Chemical Tanker Safety Course

RFQ# - HSCG23-12-Q-PBM003 Description: Chemical Tanker Safety Course This acquisition is being issued in accordance with FAR Subpart 13. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with the additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; a written solicitation will not be issued. The Request for Quotation number is HSCG23-12-Q-PBM003. This solicitation documents and incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through FAC 2005-57 (March 15, 2012). It is the responsibility of the contractor to be familiar with the applicable clauses and provisions. The NAICS code for this solicitation is 611310. This is a sole source acquisition issued on an unrestricted basis. The Coast Guard intends to award a contract to Maine Maritime Academy. It is the Government's belief that only Maine Maritime Academy has the required technical expertise, experience, and facilities required to successfully provide this training to the specifications needed by the USCG. However, all responsible sources may submit an offer, which will be considered by the Agency. This synopsis/solicitation is for the following training in accordance with the attached Statement of Work: Item #1: Chemical Tanker Safety Course (maximum 23 students for a future date TBD) Quantity: 1 Unit Price __________________ Item #2: Chemical Tanker Safety Course (maximum 22 students for a future date TBD) Quantity: 1 Unit Price __________________ STATEMENT OF WORK U.S. Coast Guard CHEMICAL TANKER SAFETY COURSE 1.0 BACKGROUND The United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Prevention Directorate needs to provide training to the Coast Guard Sector personnel performing chemical tanker safety compliance examinations. 2.0 PURPOSE This statement of work is intended to solicit the services of a commercial vendor to conduct one week courses designed to train Coast Guard personnel to learn and develop their understanding of domestic and international regulatory safety requirements, operational practices and chemical hazards associated with chemical tankers involved in the transporting of dangerous chemicals in bulk. 3.0 OBJECTIVES The Contractor shall provide the necessary educational services to train Coast Guard personnel in the following areas of instruction: 3.1 Chemical tank vessel terminology; 3.2 Chemical properties and cargo compatibility; 3.3 Familiarization with the specific hazards as well as the safe and pollution free handling of dangerous chemicals and Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS); 3.4 Operational, vessel construction & equipment requirements associated with the various dangerous chemicals and NLS listed in chapter 17 & 18 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) and Table 1 and 2 from Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 153 carried in bulk on chemical tank vessels; 3.5 Occupational safety hazards, personnel protective equipment and emergency response scenarios; 3.6 Discussions on the various international and domestic certificates, manuals, & books required for chemical tank vessels, such as but not limited to the NLS certificate, International Certificate of Fitness (both IBC & BCH), Procedures and Arrangements Manual and Cargo Record Book; 4.0 REQUIREMENTS The Contractor shall provide training to Coast Guard personnel that meets the objectives listed above and as discussed in Section 5.0. Additionally, the Contractor shall also provide services to Coast Guard personnel as a necessary adjunct to the training course. The following details apply: 4.1 The Contractor shall deliver training in a nominal 40-hour training session. A 40-hour training session includes 40 actual hours of instruction and examination, including short break periods and excluding lunch periods, beginning on a Monday morning and ending on a Friday afternoon. 4.2 The Contractor shall provide a classroom setting for personnel. The classroom setting will include all necessary audio/visual equipment necessary for the required training and shall have ready access to male and female restroom facilities. 4.3 The Contractor shall provide a real transfer operations environment and cargo simulator operations. The settings will include all necessary equipment required for training and access to male and female restroom facilities within the training area. 4.4 During instruction, the Contractor shall provide break periods not to exceed 5 minutes every training hour. The Contractor may combine two breaks to provide break periods not to exceed 10 minutes every 2 hours. 4.5 The Contractor shall provide hotel services no more than 10 minutes by car from the training facility. The hotel service shall also be convenient to local restaurants. The daily cost per student for hotel services shall not exceed the maximum daily lodging cost allowed by the GSA (http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=17943&contentType=GSA_BASIC). Alternatively, the Contractor may arrange for rather than provide for the specified hotel services. The Contractor's bid shall clearly specify whether they will provide or arrange for hotel services. If the daily cost per student for hotel services exceeds the maximum lodging cost allowed by the GSA, the Contractor's bid shall clearly specify this fact and should provide justification. 