Time Charter Lease for Transportation and Logistics Support in Support of United States Coast Guard (USCG)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions and clarifications regarding Task Order 1 (TO1) of RFP No. 70Z02326R9328002, updated on 23 January 2026.

• SOW 3.11.1.1: Small arms workspace and ready service lockers can be combined into one container for Task Order 1.
• SOW 3.11.2: An equivalency statement will be added to the Task Order SOW regarding container dimensions (11'x9'x9' vs. 8'x20').
• SOW 3.11.1.4: Hazardous material lockers will have a minimum size requirement of 3 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 6 feet high. Hazardous materials may be flammable.
• SOW 3.8.4: The dry deck requirement does not need to be covered overhead.
• Vessel Qualification: The Coast Guard will not release additional technical specifications or example vessel profiles.
• Task Order 1 Conversion: Offerors proposing vessel conversions must demonstrate ability to meet all threshold requirements at proposal submission and be operational within 30 days. Conversion costs can be included as an additional expense on CLIN X002.
• Cargo Segregation: No liquid cargo segregation is required for Task Order 1. The refueling system must deliver 100-250 GPM with specific hose and fittings.
• Threshold Requirements Spreadsheet: This spreadsheet will be revised to address specific questions regarding communication systems and SOW references.
• Deck Area: The 800 sqft dry deck area can be included in the total working deck area calculation.
• Proposal Submission: Each Offeror is permitted to submit only one proposal with a single vessel for the initial Task Order.

Several SOW sections and the Threshold Requirements spreadsheet will be revised based on these Q&As. The document clarifies submission rules and cost accounting for modifications. It also confirms that only RFP No. 70Z02326R93280002 has been extended, not the IDIQ RFP No. 70Z02326R93280001.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions and clarifications regarding Task Order 1 (TO1) of RFP No. 70Z02326R9328002.

• SOW 3.11.1.1: Small arms workspace and ready service lockers can be combined into one container for Task Order 1.
• SOW 3.11.2: An equivalency statement will be added to the Task Order SOW regarding container dimensions.
• SOW 3.11.1.4: Hazardous material lockers will have a minimum size requirement of 3 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 6 feet high. Hazardous materials may be flammable.
• SOW 3.8.4: The 800 sqft dry deck area requirement can be included in the total calculation of working deck area.
• Vessel Qualification: The Coast Guard will not release additional technical specifications or example vessel profiles.
• Conversion/Modification Costs: Costs for necessary conversions/modifications will be included as an additional expense on CLIN X002.
• Cargo Segregation: There is no liquid cargo segregation requirement for Task Order 1. The vessel's refueling system must be capable of delivering 100-250 gallons per minute with specific hose and coupler requirements.
• Proposal Submission: Each Offeror is permitted to submit only one proposal for a single vessel for the initial Task Order.

Several sections of the Task Order SOW and Threshold Requirements spreadsheet will be revised based on these Q&As. Specifics regarding vessel certification, construction language, and threshold requirements will be added via amendment. Bidders should review these clarifications carefully as they may impact their understanding of requirements and proposal preparation.

Amendment / Modification

• RFP Due Date Extended: The due date for the Request for Proposal (RFP) has been extended from 01/15/2026 to 01/27/2026 at 10:00 AM EST.

• Proposal Content Updates: Changes have been incorporated into Section 7.5, "PROPOSAL CONTENT."

• Section 7.5 PROPOSAL CONTENT

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended.

• Offerors must ensure their proposals acknowledge receipt of this amendment (Amendment 02) by signing and returning SF 1449 and a copy of this amendment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides specific threshold requirements and examples for a Task Order (TO 1) related to an unspecified opportunity. It details the government's requirements and provides examples of how a vendor might meet them, likely for a vessel-based service.

• Berth and Base of Operation: Requirement for operations within the Gulf of America or District Southeast area. Example shows a vessel home-ported in Port Fourchon, LA.
• Service Availability: Requirement for services within 30 days of award. Example shows a vessel capable of being available in 7 days.
• Refueling at Sea: Requirement for refueling capabilities. Example details vessel equipment and endorsements for carrying combustible liquid cargo.
• Communications Room Equipment: Requirement for specific electrical circuits (30A and 20A). Example shows a dedicated power panel exceeding the requirement.
• Storage and Workspace: Requirement for a small arms storage/workspace (160 sq ft). Example shows a converted internal compartment exceeding the requirement (216 sq ft).
• Ready Service Locker (RSL): Requirement for an RSL with specific dimensions and security features. Example proposes a CONEX box-style RSL meeting dimensional requirements and details its placement and security.

