Carpet II Contractor Questions and Feedback.pdf

Carpet II Contractor Questions/Feedback

1. Please advise if a company can be both Tier 1 and Tier 2?

a. A company can only be a Tier 1 and Tier 2 company if and only if, they are a small business that is a manufacturer of carpet. Through our extensive market research we were unable to find a small business carpet manufacturer. Therefore, the intent for this is to solicit this requirement full and open because we are seeking to contract with ONLY carpet manufacturers, to ensure the United States Air Force receives the best pricing available. The local Contracting units that are in need of carpet will then draft a solicitation that is for 100% Small Business set-aside. They will find a small business carpet installer who will SHALL purchase carpet from any of the Tier 1 contractors, manufacturers, and the small business shall install the carpet. The ONLY purpose of this contract with the 771, is to award contracts to contractors that work in the following NAICS code: 314110.

Tier 1 is for Manufacturers and Tier 2 is for Installers and are separate contracts.

2. Can proposing contractors do both Tier 1 and Tier 2 contracts or do you have to have a manufacture as a Tier 1 contractor?

a. In order to be considered for award as a Tier 1 contractor the contractor shall be operating under NAICS code 314110 – Carpet and Rug Mills. If the contractor does not operate under this NAICS they will not be considered for award under the contract through the 771. This does not mean you cannot be a Tier 2 contractor, a small business installer. The only thing that would preclude a contractor from being a Tier 2 contractor is if they are not a small business. Tier 1 is for Manufacturers and Tier 2 is for Installers and are separate contracts.

3. Does the Manufacturer have to give a list of local installers and pricing for the Tier 2 level?

a. The manufacturer, Tier 1 contractor, will not have to reach out to any small business installers, Tier 2 contractors. The local Contracting units will work to find what small business installer they will work with through their own contracting processes. Then the Tier 2 contractor will then reach out to all of the Tier 1 contractors and determine who they feel has the best product for the job by means of competition. The AF Carpet II Program Tier 1 Manufacturers will quote pricing for materials to the Tier 2 Installers who will provide pricing for installation services.

4. Manufacturer should propose turnkey as a Tier one supplier?

a. No, this is not a turnkey operation. The operational contracting units will be responsible for awarding the Tier II installation contract.

5. How much flooring will be purchased annually and how many locations and projects are projected?

The AF Carpet II estimated program value is $32M over 5 years. We plan to award a target of 4 to 7 Manufacturers (Tier I). There are over 70 bases and installations in CONUS. This value is based solely on historical data for Air Force carpet purchases.

This is not a guarantee of the value of Carpet II nor is it a guarantee of orders awardees can expect.

6. I see where the box is checked for a SDVOSB requirement. Can a SDVOSB act as a

Tier 1 supplier if they have a Teaming agreement with a Tier 1 manufacturer? And, are there any other small business requirements?

a. This box was checked in error. It will be unchecked in the final solicitation. This solicitation will be full and open. There are no small business requirements on the contract with the 771. The only small business requirements will be that from the local Contracting units needing carpet will work with the small business installers.

7. I see where the acronym LTAP is used in the RFP. I’m assuming it is Lowest Technically Acceptable Pricing. Can you define exactly what you mean when using

LTAP?

a. Please refer to M-2.2.2 through 2.2.4. The verbiage is lowest price technically acceptable.

8. What is the total project volume for this contract?

a. Approximately $32M over 5 years. This value is based solely on historical data for

Air Force carpet purchases. This is not a guarantee of the value of Carpet II nor is it a guarantee of orders awardees can expect.

9. Would you consider providing more flexible terms that allow for a maximum “not to exceed” annual price increases?

a. USAF would expect potential offerors to propose annual increases based on widely accepted inflationary databases such as Global Insight or other industry specific inflation indices.

10. We have a carpet tile product that while not 100% moisture proof, does hold up and perform without degradation after hot water extraction cleaning, an industry recognized and recommended maintenance method that involves exposing the product to large amounts of water. Would the Air Force consider such a product for their carpet tile option?

a. The required specification pertains to the backing of the carpet tile. The requirement does not say “100%”, however if the properties of your backing does not include the description “moisture proof”, then it will not be acceptable or considered.

11. Are we able to provide additional adhesive groupings/options? If so, how many additional options can we propose?

a. The Government’s requirement is to only submit three (3) adhesives. If a contractor chooses to submit more than three adhesive options, only the first three adhesive options shall be considered. Anything past the first three will not be reviewed or accepted.

12. Can you share with us the intent of requiring moisture-proof backing in the specification? We have a number of product options available that when combined with separate moisture solutions could result in significant cost savings for the duration of the contract.

a. Due to the various geographic locations of AF installations through-out the US, it was decided to plan on possible flooding in lower levels and locations with extreme moisture and humidity. Additional moisture solutions will not be considered as part of this solicitation.

