Questions Answers832011.docx

1. Are the various contract periods specified as Options 1-3 for three consecutive years? Yes

1. Are the quantities specified in bundles of boxes? yes

1. Box 2 specifies that it must have a maximum gross weight limit of 90 pounds, but the specification calls for 250 test material which has a maximum allowable gross weight limit of 80 pounds according to motor carrier regulations. Should we base our price on 250 test or on 275 test which does have a maximum gross weight limit of 90 pounds? 275 test or 90 pounds

1. Box 3 specifies a maximum gross weight limit of 90 pounds, but the specification calls for 200 test material which has a maximum gross allowable weight limit of 65 pounds according to motor carrier regulations. Should we base our price on 200 test or on 275 test which does have a maximum gross weight limit of 90 pounds? 275 test or 90 pounds

1. Box 5 does not have a pallet / skid quantity specified? 97 BD

1. Are samples required with bid submission? Aug 16th 2011

1. On all of the salient characteristics for each box, 40x48 pallets are specified. Page 39 point 3, item 2 states that all deliveries shall be palletized on NEW 42x48 pallets. Which is correct? And if 40x48 is correct size, must they be new? And is there a specification for the pallets? New 42x48 4-way pallets

1. For boxes 7 and 8, the sizes of the filters specified will not lend themselves well to the design shown and for the print specified. Should we size and orient the filters and corresponding holes in the boxes to allow them to be made efficiently? No (Vendor is not to re-design specifications)

1. For boxes 7 and 8, are the filters to be attached to the inside or outside of the box? Inside of the box (refer to Box Pictures attached to this amendment)

1. Would alternate box designs be considered for the items with filters? We think there are at least two alternatives that would be easier to manufacture and would also make a stronger box. Do you have spec drawings or samples of the filters required in the "animal shipping boxes with filter" NO (This is not a solicitation for a re-design)

1. Wanted to confirm the due date is still in August? Yes

1. Is there a chance to review the animal shipping boxes? 16050 Industrial Drive, Suite 310, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877 Please Contact Dianne Parker @ 301-435-5036 or parkerd@od.nih.gov

1. Do you know what alloy is being requested in items # 7 & 8 ? NO

1. Are there specific minimum order qtys established on this solicitation? Yes They are on the IGCE (Estimated Government Cost Estimate)

1. Trying to get an understanding of a normal order qty. Is it full truckload, 1/2 truckload, etc? FOB Destination pricing requires vendor to be knowledgeable of specific order requirements, and frequency of orders. This would depend on how much capacity the vendors truck holds based on the government cost estimate.

1. The filter the abs styrene does not specify if it is a smooth or rough finish does it matter? smooth