Description
1. Does this solicitation include the people to operate the plant, or just the training of people there?ANSWER: Yes the contractor needs to include the labor costs to operate the plant as well. 2. Before we can submit a serious time line and articulate an offer with the possible variants you are open to, we would need till April 1st, 2005. Is this deadline acceptable? ANSWER: 1 APR 05 will probably be too late. But if the offer has not been filled by then and it is still in the open market then the vendor is free to bid. 3. With Baghdad as our departing point, what sort of arrangements do you offer for visiting the sites? Can you indicate where the sites are? ANSWER: The sites are through out various locations in Iraq. Movement to these sites will be done by vendor provide transportation with in an escorted convoy that may be going to the various sites. 4. Will plant operators (personnel) also be lodged inside military compound? ANSWER: Yes 5. Please confirm the 5% import tax will be waived ANSWER: We will need to get back with you! 6. Is it the intent of the government to purchase the water plants? ANSWER: The plants will be on Government furnished land (base camp) foundations will be provided, however all other facilities will be the responsibility of the contractor. The equipment will become the property of the US Government. It is the intent of the government to purchase the water capabilities while having the contractor run the operation. 7. Will the government provide electrical power for these water plants in all locations? ANSWER: The Government will provide all power at Government expense. 8. Will there be a charge for government supplied power? ANSWER: No. The contractor needs to provide its own power generation sufficient enough to run the bottling capability at each site. If prime power is available, the government will provide unimpeded access. 9. Will the government provide suitable wastewater disposal facilities? ANSWER: The contractor will be required to provide all equipment associated with bottling water capability. 10. Who will be responsible for the cost of maintenance of these water plants during the production year? ANSWER: The contractor is responsible for maintenance. Structural defects or upgrades to the foundation will be the responsibility of the Government. 11. What power sources will be available or will our units need to have their own generators using local diesel fuel? ANSWER: A back-up to the actual power source provided by the Government is a good idea in case of an outage or disturbance. The contractor needs to supply the sufficient amount of power generation in order to run the bottling capabilities. If prime power is available, the government will provide unimpeded access. Government will provide the fuel necessary to operate any generators or equipment requiring fuel. 12. Are there bottle blowing plants in Iraq that we would have access to for liter bottle supply or will they have to be transported in from abroad? Which gets back to the convoy transportation issue that you are wanting to avoid. ANSWER: I have no information to provide you on this, however, you can team up with another company that can give you the item. The contractor will be responsible to provide all equipment and transportation of that equipment into Iraq in order to produce the requirement at each site. Convoys from the south can integrate into other convoys for security escort up to desired locations. Once bottling capabilities are at their respective sites, the contractor will not be responsible to distribute the bottled water to units. 13. To confirm our interest in participation what will be required of us, i.e., letter of interest with all pertinent contact info and corporate officers by March 11? Or is another document required? ANSWER: This will suffice, a Request for Quotation/ Proposal will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. 14. Is there a working telephone number that you can be reached at? ANSWER: Phone numbers will not be provided at this time. During the RFQ/RFP phase, contact numbers will be provided. 15. Electricity - if it will be supplied to the site or the contractor should provide generator? ANSWER: The contractor needs to provide power generation sufficient to run the bottling capabilities. If prime power is available, the government will provide unimpeded access. 16. Sewage and sanitary facilities (WC, showers) * if available cost free or should be provided with the production equipment, is it possible to connect to existing net. ANSWER: All life support will be provided by the government. Network accessibility will be provided in accordance with regulations. 17. Storage of bottles raw material (perform), caps, labels etc.- should we provide storage container(s) for 14 days or (? ? ) days stock ANSWER: Contractor needs to stock sufficient amounts of material in order to be able to meet the requirements at each location for bottling water. That will be vendor dependent. 18. Storage of bottled water should we provide roofing or tents for this purpose ANSWER: That will be vendor dependent. Our intent is to minimize construction. We want to stay away from as much as possible any fixed facilities. 