Attachment 3 Solicitation Questions and Answers.docx

Attachment 3 – Solicitation Questions and Answers Solicitation Questions and Answers Solicitation No.: N00244-26-Q-0069 Requirement: Food Service Uniforms The following questions were received regarding Solicitation N00244-26-Q-0069. The Government’s responses are provided below for the benefit of all interested parties.

Question 1 Attachment 1 heading references “100% Polyester Performance OR 50/50% Cotton,” while individual line items list 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton. May offerors provide 100% polyester performance, 50/50 poly-cotton, or 65/35 poly-cotton at their discretion, or is 65/35 specifically required?

Answer 1 Uniform items require flame resistant (FR) fabric in accordance with NAVSUP P-486 and the solicitation amendment. Offerors shall provide one of the approved domestically manufactured COTS FR fabrics identified in the amended solicitation. Offerors shall comply with the fabric requirements stated in Attachment 1, as amended.

Question 2 Attachment 1 identifies chef coats but does not specify style details such as single- or double-breasted construction, closure type, collar style, pockets, or brand/model. May offerors provide a commercially available chef coat style, provided it meets the color, size, fabric, sleeve length, and artwork requirements?

Answer 2 Commercially available chef coats are acceptable, provided they comply with all applicable solicitation requirements, including the chef-coat salient characteristics in Section C.5.2.2, color, size, FR fabric requirements where applicable, sleeve length, and artwork/customization requirements.

Question 3 Attachment 1 identifies cargo pants but does not specify pocket configuration, waistband/closure style, fit, or brand/model. May offerors provide a commercially available cargo pant style, provided it meets the color, size, and fabric requirements?

Answer 3 Commercially available chef cargo trousers are acceptable, provided they comply with all applicable solicitation requirements, including the cargo-trouser salient characteristics in Section C.5.3.2, color, size, and FR fabric requirements.

Question 4 May an embroidered patch be sewn on instead of direct embroidery?

Answer 4 Yes. Sewn embroidered patches are acceptable. Direct embroidery is acceptable, and screen print is also acceptable where applicable.

Question 5 Please provide production-quality/vector artwork files, approved color values, and confirmation whether each design must be embroidered, screen printed, or applied using another specified method.

Answer 5 The Government does not have production-quality/vector artwork files available for release at this time. Offerors shall rely on Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 – Artwork and Text Requirements for the available artwork placement, required text, and approximate sizing information. No additional artwork instructions or color values are provided at this time beyond those attachments. Screen print is acceptable unless otherwise stated in the solicitation.

Question 6 The line-item breakdown totals 29,200 units, but Section C.3 states a total basic item quantity of 34,500 units. Which quantity is correct for pricing purposes?

Answer 6 The correct total quantity for pricing purposes is 34,500.

Question 7 Attachment 1 includes sizes Small through 2XL, but Section B generally includes only Small through XL. Will the Government amend Section B to include 2XL items?

Answer 7 Yes. 2XL items are required.

Question 8 Attachment 1 lists khaki cargo pants at 100 each per size, while CLINs 0077-0080 list 300 each. Which quantity controls?

Answer 8 The correct quantity is 100 each for khaki cargo pants for sizes Small, Medium, Large, XL, and 2XL.

Question 9 Each CLIN uses the unit “Lot.” Should the quoted unit price represent one individual garment or the full quantity listed for that CLIN?

Answer 9 The CLIN price shall be quoted as a lot total.

Question 10 Sections B and C require delivery within 60 days after award, while Section F lists November 30, 2026. Which delivery requirement controls?

Answer 10 The Government is requesting delivery within 60 days after award; however, in all cases delivery shall be no later than 30 November 2026.

Question 11 Sections B and C identify Bldg. 1, Quay Road, San Diego, while Section F lists FPO AP 96632. Please confirm the correct FOB Destination delivery address.

Answer 11 The delivery address is Bldg. 1, Quay Road, San Diego. Section F will be conformed accordingly if amended. The uploaded SOW also identifies the San Diego delivery location.

Question 12 Please confirm whether all garments must be delivered in one complete shipment or whether partial deliveries are acceptable.

Answer 12 One complete shipment is preferred. However, partial deliveries are acceptable if at least half of the order is delivered within the 60-day period or by 30 November 2026.

Question 13 Will the Government extend the quotation due date from 14 September 2026 to 24 September 2026?

Answer 13 Yes. The Government supports extending the due date. The solicitation will be amended if approved by the Contracting Officer.

Question 14 Section L refers to a questions deadline, but no date is shown. Please confirm the deadline for vendor questions.

Answer 14 The questions deadline will be provided by the Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer. The current draft Section L previously showed a written question due date concept.

Question 15 Is the Berry Amendment applicable to this solicitation?

Answer 15 Yes. The Berry Amendment applies to this requirement. Offerors shall comply with the applicable domestic source restrictions for covered items.

Question 16 Please confirm country-of-origin and domestic-manufacturing requirements applicable to the garments and textile components.

