704-23166QQ - General and FAQs with answers.docx

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Per the Agency Procurement and Surplus Property Manual (APSPM) Annex 7-E

General & Frequently Asked Questions with provided answers:

FAQ 1. I make or manufacture a similar product, but it is not the referenced brand name you list. Am I able to submit a bid?

FAQ Answer 1. No. We are requiring the specific make and model due to existing infrastructure under a proprietary specification as the items function as an integral component of existing equipment and use of alternate products would require extensive reorientation and training.

FAQ 2. Why did you create a solicitation instead of just buying from “x?”

FAQ Answer 2. The quantity of the product that we are requesting requires that a solicitation be conducted:

“That public bodies in the Commonwealth obtain high quality goods and services at reasonable cost, that all procurement procedures be conducted in a fair and impartial manner with avoidance of any impropriety or appearance of impropriety, that all qualified vendors have access to public business and that no offeror be arbitrarily or capriciously excluded, it is the intent of the General Assembly that competition be sought to the maximum feasible degree.”

FAQ 3. Are the dates on the solicitation correct? I want to confirm the bid due date and time for “x”.

FAQ Answer 3. Yes. The current solicitation dates and times are found on eVA are updated automatically. You may view opportunities by going to: eva.virginia.gov, clicking “All Opportunities,” and filtering by “Open” and “Buying Entity” (Eastern State Hospital.) All bids must be submitted through eVA.

FAQ 4. I have a question about the solicitation. Can I have “X’s” contact information?

FAQ Answer 4. You may reach the Eastern State Hospital Information Center at (757) 253-5161. All questions related to this posted opportunity, prior to the award of the bid, are required to be in writing through email to the buyer listed on the solicitation. All questions received will be answered in writing and posted in eVA via a new solicitation round. All questions and answers will be publicly viewable.

FAQ 5. Can’t I just send you a copy of the solicitation document or upload a copy into eVA?

FAQ Answer 5. No. You need to return the completed bid packet as noted in the solicitation AND enter pricing in eVA. Pricing in eVA is how your bid will be evaluated. Make sure you are providing all requested information.

FAQ Q6. I have a question about eVA, my account, or how to submit or access a prepared bid.

FAQ A6. Please reach out to eVA support by visiting:

https://eva.virginia.gov/get-help-customer-care.html

FAQ Q7. Is this for Purchase and Delivery of the requested item or does it include installation as well?

FAQ Answer 7. This does not include installation just delivery of the requested product.

A reminder for this solicitation: The vendor (potential bidder or offeror) should have relevant experience and other related qualifications, including capability to create or manufacture the requested products or render the services of an equivalent nature to what is being requested, OR to arrange their own pickup and delivery for the requested products before reaching out to the manufacturer or distributor to obtain pricing.

The manufacturer and distributor are unable to answer questions related to this procurement. We request that you please be patient due to the interest in this procurement.