Cote d'Ivoire Award23-008B

23-008B Cote d'Ivoire Award:

February 12, 2024

AWARD NOTICE 

TechnoServe Inc. Freight IFB23-008B for Bulk Rice with bags to Cote D’Ivoire   

On behalf TechnoServe Inc (TNS) , Charterer, BKA Logistics is pleased to announce the following freight award:

Charter Party Date February 12, 2024.

Owners: Pacific Basin Supramax Limited, 

Vessel Name: MV IMABARI LOGGER or substitute. 

Geared Bulk Carrier; Hong Kong. Flag; Built 2014

37,478 MT DWT on 10.54 M SSW; LOA:179.97M; Beam 29.8M;

Cranes 4 X 30.5 Tons, Speed about 12.5 Kts.

Cargo:  A total cargo of 34,580 Metric Tons Bulk Rice with empty bags as follows:

For TechnoServe Inc.: 13,530 MT Min/Max Bulk Rice with 276,000 empty bags.

In addition, the vessel will be carrying, under separate charter parties: For LWR 11,280 MT Bulk Rice with empty bags and for SFL 9,770 MT Bulk Rice with empty bags to Abidjan.

Empty bags to be transported freight free on the same vessel as cargo carried.

Cargoes of TNS of 13,530 MT, LWR of 11,280 MT and SFL of 9,770 MT can be commingled provided they are loaded and supplied by the same supplier, same grade, same quality, same purchase order, and same load terminal.

Separation, if required, details per IFB.

Above is as full cargo.

Laydays: April 10-20, 2024

Load port:  One safe berth, One safe U.S. Gulf port. Intention (G-NO-WAG) to be reconfirmed at time of receiving the 14 days Pre-advice Notice of vessel ETA Load port. 

Loading terms:  Scale Gross Load – details per IFB.

Discharge port: One safe berth, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Abidjan must be the first port of discharge on vessel’s voyage itinerary/schedule.

Discharging terms: As per IFB  

Freight Rate: Basis total cargo of 34,580 Metric Tons of bulk rice, with empty bags, loading one safe berth, one safe port USGulf to Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, where cargo is to be discharged by the vessel owner, liner out terms, no demurrage, no despatch, bagged and stacked into port storage in the port of Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. Ocean freight basis G-NO-WAG to Liner Out, bagged/stacked in port storage warehouse Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire: USD 103.93 PMT.

For each additional load port, if used add lumpsum USD 375,000.00.

For each additional load berth, in excess of one per port, if used, add lumpsum 

USD 180,000.00.

For each additional load berth, basis same facility, if used, add lumpsum 

USD 150,000.00.

Demurrage/Despatch: At load port USD 21,000.00 per day or prorata / Half Despatch

                                     No Demurrage / Despatch ar Abidjan 

Otherwise as per terms and conditions of TechnoServe Inc Freight Re-Tender 

IFB# 23-008B dated February 1, 2024, and TechnoServe Inc. Charter Party Proforma.

End.

23-008B Cote d'Ivoire Retender

February 1, 2024

Freight Re-Tender: TechnoServe Inc, Bulk Rice to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

IFB No: 23-008B

Date: February 1, 2024

BKA Logistics LLC., for and on behalf of TECHNOSERVE INC. (hereafter TNS),

requests firm offers of U.S. and non-U.S. flag geared vessels for the carriage of well

milled rice in bulk with empty bags, under the Food for Progress program on the

following basis:

BKA Ref No: F24-0005

IFB No: 23-008B

Commodity Solicitation No. 2000009869

Freight Solicitation No. 2000009870

Agreement No: FCC-681-2023/008-00

Sales Order No: 5000891042

Freight offers are due no later than 1000 hrs Central time USA (1100 hrs Eastern Time)

February 07, 2024. Freight offers are to remain valid until 1700 hours Eastern time USA

February 09, 2024.

Only firm offers are to be submitted. Offers must be in accordance with the terms and

conditions of this Freight tender to be considered as valid offers.

Submission of freight offers:

All carriers are required to submit offers electronically, by the due date and time, for the

cargoes advertised by this IFB via the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Web

Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system for the Invitation number(s)

referenced above. All offers are subject to all requirements of WBSCM and of the aforementioned

Invitation(s), including the deadline(s) for submission of bids therein.

The Web Based Supply Chain Management system can be accessed through the

following website: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=wbscm

Carriers must be assigned a USDA E authentication Logon ID and password to access the

WBSCM system. Contact the WBSCM help desk for information regarding Logon IDs,

passwords, and WBSCM system questions or concerns:

Telephone: (877) 927-2648; e-mail: wbscm.servicedesk@caci.com

All proposals will be evaluated on the rates submitted in WBSCM. Free form remarks are

not evaluated and are for informational purposes only.

For Evaluation: Basis the total freight charges including bagging/ stacking cost into

Receiver’s designated port storage in port of Abidjan. Offeror to state in text of offer

alternative cost for option to deliver directly onto Receivers’ trucks alongside vessel at

Abidjan Port.

Freight payment: Freight payment shall be processed through the WBSCM system and

paid by USDA. Instructions for the freight payment procedures through WBSCM are

available from:

BKA Logistics LLC – Email: mark.millard@bkalogistics.net or rsingh@bkalogistics.net

1) Commodity / Quantity / Laydays:

Bulk Rice / 13,530 Metric Tons / April 10-20, 2024

With 276,000 empty bags to be carried freight free.

Offerors are encouraged to offer the above TNS cargo in combination with the cargoes of

Lutheran World Relief of 11,280 MT bulk rice and SFL cargoes of 9,770 MT bulk well

milled rice with empty bags under separate IFBs.

Cargoes of TNS of 13,530 MT, LWR of 11,280 MT, and SFL of 9,770 MT can be

commingled provided they are loaded and supplied by the same supplier, same grade,

same quality, same purchase order, and same load terminal.

