Questions_and_Answers.docx

Questions and Answers Hygiene Kits

1) Does the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation posted as solicitation number GSASPB18Q0010 on FBO contain requirements similar to a existing contract or will this be a new requirement?

ANSWER: This is a new requirement of creating a BPA for hygiene kits, however the government has procured these services in the past as one time contracts to assist FEMA with emergency response during Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Maria.

2) Can I just quote replenishment or do I have to offer both replenishment and emergency orders.

ANSWER: You may quote to offer one or both.

3) Can I quote just less than 30,000 at a time.

ANSWER: The estimate is 90,000 a year. This may be more or less. You may quote what you think you can provide within a 24, 48 or 72 hour time frame.

4) Do the items have to be TAA compliant?

ANSWER: Yes, the items must be TAA compliant or BAA compliant if a small business.

5) Will FEMA confirm how many kits will be purchased in this calendar year?

ANSWER: There is no definitive estimate, since this is a BPA and not a contract.

FEMA may purchase more or less than the estimate, including no kits per year.

6) From the date of award is there an estimated time line for the first call on the BPA?

ANSWER: No timeframe on when or if a first order will appear.

7) Will the award be separated between the 2 requirements, Disaster/Emergency and Replenishment?

ANSWER: Task orders will be competed against BPA holders for either emergency or replenishment efforts. A contractor may receive an award for either one or both, but it will be one contract.

8) Is this a GSA/FEMA small business set-aside? Our company doesn’t qualify as a small business, and we are unclear how we can meet the small business requirement for this solicitation. Please provide additional clarification.

ANSWER: This is not a small business set aside. Unrestricted procurement.

9) Our company doesn’t qualify as a small business, but we are working with an AbilityOne agency to make an offer. Is AbilityOne considered to be a Small Business for this solicitation?

ANSWER: Please see answer above.

10) The 24-72 hour delivery time is challenging to Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico and Alaska without air shipment from CONUS. Is the expectation to store the hygiene kits at these locations?

ANSWER: Please quote on what you can provide. If you cannot meet certain locations, please state it in your quotation.

11) If selected, will GSA purchase the end-of-season product from the supplier or provide other opportunity to recover supplier’s investment?

ANSWER: No, GSA will not by end of the season products. This is a BPA an agreement and not a contract.

12) We are currently not set-up to receive EDI orders from GSA. Will the supplier receive the GSA order from the manual GSA Vendor Portal?

ANSWER: Orders will come through EDI.

13) During a severe disaster that possibly disrupts local transportation delivery network (ground, water or air), will GSA or FEMA make emergency clearance arrangements for product shipments into the disaster area? How will this be communicated to the local authorities, FEMA, Civil Defense and supplier?

ANSWER: FEMA sends a delivery location when task orders are competed. As of today, all delivery locations have been communicated with locations and instructions on how to reach the locations.

14) We understand the urgency to get products delivered and want to do everything possible to support the delivery timeframe. Please provide clarity for when the 24 hours begins. Is it during the initial emergency alert phone call? When the order is verbally accepted? When the order has been accepted and the delivery location is provided? When the order has been accepted and the delivery location is provided and emergency clearance has been arranged and confirmed with local authorities?

ANSWER: The delivery timeframe will start upon email or verbal communication of an award by the CO.

15) Order acceptance/acknowledgement, packaging, shipping, and transportation to CONUS locations within 24 hours will be a challenge, particularly without knowledge of delivery locations in advance. Will the 24-hour delivery requirement be extended?

ANSWER: FEMA does not waive the 24 hour requirement, so please quote whatever you can provide in that 72 hour delivery window for emergency and 30 day window for replenishment.

16) Will GSA/FEMA subsidize emergency shipping costs, to include air transportation, or are BPA holders expected to build those unknown costs into their pricing?

ANSWER: Shipping costs are to be quoted at the time of Task Order competition.

At that time BPA holders will allow to provide their costs for delivery during these emergency situations.

17) How does GSA plan to utilize all BPA holders? Is the goal for each BPA holder to provide 90,000 kits or will it be a cumulative effort?

ANSWER: All requirements will be competed against all Task Orders utilizing best value trade offs in meeting the requirements.

18) Many items in the kit have expiration dates. Who is responsible for the costs incurred with disposing of expired products that have not shipped?

ANSWER: The contractor is responsible for any costs incurred. Since this is a BPA there is no minimum or maximum quantity.

19) How much shelf life (time remaining before the product expires) is expected to still remain for an item when it ships?

ANSWER: Shelf life is 3 years.

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