Amendment 0004 - Questions and Answers.docx

Questions and Answers:

Question 1: What size bulk tanks are outside?

Answer 1: Currently, there is a stationary bulk Nitrogen tank that is 1500 liters. Per the solicitation, the Argon tank is also to be serviced by one (1) stationary bulk Argon tank of an appropriate size. (Currently, FDA has two (2) 450 liter Argon tanks that are individually refilled when empty but the two (2) Argon tanks will be replaced by one (1) stationary bulk Argon tank.

Question 2: Will the FDA be adding cylinder and bulk tank rental to the pricing schedule?

Answer 2: FDA will pay monthly rental fees for cylinders and bulk tanks.

Question 3: Is there any Delivery Schedule/Frequency for Cylinders or Bulk gases?

Answer 3: Orders for cylinders are occasionally placed on a weekly basis and less often for bulk gases (approximately every 2-3 weeks). However, FDA’s analyses and needs may change, so the frequency of orders may also change. As listed in the solicitation, FDA will order on an as-needed basis, therefore, no delivery schedule will be provided.

Question 4: Is the evaluation criteria Best Value or Lowest Price Technically Acceptable? The Evaluation Criteria states “Government reserves the right to award to a higher priced offeror exceeding the minimum requirements if it is most advantageous to the Government” yet Past Performance states “Award will be made to the lowest price technically acceptable offer out of all offers rated ‘Acceptable’” Answer 4: Comparative evaluation procedures will be utilized. The statement in the past performance section referencing lpta was removed.

Question 5: Can offeror’s provide monthly rental rates instead of daily?

Answer 5: Offerors shall submit rental invoices monthly but the invoices shall indicate a daily rate and an extended amount. The PWS has been revised to reflect this requirement.

Question 6: Please clarify the verbiage “We will not pay demurrage on cylinders” when the section right before this states “All offerors shall list in detail the cost for the following: cost of deliverables, Liquid Cylinder Rental per day, Gaseous Cylinder Rental per day, Delivery charges, Hazardous Materials Handling Fees, Fuel surcharges, and any additional Miscellaneous Fees effecting final cost.”

Question 6: The verbiage “We will not pay demurrage on cylinders on the Combination Synopsis Solicitation is incorrect and was removed. FDA will pay for demurrage on cylinders.

Question 7: Are any cylinders or dewars Government Owned? If so, can we please specify which ones?

Answer 7: No cylinders or dewars are Government owned.

Question 8: What is the PSI required for the 230 Liter Liquid Nitrogen Dewars (High pressure or low pressure; Commonly come in PSI’s of 22 or 50)?

Answer 8: low pressure liquid nitrogen dewars.

Question 9: Please note that 45 days after award is a tight window considering vendors will have to install (2) bulk oxygen tank systems. Tank Pads and the deliverability must be thoroughly analyzed, Tanks have to be ordered, and install technicians must be scheduled weeks to months in advance.

Answer 9: The solicitation indicates a need for one (1) microbulk Liquid Nitrogen tank, and one (1) microbulk Argon tank. No bulk oxygen tanks are being installed. The PWS was amended so that the bulk tanks are required to be installed at a date agreed upon by the TPOC but no later than 60 days after contract award.

Question 10: Can we please confirm the Period of Performance for each contract year?

Answer 10: POP is expected to begin in July. The contract is intended to have one (1) base year and two (2) option years.

Question 11: Can we request a site visit?

Answer 11: Per Amendment 0001, to schedule a site visits, contact Jennifer.mun@fda.hhs.gov no later than 12:00 PM EST June 12, 2020.

Question 12: Can you allow additional time on the due date - post site visit - to prepare the quote?

Answer 13: The due date has been extended to 12:00 PM EST June 25th.