Questions_and_Answers_as_of_09_Jun_2016.docx

Questions and Answers post RFP release

1. For the tabbed sections of our response, you indicated: “Each tabbed page shall only have a label on it indicating which tab it is and shall not contain any additional information.” For our clarification, for the following tab, what information do you want to appear: Tab 2a – Organic Pattern Family/Collection – Small Scale Option #1, 2a, or 2a Organic Small #1?

· As an example, “Tab 2a” (but without the quotes), is the only information we would like to see on the tabbed pages. The rest of the tabs will follow suit.

2. How will you evaluate NSF/ANSI-140 certification for this solicitation? More specifically is NSF-140 rating required for all broadloom (Roll) goods to include roll goods with an attached cushion backing?

· All broadloom and carpet tile shall be certified to NSF/ANSI-140 at the gold certification level within the past 5 years dating back from the proposal due date. Offerors shall provide NSF/ANSI-140 certification dated (23 June 2011 – through - 23 June 2016) for all broadloom and carpet tile to be considered technically acceptable for this requirement.

3. We have come across a challenge regarding the technical requirement for a staining test. We recall in prior Q&A’s there was a request to remove the requirement for certified independent test results using the Staining Test AATCC 175. At that time, the Government stated it would remain a requirement. We believe the requirement should be dropped or significantly modified because the test is color specific, and just like any colorfastness test, it is not feasible to have results for every color/design on every product. In general, all the other testing requirements are based on a type of construction; therefore, allowing us to test large groups of patterns and colors under one test. If this test is to remain, a proper bid response would have to include a separate test for each pattern and color offered. We do not normally test products using this test, and if required, it is very likely that we would not have properly completed all such testing in the time required, and as such, we see this limiting competition or making a number of the proposals technically unacceptable. Would the Government consider removing this test?

· Yes, the Government will remove the AATCC 175 Stain Resistance requirement and label RQ #’s OPT.1, GPT.1, SPT.1, HPT.1 as Not Applicable (N/A).

4. Am I correct in my assumption that the pricing we are to provide is FOB Origin? I looked through all of the bid documents and I could not find any reference to FOB Origin or FOB Destination.

· Yes, FOB Origin. In most cases, the Government will not be directly purchasing the carpet and the installer will. So, for the sake of comparison, FOB Origin is the proper pricing.

5. Will the Air Force price be inclusive of freight? Will the Air Force price be inclusive of an administrative fee?

· Your price does not need to include freight/shipping. It should be inclusive of all fees for an apples to apples comparison.

6. FAR 52.212-4(k) states: “The contract price include all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.” Wouldn’t the Air Force buy it direct PO as tax exempt? Would you ever buy through a third party? If so, when buying through a third party, would you accept any pass through taxes?

· In most cases, the Government will not be purchasing the carpet directly. Installers will be purchasing it for the AF projects they are working, and will have to document what the price per square yard is that the AF is paying for the chosen carpet. Freight/shipping should be priced separately (and is not required for our pricing matrix).

7. In L-2.9.1.2:

Tab 3 – Roll carpet Tab 3a – Organic Pattern Family/Collection – Small Scale Option Tab 3b – Organic Pattern Family/Collection – Medium Scale Option Tab 3c – Organic Pattern Family/Collection – Large Scale Option Tab 3d – Organic Pattern Family/Collection – Random Scale Option

Please also reference Document AF_Carpet_Requirements_Matrix.xlsx Product Line Summary Page cell M10 Requirements for Roll Good - Organic States a minimum of 1 product of either Small scale, Medium scale, Large scale OR Random Multicolor for each Pattern

10R (Cell M12) 20R (Cell M14) 30R (Cell M16)

When we complete the three products above choosing from Small, Medium, Large, or Random, there are three cells on the Carpet Requirements Matrix and 4 tabs in the Volume 1 Binder - to be completed per the RFP Solicitation.

Therefore, one of the tabs in Volume 1 (3a, 3b, 3c, or 3d) will not have information. Please verify this is correct or provide further clarification.