4.6 The Contractor shall provide lunch services no more than 5 minutes by car from the training facility. The daily cost per student for lunch services shall not exceed 35 percent of the daily MI & E rate allowed by the GSA (http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=17943&contentType=GSA_BASIC). If the daily cost per student for Contractor-provided lunch services exceeds 35 percent of the daily MI & E rate allowed by the GSA, the Contractor's bid shall clearly specify this fact and should provide justification. Alternatively, the Contractor may provide a listing of lunch providers not more than 5 minutes by car from the training facility rather than provide for the specified lunch services. The Contractor's bid shall clearly specify whether they will provide lunch or provide a listing of providers. 5.0 SCOPE The Contractor shall provide training and training support as follows: 5.1 Provide training to ensure students have a full understanding of standard chemical vessel terminology as defined in IBC code, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and 46 CFR 153. The training shall focus on, but not be limited to, the following terms: - Chemical tanker - NLS tanker - NLS - Dangerous chemicals - Cargo area - Cargo pump room - Explosive/flammability limits/range - Type 1 ship - Type 2 ship - Type 3 ship - Independent tank - Integral tank - Gravity tank - Pressure tank - Restricted temperature-measuring device - Closed temperature-measuring device - Open tank venting system - Controlled tank venting system - Pressure/vacuum valves - Control of void and cargo tank atmospheres; - Inerting - Padding - Drying - Ventilation - Hazardous locations - Electrical bonding - Cargo segregation - Confined spaces on chemical tank vessels - Gauging: - Open device - Restricted device - Closed device - Breadth (B) - Cargo Inhibitor - Cargo sample stowage space - Pollution category: - X - Y - Z - OS - Overflow control - Tripartite agreement - Prewash - Cargo containment system - Certificate of Protection - IBC Code (applicability) - BCH Code (applicability) - MARPOL, Annex II (applicability) - 46 CFR 153 (applicability to foreign vessels) 5.2. Provide training so students can successfully apply chapter 17 & 18 of the IBC code to determine and understand the minimum operational, vessel construction & equipment requirements associated with the various dangerous chemicals and NLS cargoes that chemical tankers are authorized to carry. The training shall consist of, but not limited to the following areas: - Cargo segregation - Cargo containment - Cargo transfer - Cargo temperature control - Cargo tank venting - Environmental Controls - Electrical Installations - Fire protection and fire extinction - Mechanical ventilation in cargo area - Instrumentation - Personnel protection - Operational requirements - Difference between and when to use chapter 17 and 18 of the IBC code - Special requirements for specific cargoes as listed in chapter 15 of the IBC code 5.3 Provide training to familiarize students on the specific hazards as well as the safe and pollution free handling of dangerous chemicals and NLS. - Address the various temperature, flammability, and toxicity hazards associated with the cargoes. - Explain the personnel hazards associated with cargo leaks. - Address the list of cargoes not authorized for bulk liquid carriage in U.S. waters. - Address the purpose and requirements for a Prewash as required in MARPOL, Annex II. - Address the control of NLS cargo residue discharges per MARPOL, Annex II. 5.4 Provide training on the various international and domestic certificates, manuals, & books required for domestic and foreign chemical tank vessels, such as but not limited to: - International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk (NLS Certificate); - Applicability - Purpose - Period of validity - Vital information included - International Certificate of Fitness (both IBC & BCH); - Applicability - Purpose - Period of validity - Vital information included - Procedures and Arrangements Manual; - Applicability - Purpose - Period of validity - Required content - Cargo Record Book; - Applicability - Purpose - Period of validity - Required content - Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan - Applicability - Purpose - Period of validity - Required content - Certificate of Protection - Applicability - Purpose - Period of validity - Required content - Vital information included 5.5 Provide training in the requirements contained in 46 CFR Part 153, that exceed the IBC Code, for vessels that wish to carry alkylene oxide or any cargo whose vapor pressure exceeds 100 kPa absolute at 37.8C. 5.6 Confined space entry hazards associated with hold spaces or ballast tanks adjacent to the cargo holds. 5.7 Tests, Examinations and Controls. 5.7.1 The Contractor shall explain how to carry out common tests and examinations associated with typical cargo systems and associated controls to verify the systems are operating properly. 