Q A_072209_120PM.doc

NOTE: Below is a comprehensive list of questions asked by various vendors pertinent to Solicitation HSTS07-09-R-00134.

QUESTION #1: Please clarify which pre-production sample items each offeror is to submit:

ANSWER: The four items that are required as pre-production samples are:

▪ a total of 2 shirts

▪ a total of 2 trousers

▪ a total of 2 vests

▪ a total of 2 team jackets

▪ There will be a total of 8 pre-production sample items.

QUESTION #2: Please confirm that the pre-production sample items submitted will only be evaluated against the offerors ability to achieve the information provided in the specification, and not compared to the existing uniform items being manufactured by the incumbent to determine a pass or fail rating. Please clarify the difference between (a) Pre-production sample and (b) First Article Testing ANSWER: The pre-production samples submitted will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis as reflected in solicitation, and not be compared to the incumbent or any other offeror(s) samples. First article testing will be required after award of the successful offeror. Pre-production samples are evaluated for quality and must meet the pass/fail requirements in the solicitation – See Evaluation Criteria M.3(4) ‘Pre-production samples’. After contract award, First article samples and testing will be required.

Additional Clarification – Definitions:

Pre-production samples must be submitted by all offerors and are due to be received at the address specified in the solicitation no later than the solicitation closing date. For this solicitation, pre-production samples will be evaluated on a pass-fail basis, as discussed above.

First Article Testing refers to testing and evaluating of the first article of manufacture for conformance with specified contract requirements before or in the initial stage of production. This requirement only pertains to the successful offeror after award (Awardee).

QUESTION #3:

Can an Ability One/JWOD/NIBNISH provider (small businesses) qualify as the prime contractor and still meet the set-aside agreements when partnering with small businesses? Do small businesses have to submit a subcontracting plan?

ANSWER: The solicitation was posted as an ‘unrestricted’ solicitation, where offers/proposals will be received from both small and large businesses. Paragraph L3 Small Business Subcontracting Plan of the solicitation explains that “a single business may count towards more than one of the goals.”

Therefore, if a proposal from such a small business was submitted, evaluated and deemed to be the best qualified proposal in all aspects, they would qualify as a prime contractor.

No – this requirement has been changed in Section L of the Amendment (AMD) 01. .

QUESTION #4: Pre-production Samples – Does each offeror need to submit two of each of the requested samples of the Screener-Partnership Program items even though they are the same as the TSA items without embroidery?

ANSWER: No – see Question and Answer for #2 above. The purpose of pre-production samples is to evaluate quality on a pass/fail basis for this solicitation.

QUESTION #5: Please confirm: Individual TSO orders must be shipped individually to appropriate airport, and that multiple TSO orders cannot be shipped together.

ANSWER: Correct.

QUESTION #6: Will emblems be supplied by TSA/TSO or is the contractor responsible for the emblems?

ANSWER: It is expected that the successful offeror will manufacture the emblems, however, the contract awardee will be supplied with appropriate information to produce emblems after award.

QUESTION #7: Will historical orders by size and gender be made available to assist with initial inventory development?

ANSWER: Yes. See Historical Data attachment to Amendment 01.

QUESTION #8: Transition Plan – Will the current incumbent contractor be available to assist with the transition and is the current incumbent offering to sell any remaining inventory or supplies?

ANSWER:

Yes, the current contract requires contractor to be available to follow-on partner for 30 days to answer questions and to facilitate the transition. According to the incumbent, any remaining inventory will be offered for sale to the new successful vendor. Pricing will be negotiated at that time between the vendors.

QUESTION #9 Will TSA make current report samples available so that future report formats are easily read by recipients?

ANSWER: In the area stated (C.3.G-3) the statement of work/statement of objectives is calling for each offeror in their proposal, as part of the business management plan, to provide insight into how that contractor will define and objectively measure performance metrics.

QUESTION #10 Please clarify if Puerto Rico is included in the US territories per the Kissell agreement.

ANSWER: Yes.

QUESTION #11 Page 8, Section B, B.3. BASE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. Pricing matrix(s) includes significant gaps between minimum versus maximum quantity. Please identify which quantity column we are to utilize for cost purposes to get the number for Total.

ANSWER: The excel spreadsheet has two tabs. Please use the maximum to determine total for contract Section B. Tab 2 is entitled ‘Pricing for Proposal Evaluation’ and only has one ‘Estimated Line Item Quantity’. This is the number which is to be used for pricing/evaluation purposes.