Otherwise, the cargoes are to be separated as follows:

Separation, if required, to be by vessel’s natural segregation or otherwise by Kobe-type

separation. Separation, if any, shall be at owner’s time, risk and expense. If Kobe

separation used, Owner must construct the separation so that fumigation of the cargo is

effective and the separation/ stowage must be approved by the National Cargo Bureau

(NCB), all at Owner’s time, risk and expense.

Offerors should consider offering vessels to carry a range of tonnages in the event that

quantity purchased is more or less than the quantity stated in this tender.

The contracted quantity to be on a min/max basis.

- Empty bags to be transported freight free on the same vessel as cargo carried.

- Empty bags delivery: See clause 28 below for full details of the requirement.

- Offerors are encouraged to review other Title II PL480 / USAID cargoes and USDA

program cargoes in the market for possible combination with this cargo.

- Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire is to be the first port of discharge on TNS contracted vessels’

schedule.

2) If vessel is offered and or fixed basis Part Cargo - any completion cargo(es) must be

duly separated, must be compatible and non-injurious to TNS’s cargo, and must be

detailed in offer for TNS/USDA approval or approved by TNS/USDA if contracted after

fixture of TNS cargo. Vessel’s itinerary and geographic proximity of completion

cargo(es) will be taken into consideration by TNS/USDA in approval of such part

cargo(es) in order not to unduly impede delivery of TNS’s cargo to discharge port(s).

3) Offers of named vessels only. No vessel substitution is permitted without TNS/USDA

approval. Vessel type restrictions: Tankers, towed barges will not be considered. All

performing vessels must meet the port /terminal restrictions on Vessel LOA, Beam, and

arrival draft. Otherwise, the lightening clause of this tender takes effect.

4) Offerors are required to provide the following information: Vessel name / type / flag /

year built / class / LOA / beam / DWT / draft / gear (if any) / ETA at load and discharge

ports /full style of owners. Vessels must be in class at time of the offer and during the

voyage. Further, offeror to provide vessel’s ETA Load Port/Range, vessel voyage

itinerary, and ETA Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire is to be the first port of

discharge on vessel’s schedule.

5) Loading: 1/2 safe berths each 1/2 safe port(s) any U.S. range. Mississippi River,

including but not north of Port Allen to be considered as one port; Columbia River

District including Portland to be considered as one port; San Francisco Bay area

including Sacramento and Stockton to be considered as one port. For offers basis U.S.

Great Lakes utilizing feeder vessels, offer to include name and details of feeder vessels.

6) Owners to provide fourteen (14) day preadvice of vessel readiness to load. Preadvice

notice must be received at the office of BKA Logistics LLC. Prior to 1100 hrs.

Washington DC time on regular business day to be considered received on that day. If

preadvice is received later than 1100 hrs. Washington DC time on regular business day –

or- on weekends /holidays, then preadvice notice will be considered received on the next

business day. In addition to sending preadvice notice to BKA, as above, owner must also

provide copy of their preadvice notice to USDA / KCCO Email:

carol.buchanan@usda.gov and justin.martinek@usda.gov.

7) Offers submitted under this invitation are required to have a cancelling date no later

than the last date of the laydays as stated above. Vessels which are offered with a

cancelling date beyond the laydays specified above will not be considered.

8) Discharge port: One safe berth, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Abidjan must be the first port

of discharge on vessel’s voyage itinerary/schedule.

Owners are fully responsible for vessel arriving at the discharge port within the

permissible draft and port restrictions. Vessel Owners to satisfy themselves about

prevailing restrictions and Charterers are not responsible for any failure thereto. Owners

are fully responsible for any and all costs in reaching permissible draft. If full or partial

lightening required see Clause 19 of this IFB.

9) Load terms: Cargo to be loaded according to berth terms with customary despatch at

the average rate as provided below based on vessels contracted quantity. The rates are

basis tons of 2204.6 pounds per weather working day of 24 consecutive hours, Saturdays,

Sundays and holidays excepted, even if used. (WWDSSHEXEIU). Any stowing and/or

trimming to be for Owner’s account.

Bulk carriers:

Vessel contracted Quantity Loading guarantee

0 – 9,999.99 MT 4,000 MT per day

10,000.00 – 19,999.99 MT 5,000 MT per day

20,000.00 – 29,999.99 MT 6,000 MT per day

30,000.00 – 39,999.99 MT 7,500 MT per day

40,000.00 – 49,999.99 MT 10,000 MT per day

50,000.00 MT and above 12,000 MT per day

Tween-deckers: the load guarantee shall be 3,000 MT per day.

No load guarantee for Lash / Seabee barges.

Prior to tendering the Notice of Readiness, the vessel must pass USDA FGIS stowage

examination inspection and NCB Load Readiness inspection. Charterer requires and

owner to provide the original USDA FGIS Vessel Stowage Examination certificate and

NCB load readiness certificate and not worksheets.

NB: Charterer/Receiver may require a Preshipment Inspection (PSI) per import

regulations. Said PSI shall be arranged and paid for by the Charterer/Receiver. Owner to

permit the PSI inspector to board and inspect vessel holds and witness the loading.

10) Discharging terms:

a) The cargo is to be discharged by the Vessel owner, liner out terms, no demurrage, no

despatch. Vessel owner shall bag the rice and stack onto Receivers’ trucks at the end of

the bagging line, alongside vessel, at Vessel Owner’s time, risk and expense.

