Att E - Mandatory Requirements and Desirable Criteria S-10700-00001355 v5.docx
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- Attached to
- RFP - Office Supplies (NASPO ValuePoint)
- Solicitation number
- S-10700-00001355
- Issued by
- Marion County, Oregon
About this file
This document is an Attachment E - Mandatory Requirements and Desirable Criteria for RFP S-10700-00001355 - Office Supplies (NASPO ValuePoint), issued by the State of Oregon on behalf of the NASPO ValuePoint Cooperative Purchasing Program. The RFP seeks proposals from qualified offerors to provide office supplies to all Participating States/Participating Entities. Key requirements include identifying key personnel, providing an online catalog and ordering capabilities, offering offline ordering, adhering to invoicing and billing terms, prohibiting forced substitutions, providing training, freight and delivery terms, emergency management and recovery plans, and detailed reporting. Desirable criteria include implementation and communication plans, customer service approach, training capabilities, sustainability initiatives, environmentally preferable packaging, and return policies. The RFP covers geographic areas within the State of Oregon, including Marion County and the City of Salem.
The contract will include pricing terms, with the potential for set-asides for Emerging Small Businesses, Minority Business Enterprises, and Women Business Enterprises. No information is provided on incumbents or current environment. Funding requirements and sources are not specified. The term of the contract and any renewal options are not detailed in this attachment.
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RFP S-10700-00001355 - Office Supplies (NASPO ValuePoint)
ATTACHMENT E
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS AND DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Proposer Company Name:
Proposer Contact Name:
PART 1: GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS BEING PROPOSED
1. Is the Proposer offering products to all NASPO ValuePoint Participating States?
| Yes |
| No |
2. If Proposer is offering products only to an individual State or to several States (but not all NASPO ValuePoint states), identify the state(s) it is offering to cover.
Note: If Proposer is only proposing for a specific State, the Proposer must respond to and meet all of the Mandatory Requirements as stated in Part 2 and is strongly encouraged to provide responses to all the applicable Desirable Criteria as requested in Part 3.
If any questions relating to the Mandatory Requirements are missed or there is no response, Proposer may not be considered for an award.
PART 2: MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
For each item identified in this section, Proposer is required to provide a detailed response to demonstrate Proposer’s ability to meet the requirement or acknowledge that Proposer accepts the requirements and that Proposer or its systems meet or exceed the listed criteria. If additional pages are necessary to provide an explanation Proposer will need to make sure that each response is numbered and in the same order below.
1. Key Persons
Proposer must identify key persons who will be responsible for this Master Agreement, including their resumes of background, experience, and expertise related to the Master Agreement and NASPO ValuePoint Participating Addenda. Each of Proposer's key personnel working on this Master Agreement must have at least one year of experience in providing services related to an office supplies Master Agreement.
Submit a listing of each person that will be dedicated to account management along with the key executive personnel that will be supporting the NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement.
Response:
Proposer must provide a listing of the following personnel, along with their years of industry experience and years of employment with Proposer’s organization who will support the Master Agreement and NASPO ValuePoint within each Participating State:
a. Administration and Management
Response:
b. Sales and Sales Management
Response:
c. Customer Service Agents
Response:
2. Website, Online Catalog and Ordering Capabilities
Proposer, if awarded a Master Agreement, must provide an online catalog with help function, order tracking, and related prompts that open automatically to an item’s description, part number, catalog price, contract price and photo.
The online catalog must include information about all the products that the Master Agreement awardee has been awarded. Master Agreement awardee’s online catalog must include the current contract price for all qualifying items and labels identifying products that meet the environmental specifications of this RFP.
Online ordering capability must be available to all Participating Entities within 60 days of the execution of a Participating Addendum.
Online orders placed by 4:00 pm in the Purchasing Entity’s time zone must qualify for delivery within 2 business days.
