off52 q&A.pdf

OFF52 COMMBUYS

Q&A (Questions and SST Responses)

#1 In OFF38, manufacturers were included in the final contract. In this RFP it states that every bidder must carry 3 manufacturing lines per category of bid. Does that mean that manufacturers may not bid? We are a small local WMBE manufacturer using locally recycled materials to make our furniture and wondering if we are allowed to bid, or if we would just work with dealers to be listed in their bid. I also have partnerships with other microfactories in my network (same brand, different locations). Could they be considered as separate manufacturers in this case?

Bidders must offer a catalog with a minimum of three manufacturing lines that they are able to market, sell and deliver to eligible buyers. The SST would agree with your assessment that if you are not able to meet the minimum of three manufacturing lines that you would need to work with eligible bidders and/or dealers to be listed in their bid. Products under the same manufacturer/brand name regardless of location of manufacturing would not be considered as separate manufacturing lines.

#2 1-The category numbers listed on the OFF52 Pricebook Final Spreadsheet and the OFF52 RFR Final 6 are different. Should we reference the Pricebook Final Spreadsheet or the RFR document when providing our responses?

1. The category list on the first tab categories and subcategories needs to be corrected but the respective category tabs in the OFF52 Pricebook Final spreadsheet are correct and in line with RFR section 1.1 Summary Description of Procurement and section 4 Commodity Services Environmental and Cost Specifications. Please follow the respective tabs of the pricebook.

2-Section 4.10.3 Authorized Price Changes. How frequently is a contractor/awarded vendor allowed to submit for price increases during the life of the contract?

Pricing is based on discount on MSRP. Section 1.1 Summary Description of Procurement states The OFF52 SWC will be utilizing tiered discounts based on a spend and applied to the most current manufacturer annual catalog.

Section 4.10 Compensation Structure Pricing. As stated each tier will have a discount in the form of percentage off of the most current manufacturers list price found on the manufacturers website, most current catalog or a designated location by the bidder. If the manufacturers list pricing is not available on the manufacturer’s website or bidders designated location, the bidder must submit an electronic price book to OSD for buyers to reference while using the contract.

3-Section 4.10.1.1 Dock Delivery Discounts (DDD) Can you please define Dock Delivery discounts? Should dock delivery be included in the Tier Discount with the % off Manufacturer List pricing?

Dock Delivery Discount would not be included in the tier discount, it would be an additional discount applied to an order as a whole, that meets the definition of a dock delivery. Dock Delivery shall mean delivery to the door or loading platform of the Eligible Entity’s place of business with no additional services provided by the vendor.

This is where the answer to #2 was cut off due to length, the continuation of the answer is completed in Q&A #6

4-This contract is requesting discount off a list along with tiered volume pricing, correct?

The discount would be a percentage off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price within each tier of spend.

5-Are we able to submit an updated price list after the first year of the contract? Section 4.10.3 Section 4.10.3 Discounts will be applied to the most current manufacturer’s annual catalogue. The intent is that the prices and their subsequent discounts would be in line with the current manufacturers annual catalogue.

Section 4.10 Compensation Structure Pricing. As stated, each tier will have a discount in the form of percentage off of the most current manufacturers list price found on the manufacturers website, most current catalog or a designated location by the bidder. If the manufacturer’s list pricing is not available on the manufacturer’s website or bidders designated location, the bidder must submit an electronic price book to OSD for buyers to reference while using the contract.

6-Where is the PPD Form? I don’t see it in the submission. Section 6.1.2 The prompt Pay Discount Form is the fifth item on the list under file attachments

7-The Environment specifications Plan EPD and HPD is only required when contract is awarded not in the submission correct ? Section 4.9.3 Pg 22 Disclosure of EPD and/or HPD -will be a requirement for any awarded bidders prior to going live on the resulting contract in addition to the other certifications listed above. – Need Product Team Help when awarded.

Correct although, please keep in mind that an awarded vendor will not be able to be considered active unless they have disclosed the EPD HPD AND all third party certifications as listed in the RFR section 4.9.3. As is stated disclosure of EPD and/or HPD will be a requirement for any awarded bidders prior to going live on the resulting contract in addition to the other certifications listed.

#3 Sec 3.4 Company Financial Narrative: Are you requesting a company balance sheet with assets and liabilities?