QUESTION #12 Page 8, Section B, B.3. (And all price list matrixes) We do not understand CLIN 00004 (4a, 4b, 4c) as there is no specifications for those items. Also, you ask us to submit price on total of 70,000. We do not understand Min Qty = 400 and Max Qty = 125,000, please explain ANSWER: Amendment 01 to this solicitation addresses this inconsistency. Please carefully review the changes which indicates that CLIN 00004 is now a CLIN with three (3) subordinate SLINS. Quantities listed under this CLIN total the amount referred to at the CLIN level.

QUESTION #13 Page 13, Section B, B.3. (And all price list matrixes) We understand CLIN 00056 is an Unlined Coverall, Unisex with emblems. However, there appears to be a specification for an Unlined Coverall, Unisex without emblems, missing on the price list.

ANSWER: CLINS 00053A, 00115A and 00177A have been added to Section B in Amendment 01. Minimums and Maximums are included.

QUESTION #14 Page 13, Section B, B.3. (And all price list matrixes) CLIN 00059 and 00060 Emblems are included in the price matrix. There are no specifications listed for either within the specification attachment, and therefore no way to price 5,000. Please confirm if these emblems are provided by TSA and not to be quoted.

ANSWER: Information has been provided for the above mentioned items on pg. 116 & 117 of the specification posted on 7/10/09. Additional information as indicated on these pages, will be provided to the successful offeror upon award. Please submit pricing based upon the criteria set forth in the documents provided.

QUESTION #15 Page 28, Section C, C.3-A, Objective #3 Manufacturing or Acquiring Uniform Items. The statement: " demonstrate full operating capability within 180 days" appears contradictory to the transition requirement which states P 34, Section C, F Contract Transition "This transition period shall last between 60 and 120 calendar days", please clarify the difference.

ANSWER: The two objectives are separate and distinct. We expect any new contractor to be fully operational within 180 days of contract award or sooner. That means being able to fully support the entire program. The transition period is defined as the initial 2-4 month period (60-120 days) after award during which several distinct activities must take place and/or be accomplished, including receiving product into the awardee’s distribution center, making the web site operational, etc. By the end of the transition period, it is expected that the new contractor may be providing some specific uniform requirements in one or more Delivery Orders as the contractor continues to ramp up their capabilities to fully support any and all requirements by the 180 day after contract award point.

QUESTION #16 29, Section C, C.3-B Supply Chain. Please supply the historical demand, by size, of each uniform item. This is necessary to provide estimated safety stock as stated: "... the amount of safety level inventory maintained “in stock” (provide estimated dollar value"). Without the historical demand, by size (SKU) of each uniform item we have no way to fulfill this requirement.

ANSWER: See Question #7 above.

QUESTION #17: Page 32, Section C, C.3-D Customer Service, Fitting Plan. For cost planning purposes please supply a listing of all your job orientation sites.

ANSWER: If by ‘job orientation sites’ you a referencing the specific airports where TSO screeners are located, there approximately between 120 and 400 various locations throughout the country. More specific information is scheduled to be provided in detail after award to the successful offeror. It will be a subset smaller than 450 locations.

QUESTION #18: Page 35, Section C, C.3-G. Objective 21, Program Management. "Invoicing shall be by uniform sets for new hires unless orders are incomplete, then the items shipped can be invoiced by item." Could TSA provide a sample that details this scenario as well as data format of invoices?

ANSWER: A scenario as requested above would be: “An order is placed for 100 new hires … however, all items with the exception of six (6) sweater vests are available for shipment immediately. The contractor would then be authorized to bill only for the items shipped, and then to bill for the 6 additional sweater vests when they become available and are subsequently shipped out.”

In terms of invoice format – for more information please refer to sections F, G (specifically, but not exclusively, G.7 and G.8 as well as Section I, clause 52.212-4. There is no sample format, however, all information called for will be necessary. After award, the awardee may submit a sample invoice for Contracting Officer’s review.

QUESTION #19: Page 35, Section C, C.3-G (8) Program Management. Objective 25, Program Management. "Base patterns will be defined by the offeror..." Please clarify the expectation by defining what is meant by base patterns.

ANSWER: Clothing patterns are proprietary to each vendor. Therefore, reference to ‘base pattern’ means the basic pattern for each item in question. Examples would be a ‘base pattern’ for a pair of trousers, or a ‘base pattern’ for a button down, long-sleeved shirt.

QUESTION #20: Page 43, Section D1. Program Management. Since the freight terms for TSA orders is FOB and consolidated shipments are not acceptable, please provide the average order size (units) and total shipments for previous year so we may calculate an average freight cost per shipment.

ANSWER: Average order size: 5.75 pieces Total Shipments: 226,028

QUESTION/ASSUMPTION #21: Page 45, Section F5. Pre-production Product Sample criteria.