Customer service agents and technical support staff must be available to handle all orders and mitigate all order-related technical issues from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm across the nation per the Participating Entity’s own time zone for each Participating Entity that has a Participating Addendum. This can be negotiated by each Participating Entity.
Proposer’s online ordering system must identify the environmental certifications (e.g., ENERGY STAR, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Green Seal, UL/EcoLogo, US EPA’s Design for Environment (DfE) Recognition, etc.), amount of total and post-consumer recycled content, and/or other environmental attributes of the products consistent with the environmental specifications identified in this RFP. Whenever available, the Proposer’s ordering system must provide a link to the certification document verifying the environmental attribute(s) of the product.
a. Describe Proposer’s web capabilities and provide information about its ordering website.
Response:
b. Identify all of the methods of payment Proposer will accept for online ordering if awarded a Master Agreement (i.e., check, credit card [include credit card providers such as VISA, Master Card, American Express, etc.]; ACH, Purchase Order, etc.).
Response:
c. Credit card information/numbers cannot be stored within the online ordering system. Does Proposer have online security measures that provide such protection?
Response:
3. Detailed Ordering Methods
Proposer must have an online ordering system. Proposer’s online ordering system must provide each Participating Entity the ability to create specific online order platforms at the agency level (i.e., ordering platforms that allow for agency-specific items to be blocked).
Master Agreement awardees must establish and maintain a toll-free telephone number as well as an internet-based ordering system for order placement, order inquiry, price and availability inquiries. Master Agreement awardees shall implement a wait time to place order of less than three (3) minutes.
a. Provide a detailed description of the various methods by which a Participating Entity can access product information and pricing to ensure the category discounts are applied to the contracted items.
Response:
b. Describe Proposer’s overall internet online ordering capabilities.Describe how Proposer’s website can provide the following, or if Proposer’s website does not have this functionality, please so indicate:
i. Adhoc reports
ii. Tiered approval and tracking
iii. Account order history that is:
a) Sortable
b) Searchable
c) Downloadable
d) By timeline
iv. Tracking of orders/status information
v. Ability to view/print usage
vi. Printed invoices/statements
vii. Access to customer service
viii. Dollar restrictions per order
ix. Ability to maintain multiple ship-to locations for orders and billing
x. Acknowledgement after an order has been processed; please describe available formats
xi. Ability to set up favorites lists
xii. Ability to set up blocked list
xiii. Clear and accurate identification of all products that meet the Master Agreement’s environmental specifications; please describe how your firm will accomplish this, including Proposer’s ability to provide details about the environmental attributes of each of its products (e.g., environmental certifications such as ENERGY STAR, Green Seal, and Forest Stewardship Council, total and post-consumer recycled content, etc.).
xiv. Ability to view a product’s material safety data sheet and environmental certification document, when available.
xv. Ability to run usage reports of green office supplies (meeting the environmental specifications referenced in this RFP)
Response:
4. Off-Line Ordering Process (Manual)
Proposer must have an off-line ordering process. Describe how Proposer is able to process off-line orders if required by a Participating Entity and provide the same reporting information as item 3.b.
Response:
5. Invoice and Billing
Master Agreement awardees must provide an invoice for all products rendered and provide a single monthly bill to the Participating Entity.
6. Payment
Master Agreement awardees agree to accept “Net 30” invoice payment terms or as otherwise negotiated with Participating Entities.
7. Forced Substitution
By signature of the Proposal, Proposer has in good faith offered a discount on all products in each of the categories defined on Attachment G (Price Proposal form) with the full intention of supporting the product offerings in each category via its online catalog, store-front operations, and stock inventory. If awarded a Master Agreement and an ordered item is out of stock, the Master Agreement awardee agrees it will notify the Participating Entity for prior approval before substituting the out-of-stock item. The practice of forced substitution will not be accepted.
For the purposes of this RFP and all resulting Master Agreement(s), the term “forced substitution” is defined as:
“The act of replacing any item with an alternate item via the use of software or any other method, resulting in the substitution of any item on any order without the prior consent of the ordering entity.”
