17R1004_Amendment__2.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

This amendment is being issued to answ er questions and clarify information. Certif icate of Compliance w ill be attached in fbo.gov. This needs to be f illed out, signed and dated and submitted along w ith proposal, samples, and any other requirements. Additionally, the offer due date has been extended 30 October 2017 to 2 November 2017 @ 3 p.m. eastern standard time.

All other terms and conditions remain the same.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 20

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 19-Oct-2017

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X M0026317R1004

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

28-Sep-2017

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer X is extended, is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

19-Oct-2017

CODE

REGIONAL CONTRACTING OFFICE

ATTN: CHERIE HEPFNER

P.O. BOX 5069 MCRDPI

159 CORREGIDOR ST.

PARRIS ISLAND SC 29905

M00263 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

M0026317R1004

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 30-Oct-2017 12:00 PM to 02-Nov-2017 03:00 PM.

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

CLIN 0006

The CLIN extended description has changed from:

Description/Measurements: 14 oz. Molded from food-safe, Bisphenol A (BPA)-free plastic. FDA compliant. Air insulated. Mug must not leak, lid press fit should be consistent at varying temperatures, handle must fit 90 degrees from drink opening, and lining must be secured to body and sealed water tight to prevent leaking into the wall cavity. Text: MARINESImage: EGAColor: Transparent redFont: White; all text shall be in capital letters.FOB:

Destination

To:

Description/Measurements: 14 oz. Molded from food-safe, Bisphenol A (BPA)-free plastic. FDA compliant. Air insulated. Mug must not leak, lid press fit should be consistent at varying temperatures and lining must be secured to body and sealed water tight to prevent leaking into the wall cavity. There is no handle.Text: MARINESImage:

EGAColor: Transparent redFont: White; all text shall be in capital letters.FOB: Destination

CLIN 0007

Description/Measurements: 19-1/2” high x 14-3/4” wide. Horizontal zipper to close pocket. 2 grommets with drawstring cord. 300 Denier Nylon.Color: Nylon material and drawstring cord will need to be dyed black. Bag dye blue and printed text gold shall not come off on hands when touched or worn. Gold should be a matt finish with no shine or shimmer. Image: 1/C Gold one location the EGA Text: MARINESFont: Gold; all text shall be in capital letters.FOB: Destination

Description/Measurements: 19-1/2” high x 14-3/4” wide. Horizontal zipper to close pocket. 2 grommets with drawstring cord. 300 Denier Nylon.Color: Drawstring cord will need to be dyed black. Bag dye blue and printed text gold shall not come off on hands when touched or worn. Gold should be a matt finish with no shine or shimmer. Image: 1/C Gold one location the EGA Text: MARINESFont: Gold; all text shall be in capital

CLIN 0015

Description/Measurements: Custom t-shirt pattern sewn using 100% polyester threads. Rib knit collar. Set-in sleeves. Yarn count: 1/72/74, Gauge: 30, Fabric weight (finished product): 4.35oz/sq. yd. Fabric width: 62”. Wicks moisture away from the body; Rapid dry interlock fabric; Tag-free neck label; Contemporary fit; short sleeved. DRI-

FIT Image on Front (Left side): EGA Text on Back: MARINES Color: Blue. Image: Red Font. Quantities:Small

(S): 25,000Medium (M): 100,000Large (L): 100,000Extra Large (XL): 25,000FOB: Destination

Description/Measurements: Custom t-shirt pattern sewn using 100% polyester threads. Rib knit collar. Set-in sleeves. Yarn count: 1/72/74, Gauge: 30, Fabric weight (finished product): 4.35oz/sq. yd. Fabric width: 62”. Wicks moisture away from the body; Rapid dry interlock fabric; Tag-free neck label; Contemporary fit; short sleeved. DRI-

FIT. Image on Front (Left side): EGA. Text on Back: MARINES Color: Blue. Image: Red Font. Quantities:Small

