12319818R0002_Answers_to_Questions.docx

RFP 12319818R0002 Farmers Markets Support Services

Questions and Answers

Is NAICS code 541614 correct?

Yes.

Does the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation under solicitation number 12319818R0002 contain requirements similar to a current contract?

No

Or, is this a new requirement for the government?

New

Under Section 1 Solicitation Direction 1.0 General Description – Best Value Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) In the spirit of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) anticipates entering into a cooperative blanket purchase agreement (BPA) to further reduce the administrative costs of acquiring commercially available services and/or products. However paragraph (1) B) Other un-priced tasks meeting the requirements of the BPA in accordance with proposed (GSA) discounted prices, if any.

Therefore is this BPA limited to a GSA Schedule only response and if so which GSA Schedule is required?

Not limited to GSA Schedule holders only.

If the proposer does not have a GSA Schedule how will their rates be evaluated?

By Price.

Is the QCP included in the page count?

No.

Can more than two (2) different types of wireless equipment solutions be offered to DM/DMF? (We understand that EBT only option and EBT/credit/debit options are required) we are referencing multiple equipment options per solution (EBT only) (EBT/credit/debit options)).

No. There should be one option per solution.

Will marketing materials under previous contracts for farmers markets be provided to selected Contractor for design review?

FNS will provide suggestions to the selected Contractor on the design and information included in marketing materials.

Will Contractor be responsible for providing FM with the script systems (i.e.: paper, ink, tokens, etc.) as part of this RFP?

The cost of operating scrip systems (paper, ink, tokens, etc.) is not covered by funding for this program. Those costs are the responsibility of the individual market or farmer.

IF Yes, is the cost of script systems be included in this RFP?

N/A

Will wireless equipment accessories/supplies (i.e; extra battery, chargers, stands, paper) be covered under this RFI?

FNS will cover the costs of the SNAP EBT equipment, and service fees. Service fees vary between providers, but they typically include set up costs, monthly statement fees, and wireless fees, including data fees. Transaction fees (for credit and debit transactions), the costs of scrip systems (paper, ink, tokens, etc.), and fees to terminate an existing contract will not be covered.

Can nonprofit entities submit a bid for this proposal? (Are nonprofit entities eligible to bid?)

If the offerer identifies a lower cost equipment option after the bid has been awarded, are they able to revise the workplan to include this lower-cost option?

If at any point during a period of performance the offerer becomes aware of a better alternative, the offerer should inform FNS of this and a determination will be made. This will be done within the requirements of offering 2 equipment options, as described in the PWS. That is, the newly-discovered option will not be added as a 3rd option, but will replace.

Should the equipment costs be included in the Price Proposal? I.e. does the lowest-cost equipment option(s) need to be elaborated as part of the price proposal?

Equipment costs should be included.

Would FNS consider an extension on the response due date to February 13, 2018?

Are current equipment vendors allowed to submit a response and be one of the selected vendors of the equipment?

Returned Equipment Question/Clarification – 4.1

4.1 Distribute wireless EBT Equipment to qualified FMs and DMFs Work with FNS to determine a process to require equipment recipients to return their device to the provider, if the FM or DMF does not start redeeming SNAP or other FNS program benefits within a particular time period after receiving equipment, to be determined by FNS.

Question: Is the intent of this requirement for the awarded vendor to house the returned equipment, inspect the equipment and re-distribute the equipment? In addition, how does the returned equipment get factored in for approved shipments of the vendor..ie are those considered future credits? Please clarify the intent of what should be done with returned equipment.

Housing, inspecting and re-distributing returned equipment is not a requirement of the awarded vendor. Equipment should be returned directly to the equipment provider, by the market or farmer. The provider should determine if a device is appropriate for re-distribution. The provider must ensure that such devices should only be used for replacing equipment for another recipient, and not to fill a new order.

FNS is also interested in ideas put forth in the RFP responses as to how this process can work.

4.3 – Promotion and Reporting Create materials, to be reviewed and approved by FNS, promoting the availability of EBT equipment to the FM/DMF. Once finalized, these materials must be made available publicly via the online application portal and website. If changes are necessary to the information contained in these materials, the materials will be updated and posted within 7 business days of the Contractor becoming aware of the change.

Question: Can FNS please specify the materials if these are online or printed copies and what information is expected in the materials.

The materials must be electronically available via the online application portal and website. Materials in paper format may be created for distribution at promotional opportunities or industry events. FNS will provide suggestions to the awardee on the design and information included in marketing materials.

What is the target award date for this RFP?

There is no target award date for this RFP.

Are onsite market sign up days a requirement for this RFP as performed by the previous contractors? If they are a requirement can FNS provide an estimated number of sign up days?

This topic was not addressed in this RFP.

In defining the low-cost solution and identifying 2 wireless options can FNS expand on how the awarded vendor would determine the low cost? Does FNS have a matrix that will be provided to the awarded vendor to determine low cost? For example, if Solution A has more features than Solution B how are those weighed? In addition, is the awarded vendor expected to negotiate a fee free transaction path for the SNAP low cost solution?

FNS will work with the awardee to identify the 2 wireless options that offer the required minimum features for the lowest cost.

It is our understanding that the previous contractor had a reimbursement process that allowed them to reimburse the direct marketing farmers or farmers markets directly? Is that a policy that FNS will allow or require in this new contract?

This topic was not addressed in this RFP.

Section 4.0 Required Tasks Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) directly with each selected equipment provider. The Contractor will provide FNS with a copy of the MOU upon the completion of each. Can FNS elaborate on the due date for this MOU to be completed and provide a timeline or table of each required task?

Since the online application portal must include information regarding the equipment options, the establishment of business agreements between the providers and the awardee must fall into the same timeframe, as will the other tasks associated with making the program operational.

4.1 Distribute wireless EBT Equipment to qualified FMs and DMFs, pg. 41; How is the equipment purchased through this program?

Equipment is purchased directly from the provider.

4.1 Distribute wireless EBT Equipment to qualified FMs and DMFs, pg. 41; and

8.0 CLIN PRICING, pg. 47; Should the budget include estimated funding to purchase the equipment, for CLIN 001?

8.0 CLIN PRICING, pg. 47; What percentage of the yearly budget has historically been allocated across the CLINS?

CLIN 001 - EBT Farmers Markets Support Services CLIN 002 - FM and DMF Technical Assistance CLIN 003 - Promotion and Reporting

Respondents should provide their own calculated budget within their proposal based on their knowledge and expertise of providing services.

8.0 CLIN PRICING, pg. 47; Regarding CLIN 0001, historically what percentage of the budget has been allocated to the equipment purchase?

CLIN 001 - EBT Farmers Markets Support Services

Respondents should provide their own calculated budget within their proposal based on their knowledge and expertise of providing services.

2.0 Background, pg. 43; The RFP states: "Beginning in FY 2014, FNS contracted for the administration of this program, and has continued to do so since. The program provided over 1,700 devices to farmers and markets in FY16 and FY17. Equipment recipients are able to receive funding for three (3) years of equipment services under this program. The awardee will continue this work." Will there be two contracts happening simultaneously with this contract? If so, how does USDA anticipate the two contractors working together?

There will not be two contracts happening simultaneously to operate this program.