Does the Proposer understand and agree that forced substitutions are not allowed?
Response:
| Yes |
| No |
8. Training
If awarded a Master Agreement, the Master Agreement awardee must provide training including instructions about how Participating Entities, if required, can use the awardee’s online ordering system at no additional cost. This training shall cover, at a minimum, online ordering, product delivery, product returns, and customer service processes.
9. Freight Policy
All shipments must be F.O.B. Destination, freight prepaid and allowed for all Participating Entities. If awarded a Master Agreement, the Master Agreement awardee shall be responsible for filing and expediting all freight claims with carriers. The Master Agreement awardee shall pay title and risk of loss or damage charges. All emergency or rush deliveries that require special shipping and handling should be at the Participating Entity’s expense, with prior approval from the Participating Entity.
Emergency or rush shipping charges must be added to an invoice as a separate line item. In the event emergency or rush delivery is required as the result of Master Agreement awardee’s error, all shipping costs shall be paid by the Master Agreement awardee.
10. Shipping
a. All shipments are to be delivered directly to the ordering department/division address, Participating Entity, unless prior arrangements with Participating Entities have been made to address other needed shipping locations. All shipments must include a packing label that includes, at a minimum, the following information on the outside of the package:
i. Participating Entity
ii. Delivery Address
iii. Additional Delivery Instructions (floor, room, etc.)
iv. Contact Name
v. Contact Telephone Number
b. The packing slip must also be included with each shipment, and must include, at a minimum, the following information:
i. Line item description
ii. Quantity ordered
iii. Quantity included in shipment
iv. Any backordered items
v. Unit price and extension
vi. Number of parcels
vii. Purchase Order, Delivery order number
viii. Ordering entity name
ix. F.O.B. (destination)
11. Delivery and Distribution
Master Agreement awardees must be able to distribute all offered products to each Participating Entity that signs a Participating Addendum.
a. Proposer must identify all other companies that will be involved in processing, handling or shipping the product to the end-user.
Response:
b. Proposer must provide the number, size, and location of its distribution facilities, warehouses, and retail network that will be utilized to support the logistics if awarded a Master Agreement.
Response:
c. Proposer must provide Proposer’s standard delivery time, options for expedited delivery and return policy. Proposer must address any restocking fee, if applicable.
Response:
d. Proposer must provide the Proposer’s backorder policy.
e. Proposer must provide the Proposer’s normal delivery time schedule.
f. Proposer shall indicate whether Proposer own its own trucks, employs its own delivery drivers, or uses a third party, such as UPS, FedEx, etc.
g. Proposer shall describe its policy related to orders in excess of 70 pounds. Does it include palletizing?
Response:
h. Proposer shall identify any cutoff timelines required for same day processing/ordering.
Response:
i. If the Proposer’s warehouse is not located in Participating Entity’s state, Proposer shall indicate where the shipments originate from and what the Proposer’s contingency plan is for road closures and delays caused by inclement weather.
Response:
12. Delivery/Returns
Proposer must provide for delivery of products and return of products.
All products delivered in poor condition or not ordered may, at the discretion of Participating Entity, be returned to the Master Agreement awardee at the Master Agreement awardee’s expense within 30 days. Credit for returned goods must be made immediately. The Master agreement awardee must agree to these provisions.
If the Master Agreement awardee has not picked up or provided for the return of rejected goods within 15 business days of notification of rejection, Participating Entity may dispose of them as it sees fit. The Master Agreement awardee shall issue a credit for the price of the goods regardless. The Master agreement awardee must agree to these provisions.
13. Emergency Management and Recovery
Proposer must have an emergency management and recovery policy and/or plan, including an emergency response plan and backup strategy.
a. Proposer shall provide a description of the Proposer’s policy and process if a disaster occurs for the following items at a minimum:
i. Data Recovery and Online Ordering
ii. Disaster Delivery
iii. Warehouse Access
Response:
b. Proposer shall provide a description of its emergency response plan and backup strategy.