Answer 16 All offered food service uniforms and applicable covered textile components shall comply with the Berry Amendment requirements applicable to this solicitation.

Question 17 For a small-business nonmanufacturer prime contractor, must the offered garments be manufactured by a U.S. small-business manufacturer, or has an SBA nonmanufacturer-rule waiver been issued?

Answer 17 For this supply acquisition, a small-business nonmanufacturer must comply with FAR 52.219-33 and the applicable SBA Nonmanufacturer Rule requirements. Unless an applicable SBA waiver has been issued, the nonmanufacturer must furnish end items manufactured, processed, or produced in the United States by a small-business concern. Berry Amendment compliance is a separate requirement and does not by itself waive the Nonmanufacturer Rule. For this multiple-item acquisition, see Answer 29 for the applicable multiple-item rule.

Question 18 Is there a specific fabric weight (GSM/oz) required?

Answer 18 Offerors shall propose one of the approved FR fabrics identified in the amended solicitation. The approved fabrics range from approximately 6.5 ounces to 8.5 ounces, depending on the fabric offered.

Question 19 What are the specific size measurements required for the shirts, chef coats, and pants (e.g., chest, waist, neck, inseam)?

Answer 19 Standard commercial sizing is acceptable. No additional Government size chart is required.

Question 20 Section C.4.5 requires compliance with NAVSUP P-486, Food Service Management, “as applicable to the uniforms being procured.” Attachment 1 specifies fabric, color, sleeve length, and artwork/logo placement for chef coats, but does not address pocket, button, or closure style. Does NAVSUP P-486 impose any additional chef coat construction/style requirements, or is Attachment 1 the controlling specification?

Answer 20 NAVSUP P-486 does not establish additional chef-coat construction requirements beyond those expressly included in the solicitation. Section C.5.2.2 controls chef-coat salient characteristics; Attachment 1 controls the applicable line-item color, size, sleeve length, quantity, and required fabric identification.

Question 21 For purposes of FAR 52.219-33, must a small-business nonmanufacturer furnish end items manufactured by a U.S. small-business manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code, or may the offeror furnish compliant products manufactured by an other-than-small domestic manufacturer, provided all other solicitation and Berry Amendment requirements are satisfied?

Answer 21 See Answer 17. A small-business nonmanufacturer must comply with FAR 52.219-33 and the SBA Nonmanufacturer Rule. Unless an applicable SBA waiver has been issued, the offeror must furnish qualifying domestic small-business-manufactured end items, subject to the multiple-item-acquisition rule described in Answer 29. Berry Amendment compliance does not independently satisfy or waive the Nonmanufacturer Rule.

Question 22 May an offeror utilize more than one compliant domestic manufacturer to furnish the different product categories—T-shirts, chef coats, and cargo/khaki pants—provided each manufacturer and offered product independently complies with the applicable Nonmanufacturer Rule, Berry Amendment, approved FR-fabric, and other solicitation requirements?

Answer 22 Yes. An offeror may utilize more than one compliant manufacturer for different product categories, provided each offered product independently complies with all applicable solicitation requirements, including the Berry Amendment, the Nonmanufacturer Rule (if applicable), and the approved FR-fabric requirements for applicable items.

Question 23 What supporting documentation, if any, should be included with the quotation to demonstrate compliance with the Berry Amendment and applicable domestic manufacturing requirements? For example, would the Government expect a manufacturer certification, country-of-origin certification, mill certification, or similar documentation?

Answer 23 Offerors shall provide sufficient documentation with their quotation to demonstrate compliance with the Berry Amendment and applicable domestic manufacturing requirements. At a minimum, the Government requests a manufacturer certification and country-of-origin certification for the offered end items. The Government may also request additional supporting documentation, such as mill certification or component sourcing information, if needed to verify compliance.

Question 24 In addition to identifying the specific approved FR fabric proposed for each applicable uniform item, is technical documentation such as a fabric specification sheet, mill certification, or manufacturer certification required with the quotation?

Answer 24 Yes. For each applicable FR uniform item, offerors shall identify the specific approved FR fabric proposed and provide available supporting technical documentation, such as a fabric specification sheet, mill certification, or manufacturer certification, sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the solicitation’s FR fabric requirements.

Question 25 Since production-quality/vector artwork is not currently available, will the successful contractor be permitted to submit digital artwork proofs or production mockups for Government review and approval prior to full production?

Answer 25 The contractor may submit digital artwork proofs or production mockups for Government review. Government review is advisory and does not constitute formal approval, direction to proceed, or relief from compliance with solicitation requirements unless the Contracting Officer provides written authorization otherwise. The contractor remains responsible for conformity with Attachment 2 and all solicitation requirements.

Question 26 If Government approval of artwork or production proofs is required prior to full production, will the Government review period be considered within the required delivery schedule?

Answer 26 Unless otherwise stated by amendment, the required delivery schedule remains unchanged. Offerors should base their quotations on the solicitation’s stated delivery requirements and account for any anticipated proofing or review time in their production schedule. If the Government requires formal post-award proof approval prior to production, the parties will coordinate accordingly.

