OMC_Questions_and_Answers_(4_Nov_16).pdf

FA8601-16-T-0380

4 November 2016

Q&A

Question 1: Based on information provided in 3.1.1.4.3, would WPAFB consider mailing systems that meet the requirements but operate at a slower speed to take advantage of purchase price savings, a key objective as discussed in the site visit, and avoid market restrictive specifications? Systems on the market can accommodate the average daily mail volume referenced, even if all is processed with dynamic in-motion weighing, in less than 15 minutes per machine.

Answer: No, WPAFB requires high-volume postage metering equipment capable of processing a minimum of 300 letters per minute, mixed mail, via batch processing.

Question 2: Please specify the minimum dynamic scale processing speed requirement.

Answer: The minimum dynamic scale processing speed requirement is 180 letters per minute.

Question 3: Please confirm the definition of processing is to automatically feed, weigh (mixed mail only), seal and meter at the defined thicknesses for both mixed-weight mail without system stopping. As a matter of information, we respectfully advise WPAFB the USPS defines automation compatible mail up to .75” thick and 13 ounces. Anything beyond those limits must be handled as ‘Zip-to-Zone’ rated mail piece and require manual intervention (our system provides an error message). In addition, the use of IMpb and Schedule 48 extend WPAFB with postage discounts. The mail piece cannot be processed automatically without user intervention, therefore negating the ability to feed beyond .75” thick. Beyond thickness, the USPS regulations define the maximum flat size is 12” x 15” and error messages similar to the thickness and weight above is provided by the system. Please acknowledge that mail processing system requirements should at a minimum meet USPS defined dimensions for rating mail as a letter, flat, or parcel.

Answer: High-volume postage metering equipment shall be capable of automatically adjusting the thickness required for processing mixed mail with a minimum thickness of .25 inches and a minimum thickness of .75”. WPAFB does not require the mail equipment to seal envelopes.

Question 4: The low volume meter in use today is rated at .375” processing thickness. Any machine in the market with capabilities beyond that thickness is an automatic feed mailing system that requires significantly more space than provided in its present location. As this system is used for special handle mail and counter sales, would WPAFB consider revising the thickness specification?

Answer: Yes, WPAFB is willing to adjust the requirement to read, "...minimum thickness of

.25" and maximum thickness of .375”.

Question 5: Does WPAFB require that the reporting software have the capability to create one report that includes all of the requirements listed and can be broken out by meter?

Answer: Yes.

FA8601-16-T-0380

4 November 2016

Question 6: You said you process packages on the low/mid-volume system with a 70lb scale.

What type of scale are you looking for with the new equipment?

Answer: Paragraph 3.1.1.6.3 will be added that states “The contractor shall provide a remotely connected weighing platform for the low-volume/mid-volume postage metering machine capable of weighing mail up to 70 lbs.”

Question 7: No equipment manufacture makes a mid-volume system that can handle .8” in maximum thickness. The standard maximum thickness for this size of system is 5/8” (0.625).

Will that be ok? Otherwise to achieve the thickness on the bid you would have to move to a high volume system.

Answer: Yes, WPAFB is willing to accept a low/Mid-volume postage metering equipment capable of automatically adjusting the thickness required for processing mixed mail with a minimum thickness of .25" and a maximum thickness of .375”.

Question 8: 3.3.2.1 – Does responded within 4-6 business hours mean by phone or by a tech on site?

Answer: Respond to within 4-6 business hours is to be interpreted as technician on site.

The responses to the questions required changes to the statement of work. The paragraphs listed below were changed or added.

3.1.1.4.2 - Change

3.1.1.5 - Change

3.1.1.6.2 - Change

3.1.1.6.3 - Added

3.3.2.1 - Change

3.3.2.3 - Change