work Statement (PWS) Paragraph 4.5 provides further clarification regarding Commodity Rates.

• The government's response indicates that an amendment to the RFQ (Request for Quotation) is required, as indicated by 'Yes' in the 'AMEND RFQ?' column for the first question.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation by incorporating an updated Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement. All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

• Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (Updated)
• Attachment 2 - Schedule of Rates
• Attachment 3 - Mission Essential Plan
• Attachment 4 - RFP Information and General Compliance Worksheet
• Attachment 5 - Technical Worksheet

This amendment does not appear to change the proposal submission deadline or evaluation factors, as it primarily incorporates an updated Performance Work Statement. Bidders should ensure they are using the revised Attachment 1 for their proposals.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for Tally and Checking (T&C) services for U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) cargo, both imported and exported, through the Port of Bremerhaven, Germany. The objective is to ensure accurate accountability, movement, and documentation of U.S. Military cargo.

• Provide comprehensive cargo accountability, movement, and documentation services for U.S. Military cargo (containers, vehicles, breakbulk, aircraft) transiting the Port of Bremerhaven.

• Services include all labor, equipment, tools, safety equipment, and materials necessary for T&C operations.

• Tasks encompass vessel loading/discharging, port reception/disposition, cargo staging, intra-port transfers, stuffing/unstuffing, and inventory.

• Provide required information to German Customs via the Bremische Hafentelematik (BHT) system for export shipments.

• Services are required 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

• Services must be performed in a manner consistent with "Best Commercial Practices."

• The Contractor must maintain sufficient qualified labor and equipment.

• Performance will be measured against objectives outlined in the Contractor Performance Requirements Summary (PRS).

• Port of Bremerhaven, Germany.

• Services are required 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

• Security: Personnel screening is mandatory. Employees must meet U.S. Government guidelines regarding foreign national employment. Access to installations and facilities requires compliance with DoD security regulations. Personnel not pre-cleared will be denied entry.

• Safety: Contractor must comply with Host Nation, international, and local safety regulations. A Safety Program Representative is required. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided and used. Safety briefings are mandatory for all workers.

• Contract Administration: Contractor must obtain written approval from the Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for all work. The Contractor must provide a contract manager and alternates fluent in English and German.

• Reporting: Various reports are required, including daily accomplishment plans, accident reports, and final tonnage reports.

• Quality Control: A Quality Control Inspection Plan (QCIP) must be submitted within 10 days of contract award. Quality control inspections will be conducted regularly.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for Tally and Checking (T&C) services for U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) cargo, both import and export, at the Port of Bremerhaven, Germany. The objective is to ensure the accurate accountability, movement, and documentation of U.S. Military cargo.

• Provide comprehensive cargo accountability, movement, and documentation services for U.S. Military cargo (containers, vehicles, breakbulk, aircraft) transiting the Port of Bremerhaven.

• Services include labor, equipment, tools, safety equipment, documentation, and office supplies.

• Tasks encompass vessel loading/discharging, port reception/disposition, cargo staging, intra-port transfers, stuffing/unstuffing, cargo preparation, and inventory.

• Provide required information to port authorities via the Bremische Hafentelematik (BHT) system for German Customs export requirements.

• Services are required 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

• Performance will be measured against objectives outlined in the Contractor Performance Requirements Summary (PRS).

• Quality Assurance will be conducted through surveillance, inspections, and observations.

• Specific performance standards and acceptable quality levels (AQL) will be used for evaluation.

• Port of Bremerhaven, Germany.

• Services are required 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

• Security: Personnel screening is mandatory. Personnel must not have criminal, terrorism, or threat-related activity or alliances detrimental to the U.S. or Host Nation. Access control procedures must be followed. Operations are UNCLASSIFIED.

• Safety: Contractor must comply with Host Nation, international, and Army safety regulations. A Safety Program Representative is required. Personnel must use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Safety briefings are mandatory.

• Contract Administration: Contractor must obtain written approval for all work. A Contract Manager fluent in English and German is required.

• Reporting: Various reports are required, including daily accomplishment plans, incident reports, and final tonnage reports.

• Foreign Entity Vetting: Semi-annual reports are required for first-tier foreign transportation service providers.