13. In the pattern requirement sections, it is listed that 100% BRANDED nylon (Type 6,6 or Type 6) is to be used. What is the definition of BRANDED nylon? The industry typically defines branded nylon as nylon fiber produced by the various fiber producers such as ANTRON, AQUAFIL, ULTRON, UNIVERSAL, ASCEND, etc. These are all branded fibers that manufactures can use. Some manufacturers produce “their own” fiber used only for their products. We do not consider this to be “branded” fiber, but wanted to clarify how you would define this?

a. The definition of “Branded” nylon as stated by industry above is correct.

14. Is there an additional value the Department of Air Force places on the use of TYPE 6,6 fiber versus Type 6.

a. NO additional value. Carpets submitted may be Type 6 OR Type 6,6 nylon.

15. In the color sections, would the Department of Air Force want to see multiple color options listed for each of the color categories? Only providing 1 color per category would severely limit the available options.

a. The Air Force has requested multiple color options for each selection of carpet.

The main 4 color categories will have one main selection but that does not preclude the selection of other offerings in the same color family.

16. Is the unit pricing for MATERIAL only, not to include delivery/freight?

a. It is for material only, not with delivery/freight charges.

17. We appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback for the upcoming RFP. In the attachment “AF Carpet Requirements Matrix”. Some collections only consist of one style. Requesting a collection with a minimum of 2-4 patterns per sub-category would limit the amount of product that manufacturers need to fill out for each category. We suggest updating from collection to style so manufacturers would be able to provide more options per category. Historically, some of the top Air Force styles are in the one style per collection category which would immediately eliminate them as an option the way the RFP is currently written.

a. The Air Force’s understanding of the term “Collection” means there is more than one coordinating pattern available. One pattern would not be considered a Collection. Coordinating patterns could be of different scale, design or pattern repeat, with an overall consistent color scheme intended to be used through-out an entire facility. If an Air Force customer requires one of these styles to match their existing carpeting, a waiver will be submitted through the appropriate channels.

18. Are the Tier I contractors expected to provide an equal opportunity consistent with the affirmative action goals of equivalency (pricing and support) to Tier II contractors- being at the time of the request are dealers in good standing with a particular manufacturer. Will there a mechanism to verify?

a. Tier 1 contractors will not have to worry about choosing Tier 2 contractors. The Tier 2 contractors will reach out to the Tier 1 contractors for pricing so the Tier 2 contractors can install carpet for local Contracting Units.

19. Are the dollars for the carpet material expected to be contracted in such a manner that those dollars will be “captured “as part of the contract value and be included in the requested small business or other set asides programs?

a. The ordering guide will require CONS units to structure the Tier II contracts so they will include separate CLINs for material and installation services.

Part 1: Will government customers be allowed to purchase products directly from the manufacturers awarded under this new RFP? Please see below info from current “Carpet Ordering Guide” below for context. Part 2: Will the Air Force Purchase directly from Tier 1 providers at the NTE and other terms as included in the contract with awardees?

Part 3: Are Tier 2 installation contractors expected to purchase carpet for the Air Force at NTE price and terms as established between the Air Force and Tier 1 awardees?

a. Answer to part 1 and part 2: Yes, Air Force customers will be allowed to purchase directly from the manufacturers. See Carpet I Air Force ordering guide verbiage below.

b. Answer to part 3: Yes, Tier 2 installation contractors are expected to purchase carpet for the Air Force under the Tier I, Carpet II program. These will not exceed the prices given from the Tier I manufacturers under their established price lists which will be set at the NTE price or lower depending on prices quoted through competition between the Tier I manufacturers.

2.2 Authorized Customers

Contracting Officers (CO) or Government Purchase Card (GPC) holders buying AF carpet are authorized to use the Tier I Contracts. In addition, general contractors fulfilling USAF flooring requirements are authorized to use the Tier I Contracts in accordance with FAR 52.251-1 entitled “Government Supply Sources.” Tier I Contracts are Mandatory Use for all AF CONUS installations effective 1 Oct 2017. Although it is not mandatory for MILCON, OCONUS, AF Reserves, and Air National Guard to use these contracts, it is highly encouraged.

20. The way that I read the current contract, it is confusing as to whether the AF expects/allows the Tier 2 contractor to mark up the product at an appropriate rate or if the AF is expecting the Tier 2 Contractor to pass the NTE price along to the AF and “hide” these cost somewhere in the installation quote. Could you please clarify the AF expectations on this matter?

a. The Tier 2 Installers shall not mark up the Tier 1 Manufacturer NTE Pricing for materials. Language in the Ordering Guide will prevent CONS units from allowing Tier II contractors from hiding pass-through costs or additional profit in installation costs or other areas. Ultimately, it is the PCO at the CONS units who will do due diligence to ensure prices are fair and reasonable at the Tier II level.

21. Should manufacturers, Tier 1 contractors, establish the NTE price anticipating that the manufacturer will have no further obligations (cost) to monitor, follow-up and improve the overall level of the installation processes of these installation contracts standards and specifications processes generally. Or is the manufacturer anticipated to offer overall high-level guidance and support to the dealer/installer to elevate the final satisfaction to the AF customer to improve the overall level of mission support requirements?

a. The Tier 1 Manufacturers will provide product catalogs with NTE pricing, material quotes, quarterly reports, and hold annual, funded PMRs with the Government. Tier II contractors are also expected to be well-versed and familiar with standard carpet installation industry practices and will be responsible for all aspects of installation. Installation shall be monitored by the local contracting officer and their customers.

