Crane Operator, Rigger, and Forklift Train-the-Trainer Courses – USCG Base Charleston

Amendment / Modification

• Amendment A00002 is issued to solicitation 70Z03626Q0024.

• A question and answer sheet dated 2/3/2025 has been posted to the solicitation.

• Solicitation 70Z03626Q0024

• The effective date for this amendment is 02/03/2026.

• Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment.

• The contractor/offeror is required to sign this document and return 1 copy to the issuing office.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding Solicitation #70Z03626Q0024 for Crane Operator, Rigger, and Forklift Train-the-Trainer Courses for USCG Base Charleston.

• Equipment Provision: The contractor will provide all necessary equipment, including forklifts, a crane, and rigging equipment (slings and shackles).
• Training Alignment: While the work environment is not considered active construction, training must meet ANSI B30.5 and OSHA 1926 1400 CC standards due to the use of an all-terrain crane. General Industry OSHA standards may be acceptable if they meet these specific requirements.
• Course Duration: Forklift and rigger train-the-trainer courses can be completed in one day each, provided all required classroom and hands-on material is covered.

These clarifications confirm equipment provision, specify training standards, and allow for condensed course durations, which may affect how bidders prepare their proposals and training plans.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment revises Section 4, "Training Timeline / Period of Performance," of the solicitation.

• The "Statement of Work" has been updated and is now titled "Statement of Work – Revision 1."

• The revised "Statement of Work (Revision 1)" is attached and replaces the previous version entirely.

• Section 4, "Training Timeline / Period of Performance"

• "Statement of Work" (now "Statement of Work – Revision 1")

• Offerors are required to acknowledge receipt of this amendment.

• Offerors must utilize "Statement of Work – Revision 1" when preparing their quotes.

• All other terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged.

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

This SOW outlines the requirements for providing one iteration of three distinct training courses to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) personnel at Base Charleston: crane operator training, forklift train-the-trainer training, and rigger training.

• Crane Operator Course: A five (5) day course for up to four (4) personnel, covering crane operation principles, safety regulations, and practical skills using a Grove RT765E-2 crane. Includes administration of a nationally recognized certification exam (e.g., NCCCO) and provision of completion certificates/cards.

• Forklift Train the Trainer Course: A two (2) day course for up to four (4) personnel, teaching participants how to train and evaluate forklift operators. Covers regulations, forklift fundamentals, safe operating practices, and train-the-trainer content. Includes administration of a nationally recognized certification, if applicable.

• Rigger Course: A two (2) day course for up to fifteen (15) personnel, focusing on safe and effective rigging practices for crane operations. Covers regulations, rigging fundamentals, load calculations, safe practices, and practical exercises. Includes administration of evaluations and provision of completion certificates.

• Training is scheduled to commence in March 2026.

• The courses will be conducted sequentially: Forklift Train the Trainer (week of March 9, 2026), Crane Operator (week of March 16, 2026), and Rigger (week of March 23, 2026). Exact dates to be finalized by contract award.

• Training will take place at U.S. Coast Guard Base Charleston, North Charleston, SC 29405, within indoor classroom settings and outdoor operational environments.

• Instructor Qualifications: Instructors must have extensive experience and relevant certifications (e.g., NCCCO, CSP).

• Materials: Contractor to provide all training materials (manuals, handouts, test materials) and PPE for instructors. Government will provide PPE for students.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP): Includes a conference room, one Grove RT765E-2 crane, and specific types of forklifts. Government will provide these in safe, operable condition with fuel.

• Security: Personnel require base access vetting; no security clearance above standard is anticipated. Compliance with all security regulations is mandatory.

• Deliverables: Include course agendas, curriculum outlines, training rosters, evaluation results, completion certificates, and summary reports.

• Quality Assurance: Work must meet industry standard quality assurance practices. COR will review and approve curriculum and schedule. Acceptance based on delivery, coverage, completion, and COR verification.

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

This SOW outlines the requirements for providing one iteration of three distinct training courses to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) personnel at Base Charleston.

• Crane Operator Training: A five-day course for up to four students on the Grove RT765E-2 crane, covering operation principles, safety regulations, best practices, and preparation for nationally recognized certification (e.g., NCCCO). Includes administering the certification exam.

• Forklift Train-the-Trainer Course: A two-day course for up to four students, teaching them how to train and evaluate forklift operators. Covers regulations, forklift fundamentals, safe operating practices, and train-the-trainer content.

• Rigger Training: A two-day course for up to fifteen students, focusing on safe and effective rigging practices for crane operations. Covers regulations, rigging fundamentals, load calculations, and safe rigging practices.