We are not looking for a company balance sheet, but rather a written narrative on the company’s letterhead describing the total annual gross revenue for 2021 and 2022, assets, liabilities, tax compliance, including a Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Revenue

#4 Sec 3.4 identifying Tax Compliance Cert of Good Standing: Aren't these two RFR requests the same? Can you confirm that the DOR Certificate of Good Standing is responsive to both?

Tax compliance should be referenced in the written narrative that is described in section 3.4, the Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Revenue (DOR) is an official document that can be provided by the DOR

#5 Bidders will be required of three manufacturing lines in each product category on which they bid. I'm a little confused by this. Is this going to be a Dealer held contract? Or as manufacturer also submit a response with my own products? Do I include three lines for my product?

Bidders must offer a catalog with a minimum of three manufacturing lines that they are able to market, sell and deliver to eligible buyers. For bidders who are manufacturers unable to meet the minimum of three manufacturing lines, they will need to work with eligible bidders and/or dealers to be listed in their bid.

#6 the answer is a continuation of the answer for second question PART 4 through 7

4.The discount would be a percentage off the manufacturers suggested retail price within each tier of spend. 5.

Section 4.10.3 Discounts will be applied to the most current manufacturers annual catalogue. The intent is that the prices and their subsequent discounts would be in line with the current manufacturers annual catalogue.

Section 4.10 Compensation Structure Pricing. As stated, each tier will have a discount in the form of percentage off of the most current manufacturers list price found on the manufacturers website, most current catalog or a designated location by the bidder. If the manufacturers list pricing is not available on the manufacturers website or bidders designated location, the bidder must submit an electronic price book to OSD for buyers to reference while using the contract. 6.The prompt Pay Discount Form is the fifth item on the list under file attachments 7.

Correct although, please keep in mind that an awarded vendor will not be able to be considered active unless they have disclosed the EPD HPD AND all third party certifications as listed in the RFR section 4.9.3. As is stated disclosure of EPD and/or HPD will be a requirement for any awarded bidders prior to going live on the resulting contract in addition to the other certifications listed.

#7 Representatives in the following organizations will not be acceptable as references. What are "the following organizations" to be considered?

Language to be removed Section 3.5

#8 Who can respond? As a manufacturer, can I submit a response to this RFR? Or is this only for dealers?

Bidders must offer a catalog with a minimum of three manufacturing lines that they are able to market, sell and deliver to eligible buyers. For bidders who are manufacturers unable to meet the minimum of three manufacturing lines, they will need to work with eligible bidders and/or dealers to be listed in their bid. For clarification a definition will be getting added to the RFR section 4.1, for the purpose of this RFR a manufacturing line will be defined as - An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all considered one manufacturing line.

#9 What can I submit? If I can submit, then the manufacturer lines would be three of my products, correct?

Bidders must offer a catalog with a minimum of three manufacturing lines that they are able to market, sell and deliver to eligible buyers. For bidders who are manufacturers unable to meet the minimum of three manufacturing lines, they will need to work with eligible bidders and/or dealers to be listed in their bid. For clarification a definition will be getting added to the RFR section 4.1, for the purpose of this RFR a manufacturing line will be defined as - An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all

#10 Standards Product with electrical components must meet all appropriate current and future Underwrite.

Is there an OSD program in effect to know what the future UL requirements will be and how to comply?

There is not a current OSD program to notify of future UL requirements, it would be the responsibility of the awarded vendor that their products would meet the current and future codes and requirements.

#11 All products, at minimum, meet the industry-accepted guidelines set forth by the future industry as. What are industry-accepted guidelines set forth by the "future"?

If anything changes with new regulations or requirements with certifications, awarded vendors will need to be able to work with the purchasing agent and or the commonwealth to accommodate for the change. It would be the responsibility of the awarded vendor that their products would meet the current and future codes and requirements.

#12 Who can bid? As a manufacturer, can we bid on this contract, or can only dealers bid?

Bidders must offer a catalog with a minimum of three manufacturing lines that they are able to market, sell and deliver to eligible buyers. For bidders who are manufacturers unable to meet the minimum of three manufacturing lines, they will need to work with eligible bidders and/or dealers to be listed in their bid. For clarification a definition will be getting added to the RFR section 4.1, for the purpose of this RFR a manufacturing line will be defined as - An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all

#13 the bidder must provide weekly certified payroll. Is this other than with a Prevailing Wage Schedule?