This attachment serves as a critical reference for bidders to understand the specific technical and operational capabilities expected for this task order. It outlines minimum requirements and provides concrete examples, allowing vendors to assess their own capabilities and tailor their proposals accordingly. Bidders should pay close attention to these detailed requirements to ensure their proposed solution meets or exceeds government expectations.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 01) to Solicitation Number 70Z02326R93280002 (Task Order 1) makes the following changes:

• RFP Due Date Extension: The due date for proposals has been extended from January 8, 2026, to January 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
• Incorporation of Changes: Further modifications to the RFP are detailed in the subsequent pages of this amendment.
• No Other Changes: All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

This amendment affects the RFP due date and incorporates additional changes detailed in the subsequent pages of the document.

The primary impact on bidders is the extended deadline for proposal submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This Excel workbook, "3. Task Order (Company and Vessel Name) Price rev1.xlsx", serves as a pricing worksheet for the Transportation and Logistics Support Services Task Order. It is used to calculate the Offeror's total evaluated price. Bidders must edit all cells highlighted in green.

• Instructions Sheet: Provides guidance on completing the workbook, emphasizing that Day Rate Pricing should encompass all indirect costs and profit. It explicitly states that no additional burden will be accepted on Consumables/Outfitting or Travel CLINs during execution. It also notes that costs for ship conversions/modifications to meet Task Order Requirements should be added to the 'Additional Modification Costs' tab, which will automatically update the Base Period 'Consumables and Outfitting' CLIN. The government will not accept additional costs for ship conversions to meet IDIQ requirements.
• BP (Base Period) Sheet: Details pricing for the period of performance from 2026-05-01 to 2026-10-31. It includes line items for 'Transportation and Logistics Support Services' (Day Rate), 'Consumables and Outfitting' (Lot), and 'Travel' (Lot), with a total Base Period price of $1,800,000.00.
• OP1 (Option Period 1) Sheet: Details pricing for the period of performance from 2026-11-01 to 2027-04-30. It mirrors the Base Period structure with the same CLINs, totaling $1,800,000.00 for this option period.
• Additional Modification Costs Sheet: A section to input any proposed costs for ship modifications, with a total of $0.00 indicated.
• Price_Summary Sheet: Provides a consolidated view of CLINs (001, 002, 003), CLIN Types (FFP, CR), and pricing for the Base Period, Option Period 1, and the Total. The total estimated price for the Task Order is $3,600,000.00.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately calculate and submit their pricing for the Task Order. It outlines the specific CLINs, the structure of pricing (including the inclusion of indirect costs and profit in day rates), and the total estimated cost for the Base and Option Periods. Bidders must pay close attention to the instructions regarding modifications and the non-acceptance of additional costs for ship conversions to meet IDIQ requirements.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides administrative questions and answers (Q&A) related to RFP(s) Q&As Rev1, updated on December 19, 2025. It clarifies details for potential bidders regarding the solicitation.

• New Requirement: This is a new requirement with no incumbent contractor.

• Conferences: No pre-proposal conference or Q&A webinar will be held.

• Proposal Submission: Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for all updates, including amendments. The proposal due date remains unchanged at this time.

• IDIQ and Task Order Proposals: Two separate proposals are required for the IDIQ contract and the initial Task Order (Task Order 1). An offeror must be awarded an IDIQ contract to be eligible for a Task Order award.

• Onramping New Performers: The Coast Guard does not anticipate additional solicitation opportunities to onramp new performers during the period of performance.

• Vessel Day Rates: Attachment #3 (Vessel Day Rates) allows for pricing for multiple vessels. The IDIQ Day Rates establish maximum rates, and day rates may vary by vessel and contract period.

• Award Basis: The IDIQ will include all offerors who meet requirements. Task Order 1 award basis is detailed in Task Order RFP Section 8.3.

• Security Clearance: No security clearance is required for the IDIQ or Task Order 1.

• Reporting System: The Contractor Performance Assessment Rating System (CPARS) will be the official reporting system.

• Contract Document: The SF 1449 will be the contract document for the Task Order.

• Consumables: Lubes and bunkers will be reimbursable, if and where required.

• Travel Funding: Travel funding for crew swaps is on a cost reimbursement basis.

• Minimum Requirements: Capabilities in the IDIQ SOW are minimum requirements and apply to Task Orders. Some Task Orders may have requirements greater than the IDIQ SOW.

• GFE: Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) will not be provided.

• Deadline Extension: The RFP deadline for both RFPs has been extended by one week.

• The document clarifies that two separate proposals are needed for the IDIQ and Task Order 1.

• It confirms that IDIQ requirements flow down to Task Orders, and some Task Orders may have greater requirements than the IDIQ.