Receivers/Buyers will provide sufficient trucks for a minimum cargo take-away from end

of bagging line at an average rate of 400 Metric Tons per day per working bagging

machine. Receivers/Buyers are responsible for any claims from Vessel Owner for slow

take-away due to insufficient truck capacity. Any claims by Vessel owner for slow takeaway

by Receiver/Buyer or for any claims of Receiver/Buyer for slow delivery of the

bagged rice by Vessel Owner, are to be settled directly between Receivers/ Buyers and

Vessel Owner. TNS will not be responsible for settling claims or disputes between Vessel

Owner and Receivers/ Buyers. The Vessel Owner is a third party beneficiary to enforce

the terms of this provision. All disputes between Receivers/Buyers and Vessel Owner

will be arbitrated in New York under the Society of Maritime Arbitrators Inc.

b) At Charterer/Receiver’s option, the cargo is to be discharged by the Vessel owner,

liner out terms, no demurrage, no despatch, bagged and stacked into port storage in the

port of Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. The port storage shall be identified by Receiver in

advance of vessel arrival at the discharge port.

11) At load port owner to appoint and pay for stevedores. At discharge port owner to

appoint and pay for stevedores. At discharge port owner to appoint and pay for the

Bagging Contractor. Owner to notify charterer the names and point of contact for the

appointed stevedores and bagging contractor at the discharge port when vessel files it’s

notice of readiness to load. This is required so that Receiver/Buyer have sufficient time to

coordinate truck schedules for takeaway of bagged rice at the discharge port.

12) At load port owner to appoint and pay for vessel’s agent. At the discharge port owner

to appoint and pay for the vessel’s agent.

13) Demurrage / despatch are applicable at load port only. Owners are to specify their

demurrage/despatch rates in their offer, Despatch rates must be one-half of demurrage

rates as quoted.

At discharge port there is no demurrage / no despatch. Cargo being discharged by the

vessel on Liner out terms. See Clause 10 for details

14) Laytime is non-reversible.

15) At load port (s) Laytime accounts are to be settled directly between owners and

commodity supplier(s). Laytime calculation, overtime and trimming to be in accordance

with addendum no 1 of the North American Export Grain Association’s FOB Contract

No 2 (revised as of May 1, 2000) clause nos. 1-10 inclusive (hereinafter referred to as

NAEGA) regardless of vessel type. Further, the following modifications to NAEGA will

apply: anywhere the word “buyer” appears, the words “vessel owner” is to be substituted.

Under no circumstance shall charterers or USDA/CCC be responsible for resolving

disputes involving the calculations of laytime or the payment of demurrage or despatch

between the vessel owner and commodity supplier. Any/all disputes between vessel

owner and supplier arising out of the contract relating to the settlement of laytime issues

shall be arbitrated in New York in accordance with the Int’l Arbitration rules of the

American Arbitration Association.

16) Foreign flag vessels must not be older than 15 years and must be classed highest in

Lloyd’s register or its equivalent – date of original construction, not rebuilt date, to

govern. Any extra insurance on account of vessel’s age, flag, ownership, type,

configuration or classification will be for owners account, but not exceeding New York

market rates for U.S. flag vessels and London rates for non-us flag vessels. NVOCC’s

may not be employed to carry U.S. flag or foreign flag shipments.

Special note:

For U.S. Flag Only - Should offered vessel be enrolled in an insurance program that

negates the overage premium requirement and or if Offerors assert that Overage

Insurance is not applicable, then offeror must include all documentary information and

certifications substantiating same. Such substantiation must be clear, specific and up to

date. Nevertheless, same is subject to review and acceptance by Charterers and Cargo

Receivers and does not guarantee relief of Owners’ obligation to pay for Extra Insurance

should Charterers / Receivers determine the substantiation to be insufficient to protect the

cargo interests.

For US Flag vessels over 15 years of age and ITB’s, owners are required to provide an

additional certificate from NCB certifying that vessel’s hatch covers and any other

openings leading to cargo compartments have been sealed to prevent any outside water

from entering the cargo spaces. Cost of sealing and special survey are for account of

owner and in no way diminishes owners’ liability and responsibilities toward the cargo.

17) Vessel gear requirements: Vessels must be capable of discharge by means of grabs

utilizing vessel gear. All discharge gear and equipment is to be supplied by owner at

owner’s expense. Owners to provide at their expense all necessary motive power/ fuel to

operate owner provided discharging gear. Use of vacuvators is prohibited.

Vessel gear provided by owner must meet all requirements of the discharge port

authorities.

18) Opening and closing of hatches to be carried out by vessel’s crew free of charge to

charterers. Mechanical or hydraulic hatch covers for vessels or rain tents for all hatches

are required.

19) Owners are responsible for vessel arriving at discharge port with an acceptable safe

arrival draft. If vessels draft exceeds such draft, owners to be fully responsible for any

and all costs incurred in reaching safe draft. Lightening, if any, to be performed in the

territorial waters of the country of the discharge port. Lightening daughter vessel utilized

must be single deck bulk carriers meeting port’s vessel restrictions. Daughter vessel must

be classed highest in Lloyds or equivalent and certified fit for receipt and carriage of bulk

cargo under the governing Charter Party by a first class independent surveyor.

Vacuvators cannot be used for lightening of bulk rice.

20) Vessel will be fumigated with an Aluminum Phosphide preparation in-transit, in

accordance with USDA/FGIS Handbook revised July 10, 2020 and any

subsequent revisions to said handbook. At final loading port, commodity supplier

will arrange and pay for in-transit fumigation performed by a certified applicator.

Fumigation will be witnessed by FGIS, USDA, and the Aluminum Phosphide

preparation must be contained in packaging as described in the fumigation

handbook. Dust retainers must be used. For tweendeckers and bulk carriers

(including push-mode ITB), the recirculation method of fumigation will be used.

Tween-deck/multi-deck vessels are acceptable only when a certified applicator states that

the vessel has been inspected and found to be suitable for in-transit fumigation.

USDA FAS Notice to the Trade “Bulk Vessel Fumigation with Phosphine”, dated

February 16, 2023, and USAID Notice to the Trade “Bulk/Breakbulk Vessel

Fumigation with Phosphine-Revised”, dated February 1, 2024, are full incorporated

herein, which includes Fumigation Protocols for Bulk Cargo.

