Solicitation 12639524Q0112 Questions and Answers Amendment P0002.pdf

SOLICITATION 12639524Q0112

Questions and Answers Amendment P0001

Q: I am reviewing the solicitation documents and have a question about the acceptable sizes for the polyethylene bags. Also will the bags be frozen?

The solicitation specifies the following sizes:

- 9"W x 18"H x 6 mil thickness

- 6"W x 12"H x 6 mil thickness

Would sizes of 9"W x 16"H x 6 mil or 10"W x 18"H x 6 mil also be acceptable as replacements for the 9"W x 18"H bags? Or are the exact dimensions of 9"W x 18"H required?

Please let me know if the slightly different dimensions would be acceptable or if the 9"W x 18"H size is mandatory. I want to ensure I submit a compliant quote.

A: If the size is close, it may be ok. They do not need to be freezer proof. Just maybe tolerant to cold temperatures when being shipped but not necessarily freezer proof.

Q: I am currently working on the above bid. Being new to this process I have a few questions that I hope you can help me with.

A) As we do not produce Coin Envelopes or Spear Envelopes are we permitted to bid only on the poly bags?

B) I am having trouble determining the quantity of each line item required. It seems they are to be packaged at 500 bags/carton but there is no indication of how many cartons are required.

A: Vendors may provide a quote for just the poly bags or just the envelopes if they elect

to. USDA reserves the right to award multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements from this solicitation. Regarding the number of bags being ordered, please see Section II of the solicitation for historical quantities. This is a solicitation for a BPA so there are no minimum guarantees.

Q: Is there an incumbent?

If so what's their name, the contract number, and the value of that contract?

Also, six(6) mill thickness is rare and I want to provide the best value.

I'd like to know what is the number of Bags being ordered per month or week.

A: There is an incumbent; Blanket Purchase Agreement 12639519A0034 was held by PLASTICBAGSONSALECOM INC; the total spend was about $78,000 over 5 years.

Regarding the number of bags being ordered, please see Section II of the solicitation for historical quantities. This is a solicitation for a BPA so there are no minimum guarantees.

Q: Are you looking for the reclosable or flat poly bags? Would the 9x16 work if the 9x18 is not available? Would 1000 count in a box be acceptable?

A: Please see Section IV of the Solicitation. These are the requirements of the bags.

Q: We are preparing our offer for solicitation 12639524Q0112 and would like to know if we need to quote all line items or can quote just the poly bags.

A: Vendors may provide a quote for just the poly bags or just the envelopes if they elect

to. USDA reserves the right to award multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements from this solicitation.

Q: Please provide previous award details for Blanket Purchase Agreement(s) for Polyethylene Bags, Brown Kraft Coin Envelopes, and Spear Envelopes for the USDA, AMS, Federal Grain Inspection Service, if available.

A: Blanket Purchase Agreement 12639519A0034 (polyethylene bags) was held by PLASTICBAGSONSALECOM INC; the total spend was about $78,000 over 5 years.

Blanket Purchase Agreement 12639519A0012 (brown kraft coin and spear envelopes) was held by MIDCO GLOBAL, INC. The total spend was about $53,000 over 5 years.

Q: The order amount is for 500 units per BX which we are assuming BX is for Boxes, correct?

A: Correct.

Q: When would BPA holders know the exact quantity that USDA will order for the year?

A: In recent history, there have been two Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) in place.

BPA 12639519A0012 is a 5-year BPA that was awarded in Fiscal Year 2019 for coin envelopes and spear envelopes. BPA 12639519A0034 is a 5-year BPA that was awarded in Fiscal Year 2019 for polyethylene bags.

In the 5-year BPA history of the BPA for envelopes and spear envelopes (BPA 12639519A0012), there have been one or two call orders issued per year, and the total value of all call orders issued under the envelopes BPA is approximately $53,000.00 over that 5-year span.

In the 5-year BPA history of the BPA polyethylene bags (BPA 12639519A0034), there have been one to three call orders issued per year, and the total value of all call orders issued under the envelopes BPA is approximately $78,000.00 over that 5-year span.

Q: How often will the BPA holders make shipments of the envelopes and/or polyethylene bags?

A: Orders may be placed at any time during the 5-year BPA period.

How far in advance will we be notified to ship out the products ordered?

A: Delivery dates are agreed-to at the call order level.

We notice multiple Locations for FOB ship drop location and also if we are not mistaken we notice that on the RFQ that it stated that we will be delivering the products to at least 60+ different Locations is that correct?

A: The list of locations contained within the Statement of Work are USDA locations where supplies may be delivered to. Specific locations for deliveries will be identified within call orders when they are issued; the government is under no obligation to order supplies for all locations listed, nor is the Vendor under any obligation to deliver to all of the locations listed, until Call Orders are issued specifying quantities and locations for deliveries, as well as delivery dates. Delivery dates are agreed to at the call order level.

Q: The Samples Requested from our understanding you just need 5 Samples of each product itemize on the RFQ Solicitation?

A: To be eligible for award consideration, all vendors must submit the following samples to the USDA, AMS point of contact/address also specified below, and received at the USDA, AMS office no later than 4:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

A. 5 Quote samples of each size of Plastic Bags B. 5 Quote samples of each size of Coin Envelopes C. 5 Quote samples of Spear Envelopes

USDA, AMS, FGIS, DIIO

Attn: Ronald Bundy 10383 N. Ambassador Dr.

Kansas City, MO 64153 Phone: 816-659-8400

If the Vendor’s quote does not contain all of the items listed above, the quote may be considered incomplete for evaluation purposes and no further consideration will be given to the Vendor’s quote, thereby making a Vendor ineligible for award.