QA_8 4 11_FINAL.pdf

HSFEHQ-11-R-0096_Cots

1. Do the specifications still require a cot that weighs less than 40 pounds?

Answer: The specification for a maximum cot weight of 40 pounds is still a requirement.

For reference, please consult the top of page C-2 and C-6, Item #31.

2. The height of the cot changed. In the previous solicitation, the specification was Height (17” minimum and 19” maximum w/out mattress). However, the specification is now Height (16” minimum without mattress and 19” maximum with mattress). Can you advise what has driven this change? The industry standard for some time has been 18” at the center of the bed before adding the mattress – where the transfer takes place.

The head and foot elevator frames rest on top of the main base frame (the 18” dimension) and do not affect the ingress/egress relative to height. Is this acceptable?

We need to consider this change relative to manufacturing costs of a non-standard product.

Answer: The driver behind this clarification was to refine the exact height requirement both with a mattress and without a mattress as well as to refine the mattress height. It is correct to say that the center of the bed is where the transfer takes place, and is therefore where the height requirement matters most.

3. Freight delivery – we interpreted the freight charges on the previous RFP as to be determined at the Delivery Order Level. However, that language has now been dropped. With this bid being anywhere, anytime, any quantity (based on right to split up contract amongst multiple contractors) as was the past RFP, freight can range from just a few dollars to well over a hundred dollars per unit. REF: 52.247-34 F.O.B.

DESTINATION , I.4 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995), H.3 MINIMUM

QUANTITY et al. Will FEMA consider reinstating the freight cost to be determined at the Delivery Order Level?

Answer: Vendors must identify freight costs to FEMA Distribution Centers (Section F), and within 60 mile radii thereof. Freight charges to destinations located outside of these zones will be determined at the Delivery Order Level. Vendors must complete a spreadsheet (posted to FBO.gov as “DC Freight Costs” and cited in Section J) and include it with the price volume of their proposal. Freight costs will be included in the FEMA’s price analysis.

4. The language on the 10,000 bed delivery within 30 days seems to have changed. As we submitted in our prior questions and our bid, having inventory/labor on standby for a potential order within a 5 year period is not realistic. The language now seems to only request confirmation that the contractor has the capability of producing at the 10,000

HSFEHQ-11-R-0096_Cots beds per 30 day period (“prolonged surge capacity to deliver 10,000 cots within 30 days”). Is this a correct interpretation? Exactly what is required needs to be very clear as this is the most onerous portion of the RFP.

Answer: Correct. The vendor is required to accommodate orders of up to 10,000 cots per every 30 calendar day period. Orders exceeding 10,000 cots for every 30 calendar day period will be based upon the vendor’s ability and willingness to accommodate the remainder of the order exceeding 10,000 units. Please refer to page C-2, Delivery, bullet 3; page C-6, “Offer Certification Worksheet,” Item #35; and, I.4, Ordering Limitations.

Also, note the inclusion of “demonstrate” in M.2 Evaluation Factors, Section B, #2.

5. By not meeting any one technical product-related requirement as per the SOW, are we automatically excluded from any further consideration?

Answer: Due consideration will be given to all proposals. Vendors will be excluded from consideration if and when their proposals have been founding lacking by the technical evaluation team. That is, the “minimum technical requirements” as specified in the SOW. However, if the vendor believes their cots exceed a minimum technical requirement, albeit using different materials or processes, the vendor may provide an explanation in the technical volume.

6. Since multiple vendors might be awarded contracts, what criteria will be used to determine who, and how many cots are ordered for any particular delivery order (after the initial order)? Further, what guarantees are there for quantity ordered equality amongst the awardees (after the initial order)?

Answer: Should this solicitation result in multiple awards, each vendor will be given a fair opportunity to compete for Task Orders. Please consult the amendment to Section M.2 for evaluation factors on the Task Order level.

7. Are pictures allowed in the technical volume for the above reference RFQ?

Answer: Yes, but pictures constitute a visual supplement to written explanation and/or demonstration of relevant specifications.