Military Sealift Fleet Support Command Man, Train, Maintain, Equip 1 Contracting with Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC) 29 June 2010

Military Sealift Fleet Support Military Sealift Fleet Support CommandCommand Man, Train, Maintain, EquipMan, Train, Maintain, Equip

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Contracting with Military Sealift Fleet Contracting with Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC)Support Command (MSFSC)

29 June 201029 June 2010


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MSFSC Mission Statements MSFSC Mission Statements

MSFSC – To execute Type Command functions of manning, training, equipping, and maintaining MSC Government-Owned, Government Operated (GOGO) ships, worldwide; and to support other MSC assets, as directed by COMSC.

MSFSC N10 – To serve as the principal advisor and counsel to COMSFSC on all matters related to acquisition, contracting and business management process, policy and execution; and, the advisor and focal point for contractor ethics and procurement integrity.

Area of Responsibility – East/Gulf Coast, West Coast, Hawaii and Guam


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MSFSC Contracting StaffMSFSC Contracting Staff

• Director – Deidre Fisher

• Deputy Director – Diane Krueger

• N101 – AO Support Branch, Henry Bijak

• N102 – AE/AOE Support Branch, Vacant

• N103 – AKE Support Branch, Vacant

• N104 – ARS/ATF Support Branch, Elloise Hitshew

• N105 – AH/Special Missions Support Branch, Andy Shanks

• N106 – General Contracts/IT Support Branch, Corey Squires

• N107 – Simplified Acquisition Branch, Diane Krueger

Ship Support Units in San Diego, CA (Bob Link) and Santa Rita, Guam (Patrick Dimla)


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OperationsOperations

• In addition to the support provided to the Class Managers, via execution of shiprepair contracts, purchase of spare parts, supplies, and services for the ships, we actively support other directorates within the command. Some of the other high visibility procurements and/or services provided include:

Recruiting and Advertising Services – Contracted services to promote and coordinate MSC’s recruiting events; produce advertising towards recruitment of Civilian Mariners.

Lodging for Civilian Mariners – Contracted services for CIVMARS assigned to the “pool” and lodging for shiprepair availabilities.

Establishment and Administration of Indefinite Delivery Type Contracts in Support of the Fleet – fire system inspection, life rafts, MHE, SCBAs, Cargo Elevator/Dumbwaiter, General Ship Repairs (Norfolk, Baltimore, Earle, San Diego).

Government Commercial Purchase Card (GCPC) Program – Responsible for management of the GCPC, both ashore and afloat, for approximately 150 cardholders and approving officials.


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Basis for AwardBasis for Award

• Lowest priced, Technically Acceptable (LPTA)

– Technical proposals are evaluated to determine their acceptability

– Once proposals have been determined to be acceptable, technical qualities are no longer considered

– Award is made to the technically acceptable offer with the lowest price

– Award can be made on initial offers, without discussions or following discussions and submission of Final Proposal Revisions


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Basis for Award (continued)Basis for Award (continued)

• Best Value Source Selection

– A procurement policy or philosophy; not a specific procedure

– A number of evaluation procedures can be used to determine best value

– “Best Value” is a contracting policy that reflects the recognition that it is not always wise to make purchase decisions on the basis of price alone


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Basis for Award (continued)Basis for Award (continued)

– Government is allowed to evaluate proposals and select the source whose proposal offers the greatest total benefit, or best value, to the government

– This approach is used when the lowest price/cost is not the most important factor in selecting the contractor

– It is also used when a high level of technical quality is desired


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Synopsizing, and Soliciting Synopsizing, and Soliciting RequirementsRequirements

• Requirements between $2500 and $10K do not have to be synopsized. (Use and Acceptance of Government Purchase Card is highly encouraged for requirements below $3000 for supplies; $2500 for services)

• Requirements between $10K and $25K must be displayed in a public place or by any appropriate electronic means.

• Requirements in excess of $25K are synopsized in a Government Point of Entry (GPE). The Navy and MSFSC’s GPE is FEDBIZOPPS.

• A solicitation must be prepared for requirements in excess of $25K. Solicitation must also be posted to GPE.