19. Do you prefer fully automatic production or semi automatic with employment of local workers. ANSWER: However you decide to run the operation is up to you 20. Can we consider that the maximum production will be during 3 shifts and minimum in 2 shifts. ANSWER: However you decide to run the operation is up to you. This will be vendor dependent. As long as the vendor can meet the requirements per day, then the vendor has met the intent. 21. We have to provide bottled water capability as requested , start up, production run test and train the personnel, we understand that we will not be responsible for the production and supplying of raw materials for bottled water production, if we should produce bottled water then specify the period of time. For bottled water production certain quantities of bottles raw material (perform), caps, labels, chemicals for water treatment etc. should be supplied on a regular basis. ANSWER: The contractor is required to supply all equipment and supplies in order to run the operation to meet output requirements. 22. Can you provide any details on the Inlet Feed Water that the contractor will be required to purify? (i.e. Quality, Quantity, Source etc.) ANSWER: The government will be responsible to provide sufficient quantities of untreated water to produce the required amounts of bottled water. Water is untreated water from either river, canal, or well. As for analysis, this is Iraq so think the worse conditions. 23. Do you expect the facility to run 24h/7/365? ANSWER: As long as the output requirements are reached, the contractor can run the operation as he/she sees fit. 24. Is there a consideration on frequency and volume of supplies delivery? Specifically, do you expect the contractor to make plastic bottles with caps out of raw plastic (which at most requires quarterly deliveries) or buy bottle forms and caps? ANSWER: All production must be accomplished at the site. If plastic bottles are to be transported in, the Government will not assume responsibility for convoys nor provide convoy security. It is at the contractor's risk. 25. Similarly, should a maximum of spare/replacement parts be included with the original shipment to minimize future deliveries? ANSWER: It is the contractor's responsibility to maintain the plant operational to meet the required output per day. 26. The smallest line is 3000 bottles per hour, and it includes about 5 modules from bottle preparation to marking and packaging. It requires at least 300kW/h of energy, compressed air and ice-cold water supply. Is it provided on the site or the contractor must build facilities for those too? ANSWER: the contractor is required to provide all requirements for the production of the output requirements. Power will be provided by the Government. A backup system is a good idea to have in case of power failure or disruption. The contractor is responsible to provide the necessary power generation to power the bottling capability. If prime power is available, the government will provide unimpeded access. 27. Is the building/warehouse provided or the contractor builds one according to the line specifications? ANSWER: Contractor is to provide the building. The contractor is responsible to provide all equipment necessary to produce the requirements at each specified location. 28. If the facility is re-locatable, is the contractor responsible for relocating it on demand? How long is such a commitment? Is the relocation expense included in the contract amount? What is the time expectation on relocation? ANSWER: Yes, the contractor is responsible to re-locate at the request of the Government. If bottling capability is relocated per government request once the sites are established, the government will incur the transportation costs to relocate. The contract is for one year with several option years (Firm Fixed Price). Relocation time has not been defined yet. 29. Given the complexity of the equipment (electronic/mechanical parts), the manufacturer will void the warranty if equipment is moved by a third party. In some instances, the equipment will not survive the move. What is the consideration for those? Must the contractor then replace those modules at his own cost? ANSWER: The contractor is responsible for the maintenance and repair of equipment along with the relocation of such said equipment. 30. The contractor expects to purchase/lease the necessary equipment from various international sources. The manufacturer usually installs the equipment, which translates into a team of engineers who will come to assemble and fine-tune the production line. Any restrictions on countries? ANSWER: Due to the nature of this product only countries that are not considered hostile and or are considered friendly to the Multi-National Force will be allowed to compete 31. Once the line is up and working, who will maintain and operate it? Is there an expectation that the contractor must maintain certain presence on all sites? If so, for how long? ANSWER: The contractor is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of all facilities for the duration of the contract terms and conditions. 32. Installation takes about a month. Where will the engineering team reside, eat, etc? What are the considerations for coming and leaving the country? ANSWER: The personnel will be given life support by the Government. Transportation costs will be the responsibility of the contractor. 