The removal and disposal of fumigant sleeves, pipes, dust retainers or other fumigation

materials used for intransit fumigation shall be for Owner’s time, risk, and expense.

At the discharge port and upon inspection by government inspectors, if cargo and/or

vessel is found to be infested and provided clean bill(s) of lading were issued, said

fumigation costs are for owner's (vessel's) time, risk and expense.

21) Owners guarantee that this vessel complies fully with the International Safety

Management (ISM) code and the International Ship and Port Facilities Security code

(ISPS). Upon request, owners to provide charterers with a copy of the relevant document

of compliance (doc) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC) in regard to the ISM

code and the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) in regard to the ISPS code.

Owners are to remain fully responsible for any and all consequences from matters arising

as a result of the owner or vessel being out of compliance with the ISM and ISPS code.

22) Section 408 of the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998, Public Law 105-383

(46 USC, Paragraph 2302(e)), establishes effective January 1, 1999, with respect to non-

U.S. flag vessels and operators/owners, that substandard vessels and vessels operated by

operators/owners of substandard vessels are prohibited from the carriage of government

impelled (preference) cargo(es) for up to one year after such substandard determination

has been published electronically. As the cargo advertised in this IFB is government

impelled (preference) cargo, offeror must warrant that vessel(s) and operator/owner are

not disqualified to carry such cargo(es).

23) One-way rates must be quoted in addition to round trip rates for U.S. flag non-liner

vessels whose date of original construction exceeds 15 years from date of fixture.

24) Approved U.S. flag rates will be reduced to a level no higher than the Maritime

Administrations fair and reasonable rate in the event that approved vessel is substituted

by a lower cost vessel to the U.S. government (including tug and/or barge).

For U.S. flag vessels loading less than a full cargo, the less than full cargo rate will be

subject to a reduction to meet any revised Maritime Administration freight rate guideline

due to vessel loading other additional cargo.

25) U.S. Flag vessels offered subject MARAD approval will not be considered. If

MARAD approval of vessel is required, it must be obtained prior to submission of offer.

Further U.S. flag offers will not be considered if the vessel operator has not provided the

maritime administration with the vessels costs prior to submission of offer.

26) Freight rates are to be quoted in U.S. dollars per metric ton on Liner Out terms

including cost of bagging and stacking cargo a) onto Receiver’s/Buyer’s trucks, alongside

vessel, option b) into receiver designated port storage. Said rate to be broken down into

Ocean Freight basis Liner Out and cost of bagging and stacking a) directly onto

Receiver’s/Buyer’s trucks alongside vessel, b) into port storage at the port of Abidjan,

Cote d’Ivoire.

Evaluation will be basis the total freight charges including bagging/ stacking cost into

port Receiver’s designated port storage in port of Abidjan.

Offeror to state in text of offer alternative cost for option to deliver directly onto

Receivers’ trucks alongside vessel at Abidjan Port.

Ocean freight shall be basis one load berth, one load port to Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire.

Offer to stipulate any additional freight per metric ton on entire cargo for each additional

load berth and each additional load port if used.

27) If owners intend to lighten, offer to specify the cost of lightening, and whether action

is full or partial lightening. If lightening is not performed at the discharge port and the

Vessel discharges at berth then the cost of lightening will be deducted from the ocean

freight.

28) Empty bags are to be delivered to Owners to Owners or their appointed agents Free

Alongside (F.A.S.) Point of Rest (Under Cover) at Owner's designated load berth.

Owners are to nominate load berth(s) for the empty bags within forty-eight (48) hours

after receipt of Charterers' nomination of load port(s) for the cargo. Owners' designated

load berth must provide a Point of Rest with under cover protection from the weather for

the empty bags. Owners will be responsible for any and all costs associated with placing

the empty bags aboard the vessel from their F.A.S. Point of Rest (Under Cover). Empty

bags, and if provided needles and twine, will be transported on vessel to destination(s)

freight free.

All bags must be double stitched at owner’s time, risk, expense.

29) On completion of loading Owner to release clean, signed on board bill of ladings to

Charterer’s agent BKA Logistics LLC by overnight courier at Owner’s expense.

The commodities will be loaded and shipped in bulk with the quantity determined by the

Official Grain Weight Certificate issued by USDA /FGIS on completion of loading. Bill

of Lading quantities and freight charges will be based upon the Official Grain Weight

Certificate(s) figures. Claims or demands for freight amounts that exceed the

aforementioned Bill of Lading weights will not be considered.

Charterer will require Bills of Lading to be marked “Freight Payable as Per Charter

Party” and may be made out To Order, blank endorsed by Shipper. Further, the

following cargo description or similar may be in the Bills of Lading, at Charterer’s

option: “US No 2 Rice, Max. 7% broken, not parboiled and well milled as per United

States Standards for Milled Rice. Packing: Bulk with empty 50 kilo bags, with additional

2% empty bag. Country of Origin: United States of America.”

Upon Vessel's arrival at discharge port(s) delivery will be allowed by the Owner's local

Agent against Charterer's or Charterer’s nominated Receivers’ letter(s) of indemnity in

lieu of the original Bill of Lading, if same is not received in time.

30)Port Restrictions due to COVID-19: In the event authorities do not permit the vessel

to enter the port, and/or grant Free Pratique, because of port quarantine procedures

related to COVID-19 restrictions and thus causing the vessel to be detained from entering

the port and discharging the cargo, such time lost shall be entirely for Vessel Owner’s

account and time.

Any delays or quarantine time due to determination of COVID-19 infection by any ship

personnel, and/or due to contamination of the vessel, the time to remedy and disinfection

of same, including vacating/re-berthing costs and shifting time, if the vessel was already

at/in berth/port, shall be entirely for vessel Owner’s account and time.