(S): 25,000Medium (M): 100,000Large (L): 100,000Extra Large (XL): 25,000FOB: Destination

CLIN 0016

Description/Measurements: Bag size is 28”x14” duffel; 420D material with PVC backing; Nylon mesh as top with exit portal for headphones; Rubberized PVC plastic zippered bottom compartment; Honeycomb nylon burgundy side panels; Side plastic zippered pocket; Adjustable padded carry strap with plastic zippered pocket; 2-tone PP web riveted carry handle. Text: MARINES.COMColor: Red and Blue.Font: White; all text shall be in capital

Description/Measurements: Bag size is 28”x14” duffel; 420D material with PVC backing; Nylon mesh as top with exit portal for headphones; Rubberized PVC plastic zippered bottom compartment; Honeycomb nylon burgundy side panels; Side plastic zippered pocket; Adjustable padded carry strap with plastic zippered pocket; 2-tone PP web riveted carry handle. Logo is anchor and chain.Text: MARINES.COMColor: Red and Blue.Font: White; all text shall be in capital letters.FOB: Destination

SECTION C - DESCRIPTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. On the as needed basis, is it safe to assume that the minimum quantities will be what we can plan for as a minimum every time for an order?

Answer: Yes, they should be.

2. For clin 0005 EAC Shirts, please confirm what information needs to be added to the neck label.

Answer: It is a tag free neck label.

3. For clin 0010 Beanie, please confirm the material of the Beanies. None was specified.

Answer: Description for this clin states that the beanie is a "knit" cap.

4. For clin 0016 Poolee Bag, can you confirm if the Anchor and chain logo will also be placed on the bag or just the MARINES.COM in white.

Answer: The description does not call for an anchor and chain logo, but it should be. It will be added to the description in this amendment.So yes, the anchor and chain logo will also be placed on the bag. Additionally, for the samples, you can use similar logos. See clause 52.212-

1 (Very Important information, 2nd box) in the solicitation.

5. For clin 0017 Poolee Jacket, can you confirm if just MARINES will be placed in text on back, and if so how large?

Answer: The description only lists www.marines.com for the back. Dimensions are not noted in the description; therefore, not a critical element for the samples. Additionally, for the samples, you can use similar logos. See clause 52.212-1 (Very Important information, 2nd box) in the solicitation.

6. For clin 0018 and 0019, can you provide the SLCDA logo for the samples?

Answer: The SLCDA logo will be sent to the awardee after award. For the samples, you can use similar logo. See clause 52.212-1 (Very Important information, 2nd box) in the solicitation.

7. Would it be possible to get better photos of the poolie bag? My suppliers are wanting photos from all four sides, top and bottom.

Answer: The only photo available is the one you already have in the solicitation.

8. I wanted to see if it's possible to obtain clearer photos of the Poolee Bag and Poolee Jacket?

Answer: The only photos available are the ones you already have in the solicitation.

9. Can you show a picture with the handle for the travel mug.

Answer: The travel mug doesn’t have a handle. In the description, it says handle must fit 90 degrees from drink opening. This statement is misleading and will be deleted.

10. I was hoping you could give us some clarification with respect to the quantities of the items on the Marine Recruiting promotional bid. On page 19, a listing of all the products shows a minimum and maximum quantity for each CLIN. When I go to each individual CLIN, where the description and pictures are, I see only the Maximum quantity. For example, CLIN 0001 shows a minimum of 100,000 and maximum of 1,500,000 on page 19, but then shows 1,500,000 on the detail. I also don't see a CLIN for years 2 - 5, which leads me to believe that the total 5 year quantity will be 1,500,000. Can you confirm this? Also, how many orders per year can we expect and what is our standard production time per order?

Answer: There is not a clin for years 2-5. This contract does not have options. We are looking for one price per clin for all 5 years. The total 5 year quantity is approx. 1,500,000 max for clin 0001. Standard production time/delivery is 90 days per order. There will be approximately three deliveries per year provided funding is available.