Question 27 The Q&A states that partial deliveries are acceptable provided at least half of the order is delivered within the required period. Please confirm whether the balance may be delivered in one or more subsequent shipments, provided final delivery is completed no later than November 30, 2026.

Answer 27 Yes. Partial deliveries are acceptable, provided at least half of the total order is delivered within the required period and final delivery is completed no later than 30 November 2026. The remaining balance may be delivered in one or more subsequent shipments.

Question 28 Attachment 2, Section 1.1, and the responses to Questions 4 and 5 identify sewn embroidered patches, direct embroidery, and screen printing as acceptable methods. Would direct-to-film (DTF) heat-applied transfers also be acceptable for the required T-shirt logos and lettering?

Answer 28 The Government does not intend to allow Direct-to-film (DTF) heat-applied transfers, it is not currently stated in the solicitation or attachments.

Question 29 For purposes of FAR 52.219-33, must a small-business nonmanufacturer furnish end items manufactured by a U.S. small-business manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code, or may the offeror furnish compliant products manufactured by an other-than-small domestic manufacturer, provided all other solicitation and Berry Amendment requirements are satisfied?

Answer 29 For a multiple-item acquisition, every individual end item does not necessarily have to be manufactured by a small-business concern. A waiver is not required if at least 50 percent of the estimated contract value is composed of items manufactured by small-business concerns. If more than 50 percent of the estimated contract value is composed of items manufactured by other-than-small business concerns, an applicable SBA waiver is required. Any SBA waiver does not eliminate separate domestic-source requirements, including the Berry Amendment, when applicable.

Question 30 What documentation, if any, should we submit with our quote to show compliance with the Berry Amendment and domestic manufacturing requirements? For example, do you want a manufacturer certification, country-of-origin certification, mill certification, or something similar?

Answer 30 Offerors shall provide sufficient documentation with their quotation to demonstrate compliance with the Berry Amendment and domestic manufacturing requirements. At a minimum, this should include a manufacturer certification and country-of-origin certification for the offered end items. The Government may request additional documentation, such as a mill certification, if needed to verify compliance.

Question 31 In addition to identifying the specific approved FR fabric proposed for each applicable uniform item, is technical documentation such as a fabric specification sheet, mill certification, or manufacturer certification required with the quotation?

Answer 31 Yes. Offerors must submit supporting documentation with their quotation showing that the proposed FR fabric is compliant. At a minimum, the quotation shall identify the specific FR fabric proposed for each applicable item and include supporting documentation such as a fabric specification sheet, mill certification, manufacturer certification, or similar technical documentation sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the solicitation requirements.

Question 32 Since production-quality/vector artwork is not currently available, will the successful contractor be permitted to submit digital artwork proofs or production mockups for Government review and approval prior to full production?

Answer 32 Yes. The successful contractor may submit digital artwork proofs or production mockups for Government review prior to full production.

Question 33 If Government approval of artwork or production proofs is required prior to full production, will the Government review period be considered within the required delivery schedule?

Answer 33 No. Government approval is not required before production; therefore, no separate Government review period applies before production begins.

Question 34 The Q&A states that partial deliveries are acceptable provided at least half of the order is delivered within the required period. Please confirm whether the balance may be delivered in one or more subsequent shipments, provided final delivery is completed no later than November 30, 2026.

Answer 34 Yes. If at least half of the order is delivered within the required period, the remaining balance may be delivered in one or more subsequent shipments. The Offeror shall clearly state any proposed partial delivery schedule in its quotation.

Question 35 Given the significant upfront material and domestic manufacturing costs associated with producing the full 34,500-unit requirement, would NAVSUP consider amending the solicitation to allow commercial contract financing consistent with applicable FAR requirements? More specifically, would the Government consider a structure that permits an initial advance payment within the allowable limits, followed by milestone or interim payments tied to measurable production events such as procurement and receipt of compliant FR materials, completion of production milestones, and/or accepted partial deliveries?

Answer 35 No. The Government will not consider an initial advance payment or milestone/interim payments tied to receipt of compliant FR materials, production milestones, or similar production events.

Yes. Accepted partial deliveries may be invoiced and paid upon delivery and acceptance.

Question 36 We also understand from Attachment 3 that partial deliveries are acceptable. Could you please confirm whether accepted partial deliveries may be invoiced and paid as those deliveries are completed and accepted, rather than payment being withheld until the entire 34,500-unit requirement has been delivered?

Answer 36 Yes. Accepted partial deliveries may be invoiced and paid upon delivery and acceptance. The Offeror shall clearly identify any proposed partial delivery and related invoicing schedule in its quotation.

Question 37 Please confirm whether the T-shirts required under this contract are to be flame resistant (FR) treated. All of the COTS FR recommendations listed in the amended solicitation (Page 16) are woven twill fabrics and do not appear suitable for T-shirts, which are typically knit garments.

Answer 37 For this requirement, the T-shirts shall be made of 100% cotton, with quarter-length sleeves and an elliptical (crew-neck) collar.