• ALL REQUIREMENTS IN EXCESS OF $2500 SHOULD BE SET-ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESS IF THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO (2) SMALL BUSINESSES THAT CAN PROVIDE THE SERVICE/SUPPLY AT A FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE.


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Government Proposals – Top BlundersGovernment Proposals – Top Blunders

• Using Complex Language – Keep your proposal simple and easy to follow. Use easy-to-understand language and avoid long-winded sentences and paragraphs.

• Submitting a proposal on contracts that will place your current government projects at risk – When considering government solicitations, make sure you possess the skills and resources required to finish the project.

• Not accepting credit cards for payment – Many govt. agencies prefer to use the GCPC to buy goods and services. If you don’t accept the GCPC you may miss out on govt. contracting opportunities. There are benefits to accepting the CGPC – no need to fill out detailed paperwork and receipt of immediate payment.

• Pricing an item in incorrect units (Most Common Mistake) – A typical example is submitting a bid on gallons when the govt. solicitation was for quarts. It may seem like a simple error, but it could cost you a govt. contract.


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Top Blunders (continued)Top Blunders (continued)

• Submitting messy govt. proposals – Before you seal the envelope, double-check your document for typos, blank pages, unnumbered or mis-numbered pages, smudges, rips and poor grammar.

• Having preconceived notions about what specific govt. agencies need – Don’t knock yourself out of consideration by assuming a govt. agency doesn’t need your products. Contact the govt. agency before you decide.

• Focusing on frills rather than fundamentals – Concentrate on making your proposal rejection-proof. Begin by responding to each and every requirement in the solicitation. Make sure your proposal offers a clear and well thought-out solution that will solve the problem at hand, while calling attention to the direct benefits of your proposal. Make sure you firmly follow the rules of govt. proposals.


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Top Blunders - continuedTop Blunders - continued

• Not allowing enough time – You will need time to check and recheck your proposal, but you will also need time to ready any agency-specific rules and regulations and other information that will help your submission. You’ll want to begin calculating the time and materials you will need to fulfill the govt. contract. You’ll need this information to determine your proposal price. Finally, make sure you allow enough time for your proposal to reach the agency office before the deadline.

• Ignoring or underestimating your competitors – A crucial goal of your proposal is to differentiate yourself from your competitors. How much more efficiently will you do the job? Why is your price better than theirs? If you haven’t taken time to study and understand your competitors, it’s unlikely that you’ll beat them to the contract.

• Inconsistency – Review your proposal for consistency before you send it off. Is your work plan in agreement with your budget and schedule: Do your figures add up? Are you consistent with measurements and any other elements that are vital to your proposal?


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How to Write a ProposalHow to Write a Proposal

• Include an Executive Summary which tells the evaluators why they should choose your company for the contract. Explain to the govt. how your company is going to accomplish the requested work.

• Provide a list of resumes and qualifications and responsibilities of the key personnel and subcontractors named in the proposal.

• Ensure that the charts and graphs included in the proposal are relevant and should b used as exhibits whenever possible.

• Provide a list of satisfactory completion of similar projects in size and complexity or of providing similar services to companies of similar size and/or characteristics.

• Provide a safety plan if you are preparing a proposal that requires the use of machinery, chemicals, or equipment that could conceivably cause injury.

• Make sure that the proposal is well-written. Proofread the proposal to eliminate last-minute mistakes.

• Complete and sign all paperwork correctly. Errors and incomplete paperwork could result in your proposal being rejected by the govt. contracting office.


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Getting Started……Getting Started……

• Register in Central Contractor Registration (https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx)

• Search FEDBIZZOPS regularly (https://www.fbo.gov)

• Make contact with the Small Business Specialist (SBS) at the activity(ies) you are interested in doing business with.

• Visit the Military Sealift Command contracting webpage (Contracts Tab) for contracting opportunities within MSC/MSFSC (http://www.msc.navy.mil)

Documents

Military Sealift Fleet Support Command Man, Train, Maintain, Equip 1 Contracting with Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC) 29 June 2010