caution to bidders.rtf

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)

OFFICE OF ACQUISITIONS (OLAO)

CAUTION TO PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS

Bidders who attach their standard company quotation, bid form or bid letters, or incorporate such by reference with their bids run the risk of having their bid be determined non-responsive by the Government. Almost invariably such standard company quotation forms contain terms or conditions which are inconsistent with the general or special provisions of the sealed bid solicitation. Or such company quotation forms may contain disclaimers such as “Prices are subject to change without notice” which renders the bid non-responsive due to the firm bid rule.

It is recommended that all bid price(s) be inserted on the solicitation itself in the Pricing Schedule, rather than attached in a company quotation form.

All information and prices required by the terms of this solicitation must be furnished. Important items for you to check are included in, but not limited to, those listed below. The check list below is furnished only to assist you in submitting a proper bid. Mistakes can be costly, check as you read.

[ ] The original and three (3) copies of the solicitation must be returned to the address shown in Block 7 of the Standard Form (SF) 1447.

[ ] F.O.B. DESTINATION: If the solicitation states “F.O.B. Destination Within Consignee’s Premises”, this term means free of expense to the Government, delivered and laid down within the doors of the consignee’s premises, including delivery to specific rooms within a building. Ensure your bid price includes all transportation charges.

[ ] MAIL BID TO ARRIVE ON TIME: Your bid must arrive at NIH, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Room 541D, Rockville, Maryland 20852, prior to 2:00 p.m. local time on the date of opening as stated in Block 9 of the SF 1447. Delivery of bids will only be accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. (local time).

NOTE: The U.S. Postal Service’s “Express Mail” DOES NOT deliver to the Rockville, Maryland address.