Tugboat Services for LaGrange Lock and Dam

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation W912EK26QA013 for Tugboat Service at LaGrange Lock and Dam.

• Insurance: The Prime Contractor is solely responsible for all insurance. A single Prime insurance program is sufficient, provided subcontractors meet solicitation requirements.
• Subcontractors: Subcontractors are allowed, with the Prime Contractor retaining overall responsibility for performance, quality control, and compliance.
• Quality Control Manager: The QC Manager can oversee multiple subcontracted operations concurrently if all inspection, reporting, and documentation requirements are met.
• Escalated Pricing: Pricing escalation for Option Years is permitted.
• Daily Reports: Daily reports are due the next business day and electronic submission is acceptable.
• Subcontractor Personnel: Subcontractor personnel remain employees of their respective firms; they are not required to be hired by the Prime Contractor, who maintains oversight.
• Forms and Documentation: Equivalent industry-standard forms and documentation may be used for tracking labor, equipment hours, and daily activities, subject to Government approval.

These clarifications do not appear to alter any requirements, due dates, or submission rules of the original solicitation, but provide specific guidance on insurance, subcontracting, reporting, and documentation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Tugboat Services at the LaGrange Lock and Dam. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requires these services to assist with dam operations, particularly during conditions that necessitate additional vessels with enhanced capabilities, such as severe weather or emergencies.

• Availability: Contractor must be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on an on-call status.

• On-Site Response: Tugboat must be on-site within 4 hours of being called.

• Tugboat Capability: Minimum of 1200 horsepower required, capable of operating in ice conditions and severe weather.

• Service Scope: Assistance during severe weather events, dam overtopping risks, debris, ice, freezing temperatures, USACE vessel breakdowns, or man overboard situations.

• Mobilization: Includes all necessary tasks and equipment to get the tugboat to the site, plus the first 4 hours of labor, equipment, and material costs.

• Response Duration: Contractor must be available for up to 12 hours once a call is responded to.

• Certification: Responding tug must be certified and inspected by the USCG.

• Period of Performance: Base year with two option years.

• Contract Type: Includes Firm Fixed Price for mobilization and Time & Material for subsequent hours.

• Proposal Submission: Offers must include a completed Schedule of Prices, capability documentation demonstrating the 4-hour on-site threshold and tugboat stationing, and breakdown of direct/indirect costs per FAR 52.212-4 Alternate I.

• Questions Deadline: Technical inquiries and questions are due by February 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT.

• Quote Due Date: February 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT.

• Evaluation: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous, considering price and capability documentation regarding the 4-hour response time and tugboat stationing.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• Contractors must be current in their registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

• Offerors must complete specific blocks on the SF1449 and provide representations and certifications.

• Contractors must be registered in SAM.

• Security requirements for contract personnel are detailed, including background checks and training.