Questions and Answers 1333ND21QNB150384 - On-line Database of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Licensesdocx.pdf

Questions and Answers – RFQ 1333ND21QNB150384 - On-line Database of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Licenses

Question Answer 1 Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing these services Yes

2 Have similar services been performed in the past, or if this is a new requirement

Yes

3 If a follow-on requirement, could you please provide the previous contract or task order number

1333ND20PNB150734

4 Can vendors respond to this RFP who has between 10,000,000 and 15,000,000 SDS?

Yes, any vendor can submit a proposal. A vendor that does not meet the minimum Government requirement will not be considered for award.

As per the market information, only one vendor claims to have 60,000,000 SDS and this criteria will eliminate other competing vendors from participating in this RFP.

The focus here should be on valid and recent SDS, that's relevant and not on the total number of SDS - which may contain lot of obsolete information because:

• Manufacturers may cease to exist due to market forces and conditions

• Products may be discontinued

• Products ingredients may change

• Regulations may change

• Hazard classifications may change

There could be a variety of reasons not to go by the total number of SDS. After the GHS regulations came into effect, all manufacturers are required to author new SDS, conforming to GHS requirements.

That alone, will invalidate a major portion of 60,000,000 SDS, from any vendor.

The Government requirement in the statement of work is being decreased from 60,000,000 SDS records to 30,000,000 SDS records. NIST wants a comprehensive database of SDSs available. Older SDSs can have relevant information when assessing a chemical.