QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS.pdf

QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS

RFQ No. 19RP3824Q0233

Hotel Accommodation and Conference Package at Bagac, Bataan

Q1: I would like to ask the king of hotel you prefer for this event, will it be for 5‐star hotel or even 3 star hotel can bid in to this project?

A1: Please refer to Continuation to SF‐1449 and Attachment 1 Event Technical Specifications for the requirements of the solicitation.

Q2: We understand that it is essential for the offeror to have a business established in the

Philippines with a permanent address and telephone listing. As a US‐based company located at

23 Columbus Ave, Staten Island, NY 10304, USA, would the US Embassy Manila consider our proposal if we submitted one?

A2: Please refer to Section 3‐ Solicitation Provisions A.2 Volume II.

Q3: A. To ensure compliance with local tax regulations, I would like to inquire about the process for obtaining tax exemption for this project.

B. After consulting with my legal counsel in the Philippines, it was suggested that I would need a letter from the U.S. Embassy authorizing tax exemption under Sections 106(a) and 109 of the Philippine Tax Code of 1997. Could you please advise me on how to obtain this authorization, and if there are any specific steps or documentation required?

A3: Please refer to Section I – The Schedule paragraph C. Value Added Tax (VAT). The

Embassy will provide a copy of the tax exemption certificate to the winning offeror.

Q4: To accommodate all participants, including those who require halal meals, is there a way to identify the number of attendees needing halal food? This will ensure we meet their dietary needs during the event.

A4: Please refer to amendment 0001.

Q5: Could you kindly provide the total budget range allocated for this solicitation? This will help me tailor the proposal and ensure cost‐efficiency while meeting all requirements.

A5: The USG’s cost estimate is procurement‐sensitive information, so it is not releasable.

Q6: Could you please share insight into the U.S. Embassy’s nightly room rate for accommodations? This will help us ensure that the lodging options align with the approved rates.

A6: The USG’s cost estimate is procurement‐sensitive information, so it is not releasable.

Q7: We would like to know if this is a brand‐new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services.

If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

A7: This is a new requirement.

Q8: During my research, I discovered that the internet infrastructure in Bagac, Bataan, poses some limita ons. The venue’s current Wi‐Fi fluctuates between 20‐30 Mbps, though they are in the process of acquiring Starlink. Unfortunately, Starlink may not be available in me for the event. With that in mind, I would like to request considera on of either accep ng the current fluctua ng Wi‐Fi speed of 20‐30 Mbps or having the person in charge of the event bring Starlink to ensure stable internet connec vity.

A8: Please refer to amendment 0001.

Q9: Addi onally, I seek clarifica on regarding the meal requirements. Should we adhere to the Solicita on Scope of Work, which specifies lunch from the 5th to the 8th (four lunches with either buffet or plated op ons), or should we follow ATTACHMENT 1: Event Venue Technical Specifica ons, which men ons lunch on the 5th, 6th, and 8th (totaling three lunches with the buffet op on)?

A9: Please refer to amendment 0001.

Q10: Since the solicitation provides a choice between plated meals or a buffet, I plan to propose plated meals. This decision is based on the contract's nature, which is mostly focused on awarding to the responsible company submitting an acceptable offer at the lowest price unless you specifically request otherwise.

A10: Please refer to the requirements of the solicitation under Section 1, Attachment 1 Event

Technical Specifications, Section 3 Solicitation Provisions and Section 4 Evaluation Factors.