Response:
14. Reporting Requirements
Proposer shall provide reports. Itemized tracking is necessary, along with regular reports that can be sorted by Participating Entities. Reports shall include, at minimum, product name, SKU or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product number, category, volume, and dollar spend. Participating Entities may require monthly electronic (Excel) usage and quality reports.
a. These reports should include at a minimum, but not be limited to, the following:
i. Fill rate
ii. Delivery success rate
iii. NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement number
iv. Usage broken down by state, state agency, political subdivision and location
v. Number of orders placed
vi. Total dollar value of orders placed during the reporting period
vii. Average value of each order
b. Sustainability certifications (e.g., ENERGY STAR, Forest Stewardship Council, Green Seal, GREENGUARD, etc.) and standards (e.g., compliance with US EPA recycled content guidelines as well as total and post-consumer recycled content) of each product sold on the Price Agreement). Each Participating Entity may develop its own reporting criteria.
c. Master Agreement awardees must furnish reports in a timeframe and format mutually agreed upon by the Participating Entity and the Master Agreement awardee.
15. Packaging Requirements
All products must be manufactured and packaged under modern sanitary conditions in with federal and state law and standard industry practice.
Each case, bottle and container of cleaning and maintenance chemicals must have the following markings in English:
· Name and address of manufacturer
· Brand name of product
· Net contents in U.S. standard pounds, ounces, gallons, or fluid ounces
· Directions for use, including recommended use dilution and precautionary handling instructions
· Recommended antidotal action, if applicable (English & Spanish)
Packaging must be constructed to assure safe delivery.
Shipments not in accordance with the above will be refused or returned to Master Agreement awardee, freight collect.
Cleaning products, art supplies and other office products offered on this Master Agreement that contain chemicals that are known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm must contain a “Proposition 65” warning label on its primary packaging and on the ordering website.
Master Agreement awardees shall not use polystyrene packing peanuts to fulfill any orders. Other types of difficult-to-recycle packaging such as rigid polystyrene or polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or multi-material packaging is strongly discouraged. Master Agreement awardees are encouraged to minimize the quantity of packaging they use to deliver products.
Packaging may not contain more than 100 parts per million of lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium, which is consistent with the Toxics in Packaging legislation developed by the Council of Northeastern Governors and adopted by at least 19 States. For more information, see http://www.toxicsinpackaging.org.
16. Recycling Services for Certain Products Offered on this Master Agreement
Master Agreement awardees must provide a system for the collection and recycling of all toner and ink cartridges that is free of charge to Purchasing Entities. Master Agreement awardees must also offer free collection and recycling services for rechargeable batteries, which may be through the industry-financed Charge2recycle Program or a similar service. Proposers must describe the recycling programs they offer that meet these requirements.
17. Labeling of Environmentally Preferable Products
Master Agreement awardees shall label their environmentally preferable products by including the ecolabels and standards (such as total recycled content and post-consumer recycled content) listed below in the product description in their online ordering system and catalog in order to help Participating Entities easily identify them. Products that do not meet these standards should not be labeled as environmentally preferable (green) products. For example, a product that contains a lower amount of recycled content than the amount listed below may not be labeled as an environmentally preferable product.
Participating Entities reserve the right to add or restrict other products from their Participating Addenda based on environmental health or environmental considerations.
PART 3: DESIRABLE CRITERIA
For each item in this section, Proposer is strongly encouraged to provide a detailed response to demonstrate Proposer’s ability to provide value to the NASPO ValuePoint Participating States with the requested products and/or services or acknowledge that Proposer is able to meet the criteria. Each response will be scored according to Proposer’s answers.
1. Implementation and Communication
a. Describe in detail the Proposer’s implementation plan, including all process steps.