11. Is this an all or none bid? You are not looking to award by line item?

Answer: Yes, all or none. Will be one award for all line items.

12. Do you have .dst embroidery tape files available to us or are we creating those?

Answer: You are creating those.

13. I assume you will provide quality artwork for imprinted items.

Answer: See answer to question #6.

14. I see there are minimum and maximum quantities listed on the chart – which are we quoting?

Answer: You are quoting on quantities on the CLINs (line items).

15. Shipping is to Iron Mountain Fulfillment Services, Inc. in Austell, Georgia 30168?

Answer: Yes shipment is to that location.

16. So we need to provide a preproduction sample of every item to bid, not just a generic imprint sample?

Answer: Yes.

17. When submitting our bid, in what form is it acceptable?

Answer: Bid shall “not” be electronic. It should be a hard copy, and submitted/mailed along with the product samples, written descriptions, past performance information, price quotes, and all other requirements requested in the RFP. It shall be received in its entirety at the below listed address by the date and time specified in Block 8 of the SF 1449.

Regional Contracting Office

Attention: Cherie Hepfner (Reference Solicitation M0026317R1004)

Building 159 Corregidor Street

P.O. Box 5069

Parris Island, SC 29905

Also, pay particular attention to FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors. Read the

Preparation Instructions and Completed Request for Proposal.

18. The FBO Notice only shows Amendment No. 0001 posted 9/30/17, however, the attachments listed include Amendment No. 0004 effective (9/29/17) as shown in Block 2. Is this an error or are there Amendment Nos. 1-3 not part of FBO that we will need copies of for our proposal?

Answer: This is what I posted in www.fbo.gov when amendment was posted.

Description: This amendment is being issued to change the color on clin 0015 from red to blue. Additionally, this amendment is the first amendment. The system erroneously released the amendment as 0004, making it look like this is amendment 4. But it is amendment 1.

19. Is there a single incumbent contractor providing the same or similar number of products over the past four-five years? If so, please provide the name of the incumbent contractor, contract start/end dates and the total number delivery orders and revenue for FY 2017.

Answer: There is no single incumbent supplier. Offerors are cautioned that the Government expects compliance with the instructions in section L when providing samples with an offer, and that the Government will also require strict compliance with the specification by the contractor during performance of the contract.

20. Will this contract be funded on a fiscal year or be forward-funded?

Answer: Delivery orders off of this contract will be funded during a fiscal year.

21. What is the anticipated contract award date? How long does it typically take for the first

Delivery Order to be issued?

Answer: Late December 2017 is anticipated contract award date. It is unknown how long it will take for the first delivery order to be issued. It will depend on the availability of funding and the current needs of the customer. There will be approximately three deliveries per year.

http://www.fbo.gov/

22. (Amendment 0004) The following FAR/DFAR Clauses referenced on Page 22 of 23, Section

C.11.0 Domestic Sourcing Restrictions of the Buy American Act and the Berry Amendment

FAR/DFAR Clauses along with the applicable Berry Amendment restrictions for CLINs 0001-

0019 have been reviewed as well as (Solicitation) Page 119 of 121, Section L.C.III.(1)

Completed Request for Proposal requiring Buy American Act certificates. For further clarification, would a contractor need to incorporate in its proposal Buy American Act certificates if they purchase domestically where a manufacturer purchased certain fabrics for outer wear outside of the country (i.e., China)? If so, would manufacturer certificates be considered acceptable?

Answer: Fill out Certificate of Compliance pdf attachment and sign/date it. Please review

DFARS Clause 252.225-7000 and fill out. Review DFARS Clause 252.225-7001 for Buy

American Act qualifying countries and DFARS 252.225-7012 for Berry Amendment qualifying countries. Offerors are also urged to review C.11, and note that the Contracting

Officer will rely upon the certificate, both during evaluation and after award. Offerors should also note that per DFARS 225.105, the Government will use an evaluation factor of 50 percent instead of the factors specified in FAR 25.105(b).