Any delays or quarantine time due to determination of COVID-19 infection by any

Buyer’s/Receiver’s personnel, Buyer’s/Receiver’s contractor and/or due to contamination

of the discharging and/or storage facilities at port of discharge, the time to remedy and

disinfection of same, including vacating/reberthing costs and shifting time, if the vessel

was already at/in berth/port, shall be entirely for Buyer’s account and time.

31) TNS reserves the right to accept or reject all offers.

32) Commission: 1.67 percent on freight / deadfreight is payable to charterer’s agent

BKA Logistics LLC.,

33) All offers must be in accordance with this IFB and to the terms and conditions of the

current Technoserve Inc. Bulk Grain Charter Party proforma.

34) Offers to be submitted electronically through the WBSCM no later than 10.00 hours

Central time USA on February 07, 2024. Only offers which are responsive to this IFB

will be considered and no negotiation is permitted. Only firm offers will be considered.

Offers are to remain valid until 1700 hrs. Washington DC time on February 09, 2024.

Fixtures resulting from this tender are subject to approval by TNS and USDA.

For further information regarding this specific tender contact:

BKA Logistics LLC, 1629 K Street NW, suite 500, Washington DC 20006.

Phone: 202-331-7395 telefax: 202-331-7735,

Email: mark.millard@bkalogistics.net

Email: rsingh@bkalogistics.net.

End

23-008B Cote d'Ivoire Amendment 1

January 16, 2024

Amendment 1 – TechnoServe Inc Freight Tender IFB23-008B for Rice to Abidjan 

The Freight tender is hereby amended as follows:

Freight offers are due no later than 1000 hours Central Time (1100 hours Eastern Time) January 18, 2024. 

All other terms of the Freight IFB remain unchanged.

End.

23-008B Cote d'Ivoire Tender

January 12, 2024

Freight Tender: TechnoServe Inc, Bulk Rice to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
 

IFB No:23-008B
 

Date: January 11, 2024
 

BKA Logistics LLC., for and on behalf of TECHNOSERVE INC. (hereafter TNS),
requests firm offers of U.S. and non-U.S. flag geared vessels for the carriage of well
milled rice in bulk with empty bags, under the Food for Progress program on the
following basis:
BKA Ref No: F24-0005
IFB No.: 23-008B
Commodity Solicitation No. 2000009816
Freight Solicitation No. 2000009817
Agreement No: FCC-681-2023/008-00
Sales Order No: 5000891042
 

Freight offers are due no later than 1000 hrs Central time USA (1100 hrs Eastern Time)
January 17, 2024. Freight offers are to remain valid until 1700 hours Eastern time USA
January 19, 2024.
 

Only firm offers are to be submitted. Offers must be in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Freight tender to be considered as valid offers.
 