Response:
b. Describe in detail the specific information, resources, and assistance the Proposer will require from each Participating Entity to implement the Master Agreement.
Response:
c. How soon from execution of the Master Agreement will the online ordering system be available to each Purchasing Entity? If a phased implementation is planned in terms of limited functionality vs. complete functionality, please specify.
Response:
d. Describe in detail the Proposer’s experience when implementing customer relationships of equivalent size and complexity.
Response:
e. Describe in detail any limitations of Proposer’s e-commerce site.
Response:
2. Customer Service
Participating Entities and Master Agreement awardees will commit to quarterly reviews of internal customer satisfaction and will make consistent efforts to improve customer service and satisfaction. Customer service adds value to a product and builds enduring relationships. Customer service is a vital function of how well a supplier is able to constantly and consistently exceed the needs of the customer.
Attributes that contribute to excellent customer service:
· Courteous
· Knowledgeable and well-trained
· Critical thinking skills
· Authority to make policy decisions
· Problem Solvers
Describe Proposer’s approach to customer service as it relates to online ordering, invoicing, and problem solving including how the Proposer’s program will meet and exceed the needs of Participating Entities and Purchasing Entities.
Response:
a. If a Participating Entity does not currently have an account set up, how many days can they expect for their account to be set up?
Response:
b. Describe how the Proposer will ensure the accuracy of its:
i. Accounting (ensuring that orders and payments will be applied to the correct account)
ii. Billing invoices
iii. Supporting documentation
iv. Usage reports
v. Participating Entity Purchase Orders
vi. Master Agreement Pricing (For example, how will the Proposer ensure that all Purchasing Entities will get agreed-upon Master Agreement Pricing?)
Response:
c. Explain the Proposer’s capabilities to create customized shopping lists for end-users, including blocking items, adding proprietary items, etc.
Response:
d. Describe the Proposer’s escalation procedures for back-orders, retired products, and other order problems. Include a description of how a Purchasing Entity is notified of the delays for Off-Line Ordering Process.
Response:
3. Training
Describe in detail the Proposer’s ability to offer training that may be required to ensure ordering entities have a thorough understanding of all ordering processes including any online systems.
Response:
4. Geographic Coverage For those states proposed, describe Proposer’s sales and service coverage area.
Response:
5. Sustainability Quest
List and describe the Proposer’s programs, accomplishments and plans related to improving the sustainability of its operations.
a. Does Proposer have a written sustainability policy? (Yes/No)
Response:
i. If yes, please explain how it is being implemented.
Response:
ii. If no, please describe any plans Proposer has underway to develop and implement a sustainability policy.
Response:
b. Does Proposer have one or more designated sustainability managers? (Yes/No)
Response:
c. If yes, describe the scope of their roles and responsibilities.
Response:
d. Describe the environmental qualifications, accreditations, etc. (e.g., LEED AP) of the Proposer’s staff.
Response:
e. Describe the scope and accomplishments of any specific sustainability initiatives that the Proposer has implemented to reduce the negative environmental, health and/or social impacts of its operations. For example, what has Proposer done to:
i. Reduce the amount of energy that is consumed to maintain Proposer’s operations through energy efficiency improvements or the installation of renewable energy technologies;
ii. Reduce and track the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are generated by Proposer’s operations;
iii. Increase the usage of recycled-content products and other environmentally preferable goods and services when operating Proposer’s business;
iv. Reduce water consumption;
v. Reduce paper consumption;
vi. Promote “green chemistry” and reduce the amount of toxic chemicals that are used and/or released by Proposer (particularly those that can persist in the environment or bioaccumulate in living organisms);
vii. Implement green building practices (such as LEED) in Proposer’s facilities that are located in any of the NASPO ValuePoint Participating States; and
viii. Improve the sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices of Proposer’s supply chain.