· Thank you for catching our error in the requirements matrix. Please see the updated matrix for corrections. All tabs shall contain information.

8. There are not rows on the Pricing Matrix specified for pricing to be included for pattern ID’s 10R, 20R or 30R. Is pricing to be included in columns H, J & L for these products and how should it be determined which column to use for each 10R, 20R, and 30R? If not, please provide further clarification.

· Clarification (1CR = 10R), (2CR = 20R), (3CR = 30R)

9. In L-2.9.1.2:

Tab 3e – Geometric Pattern Family/Collection – Small Scale Option Tab 3f – Geometric Pattern Family/Collection – Medium Scale Option Tab 3g – Geometric Pattern Family/Collection – Large Scale Option Tab 3h – Geometric Pattern Family/Collection – Random Scale Option

Requirements for Roll Good - Geometric States a minimum of 1 product of either Small scale, Medium scale, Large scale OR Random Multicolor for each Pattern

4GR (Cell M21) 5GR (Cell M23) 6GR (Cell M25)

When we complete the three products above choosing from Small, Medium, Large, or Random, there are three cells on the Carpet Requirements Matrix and 4 tabs in the Volume 1 Binder to be completed per the RFP Solicitation.

Therefore, one of the tabs in Volume 1 (Tabs 3e, 3f, 3g, or 3h) will not have information. Please verify this is correct or provide further clarification.

· Thank you for catching our error in the requirements matrix. Please see the updated matrix for corrections. All tabs shall contain information.

10. There are not rows on Pricing Matrix specified for pricing to be included for pattern ID’s 4GR, 5GR & 6GR. Is pricing to be included in columns H, J & L for these products and how should it be determined which column to use for each 4GR, 5GR, & 6GR? If not, please provide further clarification.

· Clarification (4GR = 4R), (5GR = 5R), 6GR =6R)

11. In L-2.9.1.2:

Tab 4 – Solid Colored Carpet Tab 4a – Loop or Tip Sheared Tab 4b – Cut Pile Please also reference Document AF_Carpet_Requirements_Matrix.xlsx. Tab - Product Line Summary - cell E30.

There is no reference to Loop, Tip Shear, or Cut Pile and appears to be a single product submittal for 7CS (Cell E30).

Referencing both documents, how should we submit the following for the Volume 1 Binder and to complete the Carpet Requirements Matrix:

Tab 4a Loop or Tip Shear In the Carpet Requirements excel - there is no reference to Loop or Tip Shear Do we submit a product for this category and if so - what pattern ID # do we use?

Tab 4b Cut Pile In the Carpet Requirements excel - there is no reference to Cut Pile Do we submit a product for this category and if so - what pattern ID # do we use?

Please provide further clarification.

· Thank you for catching our error in the requirements matrix. Please see the updated matrix for corrections. All tabs shall contain information.

12. Also in regards to question 3a for 7CS, please reference AF_Carpet_Pricing_Matrix.xlsx.

There are two cells with the same Pattern ID # - C34 & C35 each require pricing for 7CS. Please provide clarification on how to clearly submit pricing if these are to be two separate products or if we should only submit one product and price referencing 7CS.

· Thank you for catching our error in the pricing matrix. Please see the updated matrix for correction.

13. OPS.5 / GPS.5 / HPS.5 / – Could the requirement be defined of why a 100% solution dyed is needed if durability and warranty requirements are met / exceeded by space and/or a combination of solution and space dyed products?

· The Air Force Medical community requires 100% solution dyed products with the intent of resisting bleach stains. Offerors may bid a less than 100% solution dyed product as long as it has bleach resistant properties. To avoid subjectivity, bleach resistance is defined as carpet that can withstand bleach and not discolor.

14. When entering a “Pattern Family/Collection” in the requirements matrix there is a need to link with a specific style from that family and a specific color sample from that style. If we pick a single style from that family/collection how do we show the coordinating styles that make up that pattern family/collection?

· No web links are required for coordinating products in the Color Line Summary tab since the Government will already have the link from the product line summary tab. Subject matter experts will understand how to evaluate proposed coordinating styles.