33. When do you think is the last date to accept offers? ANSWER: There is no requirement with the RFI to submit an offer. The RFQ/RFP will soon be out, at which time it will indicate when proposals are due. 34. when is the last date for site surveys? Where? How if the locations is limited to only badge carriers and military only? Please explain? ANSWER: If the vendor is capable in meeting all the government’s requirements and timeline, site survey visits will be worked out with the potential vendors. 35. Is it one location supplying all other locations, or it might be more thean one producing location? ANSWER: Each site identified has a specific requirement that the government needs to be met. There are 8 different producing locations. 36. Is it an opened competition for all companies from all countries (except the terrorist countries) or limited to some restricts, as it was limited to Turkish companies? ANSWER: This is an opened competition to any vendor that is able to meet the requirements and timeline of the government. 37. The contractor will be responsible for providing the purification equipment placed on site, continuing operation and the government will purchase the water produced for a period of one year, with option years to be determined. At the end of the contract period the government will own all facilities. During the operations period the contractor will be responsible for and all operations, maintenance, power supply, disposal of waste water, and any other necessary items to provide continuation of water production. Is this correct? ANSWER: Yes you are correct 38. Is the pricing format you will be looking for this RFP a per liter of water price or a price to include a lump sum based on the published amounts in the RFP? ANSWER: It has not been determined how the breakout of cost CLINS will be assigned 39. It the government going to guarantee a minimum purchase amount from each plant? ANSWER: A one year contract will be guaranteed unless the Government Terminates for Convenience or Default (TFC or TFD) 40. Have you given any more consideration to making this RFP comply to the buy American act? ANSWER: The question is at Legal review I should have an answer soon 41. Your response to question 2 and 3 are contradictory, which answer is correct? ANSWER: Can you please clarify your question. However, let me state that the contractor is responsible to provide all equipment and personnel to maintain and operate the sites in order to produce the required quantities indicated at each site. 42. Question 3 , Are you saying that if power is available there will be no cost to the contractor, but if for some reason the /government cannot provide power that the contractor must provide their own power at their own expense? ANSWER: The contractor needs to provide own power generation…i.e. generators. The contractor should add that into there price. 43. Will the government provide fuel for contractor supplied generators? ANSWER: Yes the government will provide all fuel. 44. Will the government provide any assistance to the contractor in setting up each purification facility? Like equipment to unload etc. ANSWER: The contractor needs to be prepared to execute all set up. If unloading equipment is located at the sites, then the contractor and government can work something out in assistance. 45. What kind of machinery (tractors, excavators, cranes, flatbed trucks, etc) is available on site? ANSWER: Answer: Currently nothing is on site…but the contractor is able to contract such things from the local area. 46. Shall the contractor supply all bulding materials and skilled workforce (electricians, plumbers, painters, etc) to build the required facilities? ANSWER: The contractor will supply all building materials and skilled workforce. But it is the government’s intent that these water capabilities are not fixed – permanent sites. The government wants re-locatable facilities in order to shift water capabilities to meet the requirement if they change. 47. What is available in terms of basic utilities: running water (tech-grade), electric power, drainage/sewage, garbage disposal, etc. ANSWER: Contractor will be responsible to provide own power generation. If prime power is available, the government will provide unimpeded access. Drainage/sewage may have to be taken care of by the contractor. 48. If the contractor needs to run power generators, will the government provide the fuel? ANSWER: Yes the government will furnish fuel for power generations. 49. Will there be an inspection tour which will allow the prospective bidders to view all locations and fine-tue their proposed assembly lines accordingly. ANSWER: Yes there will be site visits 50. Are there any space restrictions? For a location 6 with the output of 318K liters/day, it may need up to 100K sq. feet. ANSWER: Spacing is limited, however, the Government will work with the contractor to make it happen. 51. What are the clearance requirments for personnel to install and operate this ffacility? ANSWER: Clearance requirement will be basic criminal back ground checks. 52. Will the Government be interested in training their own personnel to operate this facility? ANSWER: No 53. Since this equipment is not to be left in country after completion of the contract, will the Government be interested to install it in some other locations or the contractor assumes full responsibility for proper disposal / sale to interested parties outside of the country. ANSWER: The equipment will become Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) at completion of the contract