23Q0043 QandAs.pdf
PDF 194 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Insulated Shipping Containers RFQ Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 123A9423Q0043
About this file
This document contains questions and answers regarding Solicitation Number 123A9423Q0043, issued by the Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, for insulated shipping containers. The key details are as follows:
The solicitation seeks proposals for extra small, small, and large insulated shipping containers used to transport food samples in various quantities on a yearly basis. The containers must maintain internal temperatures for 72 hours using included gel packs, foam liners, closure plugs, and absorbent pads. Respondents should propose reusable locking mechanisms and corrugated boxes that can withstand multiple shipments. While print specifications will be determined by the winning bidder, the agency prefers printed boxes and is open to corrugated plastic or other solutions. Proposers should base pricing on the estimated annual usage quantities provided and palletized shipments to three agency locations on a year-round basis.
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23Q0043 – Insulated Shipping Containers Q&A’s
1. To accurately quote these items---is it possible to get Annual Usages (2019 and 2022) for these items:
Please refer to the table below for estimated annual usages.
Description Part # Estimated Yearly Usage
(EA)
Extra Small Container M16USDA 600 Extra Small Container w/o gel packs
M16USDANG
Extra Small Container Overwrap
M16UFOLS
Extra Small Thermoformed Liner
M16ULINER
Extra Small Closure Plug M16UPLUG 600 Small Container M20USDA 2400 Small Container w/o gel packs M20USDANG 100 Small Container Overwrap M20UFOLS 8750 Small Thermoformed Liner
M20ULINER
Small Closure Plug M20UPLUG 2100 Large Container M54USDANC 360 Large Container w/o gel packs M54USDANGNC 100 Large Container Overwrap M54URSCNC 250 Large Thermoformed Liner
M54ULINER
Large Closure Plug M54UPLUG 585
Corrugated Spacer Pads M20UPAD1 9000 8 Ply Absorbent Pad M20UPAD 50000 Hard Gel Pack PP24USDA 3000
2. I was wondering if there was any additional information for this opportunity description instead of just part number and the other big one is quantities as pricing is based on QTY.
Item descriptions are located in column 1 of the table in section B.5 of the RFQ. These products are manufactured by Sonoco Thermosafe. Please refer to the table in question one for estimated annual usage.
3. Do you have drawings for the ideal container?
FSIS does not have container drawings.
4. Are these foam molded coolers in the RFQ?
One of the components of the current shipping container is a molded foam insert.
However, FSIS is open to other solutions for maintaining sample temperatures.
5. What type of volumes per EAU and order?
Please refer to the table in question one for estimated annual usage. Volumes per order fluctuate with the needs of the labs at the time of ordering.
6. Do you have a quantity per order in mind?
Volumes per order fluctuate with the needs of the labs at the time of ordering.
7. Annual volume: Extra Small, Small, and Large cooler.
a. The RFQ references a total of 144,000 products last year. Does this mean 1 product per cooler or were there multiple samples in each cooler? How many coolers are we quoting?
One sample per shipping container, however the shipping containers FSIS currently has can be reused multiple times.
8. Gel Pack: Specifications and Size.
a. Specifications Hard plastic casing outer shell; please see part B for other information.
b. Size? How many ounces and dimensions?
16oz: 7” x 3.5” x 1.5” 32oz: 6.25” x 6.25” x 1.5”
c. How many gel packs are used in each cooler in each size currently?
16oz: 3 in summer months and 2 the rest of the time 32 oz: 2 in the summer months and 1 the rest of the time, for the large containers we can send up to 6-10 gel packs.
9. Please explain: Small & Large closure plug. Is this something we include in the kit?
a. Please provide specifications
The closure plugs are sized to fit the different dimensions of the shipping containers.
These plugs ensure that the sample is packed tightly and limits the amount of movement during transit. The plugs also support maintaining temperatures within the container.
10. Is the absorbent pad cellulose wadding?
a. Need material specifications and dimensions 8-ply with poly backing; 8” x 8”
b. Does this need to be provided in the kit or shipped separately?
Typically have been provided in the kit, but should be able to be purchased separately.
11. If they want the boxes printed before we quote we need to see a print card.
a. Does the cooler need to be printed or can it be a label?
Prefer the boxes be printed.
b. Do you have specifications of the print? Size of the print, placements, and how many panels of the box does the print need to be on?
No, print specifications will be determined by the winning bid.
12. (pg. 26, #8) What is the required temp of the Ready-To-Eat? There are no temperature requirements on RTE samples.
a. Does this need 72hrs? Yes
b. What is the closure being used for the food? RTE samples are submitted in final retail packaging, but can also come in a slack-filled bag and can be closed in with diverse methods.
13. Are all the PO’s purchased on a Credit Card?
POs will be done through an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.
Delivery/Task orders will be placed against the contract when supplies are needed.
14. This is all custom product and has to be kitted.
a. Can you provide a monthly forecast?
Volumes per order fluctuate with the needs of the labs at the time of ordering.
Please refer to the EAU in question 1.
b. Is it seasonal or year around?
Year round
15. How are we shipping the coolers (Pallet or Single box)? Pallet
a. Is this the same for all 3 locations? yes
16. We understand that a corrugated box is preferred on 4 shipments. Are you also interested in plastic corrugated that is sonic welded and would last up to 10+ shipments? FSIS is interested in evaluating all solutions.
17. Please explain self-sealing box.
The current shipping containers utilizes Velcro tabs to seal the container.
18. Would there be interest in seeing a box that uses tamper evident seals? No
19. Will we be provided samples of all the components for ISTA chamber testing? FSIS will not be sending samples of the current shipping containers and materials.
20. Weight of samples that will be sent, or do we get 5 lbs, 10 lbs, and 15 lbs respectively for just the packaging materials and the payload is in addition to that weight. The packing materials alone should be respectively 5, 10 and 15 lbs. Any payload would be in addition to this. FSIS prefers packaging that is light as possible but needs to be able to support payload requirements.
21. What thermal profiles do these coolers need to hold these temperature ranges against
a. ISTA 7e Summer
b. ISTA 7e Winter
c. ISTA 7d Summer
d. ISTA 7d Winter
e. Something else all together
FSIS does not currently use the ISTA temperature ranges to determine suitability.
22. For 72-hour data, we need to know what is the star�ng temp of the gel packs. Frozen.
23. Is void fill allowed and if so what are the requirements around that? Void fill is not allowed.
a. If it is not allowed are the payloads in a standard box that will hold the dimensions described in the RFQ. Payloads vary but can be up to 15 lbs.
24. What is the total weight of each size cooler with samples and ice?
Please refer to the RFQ for sizing and response to ques�on 20 for the weight.
25. A reusable security locking mechanism can be atached to the closure of the boxes.
FSIS is interested in a reusable security locking mechanism.
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