• The RFP deadline has been extended by one week.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Task Order 1 (TO1) for RFP No. 70Z02326R9328002, dated 19 December 2025.

• SOW 3.11.1.1: Small arms workspace and ready service lockers can be combined into one container.
• SOW 3.11.2: An equivalency statement will be added to the Task Order SOW regarding locker dimensions.
• SOW 3.11.1.4: Hazardous material lockers will have minimum size requirements (3 ft wide, 2 ft deep, 6 ft high) and may be flammable.
• Subchapter I vessels: Vessel certification and construction language will be added to the Task Order SOW via amendment regarding prohibitions on discharging fuel oil.
• Section 3.8.4: The dry deck requirement does not need to be covered overhead.
• Vessel Qualification: The Coast Guard will not release additional technical specifications or example vessel profiles.
• Task Order 1 Vessel Conversion: Offerors must demonstrate ability to meet threshold requirements at proposal submission and be operational within 30 days. Conversion risk will be evaluated per RFP Section 8.2.
• Financial Accounting for Conversions: Costs for conversions/modifications can be included as an additional expense on CLIN X002.
• Cargo Segregation: No liquid cargo segregation is required. Refueling systems must deliver 100-250 GPM via 400 ft of buoyant hose with specific fittings.
• Threshold Requirements: The Threshold Requirements spreadsheet will be revised to include space, weight, power, and cooling for information exchange systems.
• SOW 3.8.4 Dry Deck Area: The 800 sqft dry deck area must be a true dry deck and can be included in the total working deck area calculation.
• SOW 3.10 Planning Conference Room: No minimum size, but must meet IDIQ requirements for a dedicated and lockable room.
• SOW 4.2.1 Inventory: Contractor shall stock at least 250% of required Migrant Inventory Supply List items. Replenishment is directed by COR. Distribution is FOUO; cost is included in consumables reimbursement CLIN.

Several sections of the Task Order SOW and Threshold Requirements spreadsheet will be revised via amendment or update to incorporate these clarifications. Offerors should note the specific details regarding vessel requirements, conversions, and inventory management.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines specific threshold requirements for Task Order 1, providing details on operational locations, service timelines, and equipment specifications. It serves as a reference for bidders to ensure their proposed solutions meet the government's stated needs.

• Berth and Base of Operation: Gulf of America or District Southeast area of responsibility.
• Service Availability: Required services must be provided within 30 days of contract award.
• Refueling Capability: Must be capable of providing refueling at sea services.
• Communications Room Equipment: Requires six 30A circuits and six 20A circuits for Offeror-furnished equipment.
• Small Arms Storage: Minimum of 160 sq ft (10' x 16') storage and workspace for small arms, including required alarms, monitors, and locks per regulation.
• Ready Service Locker (RSL): One RSL with exterior dimensions of 11' x 9' x 9' (LWH) or equivalent, with no dimensions less than 7ft. The RSL can be stored internally or externally and must be secured to accommodate vessel motions, with doors that swing open freely and are not visible externally.

This attachment details critical operational and equipment requirements for Task Order 1. Bidders must confirm their ability to meet these specifications, including location, service timelines, refueling capabilities, and specific equipment for communications and small arms storage, to ensure their proposal is compliant and competitive.

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

To procure transportation and logistics support services via a Time Charter Lease to enhance Coast Guard operations, enabling personnel to effectively execute U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) missions and objectives.

• Provide logistics and transportation services onboard a vessel to increase capability and capacity of existing Coast Guard assets.

• Services include at-sea replenishment (food, fuel, potable water, laundry, personnel) and other related support.

• Vessel will be considered a government vessel after application of markings.

• Base of operation will be in the Gulf of America or District Southeast area.

• Conduct routine crew swaps on a four-week periodicity.

• Provide operations and maintenance by a Certificate of Inspection-compliant crew within 30 days of task order award.

• Provide refueling at sea services, with capability to carry and transfer fuel classified as cargo.

• Support transportation and storage of persons and goods.

• Equip, supply, stow, maintain, and arrange for repair of the vessel.

• Operate vessel systems for propulsion, navigation, maneuvering, deck operations, and services.

• Provide comprehensive training sessions covering safety procedures and emergency protocols.

• Vessel must be a Subchapter I vessel with a USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI) endorsed for carriage of limited quantities of flammable or combustible liquid cargo in bulk.

• Tanks used for fuel carriage must comply with double-hull construction requirements.

• Total fuel carried as cargo shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the vessel's deadweight tonnage.

• Fuel transfer operations must comply with 33 CFR Subchapter O, Parts 155 and 156.

