RESPONSE_TO_VENDOR_QUESTIONS.docx

VENDOR QUESTIONS

PROMOTIONAL AND INCENTIVE ITEMS

1. I have questions mainly concerned with delivery. It appears that we would not ship all the items at one time? It also appears that you want the items drop shipped to all the recruiting locations.

For example, the t-shirts - can we print them all at one time and ship as needed or will the sizes and imprint change with the releases?

The Solicitation does not specify what ordering procedures and delivery approach the contractor shall utilize. In fact, this is a Subfactor to Evaluation Factor 1 – Technical Capability and Appearance.

Reference:

The offeror shall demonstrate that it can execute a comprehensive approach to ordering and delivery that ensures quality performance and utilization of contractor resources to meet objectives, and provide the Government maximum flexibility when ordering.

Instructions: The offeror shall provide a detailed description of the ordering procedures and delivery management processes utilized to provide timely turnaround of items ordered, from the time a Delivery Order is issued to shipment of final products. The offeror shall also describe any impact to the proposed schedule should the Government implement changes to product design, color, and/or material to meet current market trends. The offeror shall submit a written narrative and a production flow chart with its proposal.

2. Is the Buy American Act included? I do not think some of the items are Made in the USA.

The Solicitation has been revised to include DFARS Clause 252.225-7001 in full text.

The Buy American Act restricts the purchase of supplies that are not domestic end products. For manufactured end products, the Buy American Act uses a two-part test to define domestic end products. However, in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 431, this component test of the Buy American Act has been waived for acquisitions of COTS items.

In accordance with FAR 25.103(c), Unreasonable Cost, The contracting officer may determine that the cost of a domestic end product would be unreasonable, in accordance with FAR 25.105 and Subpart 25.5.

To determine price reasonableness on non-domestic end products, the Contracting Officer shall follow the procedures at FAR 25.105:

3. Will the bid be awarded by line item? Is this all or none?

This is an aggregate award. Per Section L – Instructions to Offerors, I. General Instructions of the Solicitation, the Government intends to award a single contract for all items.

4. Who is the incumbent?

These items have historically been procured under the MCRC Advertising Contract. Contract M00264-08-D-0001 was awarded to J. Walter Thompson Company in the amount of $750,000,000.00.

5. Will this project be all awarded to one contractor, or is there a possibility that it may be split among several contractors? If there is a possibility of a split, what is the possible number of contractors?

Per Section L – Instructions to Offerors, I. General Instructions of the Solicitation, the Government intends to award a single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Requirements Contract to one vendor. Small businesses may consider partnering with other small businesses to submit a proposal for all items.

6. Some items, like the barrel bag, look like custom items. Can we buy borrow or a sample for the quote?

The Government feels that the information provided in the Statement of Work (SOW) is at a level of detail that allows offerors to clearly understand and respond to the requirement. In an effort to minimize cost and improve efficiency, the Government will not provide sample items to interested offerors.

Interested offerors may submit questions via email to Jeannie.botteri@marines.usmc.mil by 12:00pm EST on March 13, 2014.

7. Is there an image for Item A. Plastic Water Bottle?

An image is provided at Section C.13.0 in the revised Statement of Work (SOW).

8. The solicitation includes a breakdown for many items but none for the pencils. Can you provide a breakdown for pencils?

SOW Attachment 2: Historical Ordering Data is provided for informational purposes only as offerors prepare proposals in response to this solicitation. Historical Ordering Data for pencils (Item M) is not readily available at this time. This data is reflective of MCRC’s historical Delivery Order requirements. This data does NOT represent our current requirements. See Section B of the Standard Form 1449 Solicitation document for specific quantities.

9. The contact phone number on Block 7b. on Page 1 of the SF1449 Solicitation has an extra “0” in the middle.

This has been corrected in the Solicitation Amendment. The correct phone number is 703-432-9701.

10. Do these items need to be Berry Amendment compliant and made in the US?

See Section C.12.0 of the SOW. The restrictions of the Berry Amendment apply to this requirement. All items that do not fall under the restrictions of the Berry Amendment must still be compliant with the Buy American Act.