In consideration of your request for samples produced in exact fabrics, patterns and specifications to be submitted with our response, please note that it is difficult to adequately source, develop and test the specified fabrics in time to meet your deadline.

ANSWER: Please refer to Section M – paragraph M.3. The paragraph discusses Pre-production sample evaluation criteria for ‘pass/fail’ and does not require that exact fabric, patterns, or colors that will be ultimately used in final production be used for Pre-production samples. Clause at L.4 is added as per Amendment 01.

No extensions will be granted at this time.

QUESTION #22: Page 45, Section F5. Pre-production Product Samples. Please specify which jacket you are requesting (Team, 3 Season, or Parka).

ANSWER: The team jacket is requested for pre-production sample submission. Also, See Q&A #1 above.

QUESTION #23: Page 52, Section 3, Facsimile: (d) Please identify the average approval time frame for approval of invoices sent to FinCen.

ANSWER: Invoices should be paid within 30 days of the receipt date of when the invoice is received by the U.S. Coast Guard Financial Center (Fincen) and approved by the Contracting Officer.

QUESTION #24: Page 58, Section H.8, Special Measurement Items. Can you please provide the annual percentage of specials per CLIN’s so that we may factor this into our overall pricing considerations ANSWER: Historical numbers are provided below but are not guaranteed as future requirements.

Made-to-measure pieces produced by the current vendor by item type for 2005 to 2008 are as follows.

QUESTION/CLARIFICATION #25: Page 68, I.7, Terms and Conditions (k) Taxes.

i. “The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State and local taxes and duties.”

ii. Please clarify the following:

iii. 1 - TSA will provide documentation on their tax exempt status

iv. 2 - Taxes should be charged for personal purchase orders paid by TSA employees only.

ANSWER:

i. Yes – each proposed contract line item price should include any applicable taxes, as stated in clause 52.212-4.

ii. Additional information regarding tax exempt status of the Government will be provided after contract award, if necessary.

iii. If a TSO uses his/her personal credit card, then taxes would be added to that charge.

QUESTION #26: Does team jacket have raglan or set-in sleeves?

ANSWER: Set-in.

QUESTION #27: Under any circumstances, can the closing date for pre-production samples be extended?

ANSWER: At the present time, no – the date will not be extended. See answers for Question 21 above.

QUESTION #28 What is the fabric weight for the following items:

(a) All polo shirts listed on pages 12-13

(b) Sweater vest on page 10

(c) Commando sweater on page 15

ANSWER: Q28 (a) - 6.4 ounces; Q28 (b) Yarn size 2/30, Gauge 7; Q28 (c) Yarn size 2/20, Gauge 7.

QUESTION #29 What is the gauge of the knit for the following items:

(a) Unisex sweater vest

(b) Commando sweater ANSWER: Both sweaters are 7 Gauge.

QUESTION #30 In reference to collar and sleeve cuffs on the TSA Unisex polo shirt, the spec states it should be a contrast rib knit, however, the picture shows only one color. Are you referring to the rib fabric as ‘contrast’ and not the color of the cuff?

ANSWER Yes. This refers to the construction contrast.

QUESTION #31 In reference to the sweater vest, please specify what type fabric the durable fabric patches on the shoulders are made from?

ANSWER 8 ounce poly/cotton twill

QUESTION #32 In reference to unisex team jacket, the spec states the body fabric shall be a 65% poly, 35% cotton 2x1 twill, 7.5 ounces per square yard. Can this fabric be used for trousers, which is an eight (8) ounce twill?

ANSWER The fabric for the trousers (8 oz) may be used for the team jacket.

QUESTION #33 In reference to men’s long sleeved shirts, short sleeved shirts, and women’s shirts, the spec states flaps have crease interlining. What does this mean – does it mean to crease the pocket flap? Is the pocket also creased? Can you please supply a sketch of the badge tab and it’s placement?

ANSWER: Crease references a type of interlining. The Pocket is not creased.

QUESTION #34 In reference to men’s short sleeved shirts, please clarify the following:

(a) What is meant by a ‘self-fabric’ center pleat on the left front of the shirt?

(b) Does this mean the right should have a revere facing extending from the neckline to the bottom of the shirt?

(c) What do you mean by reverse facing?

ANSWER 34(a) Shirt contains placket using same fabric as body of shirt. 34(b) Yes. 34(c) The spec does not mention reverse facing, but rather revere facing. This is a wider style facing commonly used in convertible collar shirts.

QUESTION #35 In reference to men’s relaxed fit trousers, please confirm that PD means pocket welt?

