1 - vendor questions answered.docx

1. The solicitation, evaluation criteria, and SOW state the quotation and sample should represent a basal (dehydrated culture) medium, separate growth supplement, separate selective (antibiotic) supplement, and separate sterile blood supplement.

0. QUESTION: Would the USDA accept a quotation and sample for a ready-to-use, fully prepared culture medium in a bottle with a 30mL fill?

0. A fully prepared medium would impact many of the items on the scoring rubric.

Yes, we knew that one vendor was supplying liquid medium, that was addressed in the rubrik by including hands-on time. We provided the dry recipe, but did not tell them how to make it.

0. QUESTION: Does the USDA require a tamper shrink seal on the cap of a prepared bottle product?

Something should be present to indicate it has not be tampered with, shrink wrap is fine.

1. The solicitation was posted 12/21/2022, with an expected receipt date for samples of 1/13/2023. This represents only 3.5 weeks notification with two major holidays in between.

1. QUESTION: Would the USDA accept a quote by 1/13/2023, with the potential for samples to be received shortly after this date (e.g. 1 to 2 additional weeks)?

0. Communication of sample shipment/tracking would be fully communicated to testing sites, so they are aware of potential receipt dates and can prepare accordingly.

We are extending the period for submittal of quotations and the deadline for receipt of samples to Wednesday, January 25.

1. The Contractor Requirements in the SOW state “The contractor shall provide all components necessary to make the Hunt Broth in its final form and include all charges for shipping and handling to the purchase price”. The solicitation does not include quantiles or frequencies of shipments to each testing site over the 5 year period. Freight fees are volatile and out of Hardy’s control; they cannot be accurately estimated for either party over a 5 year period.

2. QUESTION: Would the USDA be able to provide quantities and frequencies of shipments to the different testing sites over the 5 year period?

We estimate we will need around 990L per fiscal year.

2. QUESTION: Would a shipping and handling fee notification process communicated to the Contract Specialist to calculate freight quarterly using required ship dates and quantities be acceptable?

1. NOTE: This is what we do currently (see attached example) with the USDA nBPW orders and communicate shipping fees to the Contract Specialist so they can be included on the PO.

1. QUESTION: If the process in item “b” is not acceptable, would it be possible to have a quick phone call with the CRO or yourself for your input and expectations for ordering?

Shipping costs must be included with the price of the materials for each of the five years of pricing requested.