Response to Questions RFP 693JJ920R000022.pdf

Response to RFP 693JJ920R000022 Compliance Test Program for Tires

Question 1:

Where can we locate TP-575-TE-01 Laboratory Test Procedure for 49 CFR575.106 Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information Program listed on page 12, C.6.4, number 4?

Answer 1:

That test procedure is not final. Therefore you can use the previous approved test procedure TP-575-RR-02. It can be forward it if you don’t have it.

Question 2:

SOW Section C Section C.5 Kickoff meeting - states that the proposal shall specify whether the cost is based on an on-site visit or a teleconference meeting. This meeting and location is usually at the discretion of the CO or COR. Where should this information be located?

Answer 2: The meeting will usually be a teleconference meeting if lab has previous experience working with the Agency. If it is a new lab the meeting could be over teleconference or on site.

Question 3:

Section J - List of Documents, Exhibits and Other Attachments Section J references 7 documents. The first 4 items are easily obtainable. It appears that items 5, 6, and 7 should be attached? I do not know where to find these documents. I have searched online for the TP-575 and cannot locate it. There may be questions relating to these documents.

Answer 3:

Please refer to answer 1 in this response. For attachment 6, disclose Lobbying activities if any.

For attachment 7. It relates to past performance. Indicate if you have previous past performance with the Agency. Disclose your type of experience and for how long you have that experience.

Disclose all the type of testing you have performed and if they were satisfactory to the agency’s eyes.

Question 4:

Section L.1 – Proposal Delivery The page limit listed is 25 pages. It is impossible to include all requested information for the Technical proposal in 25 pages. I have reviewed the requested information, including all the details requested, etc. Example: The current requested test procedures take up 11 pages. The current report required by NHTSA for this compliance testing is 8 pages. I think it would be possible to produce this detail in about 100 pages, but that will involve reducing requested information. The original proposal for DTNH2215R00041 asked for 25 pages, but was modified to 100 pages.

Answer 4: The page limit has been changed to 75 pages.

Question 5:

Section – L9 – Volume II - Cost/Business Proposal This references Attachment J.6. This form is not attached. If there are no Lobbying Activities to report, does this form need to be completed? (See question 3.)

Answer 5: If there are no lobbying activities simply state it on your response. If there are lobbying activities also disclose all the information related to it.

Question 6:

Section L.10.3 - Part III Facilities and Equipment Equipment, item 5, requests ISO certifications for equipment. Please define what ISO certifications you are interested in. Our lab is compliant to ISO 17025, but individual pieces of equipment do not have ISO certification. The calibrations would fall under the lab ISO certifications.

Answer 6: We are interested in ISO certifications from the laboratory that will conduct the testing on the compliance program for tires. Please refer to section M.2.1 for the acceptable certification. If you have other certifications other than ISO certifications, please submit those as well.

Question 7:

Section – L10.5 Part V. Past Performance and Corporate Experience (M.2.4) The use of attachment J.7 Past Performance Questionnaire is explained, but not attached.

Depending on what this form is, it may take up varying numbers of pages. (See question 2) Without having this document it is difficult to determine exactly what needs to be done and the number of pages it will take.

Answer 7: The Past Performance Questionnaire is attached.

Question 8:

L10.5 Part V. Past Performance and Corporate Experience (M.2.4) We have for past contracts summarized the satisfied customers in chart format. Is this acceptable? It may not meet the Times New Roman size 12, but is certainly easily readable.

Answer 8: Please submit the past performance in accordance with Section L.10.5 of the RFP.

Question 9:

Section – M.2.2 – Facilities and Equipment Section L.10.3 requests many photographs of test areas, including equipment, temperature control, data acquisition and calibration. It also requests details about the equipment. Section M.2.2 requests the description and photographic information with the addition of (where requested). Should the photographic and equipment details be included?

Answer 9: Yes, you need to submit photographs and details of the equipment to be use for the compliance program for tires in accordance with section L.10.3 of the RFP

Question 10:

Section B – Supplies, Services and Prices/Costs B.5.1 Base Year includes CLIN 0001 Kickoff meeting. A total price of $500 is already noted. Is this price flexible? Does it matter if the meeting is on site or via teleconference? The proposal indicates we should establish location. (see question 1.)

Answer 10: The total price for the Kickoff meeting is flexible depending if it will conducted via telephone or on site. Usually the kick off meeting is a phone conference, the location is via teleconference.