Q and A Lathes_as of 5 Dec 23.pdf

Questions and Answers – Lathes RFQ As of 5 Dec 23

Q1:

Can the RFQ be amended to allow for full and open competition due to inability to comply with FAR Clause 52.219-33?

A1:

NAICS code 333517, Machine Tool Manufacturing, is a manufacturing NAICS code with a small business size standard of 500 employees; as such, a determination as to whether or not the contemplated purchase order will be subject to the NonManufacture Rule (NMR) was required. The NMR stipulates that small business contractors supplying goods to the Government must manufacture the product itself, or supply a product manufactured by another small business (if its not a manufacturer), or supply the product of any sized manufacturer if SBA has granted a waiver to the NMR. A query of the NMR Class Waiver List, dated 01 June 2022, was conducted, and as of 15 August 2023, NAICS code 333517 is not listed on the NMR Class Waiver List; therefore, the contemplated purchase order is subject to the NMR, so small business contractors will be required either manufacture the product itself, or supply a product manufactured by another small business.

The Government must comply with FAR Part 19. Since there are several small business vendors that can meet the requirement and are interested in submitting a quote, we have to keep this RFQ set-aside 100% for small business. The Government will issue your concern publicly via the SAM posting, as well as the response above to see if any other vendor shares the same concern with not being able to comply with FAR clause 52.219-33. If it turns out that there are no longer at least two small business vendors that can meet the requirements of the RFQ (specifically FAR clause 52.219-33) the Government will re-consider amending the RFQ to allow for full and open competition.

Q2:

Can the RFQ be extended to allow for additional time to submit a quote?

A2:

As requested, the Government has extended the RFQ date to close on 7 December.

Q3:

We cannot submit a proposal based on your specifications. You are requiring box ways on the machines, this technology is antiquated and used by very few manufactures. I do not believe you will achieve the accuracies you require with a box way machine.

A3:

This may seem antiquated and used by very few manufactures, but the box ways have been used for many years by manufacturers that require higher quality standards. The box ways are more rigid, hold tighter tolerances, last longer, and overall a better performance. The requirements were thoroughly reviewed before providing the required specifications. It is understandable that not every vendor will be able to provide machines to meet the requirements for these machines. At this time, with the current and forecasted projects, this is a requirement needed to support the missions.

Q4:

The spec for the VTL and Lathe seems to be written around brand name Okuma machines specifically when it comes to the turret indexing accuracy spec quoted which is an impossible standard to achieve. If the Government requires a brand name Okuma machine tool, why not just go ahead and buy them?

A4:

The requested turret specifications are required due to the indexing accuracy of the turret. There is less wear on the spindle which leads to less runout over years of tool changes, better machining accuracy, and less cost when having to rework the machine spindle. In summary, we require higher quality machines that will last longer, holder tighter tolerances than machines built for production (most of our projects are not duplicated, there are critical projects that require specific needs unlike production projects.), and less machine downtime. We may be requesting machines that appear to be antiquated to others, but the companies that provide the specified machines have been in business for many years with a proven reputation for being the industry’s top manufacturers for quality, service and support to industries that require high standards for the work being achieved.