Questions-Answers - Flat Bronze Markers - 36C78626R0067 Amendment 2.docx

36C78626R0067 – Amendment 2 – Questions and Answers

1. Q: 4.0 Material along with 7.2 talks about the certified analyses of the bronze and the ingots – Who is responsible for providing this information? Who is responsible for the cost of the testing? Is there a certified testing facility available to do this testing?

A: The Contractor may base the required Certificate of Conformance on the certified analyses provided by the ingot manufacturer. Within thirty (30) calendar days after contract award, the Contractor shall provide an initial Certificate of Conformance demonstrating compliance with the bronze composition requirements specified in Section 4.0. Thereafter, in accordance with Section 7.2, the Contractor shall ensure that the ingot supplier provides certified analyses with each shipment of ingots, retain those analyses for the duration of the contract plus five (5) years, and furnish copies to the COR upon request. Any costs associated with obtaining and maintaining the required certifications shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and included in the Contractor's proposed pricing. Section 4.0 of the SOW has been revised to reflect this change.

2. Q: Section 4.6 - Are other metals and shapes (square vs round) acceptable for the hardware?

A: No.

3. Q: Section 9.1 – Normal Delivery - Section 9.1 (Page 9 of 56) states: "Manufactured and Delivered within 20 calendar days following the date of order." Question: Given current industry conditions and shipping considerations, is there any flexibility in the 20-calendar-day delivery requirement, or is this considered a firm mandatory delivery schedule?

A: No. The requirement is within 20 calendar days and remains as is.

4. Q: Section 12.0 – Return of Bronze Markers (Page 12 of 56) – The second paragraph states: "Bronze Markers returned ... using the Contractor's preferred mailing or shipping method." Question: Is the Contractor responsible for return freight costs in all circumstances, including instances where the return is unrelated to a contractor error (e.g., Government ordering error, administrative cancellation, or other non-contractor-related reasons)?

A: Yes.

5. Q: Sample Submission Requirements (Page 54 of 56) - The solicitation requires submission of a B1 sample marker. The sample layout shown includes an emblem at the top and six lines of inscription. However, this configuration does not appear to match any of the approved B1 layouts contained in Attachment 2 – All Drawings Portfolio – Flat Bronze Markers. Question: Could the Government clarify whether the sample inscription layout depicted in the solicitation is intentional and approved for sample submission, or if offerors should utilize one of the other approved memorial layouts contained in Attachment 2?

A: The emblem of belief is inscribed between the DOB & DOD on an B1/B6 marker. The sample inscription section of the RFP document has been revised.

6. Q: Referencing Section 11.0 - The weight of a VA 24x12 memorials is roughly 27 lbs., which is over the specification. How will this be handled?

A: The SOW has been updated to reflect 30 lbs.

7. Q: Proof of Delivery – Consignee’s signature – is this necessary for every delivery as this process is different than the niche plaque contract?

Q: The solicitation indicates that a signature is required for each marker shipment. Is a delivery signature required for all shipments, or only for certain shipments such as OCONUS deliveries or other special circumstances?

A: The Contractor shall maintain shipment tracking and delivery documentation for each shipment and provide such documentation to the Government upon request. A consignee's signature confirming receipt is not required; however, if the Contractor elects not to obtain one, the Contractor assumes the risk of loss or non-receipt. If the Government is notified that the intended recipient did not receive the marker, the Contractor shall furnish a replacement marker at no additional cost to the Government, regardless of any shipment tracking or delivery documentation maintained by the Contractor. SOW has been updated to reflect this.