• Cyber Security: Services are designated as "operationally critical support" requiring compliance with DFARS 252-204-7012.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a synopsis notifying interested parties of an upcoming solicitation for Tallying and Checking (T&C) services supporting Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) in Bremerhaven. The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Acquisition (AQ) office anticipates issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• The government intends to award a single, fixed-rate schedule Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Services include Tallying and Checking (T&C) to support Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS).

• Period of Performance: 01 September 2026 through 31 August 2031.

• The contract will include FAR clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services.

• The acquisition will be conducted under FAR Part 13.5 (Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services) and FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items).

• Quotes will be evaluated using factors identified in the RFQ.

• Award will be made on the basis of Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Noncompliance with RFQ factors may lead to quote elimination.

• A RFQ is expected to be available on SAM.gov on or about February 10, 2026.

• No hardcopies of the solicitation will be issued.

• Not specified in this synopsis.

• Contracting Office: United States Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, (TCAQ-R), Scott AFB, IL.

• NAICS Code: 488320, Marine Cargo Handling.

• Points of Contact are provided for Connor Breyer (Contract Specialist) and Cassandra Range (Contracting Officer).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Tallying and Checking (T&C) services at the designated seaport(s) of Bremerhaven, Germany, in connection with the import and export of Defense Transportation System (DTS) sponsored cargo. The services are to be provided according to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Schedule of Rates (SOR) detailed in the attachments.

• Provide Tallying and Checking (T&C) services.

• All tasks shall be completed per the requirements stated throughout the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Billing shall be in accordance with Attachment 2, Schedule of Rates (SOR).

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: 01 September 2026 through 31 August 2031 (5-year base period).

• Minimum Order Value: $2,500.00 for the first twelve (12) months of contract performance.

• Maximum Contract Value (Ceiling): Total contract award amount plus a 25% increase. This includes the total of all task orders issued through the ordering period.

• Option to Extend Services: A six-month extension period is available from 01 September 2031 through 29 February 2032.

• Offer Due Date: 16 March 2026, 06:00 AM Central Time (CT).

• Quotes must be submitted via email and adhere to specific formatting and page limit requirements.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Submission (Attachment 3 and Attachment 5) rated Acceptable/Unacceptable, and Price Quote/Schedule of Rates (Attachment 2) rated Fair and Reasonable/Not Fair and Reasonable.

• Award will be made to the responsible Quoter whose quote is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors, with a focus on the lowest evaluated price of the quote with an "Acceptable" Technical Submission.

• This acquisition is listed as "Unrestricted."

• NAICS Code: 488320 (Marine Cargo Handling).

• Size Standard: $47,000,000.00.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and DFARS clauses incorporated by reference and in full text.

• Attachments include: Performance Work Statement, Schedule of Rates, Mission Essential Plan, RFP Information and General Compliance Worksheet, and Technical Worksheet.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 - Schedule of Rates_Bremerhaven TC.xlsx", provides detailed definitions, units of measure, commodity handling methods, and specific rate schedules for cargo tally and checker services at the Port of Bremerhaven. It serves as a pricing and definition guide for potential bidders.

• Definitions: Clarifies terms such as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), working hours, and various units of measure (e.g., MTON, HR, EA, LT, KG).
• Commodity Handling Methods: Outlines methods like Lift On/Lift Off (LO/LO), Roll On/Roll Off (RO/RO), and Tow On/Tow Off (TO/TO), including associated lashing and unlashing.
• Cargo Categories: Defines specific categories for containers (e.g., Milvan, ISO Fitted) and vehicles (Medium, Light, Heavy) with their respective weight ranges.
• Schedule of Rates: Details unit prices and quantities for various services including loading/discharging vessels, rail, and trucks; reception; disposition; stuffing/unstuffing; intra-port transfers; extra labor; detention; overtime differentials; and shift differentials. It also includes miscellaneous administrative charges and out-of-pocket pool costs.
• Period of Performance: The contract period is from September 1, 2026, through February 29, 2032, including a potential 6-month extension.
• Estimated Value: The total estimated value for the Port of Bremerhaven, including the 5-year period and 6-month extension, is $330,000.00, with a ceiling increase of 25% bringing the total to $412,500.00.

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific services required, the units of measure for those services, and the associated rates. Bidders must use this information to understand the cost structure and to potentially prepare their own pricing proposals or to evaluate the provided rates for the cargo tally and checker services at the Port of Bremerhaven.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3 - Mission Essential Plan," requires Quoters to submit a plan detailing how they will continue performing essential contractor services during a crisis, in compliance with DFARS 252.237-7024. This plan is crucial for ensuring continuity of operations.