Response:
6. Environmental Services
a. Recycling
Describe any programs the Proposer can offer to facilitate the collection and recycling of any products, shipping containers and/or other packaging materials associated with the products) that it is offering under this Master Agreement. In particular, describe any programs (including details about the cost and Proposer’s experience offering it to other customers) that Purchasing Entities will be able to access through Proposer to facilitate the collection and/or recycling of the following items:
i. Toner and ink cartridges
ii. Batteries (including rechargeable and single-use batteries)
iii. Fluorescent lamps
iv. Small electronic equipment
v. Other types of products offered on this Master Agreement
vi. Pallets and other types of packaging for products offered on this Master Agreement.
Response:
b. Environmentally Preferable Transportation Methods and Practices
Describe any initiatives the Proposer has in place and is offering on this Master Agreement to use environmentally preferable transportation methods and practices for delivery of its products? For example:
i. Are any of the Proposer’s transportation vehicles certified by the EPA SmartWay Partnership?
ii. Does Proposer use hybrid, electric or alternative-fuel vehicles, or bicycles to deliver any of Proposer’s products?
iii. Has Proposer implemented any programs to reduce the frequency of Proposer’s deliveries?
iv. Has Proposer implemented any program to reduce the use of shipments via air travel?
v. Does Proposer have any other environmentally preferable transportation methods or practices?
Include information about the Proposer’s experience providing environmentally preferable transportation methods and practices for another customer. Please include a reference of a jurisdiction or organization to which Proposer has provided this service if it has one.
Response:
7. Emerging Small Business (ESB), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) And Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
The State of Oregon and other potential Participating Entities may desire to purchase products and services from ESB/MBE/WBE-registered or -certified businesses. For those businesses to qualify as an ESB/MBE/WBE-supplier, the business must be registered or certified with either the government or a recognized certifying entity and provide a certification type and number.
Registered ESB/MBE/WBE businesses must operate from a legitimate commercial site, carry all applicable insurance policies, required business licenses, and must have operated continuously for at least two years.
a. Describe how the Proposer will provide opportunities for registered ESB/MBE/WBE businesses. At a minimum, the following must be addressed:
i. Describe in detail how the Proposer will work with registered ESB/MBE/WBE businesses to acquire products for this Master Agreement.
ii. Describe in detail how the Proposer will track all purchases of products and services offered by ESB/MBE/WBE-registered businesses, including ordering, delivery, and invoicing.
iii. Provide a list of products and services available for purchase from ESB/MBE/WBE-registered or -certified businesses under the proposed Master Agreement.
iv. Describe how the Proposer will make its best efforts to increase the number of products and services acquired from registered or certified ESB/MBE/WBE businesses that will be available under the Master Agreement.
v. Describe any other products or services the Proposer can offer on this Master Agreement that support ESB/MBE/WBE businesses.
Response:
8. Environmentally Preferable Packaging
Describe how the Proposer will:
a. Reduce the amount of packaging associated with the delivery of its office supplies and equipment while maintaining product integrity;
Response:
b. Use packaging (such as corrugated cardboard) that is easily recyclable in the recycling programs currently in place for each NASPO ValuePoint Participating Entity that executes a Participating Addendum;
Response:
c. Use packaging that is refillable or returnable to the Proposer or original product manufacturer at no cost to the end user;
Response:
d. Use packaging certified by a third party such as the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) to be acceptable in commercial composting facilities; and
Response:
e. Deliver products in packaging that is comprised of recycled-content or third party-certified environmentally preferable materials such as paper that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Response:
Include information about the Proposer’s experience providing environmentally preferable packaging materials or reducing packaging for another customer. Please include a reference of a jurisdiction or organization to which the Proposer has provided this service if it has one.
Response:
9. Return Policy
Describe in detail how Proposer handles returns and describe the return policy.
Response:
10. Contract Management
Describe the Proposer’s strategy for contract management, including the roles and responsibilities as they relate to Participating Entities for each of the proposed account teams that will handle contract management issues.