• Crew and Person in Charge must meet applicable manning and credentialing requirements, including tankerman endorsements.

• Refueling system must deliver a controllable flow rate between 100 and 250 gallons per minute.

• Provide at least 600 cu ft of dry stores, 600 cu ft of refrigerated stores, and 300 cu ft of frozen stores.

• Provide capability to store 12,000 gal of potable water.

• Provide at least 800 sq ft of contiguous dry deck space aft of the pilot house.

• Provide berthing for 12 Coast Guard personnel (4 single, 4 double staterooms).

• Provide an Operations and Communications Center with specified equipment and cooling.

• Provide a minimum of 10' x 16' workspace for small arms storage and maintenance, including a hazardous material locker.

• Provide ordnance storage space, including a ready service locker (RSL) with specified dimensions and requirements.

• Provide a dedicated medical space with specified equipment.

• Establish and execute a Vessel Security Plan in accordance with 33 CFR Part 104.

• Provide visual and audible alarm protection to the RSL.

• Submit a draft manning plan within five days of award, and final plan within 30 days.

• Develop a contingency plan within 30 calendar days after contract award.

• Develop quarterly status reports and monthly cost reports.

• Submit a monthly Fuel Inventory and Consumption (NEURS) Report.

• Manage crew swap planning for safe and efficient transfer.

• Ensure crew members are properly trained and certified.

• Procure and store consumable foods for resupply of Coast Guard cutters.

• Stock at least 250% of required Migrant Inventory Supply List.

• Procure and provision victuals, refined petroleum products, equipment, supplies, and port fees.

• Base Period: 6 months

• Option Period: 6 months

• Place of Performance: Caribbean Basin, Gulf of America, and surrounding areas, as directed by COR.

• Vessel must meet specific regulatory, construction, and manning standards.

• Contractor shall not bill travel for operations- and maintenance-related activities.

• Government will reimburse travel costs in accordance with FTR and FAR 31.205-46.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to administrative questions regarding the RFP, clarifying aspects of the solicitation and proposal submission process.

• Contract Type: This is a new requirement with no incumbent contractor.
• Pre-Proposal Conference: No pre-proposal conference or Q&A webinar will be held.
• Question Submission: The format for submitting questions is detailed in RFP Section 7.1.
• Deadlines & Amendments: The proposal due date is unchanged. All amendments will be posted to SAM.gov, and offerors are responsible for monitoring for updates.
• Q&A Period & Industry Session: No virtual industry day session is planned. Amendments will be released as needed based on Q&A.
• Proposal Submission for IDIQ and Task Order: Two separate proposals are required: one for the IDIQ contract and one for the initial Task Order.
• Response Requirement for IDIQ and TO RFP: A proposal for the IDIQ solicitation is required for IDIQ contract award consideration. A separate proposal for the Task Order 1 solicitation is required for Task Order 1 award consideration, contingent upon receiving an IDIQ contract award.

Clarifies that the solicitation is for a new requirement and outlines specific submission requirements for both the IDIQ and Task Order 1, emphasizing the need for separate proposals for each.

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

To procure transportation and logistics support services via a Time Charter Lease to enhance U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) operations, enabling personnel to effectively execute missions and objectives.

• Operate and maintain a vessel under the guidance of an embarked USCG Operations Manager.

• Provide logistics and transportation services onboard a vessel, including at-sea replenishment (food, fuel, potable water, laundry, personnel).

• Conduct routine crew swaps on a four-week periodicity.

• Provide refueling at sea services.

• Support transportation and storage of persons and goods.

• Equip, supply, stow, maintain, and arrange for repairs of the vessel.

• Operate vessel systems for propulsion, navigation, maneuvering, deck operations, and services.

• Provide comprehensive training sessions on safety procedures and emergency protocols.

• Vessel must be maintained in an efficient and seaworthy state.

• Crew must be Certificate of Inspection-compliant.

• Operations must be conducted in accordance with COR direction.

• Specific capacity requirements for dry stores (600 cu ft), refrigerated stores (600 cu ft), frozen stores (300 cu ft), fuel (60,000-gal reserve), potable water (12,000 gal), and deck space (800 sq ft).

• Minimum berthing for 12 Coast Guard personnel (4 one-person staterooms, 4 two-person staterooms).

• Government workspaces include an Operations and Communications Center and an Armory with specific electrical and cooling requirements.

• Medical space requirements include a bed, exam table, sink, electrical outlets, safe, refrigerator, storage cabinets, and oxygen bottle mounts.

• Vessel Security Plan must be established and executed per USCG regulation.

• Physical security for ordnance storage space includes alarms and remote monitoring.

