[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 9, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27294-27295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-13436]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Publication of Revision and Consolidation of Military Freight 
Traffic Rules Publications (MFTRP) 1C-R (Motor), 10 (Rail), 30 (Barge), 
6A (Pipeline), 4A (Tank Truck), Military Standard Tender Instruction 
Publication (MSTIP) 364D, SpotBid Business Rules, and SDDC Military 
Class Rate Publication No. 100A to a Consolidation of Procurement 
Requirements for the Purchase of Commercial Transportation Services 
Into the Military Freight Traffic Unified Rules Publication (MFTURP) 
No. 1

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DOD.

SUMMARY: The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command 
(SDDC) is providing notice that it intends to publish its consolidated 
procurement requirements of commercial transportation services 
publication, the MFTURP No. 1, which governs the purchase of surface 
freight transportation in the Continental United States (CONUS) by DOD 
using Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) exempt transportation 
service contracts. The purpose for this new procurement procedure is to 
streamline the transportation requirements to reflect the current needs 
of the DOD.

DATES: This publication will be effective July 9, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Dora J. Elias, (757) 878-5379.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    A notice proposing this publication and an open comment period was 
published in the Federal Register (74 FR 13423) on Friday, March 27, 
2009. In response to this notice, a total of six (6) comments were 
received. A summary of the comments and SDDC's responses are as 
follows:
    Comment one (1): It is not believed that the unified rules 
currently provide Full Replacement Value (FRV) for Household Goods 
(HHG) Freight All Kinds (FAK) shipments correctly. Also believes that 
deletion of verbiage that indicates shipper can increase carrier 
liability because it is covered in another item.
    Response one (1): SDDC has no objection to the revised verbiage 
provided by the commenter and will incorporate changes as annotated.
    Comment two (2): For the sake of clarity and ease of understanding, 
SDDC is urged to adopt and use uniform terminology by referring 
specifically to TSP brokers, freight forwarders and logistics companies 
when that meaning is intended.
    Response two (2): SDDC agrees with commenter and will incorporate 
clear terminology when referring specifically to that segment of 
transportation service providers.
    Comment three (3): Within Section A, Part II, Paragraph C.1, there 
is a requirement to provide 24-hour on call point of contact 
information on all subcontracted TSPs. Commenter believes this 
information should be with the prime contractor, i.e., the broker, 
freight forwarder, or logistic provider.
    Response three (3): SDDC understands this might produce more 
information than what is truly needed. As a result, SDDC will retain 
the requirement of the broker, freight forwarder or logistic company to 
maintain an electronic listing of all subcontracted TSPs it may utilize 
in the transportation of DoD freight. However, the requirement to also 
provide the subcontracted TSP's corporate office address, telephone 
numbers and 24-hour point of contact will be removed. This information 
should remain with the broker, freight forwarder and/or logistic 
company.
    Comment four (4): Within Section A, Part II, Paragraph C.3, 
contains ambiguity in terminology. To clarify intent, the first 
sentence should read: ``Subcontracted TSP will provide sufficient 
documentation for SDDC to verify and confirm that they have been 
engaged by the TSP broker, freight forwarder or logistics company named 
on the BL or shipment documentation.''
    Response four (4): SDDC agrees, for the most part, with the 
verbiage provided by the commenter, with a small modification to 
provide the shipper the sufficient documentation to verify the 
subcontracted TSP has been engaged by the broker, freight forwarder or 
logistics company named on the BL or shipment documentation.
    Comment five (5): In Section A, Part II, Paragraph C.8, commenter 
believes that any request for shipment status should make clear that 
such requests be made to the prime broker, freight forwarder or 
logistics company.
    Response five (5): SDDC agrees and will provide the following 
verbiage:

[[Page 27295]]

``The status of any shipment tendered to a broker, freight forwarder, 
or logistics company will be provided within 24 hours upon SDDC's 
request to the broker, freight forwarder or logistics company's 
designated POC.''
    Comment six (6): In Section A, Part II, Paragraph E.4, expand 
requirement to include email load confirmations that is available to 
SDDC and the driver.
    Response six (6): While this particular paragraph deals, 
specifically, with TSPs with motor authority that may participate in 
long-term leases with other TSPs, the suggestion is viable and will be 
incorporated.
    Miscellaneous: This publication, as well as the other SDDC 
publications, can be accessed via the SDDC Web site at: http://www.sddc.army.mil/Public/Global%20Cargo%20Distribution/Domestic/Publications/.

Brenda S. Bowen,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. E9-13436 Filed 6-8-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-P