11. Paragraph C.12.0 of the SOW mentions the Buy American Act and the Berry Amendment. Does the Berry Amendment apply to just the jackets, being “Outerwear," or does it also apply to the short and long sleeve t-shirts, beanies, and caps?

See response to Question #2 and Question #10.

12. The due date for questions is incorrect on Page 151 of the solicitation.

The due date for questions is 12:00pm EST on 13 March 2014. Section L Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders, has been revised.

13. Can interested vendors get a sample of each item?

See response to Question #6.

14. What are the measurements of the shirts?

The Government feels that the information provided in the SOW is at a level of detail that allows offerors to clearly understand and respond to the requirement. As these t-shirts are considered commercial in nature, offerors are advised to provide t-shirts in sizes Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), and Extra Large (XL) that conform to the description outlined in the solicitation.

Reference:

Paragraph C.7.1 of the SOW states that “All materials and supplied used in the making of both promotional and incentive items shall be of the same or similar kind required in the product details listed under each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).”

15. Since items will be shipping to multiple locations, is it safe to assume freight is not included with our submitted pricing?

Offerors will be required to deliver items to multiple locations. There is not a separate Contract Line Item (CLIN) for shipping. Therefore, offerors are expected to include the cost of shipping in their Firm Fixed Price (FFP) for each line item. All offers shall include F.O.B. destination delivery.

16. I understand the prices have to be fixed for one year. Does that extend to the additional 4 years?

Yes, offerors shall propose Firm Fixed Prices for each of the four (4) Option Years.

Reference:

Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders; FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors; Section I. General Instructions, Paragraph A. states that “the Regional Contracting Office (RCO) intends to award a single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Requirements contract for one (1) 12-month base period and four (4) 12-month option periods.

Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders; FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors; Section V. Volume III – Business Volume, Paragraph B. states that “the price for the base period and all option periods will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options.”

Furthermore, see FAR Clause 52.217-8.

17. Are blank samples acceptable with the submission?

No, blank samples are not acceptable in response to the requirements of this solicitation. Sample items with “standard” or “stock” text, images, and logos are acceptable.

Reference:

FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Section III., Paragraph B, Subfactor 1:

Instructions: The offeror shall provide one sample of each promotional and incentive item required at paragraph C.6.3 of the SOW, manufactured to the exact specifications provided in the SOW. Sample items with “standard” or “stock” text, images, and logos are acceptable.

18. In the product listing the same products are listed multiple times with the word option. Could you explain?

See response to Question #16.

19. Can you provide high resolution art of all the logos in the solicitation?

The Government will provide any artwork required to be displayed on products to the successful offeror at the time of award.

Reference:

Section C.10.1 of the SOW.

20. Can you provide capacity in ounces for the Prior Service Travel Mug?

The Prior Service Travel Mug (Item G) is a 16oz. mug. Section C.7.1.6 of the SOW has been revised.

21. Is the Long Sleeve Shirt (Item O) 100% cotton? Or cotton/poly-blend?

The requirement is for 100% cotton Long Sleeve Black Shirts (Item O). Section C.7.1.15 has been revised.

22. The only imprint description for the lanyard is “For all text that is not part of the Marines, the font will be in capital letters using Interstate Bold.” Is the exact design portrayed in the provided image?

Yes, the exact design is portrayed in the image provided in Section C.13.0. Section C.7.1.13 of the SOW has been revised as follows:

Description/Measurements: Red woven yarn, .75”x22” overall. A side release buckle with a split ring made of Delrin should be attached to the 2” woven yarn.

Color: Red; Text Gold Font: One side of the lanyard shall have in Gold embroidered text “The Few. The Proud.” The other side of the lanyard shall have in Gold embroidered text “marines.com”. For all text that is not part of the Marines, the font will be in capital letters using Interstate Bold.

23. Would you like us to provide pricing for import products in addition to the made in the US products?

The offeror shall provide one Firm Fixed Price for each of the Contract Line Items (CLINs) in this solicitation. See response to Question #2 and Question #10.

