Amendment 1 Vendor Questions.docx

IDOC – Dixon ICI Optical Lab Supplies IFB Bid #B-30145 Amendment #1 Response to Vendor’s Questions to Invitation for Bid

Below is the response to the questions that IDOC has received regarding the above Invitation for Bid:

1. I assume all prices will be entered on via the website? All prices will be entered in BidBuy.

2. Can we quote alternatives? If so, how do we submit those? You may submit alternative quotes within BidBuy. Follow prompts within BidBuy or reach out to BidBuy’s Vendor Assistance Help Desk by email at Il.bidbuy@illinois.gov. Hours of operation: M-F, 8:30am to 4:30pm CT.

3. Why does it state that the tape has to be 3M? The lab has used alternative products, but has not been satisfied with their performance. We request the 3M tape for it’s performance and compatibility with our equipment. If you want to submit an alternative item you feel is comparable to the 3M tape, we may request a sample to compare and test.D

4. Do we list all items? Some you purchase from us are not on your list? Only items listed on this invitation for bid are to be included in your offer.

5. Do we have to bid line by line? Is there a way you can upload a spreadsheet. A bulk upload spreadsheet will be posted to the Amendments that can be used. This spreadsheet is also available at the CPS website for large quantity of work order.

6. It looks like Covid affected you pretty heavily in 2020-21? Dixon ICI did have several shutdowns due to Covid. Additionally, our scope of business has changed over the last several years. We are only making glasses for IDOC which has decreased our volume. Quantities on the bid are based on our most recent usage. There is not a guarantee that we will be using those quantities. Quantities listed are estimates. Items will be ordered as needed through the term of the blanket contract.

7. The term is 5 years, correct? Correct, a 5 year initial contract term and there are 5 years of renewal that can be awarded in different manners, 1 year at a time or 5 years all at once.

8. I guess I would expect some inflation to be build into that? The reason I ask is that we keep getting price increases and price increases. So trying to know what we can do 5 years in advance? We will be doing an amendment to the IFB in section 2 to include CPI language. We are also changing section 2.2 form firm to estimated as instructed by APO Wilson.

9. Michelle Klinger would be the contract person for questions? Michelle Klinger is the contact person. Questions can be submitted on bid buy or emailed to michelle.klinger@illinois.gov. All questions will be added to the BidBuy amendment section for all vendors to view.

10. When will we know, you open the bid on July 26? When will the appropriate people know that they’ve won? We cannot answer that question. The bid has to go through several levels of approval and CMS, but we are trying to make sure some awards are a least done within 7 days of opening. Give us at least a week. At this price point there is also a 14 day protest period. ICI may need samples of items we are not familiar with or that are different than the products were using. If alternative brands to the 3M tape are offered, we may ask you to send us a sample roll to determine if it will work well I our lab. Section A.22.2.5 of the Instructions and general information section of the IFB discusses samples and section A.22.1.6 discusses brand name or equal items.