23. CLIN No. 0016 Poolee Bag:

a. For this item, are there any print specifications beyond the logo shown on page 38 and the MARINES.COM text?

Answer: See answer to question #4. And no, other than the logo, the only print specifications are the MARINES.COM text.

b. Does the top of the nylon mesh have rubberized material with grommets and a zippered pocket?

Answer: The description does not mention rubberized material with grommets and a zippered pocket for the top of the nylon mesh; therefore, it is not required.

c. Is there only one (1) side plastic, zippered pocket required?

Answer: Yes.

d. Is there one (1) or two (2) 2-tone PP web riveted carry handle required?

Answer: It does not say two; therefore, it is one carry handle required.

e. Is the honeycomb fabric to be Red or Burgundy?

Answer: The description says burgundy.

f. Is Gray piping needed to separate the Blue and Red (or Burgundy) fabric?

Answer: The description does not mention gray piping; therefore, it is not required.

g. Can the government provide additional photos of this item showing all sides?

Answer: See answer to question #7.

24. Section M Evaluation Factors for Award – What is the definition or criteria for “satisfactory past performance”?

Answer: An offeror has acceptable past performance when, based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government has reasonable expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort, or the offeror’s performance record is unknown.

25. Section M Evaluation Factors for Award – Will past performance references be scored individually or in the aggregate?

Answer: Evaluation of past performance will result in a single rating of acceptable or unacceptable.

26. Regarding Proposal Preparation Instructions on Pages 119-120:

a. What are the requirements for proposal preparation? Should the response be a single document or should separate documents be submitted for 1) price, 2) Reps and Certs, Product Descriptions, etc., 3) Past Performance?

Answer: See answer to question #17. Offeror will ensure that sections meant to demonstrate technical acceptability; prices; and past performance are clearly segregated and clearly labeled in the offer. Offerors are responsible for providing sufficient information for the

Government to evaluate offers as described in 52.212-2.

b. How many hard copies of the response are required?

Answer: One.

c. Are electronic copies of the response required?

Answer: No.

d. Registered Identification Number (RN) is only applicable to apparel manufacturers. Is name and address of company sufficient for manufacturers of non-apparel products?

Answer: For companies that are not required to have an RN, list the name and address of the company.

e. What documentation is required by the government to demonstrate product compliance with the restrictions of the Berry Amendment and Buy American Act? Is a letter of compliance stating a description of the product country of origin and from the manufacturer sufficient to meet this requirement?

Answer: Fill out Certificate of Compliance pdf attachment and sign/date it. See also the answer to question #22.

27. Is the lid for the travel mug stainless steel or black plastic?

Answer: The description does not state specifically for the lid. It just must meet all other technical requirements as listed in the description.

28. I have a question regarding the required artwork for the samples for the solicitation in subject. I understand that the artwork will be awarded at the time of the award; would it be possible to release the artwork beforehand so that we can provide you the highest quality samples? I’d like our samples to be a true representation of the product you would receive if we were awarded the contract.

Answer: No, the artwork cannot be released prior to award. For the samples, you can use similar logos. See clause 52.212-1 (Very Important information, 2nd box) in the solicitation.

29. Does this Solicitation require samples/PDM's be submitted, for all items.

Answer: Statement of Work, C.7.5 states: Offerors must provide samples for all items as a part of their proposals. One sample of each line item (item no.) 0001 through 0019 shall be provided. Also, see clause 52.212-1 (Very Important information, 2nd box) in the solicitation.