Submission of freight offers:
All carriers are required to submit offers electronically, by the due date and time, for the
cargoes advertised by this IFB via the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Web
Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system for the Invitation number(s)
referenced above. All offers are subject to all requirements of WBSCM and of the aforementioned
Invitation(s), including the deadline(s) for submission of bids therein.
The Web Based Supply Chain Management system can be accessed through the
following website: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=wbscm
Carriers must be assigned a USDA E authentication Logon ID and password to access the
WBSCM system. Contact the WBSCM help desk for information regarding Logon IDs,
passwords, and WBSCM system questions or concerns:
Telephone: (877) 927-2648; e-mail: wbscm.servicedesk@caci.com
All proposals will be evaluated on the rates submitted in WBSCM. Free form remarks are
not evaluated and are for informational purposes only.
For Evaluation: Basis the total freight charges including bagging/ stacking cost into
Receiver’s designated port storage in port of Abidjan. Offeror to state in text of offer
alternative cost for option to deliver directly onto Receivers’ trucks alongside vessel at
Abidjan Port.
Freight payment: Freight payment shall be processed through the WBSCM system and
paid by USDA. Instructions for the freight payment procedures through WBSCM are
available from:
BKA Logistics LLC – Email: mark.millard@bkalogistics.net or rsingh@bkalogistics.net
1) Commodity / Quantity / Laydays:
Bulk Rice / 13,530 Metric Tons / February 25- March 5, 2024
Offerors are encouraged to offer the above TNS cargo in combination with the cargoes of
Lutheran World Relief of 11,280 MT bulk rice and SFL cargoes of 9,770 MT bulk well
milled rice with empty bags under separate IFBs.
Cargoes of TNS of 13,530 MT, LWR of 11,280 MT, and SFL of 9,770 MT can be
commingled provided they are loaded and supplied by the same supplier, same grade,
same quality, same purchase order, and same load terminal.
Otherwise, the cargoes are to be separated as follows:
Separation, if required, to be by vessel’s natural segregation or otherwise by Kobe-type
separation. Separation, if any, shall be at owner’s time, risk and expense. If Kobe
separation used, Owner must construct the separation so that fumigation of the cargo is
effective and the separation/ stowage must be approved by the National Cargo Bureau
(NCB), all at Owner’s time, risk and expense.
Offerors should consider offering vessels to carry a range of tonnages in the event that
quantity purchased is more or less than the quantity stated in this tender.
The contracted quantity to be on a min/max basis.
- Empty bags to be transported freight free on the same vessel as cargo carried.
- Empty bags delivery: See clause 28 below for full details of the requirement.
- Offerors are encouraged to review other Title II PL480 / USAID cargoes and USDA
program cargoes in the market for possible combination with this cargo.
- Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire is to be the first port of discharge on TNS contracted vessels’
schedule.
2) If vessel is offered and or fixed basis Part Cargo - any completion cargo(es) must be
duly separated, must be compatible and non-injurious to TNS’s cargo, and must be
detailed in offer for TNS/USDA approval or approved by TNS/USDA if contracted after
fixture of TNS cargo. Vessel’s itinerary and geographic proximity of completion
cargo(es) will be taken into consideration by TNS/USDA in approval of such part
cargo(es) in order not to unduly impede delivery of TNS’s cargo to discharge port(s).
3) Offers of named vessels only. No vessel substitution is permitted without TNS/USDA
approval. Vessel type restrictions: Tankers, towed barges will not be considered. All
performing vessels must meet the port /terminal restrictions on Vessel LOA, Beam, and
arrival draft. Otherwise, the lightening clause of this tender takes effect.
4) Offerors are required to provide the following information: Vessel name / type / flag /
year built / class / LOA / beam / DWT / draft / gear (if any) / ETA at load and discharge
ports /full style of owners. Vessels must be in class at time of the offer and during the
voyage. Further, offeror to provide vessel’s ETA Load Port/Range, vessel voyage
itinerary, and ETA Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire is to be the first port of
discharge on vessel’s schedule.
5) Loading: 1/2 safe berths each 1/2 safe port(s) any U.S. range. Mississippi River,
including but not north of Port Allen to be considered as one port; Columbia River
District including Portland to be considered as one port; San Francisco Bay area
including Sacramento and Stockton to be considered as one port. For offers basis U.S.
Great Lakes utilizing feeder vessels, offer to include name and details of feeder vessels.
6) Owners to provide fourteen (14) day preadvice of vessel readiness to load. Preadvice
notice must be received at the office of BKA Logistics LLC. Prior to 1100 hrs.
Washington DC time on regular business day to be considered received on that day. If
preadvice is received later than 1100 hrs. Washington DC time on regular business day –
or- on weekends /holidays, then preadvice notice will be considered received on the next
business day. In addition to sending preadvice notice to BKA, as above, owner must also
provide copy of their preadvice notice to USDA / KCCO Email:
carol.buchanan@usda.gov and justin.martinek@usda.gov.
7) Offers submitted under this invitation are required to have a cancelling date no later
than the last date of the laydays as stated above. Vessels which are offered with a
cancelling date beyond the laydays specified above will not be considered.
8) Discharge port: One safe berth, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Abidjan must be the first port
of discharge on vessel’s voyage itinerary/schedule.
Owners are fully responsible for vessel arriving at the discharge port within the
permissible draft and port restrictions. Vessel Owners to satisfy themselves about
prevailing restrictions and Charterers are not responsible for any failure thereto. Owners
are fully responsible for any and all costs in reaching permissible draft. If full or partial
lightening required see Clause 19 of this IFB.
9) Load terms: Cargo to be loaded according to berth terms with customary despatch at
the average rate as provided below based on vessels contracted quantity. The rates are
basis tons of 2204.6 pounds per weather working day of 24 consecutive hours, Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays excepted, even if used. (WWDSSHEXEIU). Any stowing and/or
trimming to be for Owner’s account.
Bulk carriers:
Vessel contracted Quantity Loading guarantee
0 – 9,999.99 MT 4,000 MT per day
10,000.00 – 19,999.99 MT 5,000 MT per day
20,000.00 – 29,999.99 MT 6,000 MT per day
30,000.00 – 39,999.99 MT 7,500 MT per day
40,000.00 – 49,999.99 MT 10,000 MT per day
50,000.00 MT and above 12,000 MT per day
Tween-deckers: the load guarantee shall be 3,000 MT per day.
No load guarantee for Lash / Seabee barges.
Prior to tendering the Notice of Readiness, the vessel must pass USDA FGIS stowage
examination inspection and NCB Load Readiness inspection. Charterer requires and
owner to provide the original USDA FGIS Vessel Stowage Examination certificate and
NCB load readiness certificate and not worksheets.
NB: Charterer/Receiver may require a Preshipment Inspection (PSI) per import
regulations. Said PSI shall be arranged and paid for by the Charterer/Receiver. Owner to
permit the PSI inspector to board and inspect vessel holds and witness the loading.
