61320621Q0068 Questions and Answers.docx

1. In regards to Task 1 - Please confirm that “testing research” means research of testing that has been completed and published.

Answer: Yes, to address items a-d.

2. In regards to Task 1 - Determining suitable tribometers for use in actual testing will be difficult at this stage because the tribometers will need to be confirmed through laboratory testing on different surface and configurations. Please confirm that completion of this task is the identification of potential tribometers for this use.

Answer: There is no testing or “confirmation” of suitable tribometers for Task 1, only review of data and publications to address identification of tribometers which may be suitable. To clarify further, this is what is requested:

a. A comprehensive review of tribometers that are applicable for slip-resistant testing, that is repeatable and reproducible.

b. Determine tribometers suitable for measuring bathing surface slip-resistance.

c. Develop test plan to validate tribometer repeatability and reproducibility.

d. Develop requirements for reference surfaces to calibrate and validate tribometers.

3. In regards to Task 2 - The inclusion of mosaic tile will add significant time to the research, which is set at a very aggressive schedule for the scope of work. Will the CPSC consider reducing this scope to focus, initially, on porcelain enameled surfaces and polymer composites?

Answer: No

4. In regards to Task 2 - This task will necessitate the cooperation and/or input from manufacturers. The research team will have no control over this cooperation. Will an allowance be made in the delivery schedule or performance threshold for this possibility?

Answer: Yes, and you can submit options for purchase of the reference surfaces from manufacturers (or manufacturers groups) along with a contingency plan to outline what could be done without having the cooperation of manufacturers.

5. In regards to Task 3 - Evaluating the affect of grab bars, mats and rugs, and stick on materials will add a significant amount of work to the already aggressive schedule. Will the CPSC consider reducing this scope to evaluating friction requirements for bathing surfaces absent of these features? Additional research can be done in the future.

Answer: No

6. Is it the intent to offer a contract to a single contractor for all three Tasks, or can each individual task be bid on separately?

Answer: CPSC intends to award one firm fixed-price award for all tasks in the SOW. The primary contractor can certainly have subcontractors at their discretion.

7. Will the contracts for each task be awarded at the same time or sequentially after each task is completed?

Answer: CPSC will make one award at one time for all three (3) Tasks.

8. Going through the Tasks and workloads of this project - although I can budget accordingly associated with all tasks, it is unclear how much resource $ can be allocated - i.e., if possible, please let me know the budget range for this project - if you can of course. Additionally, I will include a consultant _ and am wondering if there is a limitation for the budget item as well?

Answer: CPSC cannot provide budget information on a competitive order – it is up to the contractor to determine the level of effort and labor categories required to complete the SOW tasks.

9. We may have to establish standards using perhaps different materials (not just one) since there are many types of bathtubs available. Would this be ok with you? or are we just focusing on one surface?

Answer: Contractors must address multiple types of surfaces as noted in the SOW: “porcelain-enameled metal, polymer/composite, embossed plastic, and mosaic tiled surfaces representative of bathing surfaces.”

10. As you know, Task 1-3 is somewhat interacting with each other _ would something like a Gantt Chart showing three tasks and its overlap ok?

Answer: Yes and certainly there will be overlap in at least Tasks 2 and 3.

11. Can a Canadian company pursue this opportunity?

Answer: Yes, if the company has a valid, current SAM.gov registration, then a quote can be accepted from foreign companies. However, please be aware that the process to get registered for SAM.gov if there is no current record can take several months. CPSC cannot extend the quote due date to account for that timeframe. Foreign companies that do not have a SAM.gov registration could also seek other companies to partner with and work as subcontractors on this requirement, subject to the subcontracting language in the PWS.

12. When would the contract begin?

Answer: Award will be made or the solicitation will be cancelled by September 30, 2021.

13. Can the timeline be negotiated?

Answer: Any changes to the deliverable schedule in the PWS would require an amendment – the request must be submitted in writing to the contracting office for consideration no later than 1 week before quotes are due. There is no guarantee the program office will agree to amend the PWS.

14. Is the data available for open access publication by us following completion of the project? Who owns the intellectual property of the data collected?

Answer: All information developed under this contract would be subject to FAR 52.227-17, Rights in Data-Special Works and LC 21A Disclosure of Information - Limits on Publication, both of which are included in the PWS.

15. Could you please tell me if this is a new requirement, or if there is a current or previous contractor who has performed similar services? If available, can you please send along the incumbent contract or task order number?

Answer: This is a new requirement, there is no incumbent.