*Offers must include one sample of each line item (item no.) 0001 through 0019. Any offer which does not provide one sample of each line item, with each sample conforming to the instructions in this paragraph, will be ineligible for award. Each sample must be the same as required by the solicitation (subject to one exception, stated below) and must match the colors stated and shown in “Product Specifications” (following C.11.0). All samples must include logos or printed words at the part of the product where “Product Specification” (following

C.11.0) in the solicitation requires logos or printed words. The only exception to the statement that samples be the same as required by the solicitation is as follows: The samples can include logos and wording other than those associated with the USMC, so long as the samples meet all other requirements of “Product Specification” in the solicitation.**

30. On all apparel items - are you able to provide the artwork files for each item #'s CLIN 0003, 0004, 0005, 0010, 0013, 0014, 0015, 0016 (Bags), 0017, 0018, and 0019?

Answer: No. See answer to question #27.

31. On same items noted above, please specify preferred decoration method for each item:

Screen Printed, Woven, Embroidery etc., if any preference is required.

Answer: Unless noted in the description, there is no preference.

32. For Clin 0004 EAC Blue T-Shirts, should the front image print as “MARINES.COM” or just

“MARINES”?

Answer: The picture does not show MARINES.COM, it shows MARINES (underlined in red).

The description “above the picture” contradicts the description for CLIN 0004. The picture is correct. Front image should be ‘MARINES’, underlined in red.

33. For Clin 0006 Prior Service Recruit Travel Mug, Is there supposed to be a handle as part of this mug?

Answer: See answer to question #9.

34. For Clin 0008 Mousepads, does this print as a 4-color image or just White (with a black band)? Is there also a specific size for the radius corners?

Answer: The description says it is a 4-color image print. There is no specific size for the radius corners.

35. For Clin 0015 Poolee T-Shirts, what does "DRI-FIT Image on Front” refer to?

Answer: Dri-FIT is a high-performance, microfiber, polyester fabric that moves sweat away from the body and to the fabric surface, where it evaporates. As a result, Dri-FIT keeps athletes dry and comfortable.

In the description, there should be a period after DRI-FIT and before Image on Front.

36. For Clin 0019 SLCDA Crew Neck PT Shirt, is there a pocket on this shirt?

Answer: The description calls for a devil dog graphic on the left breast pocket; so there should be a pocket on this shirt.

37. Is the offeror required to complete the Reps and Certs in Section K if SAM registration is current?

Answer: No. As long as the Reps and Certs are easily obtainable from SAM.com.

38. On page 18 for Unique Identifier, is this a reference to the CAGE code?

Answer: SAM.gov states Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is the designated entity to establish and maintain the DUNS Number as the unique entity identifier required for registration in sam.gov and further used throughout federal procurement, financial assistance, and financial management systems.

39. I would like to have a clear picture for Clin #0016 Poolee Bags.

Answer: See answer to question #7.

40. Do we need to be 8A certified?

Answer: No. It is a small-business set-aside.

41. Who is the incumbent supplier?

Answer: See answer to question #19.

42. As discussed I am having difficulty determining Berry Amendment compliance regarding the

Lanyards. The manufacturer we’re teaming with for this solicitation has advised us that the buckles used for these Lanyards are produced overseas. All other components including, fabric, weaving and manufacturing are done here in the United States. Please provide us with your determination if we can proceed and submit our quotation or would we be disqualified from this solicitation.

Answer: Please review DFARS Clause 252.225-7001 to determine if the overseas location is a qualifying country.

43. Solicitation M0026317R1004 states in part, that the samples have to meet the specifications in Section B (Supplies or services and prices) and Section C (C.7.0 and C.12.0);

In C.7.1 (Solicitation Page 22) All materials and supplies used in the making of both promotional and incentive items shall be of the exact same kind specified under the product details listed under SECTION B –SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES, by each CLIN 0001 - 0019.

Technical Acceptability (Solicitation Page 121) Technical Acceptability is defined as submitting both descriptions and samples that meet C.7.0 in the solicitation and also meet each and every part of the corresponding item “C.12.0 Product Specifications” in SECTION C and quantities and product specifications in SECTION B of the solicitation.