24. SOW C.7.1.4 Hats (Item D) - CLIN 0004 asks for pricing on 10,000 caps, but Page 100 of the solicitation shows the usage at 136,000. Please clarify.

Page 100 of the Solicitation is part of SOW Attachment 2: Historical Ordering Data. This data is provided for informational purposes only as offerors prepare proposals in response to this solicitation. This data is reflective of MCRC’s historical Delivery Order requirements. This data does NOT represent our current requirements. See Section B of the Standard Form 1449 Solicitation document for specific quantities.

25. What are the brands for the following line items: 0004, 0005, 0006, 0009, 00012, 00015, 00016, 00017, 00018, 00019, 00020, and 00021.

The items required under this solicitation are not brand name or peculiar to one manufacturer. These items are of a type customarily used by the general public and are available from more than one source in the commercial marketplace.

26. If we can provide you with another SDVOB who can do this work, will you and the KO be able to set this aside for SDVOB?

After conducting extensive market research and working with the Small Business Administration, the Contracting Officer has determined that this requirement is set aside for competition among all small businesses.

27. (Reference Section C.12.0 Buy American Act) This paragraph states, See Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.225-1 Buy American Act – Supplies, and FAR 52.225-2 Buy American Act Certificate. The restrictions of the Berry Amendment apply to this requirement under Federal Supply Class (FSC) Code 4805 Outerwear.”

FAR 52.225-1 is not listed on page 120 of 164, Clauses incorporated by Reference, nor is the FAR marked as applicable by “xx” in the attached FAR Clauses on page 123 of 164. Please clarify where the FAR Clauses can be found in this solicitation.

The Solicitation has been revised to include DFARS Clause 252.225-7001 in full text. The SOW has been revised to reference DFARS Clause 252.225-7001.

28. What is considered to be Outerwear? Is outerwear defined as Caps and Jackets or is all Apparel such as shirts and t-shirts included in the Berry Amendment requirement?

See response to Question #2 and Question #10.

29. Are any imported items allowed for this Solicitation? If so please specify.

See response to Question #2 and Question #10.

30. Page 156 Instructions (Reference Page 156 Volume 1 – Part B: Technical Capability and Appearance, B. Factor 1, Sub factor 1 – Quality and Appearance of Products.) The Instructions contained under this section states that the offeror will provide a sample… manufactured to the exact specifications provided in the SOW. Can we provide exact product samples with a random imprint or will they be required to have the exact imprint as the final and delivered product?

Reference:

FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Section III., Paragraph B, Subfactor 1:

Instructions: The offeror shall provide one sample of each promotional and incentive item required at paragraph C.6.3 of the SOW, manufactured to the exact specifications provided in the SOW. Sample items with “standard” or “stock” text, images, and logos are acceptable.

31. If certain outerwear products are not 100% manufactured in the U.S., will a Buy American Act-compliant product (51% American made) or imported product option be acceptable?

See response to Question #2 and Question #10.

32. The Beanie/Skull cap material is not specified. Please identify the content of the material.

Reference:

Paragraph C.7.1 of the SOW states that “All materials and supplied used in the making of both promotional and incentive items shall be of the same or similar kind required in the product details listed under each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).”

33. Lanyards, Item N. - Can the split ring on the lanyard be steel? The description says Delrin plastic?

The SOW specifies that the buckle is to be made of Delrin plastic.

Reference:

Paragraph C.7.1 of the SOW states that “All materials and supplied used in the making of both promotional and incentive items shall be of the same or similar kind required in the product details listed under each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).”

34. Does the Berry Amendment or Buy American Act apply to Item J. Mouse Pads? The neoprene rubber on the mouse pads comes from overseas, but the mouse pad itself is cut and printed in the US. Does that constitute made in the USA?

See response to Question #10.

35. Are the EAC Ball Caps (Item D) structured or unstructured?

The Ball Caps may be structured or unstructured. Section C.7.1.4 of the SOW has been revised.

