Questions and Answers Solicitation 12639525Q0004.pdf

Questions and Answers Solicitation 12639525Q0004

Bulk Liquid Nitrogen

Questions Received by November 1st, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET

Question 1: Is there currently an incumbent? If so, would you guide me to the Contract Number and Value?

Answer 1: Yes, there is an incumbent contractor. The incumbent contract number and value will not be provided.

Question 2: Would like to know if there is a current incumbent contractor. If so can you please send me the incumbent contract number?

Answer 2: Please refer to answer 1.

Question 3: Is there a previous incumbent for this solicitation?

Answer 3: Please refer to answer 1.

Question 4: Is there an incumbent? And if so what is their name?

Answer 4: Yes, there is an incumbent contractor. The incumbent contractor’s name will not be provided.

Question 5: What is the current contract number for this requirement, and who is the current supplier?

Answer 5: Please refer to answers 1 and 4.

Question 6: As the NAICS for this RFQ is 325210 Industrial Gas Manufacturing, please confirm whether this is a Service Contract or a Supply Contract.

Answer 6: The preponderance of the requirement is for supplies; therefore, it is a supply contract.

Question 7: Does the facility require Medical Grade or Industrial Grade Liquid Nitrogen?

Answer 7: Please refer to RFQ Part 2.2 SPECIFICATIONS for the exact type of liquid nitrogen required.

Question 8: What are the current tank set points (in inches) for FULL TRYCOCK, REORDER POINT, REFILL POINT, & LOW-LEVEL ALARM?

Answer 8: Please see the pictures of the tank and gauges provided at the end of this document.

Question 9: Will the GOV provide pictures of the tank, gauges, and data plate?

Answer 9: Pictures are provided at the end of this document.

Question 10: What is the average daily nitrogen usage (in inches)?

Answer 10: The average daily usage varies according to the needs of the laboratories. Please refer to RFQ Part 1.0 ESTIMATED QUANTITIES PER YEAR.

Question 11: How does the facility handle the annual inspection of the GFE tank (e.g., does the GOV utilize 3rd party certifier or does the GOV request the offeror perform this function each year for a fee)?

Answer 11: Annual inspection is not required.

Question 12: When was the most recent annual inspection of the tank, and will the GOV provide a copy of this report?

Answer 12: Please refer to question 11.

Question 13: Has there been any history of vaporizers icing up due to high volume?

Answer 13: Not due to high volume but this has happened due to drivers not turning the right valves.

There was a prior issue with the tank going through liquid nitrogen faster than normal and a lot of frost built up. A technician came out and checked for leaks, no leaks were found but discovered that one of the drivers had turned a wrong valve which created the impression of leakage. This was performed in July 2023.

Question 14: Are there any planned construction projects on site that may hinder delivery access?

Answer 14: There are currently no planned construction projects that would hinder delivery access.

Question 15: Is there a reserve tank or cylinder manifold in support of the main tank that would be required on this contract?

Answer 15: There is not a reserve tank or cylinder manifold in support of the main tank.

Question 16: Please advise on the intended use and application of the 99.50% pure liquid nitrogen. Will this product be used for any human or animal consumption?

Answer 16: No, the liquid nitrogen is used for storing reagents/cells and in testing environments.

Question 17: Will the GOV allow offerors the chance to schedule a site visit to observe delivery conditions?

Answer 17: Yes, site visits to only observe delivery conditions are scheduled for Friday, November 8th at 10:00 AM CT and Tuesday, November 12th at 1:00 PM CT. To attend a site visit contact David Hempe at david.e.hampe@usda.gov.

Question 18: Please confirm that the offeror must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations required of the offeror in order to meet the requirements of the statement of work as stated in Section 2.2 (Specifications) and FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products (Nov 2023) and Commercial Services. Please also confirm who the GOV entity is that enforces and ensures compliance with these RFQ terms.

Section 2.2 Specifications: “All products, equipment, and services provided must be in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.”

FAR 52.212-4, para (q): “Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.”

Answer 18: Confirmed, that is correct. Regarding the RFQ terms, please refer to RFQ Part 1.2 EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD. This part includes information on quote evaluation and compliance with the solicitation. The Government entity that evaluates quotes for conformance to the solicitation is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS), Acquisition and Asset Management Division (AAMD).

Question 19: PG 6 of 44 in the RFQ states that “Adequate supply must be maintained, which includes weekends and holidays to ensure the tank supply does not go below 25%.” But Para. (g) on PG 7 states that deliveries must not be made on federal holidays or observed federal holidays. Because there is contradicting information in the RFQ, please confirm that offerors will not be required to make deliveries on federal holidays.

Answer 19: This is not contradicting information. The Contractor must ensure adequate supply is maintained including on weekends and holidays. Additionally, the Contractor must maintain adequate supply with consideration that deliveries cannot be made on Federal Holidays or observed Federal Holidays.

Question 20: There is no mention of required liability insurance in the Solicitation. How is the GOV going to validate that offerors are properly insured for NAICS 325120 – the actual requirement for this work to comply with the RFQ? How do offerors confirm to the GOV that they have the correct type of Liability Insurance, and does this need to be affirmed at the time of bid submission (if not, an awarded firm could be turned down or not be able to afford this coverage in the amounts the GOV requires, respective to NAICS 325120)? This is important because there are very few underwriters that will insure small businesses for the distribution of compressed gases and why confirmation of the applicable NAICS is being requested, in accordance with paragraph (a) of FAR 52.228-5 – Insurance Work on a Government Installation.

Answer 20: Please refer to RFQ Part 1.1 QUOTE REQUIREMENTS which details information that must be included in a quote for it to be considered complete for evaluation purposes. The scope of FAR Part 28 is for contracts that result from the use of the sealed bid or negotiated methods. This procurement is being conducted under FAR Part 13 therefore FAR Part 28 and FAR 52.228-5 do not apply.

Question 21: Just to be clear bulk liquid nitrogen is needed not compressed gas correct?

Answer 21: Yes, bulk liquid nitrogen is needed.

Question 22: Does having no past performance make us uneligible fir award?

Answer 22: No, a contractor without a past performance record is not ineligible for an award.

Question 23: Is there an incumbent for this requirement or is it a new one?

Answer 23: Please refer to answer 1.

Question 24: I am curious if I can in one form or fashion just bid this direct?

Answer 24: No, please refer to RFQ Part 1.2 EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD.