V -- TRANSPORTATION OF DRY CARGO - PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION MARKET SURVEY TRANSPORTATION OF DRY CARGO TO/FROM PORT OF KARACHI & PORT QASIM, PAKISTAN TO/FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) is seeking information on industry capabilities and potential sources for intra-theater surface transportation of military cargo to/from the Ports of Karachi and Qasim, Pakistan to/from various destinations in Afghanistan. There is no solicitation package at this time. This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information and allows interested industry and other parties the opportunity to provide comments for the development of the potential solicitation. The Government is neither negotiating nor calling for offers at this time. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay for any response preparation cost. The government will not make an award on the basis of this Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information synopsis. Copies of information submitted by interested parties will be reproduced and submitted to a USTRANSCOM team for review and will be used to develop the requirement. USTRANSCOM is seeking information on industry capabilities and potential sources that can provide reliable and secure Time Definite Delivery of containerized and break bulk military cargo from/to the ports in Karachi and Qasim, Pakistan to various locations in Afghanistan, with the majority of cargo deliveries to Bagram and Kandahar airfields. The military cargo may consist of CLASS I (food and water), CLASS II (General Supplies), CLASS III Package (oils/lubricants), CLASS IV (Construction Materials), CLASS VI (AAFES Supplies), CLASS VII (Major End Items), CLASS VIII (Medical Supplies), CLASS IX (Repair Parts), or CLASS X (non-military goods such as humanitarian supplies). The current operating environment presents significant risk. This includes attacks, armed hijackings, strikes, border delays, accidents, and pilferage. Shipments from/to these ports to/from the various destinations in the region amount to approximately 9,600 twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) and 8,300 forty foot equivalent units (FEU) per year. Approximately 85% are dry containers and 15% are refrigerated (reefers). The reefer breakout is 381 X 20 ft containers and 3,111 X 40 ft containers. Additionally, breakbulk cargo totals approximately 20,000 Stons. The Government requires transit times of between 7 to 12 days from acceptance at the ports to the various locations within Afghanistan. USTRANSCOM encourages all interested companies to submit a detailed response that specifically outlines your companys ability to: 1. Accept cargo at ports on behalf of the Government and deliver to the final destination. Move cargo from locations in Afghanistan to ports in Pakistan. This includes clearing customs. 2. Transload cargo from ocean carrier containers to contractor provided containers at port. 3. Ensure cargo loss rate is less than 1% (to include losses due to pilferage, accident, spoilage, attacks and acts of God). 4. Provide real-time In-transit Visibility (ITV) compatible with command and control applications on cargo location and provide full access to the shipper and other Government employees designated by the contracting officer. 5. Deliver cargo by the required delivery date (RDD) on a minimum of 90% of shipments. 6. Provide direct delivery to Forward Operating Bases if required. 7. Initiate process improvements and other value added services. 8. Provide customized information management reports related to delivery time, delivery reliability, shipment volume and other criteria that characterize and provide performance based views. 9. Handle substantial increases in shipments (surge requirements) as needed for wartime and other contingencies. USTRANSCOM is asking for industry input and comment on this requirement to include commercial best practices and logistics/transportation management capabilities. All interested parties (to include potential prime contractors, subcontractors, or teams) are strongly encouraged to submit a response to this RFI. Responses should be concise and include the following: 1. A rough estimate of the cost to supply this service. 2. Your company?s capability in terms of providing all requirements listed above and the processes to execute (i.e. disciplined, controlled convoy movements, secure truck park areas along routes, enhanced customs clearance procedures). 3. Specific identification of any limits to company?s capabilities. 4. Your company?s experience in providing the services described above and its experience with an operation similar in size and scope to that described above. 5. The largest projects the company managed either as a prime or subcontractor including shipping volumes, total revenue, performance goal results and how long the relationship lasted. 6. Your companys recommended commercial pricing structure for the operation described above. 7. Recommended incentive provisions to motivate performance that will meet or exceed the goals of this effort (for example RDD, cargo loss metrics, ITV). 8. Description of companys teaming and relationship management with sub-contractors along with your company?s understanding of the challenges and risks of operating successfully in the region. 9. How the company would provide ITV, security, and process claims for lost, damaged or stolen freight. Send responses to charles.burton@ustranscom.mil no later than close of business on 2 Aug 2007. No phone or FAX responses will be accepted. Please ensure USTRANSCOM DRY CARGO MARKET SURVEY is listed in the subject line of your responses.