• Base Period: 6 months

• Option Period: 6 months

• Place of Performance: Caribbean Basin, Gulf of America, and surrounding areas, as directed by COR.

• Manning plan submission within 5 days of award (draft) and 30 days (final).

• Contingency plan for labor disruption and personnel substitution due to leave, sickness, or death, submitted within 30 days of award.

• Quarterly status reports and monthly cost reports.

• Monthly Fuel Inventory and Consumption (NEURS) Report.

• Crew swap planning and coordination.

• Training and certification of crew members.

• Consumables include food stores, migrant inventory supply, and victuals/petroleum products.

• Travel reimbursement for approved mission-related activities.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to issue an initial task order under the HSC-Ocean IDIQ contract. The task order will focus on vessel operations, maintenance, and logistics support in the Caribbean Basin and surrounding areas to meet immediate operational requirements.

• Vessel operations, maintenance, and logistics support.

• Specific requirements will be detailed in Task Order Attachment 1 – Statement of Work (SOW).

• Key areas of technical capability evaluation include:

  • Fuel reserve capacity for transfer
  • Potable water capacity for transfer
  • Dry, refrigerated, and frozen stores capacity
  • Berthing capacity
  • Dry working deck space
  • Fire suppression, lighting, and alarms for Ready Service Locker
  • Migrant supply storage capacity

• Contract Type: Hybrid - Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost-Reimbursement (CR).

• Period of Performance: 6-month base period and a 6-month option period.

• CLINs include:

  • CLIN 001 (FFP): Transportation and Logistics Support Services (vessel charter services).
  • CLIN 002 (CR): Consumables and Outfitting (NTE $1,400,000.00 per period; Overhead and Fee Costs not allowed).
  • CLIN 003 (CR): Travel (NTE $400,000.00 per period; Overhead and Fee Costs not allowed).

• Offer Due Date: January 8, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer.

• Evaluation Factors:

  1. Threshold Requirements (Non-Price): Acceptable/Unacceptable basis.
  2. Technical Capabilities (Non-Price): More important than Price.
  3. Price.

• Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government using a tradeoff process.

• Unrestricted and open to only HSC Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity awardees.

• NAICS Code: 483111 (Deep Sea Freight Transportation).

• PSC Code: V124 (Transportation: Marine Charter).

• Offerors must have an active Federal Government contracts registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Proposals are limited to 10 pages for Technical Capabilities.

• All applicable FAR and HSAR clauses are incorporated by reference or in full text.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This Excel workbook serves as a pricing worksheet for the Transportation and Logistics Support Services task order. It is used to calculate the Offeror's total evaluated price.

• The workbook contains instructions for completing the pricing details.
• Bidders are instructed to edit all worksheets and cells highlighted in green.
• Day Rate Pricing must include all indirect costs and profit.
• The workbook outlines CLINs for "Transportation and Logistics Support Services," "Consumables and Outfitting," and "Travel."
• It specifies periods of performance for a base period (2026-05-01 to 2026-10-31) and an option period (2026-11-01 to 2027-04-30).
• Pricing is broken down by Labor Category, Rate, QTY, Total, and Unit.
• The "Price_Summary" sheet provides a consolidated view of CLINs, CLIN Types (FFP, CR), and total costs for the base and option periods.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the pricing structure and to accurately prepare their proposals. It details the cost components for the task order, including specific CLINs and their associated costs for different performance periods. Bidders must ensure their pricing aligns with these requirements and includes all necessary indirect costs and profit within the specified rates. The instructions highlight that additional burdens cannot be added to Consumables/Outfitting or Travel CLINs during execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines specific threshold requirements for Task Order 1, likely related to vessel specifications and operational capabilities. It serves as a checklist or set of criteria that offerors must meet or provide details on.

• Location: Operations are to be conducted in the Gulf of America or District Southeast area.
• Response Time: Services must be providable within 30 days of contract award.
• Capabilities: Must be capable of providing refueling at sea services.
• Communications Infrastructure: Requires space, weight, power, and cooling for information exchange systems, and specific Offeror-furnished equipment for the communications room (six 30A circuits, six 20A circuits).
• Storage/Workspace: Minimum of 160 sq ft (10' x 16') for small arms storage and workspace, including required security features.
• Ready Service Locker (RSL): Provision of one RSL with specified exterior dimensions (11' x 9' x 9') and installation requirements, including secure mounting and discreet placement.

This attachment details critical operational and technical requirements for Task Order 1. Bidders must carefully review these specifications to ensure their proposed vessels and services meet all stated criteria. Failure to meet these requirements may impact proposal eligibility or evaluation.