Amendment_0001_for_HSFE70-14-R-0024.pdf

HSFE70-14-R-0024

Short-Shelf Life Meals

Responses to Vendor Questions

1) Will the Short Shelf Life Meals contract serve as a backup or secondary source to the current

FEMA contract (HSFE70-12-D-0329) for pre-packaged shelf stable commercial meals? Short shelf-life meals will serve as a FEMA tertiary option. FEMA’s primary meals option are reduced sodium, secondary (regular commercial) & tertiary (short –shelf) meals.

2) If the Short Shelf Life Meals contract is intended to serve as a secondary source, will FEMA amend the current solicitation to note that such meals will be procured only after depleting the available inventory (both with contractors and FEMA DCs) of pre-packaged shelf stable commercial meals? FEMA’s intent is to procure short shelf-life meals as a tertiary option. Short shelf-life meals are for immediate consumption and are not to be stored in the distribution centers.

3) Would FEMA consider a best value approach to awards that includes both pricing and delivery times? This would enable FEMA to expand the 48 hour delivery requirement, but at the same time give preference to those who can meet the 48 hour timeframe. FEMA’s decision is to utilize Lowest Price Technical Acceptable and not Best Value.

4) As we’ve discussed in the past, short shelf life kits are typically configured around the availability of certain commercial items during an event. Would FEMA consider broadening the nutritional requirements related to allergens, sugar, saturated fat, trans fat and total fat? Contractor(s) shall meet nutritional requirement stated in the statement of work.

5) Will FEMA only procure pre-packaged self-heating meals from the two companies presently under contract with agency for such items (contract HSFE70-12-D-0329). FEMA will honor all obligations specified in the listed contract, but this is a separate requirement.

6) Please define “non-self-heating” meals. We interpret it as any meal that does not contain a method to warm the contents. Non- shelf heating meals are meals that do not contain a heating mechanism in the meal package.

7) Under the NAICS code we are a SB. If we desire may we also provide pricing for the

“LB”? As FEMA is aware we have the capacity to meet the LB requirements. If offering as a

“SB” would not preclude us from offering on requirements above the 160,000 order limit then offering as both would not be a necessity Vendors with the capability to handle Small and large quantities are welcome to submit pricing for both.

8) May we just offer on the Self Heating lines? We’d prefer not to have to stock two different lines. Commercial customers prefer self-heating meals and there would be a limited market for non-heater meals. According the related SOW “Vendors shall have the capability to provide both self-heating and non-self-heating meals”

9) Under the meal configuration it lists a salt packet. With a limit of 800mg sodium it’s not possible to have a salt packet in the menu. FEMA eliminated it on the Reduced Sodium meal we currently have a contract with FEMA to provide. Our dining kit does have a salt free seasoning packet. A salt packet would NOT be counted in the nutritional requirements. It would be the survivor’s choice whether they choose to use or discard salt packet.

5. Based on FEMA’s intention to compete all delivery orders we anticipate multiple awards under this solicitation if there are more than one acceptable proposal. . Is that correct? Correct.

6. What is the definition of “Manufacturer” on page E-16? We would be the sole producer under any award but we are not sure if you are requesting information on component subcontractors. Manufacturer in this case would be any producer of meals. (Prime or sub-contractor)

7. Please clarify the “Diversion Rate” on the pricing sheets. We interpret it as the mileage rate per mile from the original destination to a diversion destination. An example would be that shipment arriving at the original destination and being diverted to a location 100 miles distant. The provided “Diversion Rate” would be multiplied by the mileage. Your example is correct.

8. We believe the “Maximum Quantities” listed on the pricing sheets for the SB Self-Heating are wrong. Are they correct or do we need to adjust them? The top portion was incorrect and has been updated.