In our review of the specifications, we have identified what we believe are omissions or contradictions and submit the following questions:

a. For many of the textile item CLINS, the textile material is specified by type. For many items, both the type of fabric material used and the construction (weave) of the textile vary substantially in the market and have a significant impact on cost and delivery time. For the T-

Shirt items below, the material type (fabric) and/or the type of construction is NOT specified.

Commonly, these type of shirts can be made of cotton, polyester or polyester blends with spandex or cotton, etc, They can be constructed with an inter-lock, double mesh, jersey, etc.

CLIN ITEM MATERIAL(Fabric) CONSTRUCTION(Fabric)

0004 EAC Blue-T-Shirts NOT Specified

0005 EAC BLACK-T-Shirts NOT Specified

0013 Black Long Sleeve Tshirts NOT Specified

0014 Officer T-Shirts NOT Specified

0015 Poolee T-Shirts NOT Specified

Does the Government have a requirement for a specific fabric and construction type and if so, would you provide that information for the above items?

Answer: Fabric is 100% polyester. Clins 0004, 0005, 0014 and 0015 description calls for interlock fabric. Clin 0013 description calls for breathable fabric.

b. In CLIN 0007 Drawstring Bags, the specification states in two locations that the bag material be dyed blue…and that it be dyed black. We believe the intent is that the bag itself is blue and the drawstring is black. Can you please confirm if that is the intent? If it is not, which color is required for both – blue or black?

Answer: The bag is nylon blue. Drawstring is black.

c. For CLIN 0007 Drawstring Bags, the material specified is nylon. The drawstring bag in the picture of the product included appears to be polyester. There is a considerable price difference between the two materials. Would you please confirm that the written specification for nylon is the required material?

Answer: The written description of 300 Denier Nylon is the required material.

d. In CLIN 0010 Beanies/Skullcaps, it appears that the Logo/Text is EMBROIDERED on the beanie. There are no specifics of the Logo/Text on the item in the description/specification and the shape/size/etc. of the LOGO will affect the cost. Can you provide any information regarding the required LOGO?

Answer: This cap has no logo, only text (MARINES). As there are no size dimensions in the description, the size or shape is not a technical factor that will be evaluated.

e. In CLIN 0012 Lanyards, it appears that the logo/text “MARINES.COM” and “THE

FEW. THE PROUD” are not EMBROIDERED as the specification calls for but is instead made of “JACQUARD” construction.

Embroidery is a technique decorating an item by sewing patterns on with needle/threads while

Jacquard is produced by a specialized loom pre-programmed to weave the fabric with the

Pattern/logo/text in the fabric itself. There are significant differences in both cost and the production time between the two methods and the appearance of the final product is also very different. The specification requires “embroidered” text while the attached picture is clearly showing the item is made with “Jacquard”.

Would you please clarify if your requirement is for Embroidered or Jacquard?

Answer: The lanyard requirement calls for embroidered.

f. In CLIN 0006 Prior Service Recruit Travel Mugs, it appears that the Government wants to have a handle on the mug itself. However, the picture indicates the design that does not have the handle.

Would you please clarify if you intend to have the handle on the cup or not ?

Answer: See answer to question #9.

g. Would you allow us submitting more than one proposal providing government with more options to choose from?

Answer: Proposals which state more than one price for any item to reflect different prices in different periods during the five-year-ordering period will be ineligible for award. The answer is NO. One proposal only.

The following have been deleted:

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

The following have been modified:

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code and small business size standard for this acquisition appear in Block 10 of the solicitation cover sheet (SF

1449). However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show--

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers:

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and--

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the

Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent

Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers.

Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(f) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(g) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation. (1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to--GSA

Federal Supply Service Specifications Section, Suite 8100, 470 East L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC

20407, Telephone (202) 619-8925, Facsimile (202) 619-8978.

If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision.

Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST (https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

(ii) Quick Search (http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(iii) ASSISTdocs.com (http://assistdocs.com).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point

(DoDSSP) by--

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/ http://quicksearch.dla.mil/ http://assistdocs.com/ https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Telephone

(215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(h) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers exceeding $3,500, and offers of $3,500 or less if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation ``Unique Entity Identifier'' followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(j) System for Award Management. Unless exempted by an addendum to this solicitation, by submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the SAM database prior to award, during performance and through final payment of any contract resulting from this solicitation. If the Offeror does not become registered in the SAM database in the time prescribed by the Contracting

Officer, the Contracting Officer will proceed to award to the next otherwise successful registered Offeror. Offerors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the SAM database accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov.

(k) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

VERY IMPORTANT:

Proposals to include product samples for “ALL ITEMS”, written detailed descriptions of the specifications of each sample item, past performance information, price quotes, and all other requirements requested in the Request for Proposal (RFP)_shall be provided and/or delivered to the following location:

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/

Building 159 Corregidor Street

Proposals which do not include prices for all line-items will be ineligible for award. Proposals which state more than one price for any item to reflect different prices in different periods during the five-year-ordering period will be ineligible for award.

Failure to comply will make your proposal ineligible for award. All requirements must be received in their entirety at the above listed address by the date and time specified in Block 8 of the SF 1449.

**Offers must include one sample of each line item (item no.) 0001 through 0019. Any offer which does not provide one sample of each line item, with each sample conforming to the instructions in this paragraph, will be ineligible for award. Each sample must be the same as required by the solicitation

(subject to one exception, stated below) and must match the colors stated and shown in “Product

Specifications” (following C.11.0). All samples must include logos or printed words at the part of the product where “Product Specification” (following C.11.0) in the solicitation requires logos or printed words. The only exception to the statement that samples be the same as required by the solicitation is as follows: The samples can include logos and wording other than those associated with the USMC, so long as the samples meet all other requirements of “Product Specification” in the solicitation.**

Point of Contact: Cherie Hepfner, cherie.t.hepfner@usmc.mil, 843-228-3779

**Complete written detailed description of each item to be delivered, which description contains sufficient information for the Government to be able to determine whether each item meets C.7.0 in the solicitation and also meets each and every part of the corresponding item “Product Specifications”

(following C.11.0) in section C of the solicitation.**

I. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

A. General Information. The Regional Contracting Office, Parris Island (RCO-PI) intends to award a single award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract with a five year ordering period, as a result of this solicitation. The objective of this contract is to provide branded promotional and incentive items for the Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) for distribution purposes at various United States Marine Corps (USMC) events.

a. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint.

However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting

Officer to be necessary. Offerors are cautioned to examine this solicitation in its entirety and to ensure that their quote contains all necessary information, provides all required documentation, and is complete in all respects.

b. Use of general or vague statements such as “standard procedures will be used” will not satisfy this requirement. Unnecessary elaboration or presentations beyond what is sufficient to present a complete and effective solution are not desired and may be construed as a lack of understanding of the requirement.

c. Quotes must be prepared in accordance with these instructions. Failure to do so may result in the offeror’s submission being determined unacceptable and ineligible for award. Each offeror’s submission shall be screened by the Contract Specialist upon receipt to ensure completeness and compliance with the instructions contained in this solicitation.

B. Confidential Information. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its amendments generally provide the public the right to access agency records when a member of the public so requests. If an offeror’s submissions contain information that he/she believes should be withheld from such requestors under FOIA on the grounds that they contain “trade secrets and commercial or financial information”, 5

U.S.C. § 552, the offeror should mark its submissions as set forth in FAR 52.215-1(e).

C. Communication Procedures. The Contract Specialist is the point of contact for this acquisition.

Address any questions or concerns to the Contract Specialist. Written requests for clarification shall be sent to the Contract Specialist via email.