10) Discharging terms:
a) The cargo is to be discharged by the Vessel owner, liner out terms, no demurrage, no
despatch. Vessel owner shall bag the rice and stack onto Receivers’ trucks at the end of
the bagging line, alongside vessel, at Vessel Owner’s time, risk and expense.
Receivers/Buyers will provide sufficient trucks for a minimum cargo take-away from end
of bagging line at an average rate of 400 Metric Tons per day per working bagging
machine. Receivers/Buyers are responsible for any claims from Vessel Owner for slow
take-away due to insufficient truck capacity. Any claims by Vessel owner for slow takeaway
by Receiver/Buyer or for any claims of Receiver/Buyer for slow delivery of the
bagged rice by Vessel Owner, are to be settled directly between Receivers/ Buyers and
Vessel Owner. TNS will not be responsible for settling claims or disputes between Vessel
Owner and Receivers/ Buyers. The Vessel Owner is a third party beneficiary to enforce
the terms of this provision. All disputes between Receivers/Buyers and Vessel Owner
will be arbitrated in New York under the Society of Maritime Arbitrators Inc.
b) At Charterer/Receiver’s option, the cargo is to be discharged by the Vessel owner,
liner out terms, no demurrage, no despatch, bagged and stacked into port storage in the
port of Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. The port storage shall be identified by Receiver in
advance of vessel arrival at the discharge port.
11) At load port owner to appoint and pay for stevedores. At discharge port owner to
appoint and pay for stevedores. At discharge port owner to appoint and pay for the
Bagging Contractor. Owner to notify charterer the names and point of contact for the
appointed stevedores and bagging contractor at the discharge port when vessel files it’s
notice of readiness to load. This is required so that Receiver/Buyer have sufficient time to
coordinate truck schedules for takeaway of bagged rice at the discharge port.
12) At load port owner to appoint and pay for vessel’s agent. At the discharge port owner
to appoint and pay for the vessel’s agent.
13) Demurrage / despatch are applicable at load port only. Owners are to specify their
demurrage/despatch rates in their offer, Despatch rates must be one-half of demurrage
rates as quoted.
At discharge port there is no demurrage / no despatch. Cargo being discharged by the
vessel on Liner out terms. See Clause 10 for details
14) Laytime is non-reversible.
15) At load port (s) Laytime accounts are to be settled directly between owners and
commodity supplier(s). Laytime calculation, overtime and trimming to be in accordance
with addendum no 1 of the North American Export Grain Association’s FOB Contract
No 2 (revised as of May 1, 2000) clause nos. 1-10 inclusive (hereinafter referred to as
NAEGA) regardless of vessel type. Further, the following modifications to NAEGA will
apply: anywhere the word “buyer” appears, the words “vessel owner” is to be substituted.
Under no circumstance shall charterers or USDA/CCC be responsible for resolving
disputes involving the calculations of laytime or the payment of demurrage or despatch
between the vessel owner and commodity supplier. Any/all disputes between vessel
owner and supplier arising out of the contract relating to the settlement of laytime issues
shall be arbitrated in New York in accordance with the Int’l Arbitration rules of the
American Arbitration Association.
16) Foreign flag vessels must not be older than 15 years and must be classed highest in
Lloyd’s register or its equivalent – date of original construction, not rebuilt date, to
govern. Any extra insurance on account of vessel’s age, flag, ownership, type,
configuration or classification will be for owners account, but not exceeding New York
market rates for U.S. flag vessels and London rates for non-us flag vessels. NVOCC’s
may not be employed to carry U.S. flag or foreign flag shipments.
Special note:
For U.S. Flag Only - Should offered vessel be enrolled in an insurance program that
negates the overage premium requirement and or if Offerors assert that Overage
Insurance is not applicable, then offeror must include all documentary information and
certifications substantiating same. Such substantiation must be clear, specific and up to
date. Nevertheless, same is subject to review and acceptance by Charterers and Cargo
Receivers and does not guarantee relief of Owners’ obligation to pay for Extra Insurance
should Charterers / Receivers determine the substantiation to be insufficient to protect the
cargo interests.
For US Flag vessels over 15 years of age and ITB’s, owners are required to provide an
additional certificate from NCB certifying that vessel’s hatch covers and any other
openings leading to cargo compartments have been sealed to prevent any outside water
from entering the cargo spaces. Cost of sealing and special survey are for account of
owner and in no way diminishes owners’ liability and responsibilities toward the cargo.
17) Vessel gear requirements: Vessels must be capable of discharge by means of grabs
utilizing vessel gear. All discharge gear and equipment is to be supplied by owner at
owner’s expense. Owners to provide at their expense all necessary motive power/ fuel to
operate owner provided discharging gear. Use of vacuvators is prohibited.
Vessel gear provided by owner must meet all requirements of the discharge port
authorities.
18) Opening and closing of hatches to be carried out by vessel’s crew free of charge to
charterers. Mechanical or hydraulic hatch covers for vessels or rain tents for all hatches
are required.
19) Owners are responsible for vessel arriving at discharge port with an acceptable safe
arrival draft. If vessels draft exceeds such draft, owners to be fully responsible for any
and all costs incurred in reaching safe draft. Lightening, if any, to be performed in the
territorial waters of the country of the discharge port. Lightening daughter vessel utilized
must be single deck bulk carriers meeting port’s vessel restrictions. Daughter vessel must
be classed highest in Lloyds or equivalent and certified fit for receipt and carriage of bulk
cargo under the governing Charter Party by a first class independent surveyor.
Vacuvators cannot be used for lightening of bulk rice.
20) Vessel will be fumigated with an Aluminum Phosphide preparation in-transit, in
accordance with USDA/FGIS Handbook revised July 10, 2020 and any
subsequent revisions to said handbook. At final loading port, commodity supplier
will arrange and pay for in-transit fumigation performed by a certified applicator.
Fumigation will be witnessed by FGIS, USDA, and the Aluminum Phosphide
preparation must be contained in packaging as described in the fumigation
handbook. Dust retainers must be used. For tweendeckers and bulk carriers
(including push-mode ITB), the recirculation method of fumigation will be used.
Tween-deck/multi-deck vessels are acceptable only when a certified applicator states that
the vessel has been inspected and found to be suitable for in-transit fumigation.
USDA FAS Notice to the Trade titled “Cargo Fumigation Requirements”, Dated
February 16, 2023, are full incorporated herein, which includes Fumigation
Protocols for Bulk Cargo https://procurement.usaid.gov/node/8123
The removal and disposal of fumigant sleeves, pipes, dust retainers or other fumigation
materials used for intransit fumigation shall be for Owner’s time, risk, and expense.
At the discharge port and upon inspection by government inspectors, if cargo and/or
vessel is found to be infested and provided clean bill(s) of lading were issued, said
fumigation costs are for owner's (vessel's) time, risk and expense.