36. Can stainless steel be substituted for the aluminum in the metal water bottle (Item B)?

Yes, stainless steel can be substituted for the aluminum. Section C.7.1.2 of the SOW has been revised.

37. Do the Black Long Sleeve T-Shirts (Item O) require a tag-less label?

No, they do not require a tag-less label.

38. Do the Poolee T-Shirts (Item P) require Raglan or set-in sleeves?

The Poolee T-Shirts require set-in sleeves. Section C.7.1.17 of the SOW has been revised.

39. Do the Officer T-Shirts (Item S) require Raglan or set-in sleeves?

The Officer T-Shirts require set-in sleeves. Section C.7.1.17 of the SOW has been revised.

40. Can you provide a more detailed description for the Officer Jackets (Item Q)?

The Government feels that the information provided in the SOW is at a level of detail that allows offerors to clearly understand and respond to the requirement.

Reference:

Paragraph C.7.1 of the SOW states that “All materials and supplied used in the making of both promotional and incentive items shall be of the same or similar kind required in the product details listed under each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).”

41. Can you provide a more detailed description for the Poolee Jackets (Item U)?

The Government feels that the information provided in the SOW is at a level of detail that allows offerors to clearly understand and respond to the requirement.

Reference:

Paragraph C.7.1 of the SOW states that “All materials and supplied used in the making of both promotional and incentive items shall be of the same or similar kind required in the product details listed under each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).”

42. The description of the pen (Item K) says twist Mont Blanc style, but the picture shows a retractable metal pen. Which style pen should we quote?

This requirement is for a twist Mont Blanc style pen. The image for the Pen has been updated in Section C.13.0 of the SOW.

43. Are alternate products acceptable, or are exact product matches required?

Sample items with “standard” or “stock” text, images, and logos are acceptable.

Reference:

FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Section III., Paragraph B, Subfactor 1:

Instructions: The offeror shall provide one sample of each promotional and incentive item required at paragraph C.6.3 of the SOW, manufactured to the exact specifications provided in the SOW. Sample items with “standard” or “stock” text, images, and logos are acceptable.

44. Will the awardee be expected to bulk buy and warehouse inventory to ship on demand or can product be produced under task orders for specific delivery dates?

See response to Question #1.

45. Please provide dimensions of the 32 oz. water bottle (Item C).

The Government feels that the information provided in the SOW is at a level of detail that allows offerors to clearly understand and respond to the requirement.

46. The solicitation states that the EAC T-Shirts (Item E and Item F) are custom. Can a pattern/drawing with exact measurements, and cut list be provided?

These shirts are not custom. Paragraph C.7.1.5 of the SOW has been revised.

47. The photo for the Prior Service Recruit Travel Mugs (Item G) appears to show a tumbler mug without a handle. The description states that there is a handle on the mug. If the mug has a handle, is it to be imprinted straight across from it?

The PSR Travel Mug does not have a handle. Paragraph C.7.1.6 of the SOW has been revised.

48. Drawstring Bags (Item I) the color call out of PM 2767 (black) is not an industry standard stocked fabric. Is this color call out a hard requirement, or can it be matched as close as possible with a standard black? Industry wide this type of bag is typically made of 210 Denier nylon. Is the 300 Denier Nylon mandatory or would the industry standard be acceptable?

300 Denier nylon is required for the drawstring bags. The nylon material and drawstring cord will need to be black. Paragraph C.7.1.16 has been revised.

49. Please clarify the fabric that the Beanies/Skullcaps (Item L) are made of: cotton, polyester, wool. In the description of this cap, it states that the "MARINES" text is woven into the fabric. The solicitation photo shows a cap with an embroidered (stitched) MARINES design. Please clarify if the request is for embroidered or actually woven into the fabric of the cap.

The text on the beanies/skullcaps may be woven or embroidered. Section C.7.1.11 of the SOW has been revised accordingly.

Reference:

Paragraph C.7.1 of the SOW states that “All materials and supplied used in the making of both promotional and incentive items shall be of the same or similar kind required in the product details listed under each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).”