5.7.2 An actual ship visit is not required; however, the Contractor must supplement lectures and presentations with detailed pictures (slides) showing systems, piping, instrumentation, certificates, etc. Pictures showing normal and abnormal operations are especially useful. 5.8 End of Course Test. The Contractor shall prepare a 100 question multiple choice end of course test to assess the knowledge gained by course attendees in chemical tank vessel hazards, chemical tank vessel requirements, and personnel protection equipment. Attendees must attain a score of seventy percent to pass the course. Questions shall at a minimum include: 5.8.1 Questions on cargo hazards and terminology; 5.8.2 Questions on International and Domestic chemical tank vessel regulations (IBC, BCH, 46CFR153) and why the requirements are necessary relative to the cargo hazards; 5.8.3 Questions on the various certificates and documents required for chemical vessels; 5.8.4 Questions on procedures for tests and examinations that are conducted to verify equipment is operating properly. 5.9 Course Critique. The Contractor shall prepare a course critique. 5.10 Course Certificates. The Contractor shall provide certificates attesting to satisfactory course completion to all attendees who achieved a score of 70 percent or better during the end of course test. The Contractor shall provide certificates of course attendance to all other attendees. Within two weeks of course completion, the Contractor shall submit a copy of each course certificate issued to the Coast Guard Program Manager, Commandant (CG-741), 2100 Second Street, SW, Washington, DC 20593-0000. 6.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED INFORMATION 6.1 The contractor shall provide all necessary materials to perform all tasks except for any Government furnished property. Within 1 month after contract award, the Contractor shall provide the Coast Guard (CG-9) with: 6.1.1 A list of course material (i.e. handouts, reference books) to be used during the training and other required information; 6.1.2 A general course syllabus; 6.1.3 A detailed course curriculum that addresses the requirements in Sections 5.1 through 5.7 above; and 6.1.4 Names and qualifications of all instructors. 6.2 The Contractor shall update to the course during the contract period based upon feedback provided by the Coast Guard from course critiques at the previous course. Furthermore, the Contractor shall update the course as necessary based upon any new tank vessel requirements that may come into effect during the contract period; however, the Contractor may consolidate changes made necessary by new chemical tanker requirements with the required course update resulting from course feedback. 6.3 The Contractor shall have available for student use the most recent version of the following texts: 6.3.1 The International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code); 6.3.2 The Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code); 6.3.3 MARPOL Annex II; and 6.3.4 Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 153. 7.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION 7.1 The government will pre-screen all attendees for each course convening date. The government will provide a list of course attendees and their work addresses/email addresses to the contractor two weeks (not later than 9 federal work days) before the course convenes. 7.2 No later than 5 weeks before the class convening date, the government will provide the contractor with a copy of the current: 7.2.1 Performance qualification system requirements for Coast Guard foreign chemical tank vessel examiners; 7.2.2 Coast Guard job aid (i.e. CG-840 book) applicable to foreign chemical tank vessel examinations 8.0 SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES 8.1 Initial contact between the contractor and the U.S. Coast Guard shall be at least one month prior to the physical start of each convening date. Contact can be achieved by phone conversation, electronic mail, and physical meeting at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC, or at the contractor's facility. U.S. Coast Guard Points of Contact: CG-9121A Contract Specialist Devin Fitzpatrick contact@example.gov +1 (555) 000-0000 CG-9121A Contracting Officer Robert Mann-Thompson contact@example.gov FORCECOM (FC-5) COTR SK1 Kareem Hazard +1 (555) 000-0000 The following clauses and provisions apply to this acquisition: The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial and is supplemented as follows: 1. Technical - each quoter must submit a description and part number for each of the items listed above. 2. Price - each quoter must submit a unit and total extended price, FOB Destination, for each of the items listed above. 