Certified payroll submission is not a document requested as part the bid process to get on contract, Certified payroll would only be required if requested by the buyer see RFR section 4.1.1

#14 bidder to pay the prevailing wage rate for any labor that is required. Does this cover the delivery of orders to a specific location? Does this apply to "moving" furniture to allow for the delivery and set up of furniture, office equipment, white boards, monitors?

Awarded vendors are responsible for paying prevailing wage rates when required by a project, please refer to mass.gov prevailing wage program website for more information.

#15 Section 4.1.2 Cat 1made from a variety of materials included but limited to, Should the text read

"included but not limited to"?

Error was corrected and the word not, was added

#16 Sec 4.1.2.2 Products in this category may need to be professionally designed and permitted. By

"permitted" does that mean "prior authorization" or having a permit issued?

It means having a permit issued.

#17 Sec 4.1.2.2 Prevailing Wage labor for installation may be required. Will guidelines for the application of

Prevailing Wage Rates be identified by OSD especially when replacing an old item with a new item and no tools are required?

Awarded vendors are responsible for paying prevailing wage rates when required by a project, please refer to mass.gov prevailing wage program website for more information. Awarded vendors can obtain current prevailing wage sheets from the purchasing entity.

#18 Sec 4.1.3 Cat 2a variety of materials included but limited to, This might be a similar error as above where it state "limited to" and should be "not limited to."

Error was corrected and the word not was added

#19 4.14Delivery must be F.O.B. (Freight on Board) Destination Prepaid freight with no delivery expenses, Many items have considerable weight with freight costs incurred by the manufacturer and passed onto the distributor. This cost has to be passed onto the buyer either in the price or prepaid and added as a line item.

Your comments, please.

All costs should be taken into consideration within the discount structure, including the cost of shipping.

#20 Section 4.3 installation labor may only be charged while vendor is working on site, Sometimes, time and space do not allow for onsite assembly, forcing the vendor to assemble the ordered item off-site at their warehouse. How do you suggest this be handled?

Section 4.3 will be updated to include the following language, or offsite when preapproved and agreed upon by both the bidder and the purchasing entity

#21 Sec 4.5 Returns, Custom items cannot be returned and items duplicated in error by the Entity will be assessed a charge.

Section 4.5 is referring specifically to products with problems of quality, outdated products, damaged items, and clarification has been added to specify vendor duplicated shipments

#22 We are a manufacturer who held OFF38 direct with named dealers on our contract. With the statement on OFF52 of *** vendors will be required to carry a minimum of three manufacturing lines in each product category being bid on, can manufacturers bid OFF52 direct? Can you clarify what the term lines means? If a manufacturer makes different series within it's product offering does a product series count as a line or must a manufacturer make three distinct brands in order to bid direct? Thank you.

An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all considered one manufacturing line.

#23 If a dealer bids and hold this contract direct and names a manufacturer, can the dealer name the manufacture as a dealer meaning the manufacturer could sell direct to the end user?

No, only awarded bidders would be permitted to sell to Eligible Entities.

#24 Red Highlight on Price Book Sheet Instructions, It states "Any bidder responding to category# MUST bid on all items to be considered". Please clarify what is meant by "all items" This language has been removed as it does not apply to this contract

#25 Manufacturer Letters of Authorization, Are Manufacturer Letters of Authorization required to confirm the bidding dealer is authorized to sell and service products for the contract duration?

Section 3.5.1 has been added to the RFR to include the language, Bidders will need to be able to provide letters of authorization from any and all manufacturers they represent, market and sell to eligible entities upon awarded bid.

#26 Additional Components(sub-categories) on Price Book Sheets, Is there a way to select multiple "Additional

Components(sub-categories)" for a single manufacturer with a robust offering on a single row?

If this question is referring to assigning the same additional components to multiple items simultaneously there is not an easy way that we know of other than to select the appropriate answer. The intention of the end result is a sortable document for contract users. If this question is asking if a single item falls under different additional components, then a line for each would need to be created to be more easily found in the sortable final file.

#27 Are RFR's being accepted from Manufacturers, Are Manufacturers allowed to respond directly and list local distributors to sell and service under OFF52?

