Q and A -NFI -Aquatabs Kitchen Sets Buckets-BPA Solicitation.pdf

NFI (NaDCC tablets, Kitchen Sets, Buckets) BPA Solicitation Questions

1. We have partnerships with manufacturers in Turkey, Pakistan and China. Does USAID consider / accept products manufactured in China?

a. Yes. There are no prohibited sources except any country sanctioned by the US Treasury such as North Korea or Iran.

2. As part of the technical proposal, we will be providing samples for both ( Kitchen Sets & Buckets). I would need to know how the samples must be presented. Does the samples provided include 1 item of each or the samples must be in accordance to the package.

For example, the package states quantity of 5 forks. Can we provide 1 fork as sample?

a. For kitchen set: a full kitchen set should be provided so we can also see the packaging as-is for a complete set. For bucket: one with tap, one without tap.

Instructions are on page 9 of the solicitation document.

3. Kindly advice the qty for the tender

a. Historically USAID has procured approximately $1-3 million annually of the NFIs listed on this solicitation. USAID intends to procure nearly all of its NFIs through this BPA. However, this BPA does not obligate USAID to use this contract instrument to procure NFIs.

4. In india we don't have TIN & DUN no.s , we have GST no.s , will that be acceptable.

a. DUNS numbers are no longer used by SAM.gov. We have updated page 6 of the solicitation and replaced the term DUNS with UEI. A Unique Entity ID (UEI) # is required to be a US Government contractor. You can register through SAM.gov as stated in the solicitation. Your registration must be marked Active at the time of proposal submission. In other words, merely registering is NOT enough.

5. It is specified that technical offer shouldn't be more than 5 pages, but as we understand that the supplier will be shortlisted on the basis of technical offers , what if more information needs to be submitted , as to explain the quality systems it might take more pages.

a. Each product you’re offering can have 5 pages. Please try to stay within 5 pages for each product’s technical offer.

6. in the technical specification it is mentioned 0.8 Ra value , which is a measure of surface finish ,will the surface roughness value be measured at one point or it will be measured at diff points to find an average value, is glossy shine preferred or a satin finish is ok, the satin finish when done on cookware is more environment sustainable than a glossy finish.

a. Either type of finishing is acceptable; the type that is more environmentally sustainable is preferred.

7. pls clarify the email address on which bids/documents need to be submitted , will we also get acknowledgment on the submission of the documents.

a. Please submit all offer documents to lchang@usaid.gov and rohicks@usaid.gov . We encourage offerors to confirm receipt of their submissions. Your submissions will be acknowledged.

8. for stainless steel kitchen sets , the grade used 430 grade is a food grade material and it is generally recommended majorly all the manufacturers of stainless steel coils , is it mandatory to source raw material from only ISSF members , as when sourced from re rollers in china or india the quality is assured as compared to big companies , the price is much more competitive than the bigger companies, but they might not be member of ISSF.

a. Stainless steel specifications must meet the requirements listed in Attachment 3 and must be ethically and sustainably sourced in terms of ethical, fair labor practices from the source and environmental/resource conservation and sustainability. ISSF member sourced stainless steel is preferred but not required.

9. Pls let us know for the validity period required for the quote

a. Quotes should be valid up until the time of award/until the period of performance is expected to begin.

10. Could you please inform us about the estimated procurement quantity of buckets per year based on the procurement activities of the previous years? This will allow us to provide the best financial offer, based on estimated quantity only (not a commitment for procurement).

a. Historically USAID has procured approximately $1-3 million annually of the NFIs listed on this solicitation. USAID intends to procure nearly all of its NFIs through this BPA.

However, this BPA does not obligate USAID to use this contract instrument to procure NFIs.

11. In view of the holiday season, is it possible to ask for a deadline extension until 23rd of January?

a. Yes. Deadline for receipt of proposals (including samples) is extended to January 30, 2023 at 11 AM Eastern Time.

mailto:lchang@usaid.gov mailto:rohicks@usaid.gov