RFQ_Questions_&_Answers_12639519Q0066.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Solicitation 12639519Q0066

Canines

Question 1. A few questions have risen, the primary one being in regards to a possible industry day? In order to submitted an accurate quote, we feel it would advantageous for all parties to be afforded an industry day.

Answer: I have contacted the program and discussed this matter with the technical representative and we don’t feel an industry day is necessary or that it would provide any additional information that isn’t already included at length in the Statement of Work and Specifications. Historically in procuring canines we haven’t found it necessary to have an industry day in order for a vendor to provide quotes.

Question 2. The solicitation states, “the dollar limitation for each individual purchase under the BPA is $150, 000”. Is that per line? Meaning 20-25 Labradors will most likely run past that $150, 000? The ceiling price of the BPA is $500,00, again, is this per line or for the entire contract?

Answer: The dollar limitation of the $150,000.00 purchase limitation is a FAR requirement and it is per BPA order. The federal acquisition regulations state we cannot issue a BPA order for more than $150,000.00. It’s not each line that is limited to $150,000.00, it’s each BPA order issued. As many orders as necessary can be issued throughout the life of the BPA, but each order cannot exceed $150,000.00. We can issue as many orders against a BPA as needed and as many times during the year as necessary. So, we can issue a BPA order for 3 canines, 5 canines etc.

The ceiling price of the BPA is $500,000.00. This means each BPA awarded will not exceed $500,000.00 which is the maximum amount of all expenditures for all line items for the 5 year period. Please also reference #3 in The Schedule Notes that addresses multiple awards and #1 that addresses the estimated quantities.

Also, please keep in mind that in order to meet our need for canines, our intent is to award multiple BPA’s. Historically we’ve found one vendor can’t supply all the canines the program needs for their training classes.

So if we have several contractors that can provide the canines to meet our needs we wouldn’t necessarily be issuing one order to one vendor for the maximum annual quantity of 20-25 labradors. Also, keep in mind we need canines for classes throughout the year so we may issue anywhere from 1 – 2 orders per year for the labs.

The $500,000.00 max on the BPA is for the entire 5 years. If we have multiple BPA’s awarded to several vendors, this amount should be sufficient.

Question 3. When is the first anticipated delivery of canines to be expected? With Beagles in particular, it is highly unlikely that vendors have the quality of Beagles on inventory. They will need to be created through a puppy program to ensure they meet the specifications of the contract.

Answer: The NDDTC is planning to place a BPA order for Beagles as soon as the BPA is awarded, therefore a contractor proposing to provide Beagles would need to have them available soon after BPA award. A BPA order for Labrador Retrievers will depend on the status of their course schedule and the number of Labs they already have on hand at the NDDTC. A vendor proposing to furnish Labrador Retrievers should be able to supply them soon after award in the event they are also needed to fill a course need. Note the estimated effective dates of the intended BPA’s which is May 1, 2019.

Question 4. Will the NDDTC consider having the solicitation include additional breeds such as the Springer Spaniel? We are using the Springer in many agencies for use as detector canines with much success. Their ability to search for expanded time frame, size, and overall workability make them a great choice. With the surge of the government needing more dogs it is difficult keeping quality within the Labrador breed itself.

Answer: Unfortunately at this time the USDA is not able to consider other breeds in lieu of Labrador Retrievers because this would require input and approval from our customers and it would also require making some policy changes as well as many other considerations. This would be a long process that would take considerable time to implement. The USDA canine training program has always utilized Labradors/Labrador mixes in border/cargo applications and has been very successful in doing so. In the future we may consider other breeds but to do so will first require implementation of some changes on the part of the government. If the government does not receive sufficient responses to this solicitation we may take the steps necessary to consider other breeds for future acquisitions.

Question 5. We just wanted to let you know that we do not currently qualify as a Small Business under the designated NAICS 112990. Please let us know if there any possibilities of lifting the set-aside or changing the NAICS.

Answer: Unfortunately at this point there would be no justification for lifting the small business set aside since it appears there are several small businesses that can provide the canines for this requirement. It also appears this is the correct NAICS code for this acquisition so I don’t anticipate changing the NAICS code.

If there aren’t sufficient quotes or it’s determined the small businesses that submit quotes don’t have the capability to provide the required canines we will then consider reissuing the solicitation as a full and open competition.

Question 6. What do we need to submit?

Answer: Contractors should reference pages 3-4 of the solicitation, number 4) which provides the information on what a contractor must submit in order to be considered. Note also the reference to Part V of the solicitation entitled Evaluation of Quotes. That describes the technical capability and past performance information the government is requiring from the contractors. Contractors should submit all the information requested in order to submit a complete quote.

The above are the questions received and answered up through Wednesday, March 6, 2019.