22. When using the current AF Carpet Contract, Step 1 calls for selection of products from each manufacturer. In the past the selections might have included products that were not technically similar. In some case a walk off tile was equated as technically comparable to an interior space tile. In other cases, products from one manufacturer might have an NTE below $14.00/yard and chosen from one section of the matrix and other products selected were more than $28.00/yard and chosen from other sections of the matrix. Is this breadth of technically comparable what the AF expects and desires? See below for context.

a. The ordering guide will ensure to spell out that the Air Force personnel will compare like to like items.

23. On what criteria will the Tier 1 manufacturers limit availability and pricing to specific competing installers, dealers and contractors?

a. Refer to mandatory users and optional users listed for the AF Carpet II Program.

24. Will all terms and conditions be included in the solicitation language that the AF request of Tier II Contractors for completion of projects associated with this RFP.

a. No, the Tier 1 Manufacturer and Tier 2 Installer contracts will have varying term and conditions.

See Instructions Below from Current AF carpet Contract below to better understand the reason for the question.

25. When installations projects are solicited by the local AF Contracting offices, What NAICS code will they be identified as?

a. There could be multiple NAICS codes for installation services and those will be selected by the Local CONS.

26. Is it expected that General Contractors will be able to use this vehicle? If so under what conditions and restraints?

a. Any contractor awarded a Tier II contract, shall use the Carpet II program as this is a mandatory source. See the Air Force Ordering Guide guidance below:

2.2 Authorized Customers

Contracting Officers (CO) or Government Purchase Card (GPC) holders buying AF carpet are authorized to use the Tier I Contracts. In addition, general contractors fulfilling USAF flooring requirements are authorized to use the Tier I Contracts in accordance with FAR 52.251-1 entitled “Government Supply Sources.” Tier I Contracts are Mandatory Use for all AF CONUS installations effective 1 Oct 2017. Although it is not mandatory for MILCON, OCONUS, AF Reserves, and Air National Guard to use these contracts, it is highly encouraged.

27. Will the USAF consider requiring the use of recycled content in the technical evaluation of this contract? If so, what percentage by weight? Will post-consumer recycled content be evaluated as well within that framework?

a. Questions 27-29 were related and answered after 29.

28. Will the USAF be utilizing the standards set forth by FAR Subpart 23.4 regarding Bio-Based materials and Bio-Preferred status in evaluation of the submitted products? Will priority consideration be given to products that meet these requirements? Is there any potential penalty for including the status of the individual products in the technical submissions?

a. Questions 27-29 were related and answered after 29.

29. Based on 3rd party calculations from the EC3 calculator (buildingtransparency.org), the potential baseline for greenhouse gas emissions associated with the fulfillment of this contract are approximately 28,000 – 30,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. With an eye toward the significant destabilizing effects and subsequent national security risks posed by climate change, will the USAF consider requiring the bidding manufacturers to submit a global warming potential figure (amount of net CO2 emitted per unit) associated with the full life cycle of each product? Will the technical evaluation give consideration to this figure when considering submissions?

If so, will products with lower global warming potential be given priority or preference?

a. This answer is to provide clarification on the above three questions. The USAF

Carpet II will following all applicable FAR-driven regulations as it relates to materials and manufacturing processes allowed to be used in procurement of materials for Federal consumption. No priority will considerations will be given related to BioBased materials. In accordance with FAR 23.4 “ Agencies shall purchase these products to the maximum extent practicable without jeopardizing the intended use of the product while maintaining a satisfactory level of competition at a reasonable price. “ Through our recent RFI responses and market research there are not enough sources with conforming products to have adequate competition.

30. Regarding L-1.8 on attachment 4 around pricing relief associated with sharp changes in the price of petroleum, can you please provide detail as to the process? Is that something that can be initiated by request of the manufacturer to the contract administrator? Any further clarification on this process in the current inflationary atmosphere would be greatly appreciated.

a. USAF understands the uncertainty surrounding petroleum prices. If a contractor feels a price adjustment is warranted, it will follow the procedures at FAR 52.216- 4.

31. We suggest amending section M-2.1.1.1 to state that a company may propose product types in any category they provide while keeping all pattern options for that category. For instance, Milliken offers cushion backed carpet tiles and LVT. We shouldn’t have to provide thermoplastic options or rolled goods o also be considered for award. We have a great selection of products, in all pattern categories, that are excellent cushion backed solutions and are in current use by many Air Force Bases globally. We also have products that are standardized at a number of bases and continuity of those products would be very important to those specific bases. By mandating a manufacturer to submit products in all product categories for consideration is not fair or reasonable for companies that utilize their optimized technology. We would also like to see an LVT component (product category) that meets the Buy America Act.

a. We are not including Luxury Vinyl Tile in this carpet program but we will continue to have rolled carpet as a part of the program to provide as much flexibility as possible for this program.