21) Owners guarantee that this vessel complies fully with the International Safety
Management (ISM) code and the International Ship and Port Facilities Security code
(ISPS). Upon request, owners to provide charterers with a copy of the relevant document
of compliance (doc) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC) in regard to the ISM
code and the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) in regard to the ISPS code.
Owners are to remain fully responsible for any and all consequences from matters arising
as a result of the owner or vessel being out of compliance with the ISM and ISPS code.
22) Section 408 of the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998, Public Law 105-383
(46 USC, Paragraph 2302(e)), establishes effective January 1, 1999, with respect to non-
U.S. flag vessels and operators/owners, that substandard vessels and vessels operated by
operators/owners of substandard vessels are prohibited from the carriage of government
impelled (preference) cargo(es) for up to one year after such substandard determination
has been published electronically. As the cargo advertised in this IFB is government
impelled (preference) cargo, offeror must warrant that vessel(s) and operator/owner are
not disqualified to carry such cargo(es).
23) One-way rates must be quoted in addition to round trip rates for U.S. flag non-liner
vessels whose date of original construction exceeds 15 years from date of fixture.
24) Approved U.S. flag rates will be reduced to a level no higher than the Maritime
Administrations fair and reasonable rate in the event that approved vessel is substituted
by a lower cost vessel to the U.S. government (including tug and/or barge).
For U.S. flag vessels loading less than a full cargo, the less than full cargo rate will be
subject to a reduction to meet any revised Maritime Administration freight rate guideline
due to vessel loading other additional cargo.
25) U.S. Flag vessels offered subject MARAD approval will not be considered. If
MARAD approval of vessel is required, it must be obtained prior to submission of offer.
Further U.S. flag offers will not be considered if the vessel operator has not provided the
maritime administration with the vessels costs prior to submission of offer.
26) Freight rates are to be quoted in U.S. dollars per metric ton on Liner Out terms
including cost of bagging and stacking cargo a) onto Receiver’s/Buyer’s trucks, alongside
vessel, option b) into receiver designated port storage. Said rate to be broken down into
Ocean Freight basis Liner Out and cost of bagging and stacking a) directly onto
Receiver’s/Buyer’s trucks alongside vessel, b) into port storage at the port of Abidjan,
Cote d’Ivoire.
Evaluation will be basis the total freight charges including bagging/ stacking cost into
port Receiver’s designated port storage in port of Abidjan.
Offeror to state in text of offer alternative cost for option to deliver directly onto
Receivers’ trucks alongside vessel at Abidjan Port.
Ocean freight shall be basis one load berth, one load port to Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire.
Offer to stipulate any additional freight per metric ton on entire cargo for each additional
load berth and each additional load port if used.
27) If owners intend to lighten, offer to specify the cost of lightening, and whether action
is full or partial lightening. If lightening is not performed at the discharge port and the
Vessel discharges at berth then the cost of lightening will be deducted from the ocean
freight.
28) Empty bags are to be delivered to Owners to Owners or their appointed agents Free
Alongside (F.A.S.) Point of Rest (Under Cover) at Owner's designated load berth.
Owners are to nominate load berth(s) for the empty bags within forty-eight (48) hours
after receipt of Charterers' nomination of load port(s) for the cargo. Owners' designated
load berth must provide a Point of Rest with under cover protection from the weather for
the empty bags. Owners will be responsible for any and all costs associated with placing
the empty bags aboard the vessel from their F.A.S. Point of Rest (Under Cover). Empty
bags, and if provided needles and twine, will be transported on vessel to destination(s)
freight free.
All bags must be double stitched at owner’s time, risk, expense.
29) On completion of loading Owner to release clean, signed on board bill of ladings to
Charterer’s agent BKA Logistics LLC by overnight courier at Owner’s expense.
The commodities will be loaded and shipped in bulk with the quantity determined by the
Official Grain Weight Certificate issued by USDA /FGIS on completion of loading. Bill
of Lading quantities and freight charges will be based upon the Official Grain Weight
Certificate(s) figures. Claims or demands for freight amounts that exceed the
aforementioned Bill of Lading weights will not be considered.
Charterer will require Bills of Lading to be marked “Freight Payable as Per Charter
Party” and may be made out To Order, blank endorsed by Shipper. Further, the
following cargo description or similar may be in the Bills of Lading, at Charterer’s
option: “US No 2 Rice, Max. 7% broken, not parboiled and well milled as per United
States Standards for Milled Rice. Packing: Bulk with empty 50 kilo bags, with additional
2% empty bag. Country of Origin: United States of America.”
Upon Vessel's arrival at discharge port(s) delivery will be allowed by the Owner's local
Agent against Charterer's or Charterer’s nominated Receivers’ letter(s) of indemnity in
lieu of the original Bill of Lading, if same is not received in time.
30)Port Restrictions due to COVID-19: In the event authorities do not permit the vessel
to enter the port, and/or grant Free Pratique, because of port quarantine procedures
related to COVID-19 restrictions and thus causing the vessel to be detained from entering
the port and discharging the cargo, such time lost shall be entirely for Vessel Owner’s
account and time.
Any delays or quarantine time due to determination of COVID-19 infection by any ship
personnel, and/or due to contamination of the vessel, the time to remedy and disinfection
of same, including vacating/re-berthing costs and shifting time, if the vessel was already
at/in berth/port, shall be entirely for vessel Owner’s account and time.
Any delays or quarantine time due to determination of COVID-19 infection by any
Buyer’s/Receiver’s personnel, Buyer’s/Receiver’s contractor and/or due to contamination
of the discharging and/or storage facilities at port of discharge, the time to remedy and
disinfection of same, including vacating/reberthing costs and shifting time, if the vessel
was already at/in berth/port, shall be entirely for Buyer’s account and time.
31) TNS reserves the right to accept or reject all offers.
32) Commission: 1.67 percent on freight / deadfreight is payable to charterer’s agent
BKA Logistics LLC.,
33) All offers must be in accordance with this IFB and to the terms and conditions of the
current Technoserve Inc. Bulk Grain Charter Party proforma.
34) Offers to be submitted electronically through the WBSCM no later than 10.00 hours
Central time USA on January 17, 2024. Only offers which are responsive to this IFB will
be considered and no negotiation is permitted. Only firm offers will be considered. Offers
are to remain valid until 1700 hrs. Washington DC time on January 19, 2024. Fixtures
resulting from this tender are subject to approval by TNS and USDA.
For further information regarding this specific tender contact:
BKA Logistics LLC, 1629 K Street NW, suite 500, Washington DC 20006.
Phone: 202-331-7395 telefax: 202-331-7735,
Email: mark.millard@bkalogistics.net
Email: rsingh@bkalogistics.net.
End