Response:
11. Vendor Marketing – Implementation Plan and Transition
a. Describe the Proposer’s ability to promote the products and services offered on the awarded Master Agreement at trade shows, seminars and other similar events to Purchasing Entities.
Response:
b. Describe the Proposer’s capabilities to develop and/or implement a marketing plan that minimally includes: Announcement of the award in collaboration with NASPO ValuePoint and ongoing marketing of the Master Agreement and within the awarded service area.
Response:
12. Retail Store Purchases
a. Describe the availability of contracted items through the Proposer’s retail stores. Please provide a list of retail locations in each state included in Proposer’s Proposal. Provide a narrative that explains how Purchasing Entities will be able to make purchases at the Proposer’s retail stores, make payment for those items, and have those items included in the reporting described in Section 7 of the RFP.
Response:
b. Describe the Proposer’s customer service, including hours of operation, emergency protocol, etc. In addition, describe any extra benefits Purchasing Entities could receive, such as a dedicated customer service representative for the Master Agreement.
Response:
d. Identify all methods of payment Proposer will accept for retail store purchases if awarded a Master Agreement (i.e., check, credit card [include credit card providers such as VISA, Master Card, American Express, etc.]; Purchase Order, cash, etc.).
Response:
13. Catalog
Describe Proposer’s ability to provide a tailored catalog to meet the needs of different Participating Entities. For example, can the Proposer delete items or whole categories from its product offering at the request of individual states or other entities that sign a Participating Addendum?
Response:
14. Sourcing and Labeling of Green Products
It is desirable for Proposer to offer a wide range of products with verified sustainability attributes.
a. Describe how Proposer identifies and verifies the environmental claims and other sustainability attributes of the products in Proposer’s offering.
i. Does Proposer have a minimum threshold or established criteria for the products that Proposer considers to be “green” in Proposer’s offering?
ii. How does Proposer verify the environmental and other sustainability claims of the products in Proposer’s offering?
iii. Does Proposer rely on any third party environmental, health or other sustainability certifications? If so, please list all of the certifications and standards that Proposer uses to verify the sustainability claims of the products Proposer offers.
iv. How does Proposer verify the recycled content of Proposer’s products (including both total and post-consumer recycled content)?
Response:
b. Describe how Proposer labels the products in Proposer’s offering that have environmental, health or other sustainability benefits? Specifically:
i. Describe and explain how Proposer’s on-line system will identify products that have been awarded third party environmental certifications, that have recycled content, or that have other environmental attributes.
ii. Please list any third-party certifications or other environmental standards (such as EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for recycled content) that Proposer includes in its product descriptions of the green products that Proposer offers. Proposers are encouraged to include screen shots demonstrating how Proposer labels its green products.
Response:
c. Does Proposer eliminate products from its offering that contain chemicals or materials of concern. For example:
i. Does Proposer work its supply chain to find replacements for products that contain mercury, lead, PVC, bis-Phenol A, formaldehyde or other chemicals of concern?
ii. Does Proposer label products that contain chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm in order to warn end-users?
iii. Does Proposer link to the MSDS of products in Proposer’s offering?
iv. Does Proposer suggest more environmentally preferable products to its customers when they attempt to purchase products that contain chemicals or materials of concern? If yes, please explain how.
Response:
d. Describe what Proposer does to offer products and services that promote:
i. Toxics reduction and “green” chemistry
ii. Improvements in indoor air quality
iii. Waste minimization and recycling
iv. Energy conservation and use of renewable energy
v. Protection of forests and biodiversity
vi. Water conservation
vii. Other sustainability benefits
Response:
e. Describe the Proposer’s programs and resources (e.g., webpages, stand-alone green product catalogs, etc.) designed to train a Participating Entity to transition to using green products. Please attach any training materials Proposer uses to encourage the (proper) use of its green products.
Response:
f. Describe any plans Proposer has underway to improve the sustainability attributes of Proposer’s products over the life of the Master Agreement.
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