3. Past Performance - each quoter must provide contract numbers and Government Points of Contact for (3) similar efforts performed in the last two years. Quote Submission Deadline: Vendors shall submit an electronic version of their quote in word or adobe pdf format by 3:00 PM EST on April 6, 2012 via email to Devin Fitzpatrick at contact@example.gov. The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items. To be included in paragraph (a) of that provision, the evaluation shall consider the quoters response to each of the following evaluation factors in no order of importance: 1. Technical Capability to meet the requirements in the attached SOW. 2. Price 3. Past Performance. Offerors will include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, with its offer. The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items. The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items to include the following provisions and clauses: 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Feb 2012) (Pub.L. 109-282)(31 U.S.C. 6101 note); 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644); 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (Apr 2009) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)); 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755); 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Mar 2012) (E.O. 13126); 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246); 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Oct 2010) (29 U.S.C. 793); 52.225-1, Buy American Act-Supplies (June 2003) (41 U.S.C. 10a-10d); 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332); 52.216-24 Limitation of Government Liability (Apr 1984); 52.216-25 Contract Definitization (Oct 2010); 52.223-18 Encouraging contractor policies to ban text messaging while driving (Aug 2011); 52.225-13 Restrictions on certain foreign Purchases (June 2008); 52.225-25 Prohibition on contracting with entities engaging in sanctioned activities relating to Iran- Representation and Certification (Nov 2011); 52.233-3 Protest after Award (Aug 1996); 52.233-4 Applicable law for breach of contract claim (Oct 2004); 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial items (Dec 2010); 3052.209-70 Prohibition on Contracts with Corporate Expatriates (Jun 2006). Quote shall include the pricing for each class listed in this synopsis/solicitation. All clauses will be incorporated by reference in the order. Central Contractor Registration (CCR). Quoters must be registered in the CCR database to be considered for award. Registration is free and can be completed on-line at http://www.ccr.gov/. All quotes shall include price(s), a point of contact, name and phone number, business size, and payment terms. Each response must clearly indicate Delivery time frame. Coast Guard Acquisition Procedures (CGAP) APPENDIX C - CHAPTER 3033 NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS United States Coast Guard Ombudsman Program It is the policy of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to issue solicitations and make contract awards in a fair and timely manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to investigate agency protest issues and resolve them without expensive and time-consuming litigation. OPAP is an independent reviewing authority that is empowered to grant a prevailing protester essentially the same relief as the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to seek resolution of their concerns within the USCG as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forum rather than filing a protest with the GAO or some external forum. Interested parties may seek resolution of their concerns informally or opt to file a formal agency protest with the Contracting Officer or Ombudsman. Informal Forum with the Ombudsman. Interested parties who believe a specific USCG procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer. If the Contracting Officer is unable to satisfy their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the U.S. Coast Guard Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Use of an informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a protest with the agency or other forum. In order to ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable). Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman. Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions. If the protester's concerns are unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest to either the Contracting Officer or as an alternative to that, the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract award or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless contract award or performance is justified, in writing, for urgent and compelling reasons or is determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government. The agency's goal is to resolve protests in less than 35 calendar days from the date of filing. Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.103(d) (2). If the protester fails to submit the required information, resolution of the protest may be delayed or the protest may be dismissed. To be timely protests must be filed within the period specified in FAR 33.103(e). Formal protests filed under the OPAP program should be submitted to: COMMANDANT (CG-9131) U S COAST GUARD OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM FOR AGENCY PROTESTS 2100 2ND ST SW STOP 7112 WASHINGTON DC 20593-7112 The Ombudsman Hotline telephone number is +1 (555) 000-0000. (End of Clauses and Provisions) To be considered, all quotes must be received by the Contract Specialist, Devin Fitzpatrick, via email at contact@example.gov no later than 3:00 PM (Eastern Time) on April 6, 2012. For questions regarding this solicitation please contact Devin Fitzpatrick at contact@example.gov or +1 (555) 000-0000.