ANSWER Spec does not mention PD, but rather a PW automatic machine. PW stands for pocket welt. This machine produces a cleaner finish than manual production.

QUESTION #36 The spec states that the waist band of the trousers are to be made with ‘continuous closed waistband’ rather than splitting it at the seat seam (jean waist band), but if the waist band is continuous and not split at the seat seam that means the trouser waist is unalterable. Please confirm if you require the waist of the trousers to be alterable – if yes, then the waist band must be split.

ANSWER: Continuous closed waistband refers to the method of attaching the waistband to the pant. However, there is a split at the seat seam. The pant has an outlet and is alterable.

QUESTION #37 Was the TSA uniform contract openly competed prior to award? If yes, please provide information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?

ANSWER: Yes – the current contract was competed. FOIA Requests should be directed to:

The current award is administered by:

Carl J. DeBernard, Contracting Officer

Contract: HSTS01-04-C-AOP028 Phone: 571-227-3642

E-mail: carl.debernard@dhs.gov QUESTION #38 Please confirm that DHS/TSA will supply the new contract awardee with a minimum of 15 months of sales history at the size, color level, sku, which becomes the basis of the new company’s demand forecasts.

ANSWER: Confirmed.

QUESTION #39 In reference to special measurements, please identify the total number of special measurement orders for 2006 and 2007.

ANSWER See answer to questions #7 and #24 above.

QUESTION #40 What, if any, penalty will be imposed if the contractor’s proposal does not include subcontracting goals at or above the stated RFP subcontracting goals?

ANSWER:

Our answer is to revise our solicitation sections L & M to require the subcontracting plans only from large businesses. See Amendment 01 revision documents.

We think that we could provide further guidance to this vendor by referencing solicitation Section L.3 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (now for large businesses) where the Government has established goals as a percentage of subcontracting dollars: those dollars subcontracted under this requirement, will be subject to review against the Government’s goals.

Please read Small Business Subcontracting Plan Section L.3 Sub-factor 4 where the Government has established goals as a percentage of subcontracting dollars. If you subcontract any of the work under this requirement, those subcontracted dollars will be subject to review against the Government’s goals.

QUESTION #41 Given the contract transition, page 34 of 100, will remaining inventory and supplies be offered for sale at a price to be negotiated between the contractors?

ANSWER: For clarification, if a new awardee wishes to negotiate purchases for inventory or supplies with an incumbent, such transactions are at the discretion of the contractors.

QUESTION #42 Will DHS/TSA continue to accept items which are currently either in inventory or work-in-process from non-approved countries, until all of the stock and work-in-process has been depleted?

ANSWER: The awardee must comply with all terms and conditions applicable in the current contract. Goods from non-approved countries would not be acceptable regardless of whether they came from the current incumbent or not.

QUESTION #43 Will the current contractor be responsible for disposition of the stock of items made in non-approved countries?

ANSWER: If the new awardee purchases inventory from the incumbent, it must be in compliance with the terms and conditions in place at the time of contract award. Therefore, any contract awarded after the Kissell amendment was implemented, all stock must be in compliance.

QUESTION #44 Can the Government supply a vendor with a list of items currently in the TSA program which the incumbent is, or has supplied, from non-approved countries? Please provide the name of items and current stock levels of all items from non-approved countries.

ANSWER: The vendor’s choice to buy stock from the incumbent is a private transaction between those vendors. It is the responsibility of the awardee to ensure any stock purchased from the incumbent will comply with the terms and conditions of the new contract.

QUESTION #45 A vendor is questioning the manufacturing source for the 3-in-1 parka as reflected in the spec; the main question is whether or not the only source of manufacture for this item is in China.

ANSWER: The 3 in 1 Parka specification includes a photograph of a 5.11 branded parka. It is our understanding that this garment is manufactured in China. However, the specification does not require that a specific brand must be bid. Rather, the specification and photograph describe the style, features and characteristics of a parka that will meet the needs of the wearers. The offeror should propose a jacket which meets the criteria as closely as possible, but is manufactured in an approved country.

QUESTION #46 Although it is understood that the shirts themselves have to come from approved countries (i.e. U.S. Mexico, Canada, Chile) do buttons, thread, fabric, interlinings and emblems have to come from approved countries as well?

ANSWER Yes – all components associated with the uniforms must be manufactured in approved countries.

�Our only concern/question is whether we could be accused of being misleading. If vendor uses the max number to help determine his costs, he may factor-in quantity discount information that may not, and probably will not, come to pass.

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Q&A RFP HSTS07-09-R-00134

07-22-2009 PM