SOLICITATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.docx

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

DJA-26-AEET-PR-0289 RITE IN THE RAIN

1. The solicitation notice indicates the award of a purchase order, while the body states an intent to issue a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) through May 6, 2031. Is the intended award a single, one-time purchase order, a BPA, or a BPA accompanied by an initial order?

Answer: BPA and initial order

1. Do the listed quantities (350 field binder kits and 4 paper packs) represent a guaranteed initial order, an estimated annual total, a maximum ceiling, or the total anticipated demand over the full multi-year BPA term? Please confirm if the BPA has a guaranteed minimum.

Answer: Initial order

1. Beyond the 350 kits and 4 paper packs shown in the schedule, can the Government provide estimated annual quantities, a maximum ceiling, or historical data to allow for sharper pricing?

Answer: No

1. Must quoted unit prices remain fixed for the entire duration through May 6, 2031, or can pricing be updated, refreshed, or re-quoted separately for individual BPA calls/orders?

Answer: Fixed prices with allowance for annual escalation

1. Because there is no Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause in the solicitation, will yearly price increases or escalation percentages be allowed to account for a multi-year commitment through 2031?

Answer: Allowance for annual escalation

1. CLIN 0002 specifies Manufacturer Part LL8511 / NSN 7530-01-537-3569 but describes it as "tan paper in a 100-sheet pack." However, manufacturer literature lists LL8511/NSN as white printer paper with 150 sheets (yielding 300 loose-leaf forms), while a 100-sheet pack of tan loose-leaf paper is a completely different part number (e.g., 982T). Please clarify whether offerors should quote the item matching the listed NSN/Part Number (White, 150 sheets) or the item matching the text description (Tan, 100 sheets).

Answer: LL8511 is correct: All-Weather Loose Leaf Copier Paper – it is listed as white paper but has a tan tint.

1. The solicitation describes the 9200T binder as having 1.5-inch rings, but the manufacturer identifies the specified 9200T-KIT (NSN 7530-01-536-2652) as having a 0.5-inch capacity binder. Please confirm the required ring capacity and whether the exact Rite in the Rain 9200T-KIT is acceptable as manufactured.

Answer: Exact 9200T-Kit

1. The product description states "camo colored binder upon request from the specific program." Because the Multi-Cam binder kit is a different part number and NSN (9200M-KIT, NSN 7530-01-631-2661), please clarify how these will be ordered. Should separate unit pricing be submitted for the camo version, and will they be ordered under the same CLIN?

Answer: Ordered under the same CLIN. I have ordered in the past where the tan covers were on back order, but the multi-cam version was available. Just wanted the option to be able to get these for training.

1. For offerors proposing an "or equal" product, please confirm whether FAR 52.211-6 applies. What are the complete salient characteristics and required supporting documentation needed to prove technical compliance?

Answer: “Rite in the Rain is a proprietary, environmentally responsible, All-Weather Writing Paper that sheds water, allowing you to write anywhere, in any weather. From the torrential downpours in the Pacific Northwest to the blistering heat and humidity of a Florida summer day, Rite in the Rain is able to provide users around the world with an effective means with which to write, protect, and keep valuable information.” (Reference: https://www.riteintherain.com/faqs).

No known suitable replacement option that meets the needs of NCETR has been located to date.

1. Size conveniently fits into cargo pants allowing the students to take notes and conduct calculations in a field environment.

0. Approximately 6.75” x 8.875” x .625” overall and accepts loose leaf paper that is 4.625” x 7” with a .5” capacity and 6 holes for the binder. Total weight will not exceed 2 pounds.

1. Rugged and durable cover made of Cordura fabric that is zipper closable to contain and protect field notes. Cover to contain storage for (4) writing instruments and (1) large internal pocket.

1. Come standard with 50 sheets of loose-leaf paper capable of writing on in the rain, water, mud, snow, and other harsh environments.

1. Includes an all-weather pen capable of writing in harsh conditions like sweat, water, and mud.

1. Binder to hold loose leaf paper that has 6 rust resistant metal rings and is compact, rigid, deflects moisture, and stains. The binder will also be rugged/durable enough for field use in harsh conditions (made of Polydura, 55 gauge and fitted to 4.625” x 7” loose leaf paper with a .5” capacity).

1. Readily available printable inserts such as the LL8511 designed for the kit. This allows programs to print pertinent class information easily and it will fit into the binder.

1. The proprietary nature of Rite in the Rain that allows students the ability to write calculations/notes in the field, often in adverse weather conditions such as rain, mud, snow, and sweat. Product also holds up well to sweat in hot and humid conditions. (See above) Insert will fit the binder.

1. Please confirm that all quoted pricing must be inclusive of F.O.B. Destination freight and delivery charges to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

Answer: Yes

1. Does FAR 52.219-33 or the Non-Manufacturer Rule apply to this small business set-aside acquisition, and has any applicable SBA class or individual waiver been issued?

Answer: Yes, FAR 52.219-33 is applicable

1. Please clarify the scope of clause DOJ-07 (Prohibition on Access by Non-U.S. Citizens to DOJ IT Systems). Does this restriction apply only to contractor personnel requiring direct login access to DOJ IT systems, or does it broadly affect personnel eligibility to bid on and fulfill this supply order?

Answer: Applies only to personnel requiring direct login access to DOJ IT systems

1. Separately, since this solicitation establishes a BPA for calls/orders through May 6, 2031, could you clarify how pricing works for future calls placed against the agreement? Specifically, does the unit pricing quoted in response to this solicitation apply to all calls through 2031, or is pricing reconfirmed/re-quoted at the time of each individual call? We did not see an economic price adjustment clause in the solicitation and want to price this responsibly for a multi-year commitment.

Yes: Pricing will be submitted for all ordering periods