Maneuvering Consultant for Littoral Combat Ship

Subject to FAR Clause 52.215-3, titled - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes, this announcement constitutes a sources sought synopsis for written information only. This is not a solicitation announcement for proposals and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. This sources sought notice is not to be construed in any way as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response. The Government has determined that these services are commercial as defined in FAR 2.101. Interested parties are encouraged to respond to this RFI/Sources Sought Notice. BACKGROUND, SCOPE, AND CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS. The Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Virginia is seeking information on qualified and experienced sources for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Platform for maneuvering through the Great Lakes as well as the Welland Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway. The scope of this RFI includes consulting services to support the safe handling of a LCS in close quarters. The NAICS code for this requirement is 488330, Navigational Services to Shipping, and the size standard is $41.5 million. Respondents should provide their business size with the corresponding NAICS. Performance Work Statement: This Performance Work Statement (PWS) covers technical support services to the U. S. Navy Freedom Class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Platform (3100 tons, LOA: 389 ft, Beam: 59 ft, Draft: 14 ft, Navigational Draft: 24 ft, Diesel/Gas Turbine Waterjet propulsion) while navigating through the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway, to include all associated locks and canals. The scope of this PWS includes consulting services to support the safe navigation and maneuvering in close quarters situations for Littoral Combat Ships through all phases of the transit. The contractor shall possess an Unlimited Tonnage Great Lakes Master license with pilotage for the entire Great Lakes. In addition, they shall have recent experience in transiting associated locks and canals through the Great Lakes. As a requirement of their USCG License, the Navigational Consultant shall operate under all aspects of the 46 U.S.C. Chapter 93-Great Lakes Pilotage. The contractor would ideally possess experience in waterjet driven ships. When a local pilot is embarked in addition to the maneuvering consultant, the two shall work together in advising the Commanding Officer in maneuvering of the ship and direction provided to tugs. The contractor shall remain a source for recommendations, even when a local pilot is embarked, and the Commanding Officer shall retain full command and responsibility for the safety of the ship at all times. The Maneuvering Consultant shall focus efforts on the training of the ship's bridge teams and the safe maneuvering of the ship through waters, which are inherently unfamiliar to the crew. The contractor shall provide all necessary consulting to the Commanding Officer with respect to mitigation of risk exposure, voyage planning, safe and effective methods of navigation, collision avoidance, sound seamanship practices, and local regulations. In consideration of the potential for additional hazards to arise to include mechanical or weather delays, the period of performance may be extended regarding the continuation of the transit. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE. Work will be conducted throughout the Great Lakes region. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. It is estimated that performance will commence in May 2022 and end in June 2022, with roughly 16 to 22 days underway (nonconsecutive). OTHER REQUIREMENTS. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice shall include the following information in this format: 1. Company name, address, point of contact name, phone number, and email address. 2. Company Size (Small Business, Woman Owned Small Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Small Business, etc) 3. Contractor and Government Entity (CAGE) Code. 4. Other Government vehicles (contracts) that may issue orders for the required services. (ie. GSA GWAC, GBS, etc.). If the services can be solicited from a GSA GWAC, please provide the following information: GSA contract number; Contract period of performance to include all options; List of labor categories applicable to the contract. 5. Statement as to whether the business is actively registered in System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) 6. Capability statement should display up to 3 previous contracts that include PAO services. Please include only relevant past performance on the same/similar work within the last 5 years. Please also include in the past performance information the contract numbers, dollar value, period of performance, and point of contact for each contract referenced in the response to this sources sought. 7. Please include any questions or concerns you have in regards to this requirement. 8. Include any other supporting documentation. Submissions are to be no more than 5 pages and no less than 12 point font. Responses should be emailed to contact@example.gov by 10:00 AM EST on 31 January 2022. Again, this is not a request for a quotation. Respondents will not be notified the results and the Government is not required to answer any questions submitted in regards to this sources sought notice. Please note the information within this sources sought notice will be updated and/or may change prior to an official synopsis/solicitation, if any.