The Contract Specialist for this acquisition is:

Name: Cherie Hepfner

Phone: (843) 228-3779

Email address: cherie.t.hepfner@usmc.mil

The Contracting Officer for this acquisition is:

Name: Kacy M. Mohead

Phone: (843) 228-2188

Email address: kacy.m.mohead@usmc.mil

Solicitation information and amendments will be posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website at www.fedbizopps.gov. Offerors shall e-mail written questions requesting clarification of the Request for Proposal to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer as instructed above. The government will accept vendor questions until 1200 PM, eastern standard time, 10 Oct 2017. Questions received after this date/time may not be answered.

NOTE: Your subject line should read “RFP M00263-17-R-1004 – QUESTIONS, from insert contractor name.”

II. PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

A. Request for Proposal Submission. The product samples, written descriptions, past performance information, price quotes, and all other requirements requested in the RFP must be received in its entirety at the below listed address by the date and time specified in Block 8 of the SF 1449.

Building 159 Corregidor Street http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+5USC552 http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+5USC552 http://www.fedbizopps.gov/

Late submissions will not be considered for evaluation. Telegraphic and Facsimile offers are not authorized for this solicitation and will not be considered for evaluation.

C. Disposition. No quotes will be returned to the offeror. Submitted product samples will be returned to the offeror at the contractor’s expense, if requested within 15 days after contract award.

III. COMPLETED REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Ensure the following is provided and annotated in your proposal:

(1) Completed and signed quote: The offeror shall complete the “Signature of Offeror/Contractor” part of the Standard Form 1449 in Block 30a, b, and c.

Offer is valid for 120 days from (Date of Submission);

No exception to any Terms and Conditions has been taken, or if so, clearly cited. Include a cover letter delineating any exceptions taken to the solicitation terms and conditions.

However, offerors are cautioned that any noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the solicitation may cause their quotes to be determined unacceptable;

Acknowledge any amendments to the RFP;

SAM-validated and NAICS Code 339920 compliant;

Complete any applicable representations, certifications, etc. in Section K;

The Buy American Act certificates, DFARS 252.225-7000, including listing items, if any, in paragraph (c), DFARS 252.225-7000. If contractor does not have any items to list in those paragraphs, include the certificate but leave those items blank and include statement that the certificate is left blank on purpose, indicating all items will be sourced from U.S. companies;

Provide name, address, and Registered Identification Number (RN) for the manufacturer that you will utilize to produce each of the contract line items;

State which line items will be compliant or non compliant with the Berry Amendment and with the Buy American Act by completing the Certificate of Compliance;

Complete written detailed description of each item to be delivered, which description contains sufficient information for the Government to be able to determine whether each item meets C.7.0 in the solicitation and also meets each and every part of the corresponding item “Product Specifications” (following C.11.0) in section C of the solicitation;

Offerors shall submit past performance information/references. A minimum of three (3) past performance references is required to include contract number, point of contact, phone number and e-mail;

Price for each CLIN/line item;

Signed offer with proposed prices for an ordering period of five (5) years; and

Offeror must provide sufficient information to evaluate per FAR Clause 52.212-2.

(2) Letter of Intent: The offeror shall submit any letters of intent, as applicable. The Government recognizes that the offeror may team with other contractors to meet the requirements of the solicitation.

The Government will evaluate the offeror and its first-tier subcontractors or Joint Venture Agreement as a whole when a signed Teaming Agreement, Letter of Intent, or Joint Venture Agreement committing all parties to performance under this contract is submitted. If the quote is comprised of a subcontractor/teaming arrangement, the offeror shall provide a brief summary of each company to include: the full company name, address, point of contact, current phone number, and a description of services to be performed under this contract. However, limit each summary to 1 page per company or subcontractor.

(3) Offerors will ensure that sections meant to demonstrate technical acceptability; prices; and past performance are clearly segregated and clearly labeled in the offer.

(End of provision)

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

The following have been modified:

52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

The basis for award is Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). The apparent successful, prospective contractor shall have acceptable past performance. The Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), and any other sources available to the

Government may be utilized.