QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM RESPONDENTS FOR RFQ #LRAQ-002
1. Cost Inclusion Compliance with Federal Standards-“We would like to verify that costs are eligible as a part of the RFQ process. For federally procured projects, the typical process we have seen is qualification-based selection and if price negotiations fail, it moves to the second ranked qualified firm. It is our interpretation that federally funded qualification selections do not allow for costs to be included as a part of the selection process. Please confirm that the cost component of the RFQ is allowed under federal procurement standards (i.e. a waiver was submitted to MARAD for allowance), as we understand that this effort is funded and administered through the MARAD PIDP process.”
Received 09/18/2025 @ 1046
LRA Response – This is a qualifications-based selection. In Section 4- Costs of the Submittal, it is LRA’s intent to have each responder provide an allocation of the grant funds ($1,000,000) by task including labor and expense for each. This will be used to gauge the responder’s understanding of the level of effort anticipated for each task. Additional text explaining labor and expenses may be included.
Related Questions – None
2. Deadline for Submission of “Statement of Qualifications” (SOQ) – Clarify the deadline for submission of a respondent’s SOQ. At least two places in the published RFQ indicate a deadline of 10/4/2025, which is before the scheduled site visit of October 6.
Received 09/29/2025 during pre-bid meeting
LRA Response – Statements of Qualifications must be received by 4:00 PM EDT, Monday, November 3, 2025.
RELATED QUESTIONS – None
3. “Open Cell Dock” – The RFQ references an “Open Cell Dock” design for a new dock and wharf to be constructed at the LRA’s property adjacent the existing Gantry Crane. Would the LRA consider an alternative dock design to the Open Cell Dock?
Received 09/29/2025 during pre-bid meeting
LRA Response –The LRA will consider alternative dock designs if submitted.
Related Questions – None
4. “LRA Office” – What size and location does the LRA have in mind for the office building mentioned in the RFQ?
Received 09/29/2025 during pre-bid meeting
LRA Response –The LRA has no specific size or location expectation for its potential office building / facility. The LRA is relying on the respondent to recommend office size and location based on the data obtained in creating the Master Plan, including economic data, stakeholder input and community engagement.
Related Questions – None
5. “Gantry Crane and Conveyor Structure Repair” – How should the respondent determine how the existing Conveyor and Gantry Crane infrastructure be repaired and updated.
Received 09/29/2025 during pre-bid meeting
LRA Response – The Gantry Crane is currently undergoing a total rehabilitation. This work will culminate in a “better than new” gantry crane that operates with nearly identical travel and lift times with an additional 12 tons of lifting capacity. In addition, the LRA is currently working to release an RFP to obtain a new clamshell bucket to replace the existing bucket used by the crane, and an RFQ for a new Hopper System to replace the existing and aged hopper system. The only infrastructure at the Gantry Crane that will require improvement and planning are access / egress and attendant drainage and security concerns.
The LRA is relying on respondents, using the commercial & economic data obtained and other findings relative to the placement and use of the new dock, to determine what the best recommended use(s) for the dated conveyor infrastructure, as well as recommended improvements and / or changes to access to and egress from the Gantry Crane.
Related Questions – None
6. “Location of Previous Slack Water Harbor Site” – Where is the brownfield slack water harbor site previously used for a sand dredging operation located.
Received 09/29/2025 during pre-bid meeting
LRA Response – This site is located on the LRA’s main line railroad at 38.122486, -85.900886, which corresponds to the street address 7900 Fortune Drive, Louisville, KY 40258. All LRA properties adjacent to its railroad should be considered for their potential use in LRA and LRA’s tenant operations.
Related Questions – None