• Training must cover specified topics and meet industry standards for quality assurance.

• Contractor must provide course completion certificates and, where applicable, nationally recognized certification cards.

• Contractor must administer written and practical evaluations with defined passing criteria.

• Training is scheduled to commence in March 2026.

• The courses will be conducted sequentially: Crane Operator (week of March 9), Rigger (week of March 16), and Forklift Train-the-Trainer (week of March 23).

• Training will take place at U.S. Coast Guard Base Charleston, North Charleston, SC 29405, within indoor and outdoor operational environments.

• Training hours are between 0800 and 1600 local time daily.

• Instructor Qualifications: Instructors must have extensive experience in crane operations, powered industrial truck operations, and rigging, and hold relevant certifications (e.g., NCCCO, CSP).

• Materials: Contractor to provide all training materials (manuals, handouts, test materials) and PPE for instructors. Government provides classroom facilities, one Grove RT765E-2 crane, various forklifts, and PPE for students.

• Security: Personnel must meet base access requirements; no security clearance above standard vetting is anticipated. Compliance with all security and safety regulations is required.

• Deliverables: Include course agendas, curriculum outlines, training rosters, evaluation results, completion certificates, and summary reports.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-4427, Revision 32) for the Service Contract Act. It lists various occupational classifications and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits required for contracts in South Carolina, specifically for the counties of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester. The document also includes notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage for federal contractors, as well as details on vacation and holiday entitlements.

This wage determination is crucial for any contractor bidding on or performing federal service contracts in the specified geographic area. It establishes the minimum labor costs that must be factored into proposals and paid to employees performing covered work. Bidders must consult this document to ensure their pricing and labor practices comply with federal requirements, including specific wage rates, health and welfare benefits, and potential differentials for hazardous duty. It also outlines the process for requesting additional classifications if a required job title is not listed.

Addenda / Terms and Conditions

This document contains addenda to the solicitation, primarily focusing on "Terms and Conditions (Invoice Instruction and Clauses)". Key information includes:

• Contracting Officer Authority: Details the KO's authority regarding changes and provides contact information for SKC Adam Hitchcox.
• Vendor Payment Information: Outlines how vendors can obtain payment status and provides contact details for the USCG Finance Center Customer Service.
• Invoice Instructions: Mandates the use of the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for submitting invoices. It provides instructions for both existing IPP users and new enrollees, including email contacts and website resources for training and support.
• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) Clauses: Updates are provided for FAC 2025-04. Specific representations and certifications that contracting officers will NOT consider for award decisions are listed, including deviations related to E.O. 14057.
• Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Mentions that certain provisions are incorporated by reference and provides a link to access their full text.
• Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services/Equipment: Includes FAR clauses 52.204-24, 52.204-26, and 52.204-25, which address prohibitions and representations related to covered telecommunications equipment and services, particularly those from specific foreign entities. It details reporting requirements for any identified covered equipment or services.
• Sustainable Products and Services: Incorporates FAR clause 52.223-23, outlining requirements for sustainable products and services, including definitions and resources like the Green Procurement Compilation (GPC).
• Prohibition on Contracting for Kaspersky Lab Covered Entities: Includes FAR clause 52.204-23, prohibiting the use of Kaspersky Lab hardware, software, or services and outlining reporting requirements.
• Federal Agency Tax Exemption: States that federal agencies are exempt from taxes and provides the USCG Tax Exemption and Identification Numbers.

Bidders must carefully review these terms and conditions, particularly the invoicing procedures, FAR/HSAR clause deviations, and prohibitions related to telecommunications equipment and services, as these will impact contract performance and proposal preparation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard Base Charleston, for crane operator training, rigger training, and forklift train-the-trainer courses. The training is to be conducted in accordance with an attached Statement of Work (SOW).

• Crane operator course (week of March 9, 2026)

• Rigger course (week of March 16, 2026)

• Forklift train-the-trainer course (week of March 23, 2026)

• Contract type: Firm Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: Specific weeks in March 2026 for the courses.

• The document references prevailing wage determinations from the Department of Labor for the Charleston, SC area.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer (SKC Adam Hitchcox).

• Proposals are due by 5:00 PM EST on February 10, 2026.

• Evaluation will be conducted using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) process.

• Technical proposals will be evaluated for "Acceptable" or "Unacceptable" ratings.

• Pricing will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Submissions must include a brief Technical Proposal demonstrating understanding of the SOW, the Company's Unique Entity ID (UEI), and the solicitation number in the email subject.

• This acquisition is set aside 100% for Small Business.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 611430, with a size standard of $15M.

• Invoicing will be processed through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• Relevant FAR clauses are incorporated by reference, including FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5.