50. Please provide a thickness or weight of the material if possible for the Lanyards (Item N).

See Paragraph C.7.1.13 of the SOW.

51. The officer jackets (Item Q) and poolee jackets (Item U) appear to be the same jacket except possibly the imprint. Can you please clarify? The photo appears to have zippered pockets - are zippers to be plastic or brass? Please clarify.

The Officer Jackets and Poolee Jackets are the same jacket; the only difference between these two items is the text on the back. The zippers are plastic. Paragraph C.7.1.14 of the SOW has been revised.

52. The Officer Barrel Bag (Item R.) appears to be same as Poolee Barrel Bag (Item T.) except possibly the imprint, can you please clarify. Is the zipper metal or plastic, what is the exact location and dimension of the pocket on the side, does it have a zipper or snap closure, or is it open top. Are there specific dimensions for the bottom compartment? This appears to be a custom bag is there a pattern or drawing available?

The Officer and the Poolee Barrel Bags are the same bag; the only difference between these two items is the text on the back. The zipper is plastic. Paragraph C.7.1.8 of the SOW has been revised.

53. Are the Poolee T-Shirts (Item S.) the same as the Officer T-Shirt (Item P.) except for the imprint?

The Officer and the Poolee T-Shirts are the same t-shirt; the only difference between these two items is the text. Reference: Section C.7.1.17 of the SOW.

54. Is the first delivery requested for April this year?

See FAR Clause 52.216-18 Ordering. The dates in this clause are subject to change depending on the release of the solicitation.

All Delivery Orders will be issued after the date of contract award. There are no guaranteed minimums under this contract.

55. What are the terms of payment? Is it 6 months?

This is a Requirements contract for the supplies specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. All promotional and incentive items furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of a Delivery Order. The contractor shall submit an invoice upon completion of a Delivery Order, and the invoice will be processed for payment within 30 days.

57. It is unclear in Section L where the volumes 1,2,3 for the proposal are to be delivered. Please clarify.

Section L – Instructions to Offerors, II. A. Proposal Submission has been revised. Offerors shall submit their proposal, to include any and all copies, in its entirety, to the following address:

Jeannie Botteri Marine Corps Recruiting Command 3280 Russell Road, 2nd Floor Quantico, VA 22134

58. Will the Solicitation include a Variation in Quantity Clause?

No, the Contracting Officer has determined that this requirement does not warrant the inclusion of the Variation in Quantity Clause.

59. The description of the Officer and Poolee T-Shirts (Item S. and Item P.) says Swiss pique and Interlock. These are two different kinds of fabric. Please clarify which one is required.

The fabric required is rapid dry interlock fabric. Swiss Pique is not required. Paragraph C.7.1.17 of the SOW has been revised.

60. The back image for the Long Sleeve Black T-Shirts (Item O) shows the text “Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body.” The SOW item description states that the text is “EGA, MARINES , and THE FEW. THE PROUD.” Which text is required?

See Paragraph C.7.1.15 of the SOW for a description of the Long Sleeve Black T-Shirts (Item O). The image at Paragraph C.13.0 matches this description.

61. Will the due date for this RFQ be extended past 19 March 2014?

No. The due date remains the same.

62. Would you accept a larger plastic bottle (34oz. instead of 32ozs.)?

No. This requirement at Section C.7.1.3 is specifically for 32oz plastic water bottles (Item C).

63. Can the weight of the 100% poly t-shirt be a little less (i.e. 3.95 oz. vs 4.25ozs.)?

Yes. Paragraph C.7.1 of the SOW states that “All materials and supplied used in the making of both promotional and incentive items shall be of the same or similar kind required in the product details listed under each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).

64. Please describe the weave of the 100% polyester T-Shirts.

The Government feels that the information provided in the Statement of Work (SOW) is at a level of detail that allows offerors to clearly understand and respond to the requirement.

65. Is the length of the lanyard (Item N.) 22" total or 22" on each side?

The lanyard is 22” total.