• Submission Requirement: A written plan not exceeding 5 pages.
• Content Focus: Specific details on how support will be provided for the particular port(s) to ensure continuity during crisis periods.
• Plan Components:
  • Provisions for acquiring essential personnel and resources for up to 30 days or until normal operations resume.
  • Addressing challenges during extended events (e.g., pandemics).
  • The time lapse between initiating acquisition of personnel/resources and their availability.
  • Components, processes, and requirements for identifying, training, and preparing personnel for relocation or remote work.
  • Alert and notification procedures for mobilizing "essential contractor service" personnel.
  • Approach for communicating roles and responsibilities to employees during a crisis.

Failure to complete this document in its entirety may result in ineligibility for award. The Government will evaluate the plan for soundness and its addressal of DFARS 252.237-7024 requirements. An "unacceptable" rating on any question will result in an overall "unacceptable" subfactor rating. Quoters must provide their name and complete the text fields as instructed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4 - RFQ Information and General Compliance Worksheet," serves as a worksheet for bidders to provide essential company information and confirm compliance with various contractual requirements for Solicitation HTC71126QE118. It is designed to be completed by the offeror.

• Company Information: Fields for Company Name, Address, Telephone Number, Email Address, Business Size (NAICS 488320), CAGE Code, SAM Number, Tax Identification Number, IBAN/SWIFT Code, and Remittance Address.
• Point of Contact (POC) Information: Sections for Primary and Alternate POCs, including title and contact details.
• Proposal Details: Fields for Prompt Payment Discount, Date/Time of Submission, and Proposal Validity Date (minimum 180 calendar days).
• Contract Documentation Compliance: Checklists for SAM.gov active status, NAICS code verification, and completion of specific Representations and Certifications (REPS & CERTS) clauses (FAR 52.204-24, FAR 52.209-7, FAR 52.12-3, FAR 52.229-11, DFARS 252.204-7017, DFARS 252.229-7001).
• Ancillary Documentation: Confirmation of submission for Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) Compliance Plan (as per FAR 52.222-56).
• Technical Submission: Confirmation of completion and submission for Attachment 5 (Technical Worksheet) and Attachment 3 (Mission Essential Plan), including page limit adherence.
• Price Quote: Confirmation of completion and submission for Attachment 2 (Schedule of Rates), with specific instructions regarding formulas, decimal places, and completion for all quantities.
• Acknowledgments: Checklists for completing specific blocks on SF1449 and SF30 forms, including signature and date requirements for the SF1449 to indicate acceptance of contract terms.

This worksheet is critical for bidders to ensure all required company data, compliance statements, and supporting documentation are accurately provided. Failure to complete these sections correctly may impact the evaluation and award of the contract. It guides bidders on the specific information and attestations needed for their proposal submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 5 - Technical Worksheet," is a required form for bidders responding to Request for Quotation HTC71126QE118. It serves as the primary mechanism for bidders to detail their technical approach and demonstrate how they will meet the requirements outlined in Attachment 1, the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Basis for Responses: All responses must be based on the PWS. Bidders must provide rationale demonstrating how they will meet minimum requirements, not just restate them.
• Page Limit: Technical responses within this worksheet are limited to 20 pages, excluding specific listed items (Cover Sheet, Table of Contents, etc.).
• Attachments: Any supporting attachments must be listed, clearly referenced, and labeled with their purpose.
• Required Sections: Bidders must provide detailed responses to specific questions regarding:
  • Labor: Ability to provide qualified labor for port support, including flexibility, multiple work sites, and 24/7 operations.
  • Tallying and Checking – Cargo Handling Procedures: Experience and ability in cargo accuracy, recording, verification, condition checks, and markings/label verification.
  • Port Access: Proof of valid business licenses or work permits for all named ports.
• Foreign Language Documents: Certified English translations are required for non-English documents.

Completing this worksheet thoroughly and accurately is critical for a successful bid. Failure to complete it in its entirety or attach requested documents may result in ineligibility for award. The responses directly inform the Government's evaluation of the bidder's technical approach, with an "unacceptable" rating on any question leading to an overall "unacceptable" technical worksheet rating.