Bidders must offer a catalog with a minimum of three manufacturing lines that they are able to market, sell and deliver to eligible buyers. For bidders who are manufacturers unable to meet the minimum of three manufacturing lines, they will need to work with eligible bidders and/or dealers to be listed in their bid. For clarification a definition will be getting added to the RFR section 4.1, for the purpose of this RFR a manufacturing line will be defined as - An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all

#28 Awarded Vendor of OFF51, If we are an awarded vendor on contract #OFF51 which includes our furniture items, do we still need to submit this bid?

As is stated in the OFF51 RFR section 1.1 expanded categories to include recreational and therapeutic supplies. K through 3rd grade furniture is being transitioned to statewide contract OFF38 Office, School and Library Furniture, Accessories, and Installation. OFF38 has been replaced by OFF51 but it is likely that the next iteration of that contract will not include furniture. It would be advisable if you would like to continue providing furniture to bid on OFF52.

#29 Excel Price Sheet, The price sheet asks for the Union Rate. Where is that located in the RFR?

RFR Section 4.10 Compensation Structure/Pricing, Bidders will submit labor rates in their bidder response form, and they will be published in COMMBUYS.

#30 Colors in the Bidder Response form and other documents. Can OSD not fill in cells with red as when the test is being reviewed for being complete it's not easy on the eyes? Is that color ADA-compliant?

This has been corrected

#31 SDP Form, The SDP form posted is not the one for Goods and Services will that be revised?

It has been confirmed that the SDP form posted is the accurate and most up to date SDP form for all State Wide Contracts and it is required for all bidders.

#32 manufacturing line definition, For clarification a definition will be getting added to the RFR for manufacturing line it will read - An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all considered one manufacturing line..

#33 On page 14 of the Bidder's Conference PowerPoint document, it states that - Pricebook must identify products with third-party certification standards or other environmental or climate attributes listed. Due to the number of products we offer and the maintenance this would require, we do not include such information as part of our price books (PPGs). Would it be acceptable to forego providing this information in this way? If not, may we create a cover page for each price book outlining such information?

RFR Section 4.9.3 Disclosure of EPD and/or HPD will be a requirement for any awarded bidders prior to going live on the resulting contract in addition to the other certifications listed above. This information will not be evaluated but will be required before becoming an active vendor on this contract. Awarded bidders will not be permitted to be considered active until they have identified any products that are have a HPD, EPD or one of the third party certifications.

#34 On the Pricebook Final spreadsheet, under which column should we provide the name of our product being specified?

The intent of the price book is not to identify specific items and their individual prices but rather the category the discount applies to, the manufacturer, the additional components (Subcategories), and the discount percentage off within each total spend tier. For example, if an order is for nine thousand dollars worth of manufacturer x chairs the discount percentage for tier 2 would be xx% off of MSRP.

#35 Pricebook - "Other" Subcategory, what if we are proposing a product we do not feel is appropriate for the existing subcategories?

to propose items you do not feel fall into an existing subcategory please use the other subcategory option and provide a recommended subcategory name using the excel comment function

#36 Manufacturers Bids, Is this RFP open to responses from manufacturers and dealers, or only from dealers?

It is hard to tell form the language in the RFP.

Any vendors able to meet the requirements of the RFR are welcome to submit a response. Among other requirements bidders must offer a catalog with a minimum of three manufacturing lines that they are able to market, sell and deliver to eligible buyers. For bidders who are manufacturers unable to meet the minimum of three manufacturing lines, they will need to work with eligible bidders and/or dealers to be listed in their bid.

For clarification a definition has been added to the RFR section 4.1, for the purpose of this RFR a manufacturing line will be defined as - An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all considered one manufacturing line.

#37 Sole source manufacturer, Re: minimum of 3 product lines, we're a sole source manufacturer, and thus are branded under a single company name with one manufacturing line. Could we still bid this contract?

Bidders must offer a catalog with a minimum of three manufacturing lines that they are able to market, sell and deliver to eligible buyers. For bidders who are manufacturers unable to meet the minimum of three manufacturing lines, they will need to work with eligible bidders and/or dealers to be listed in their bid. For clarification a definition has been added to the RFR section 4.1, for the purpose of this RFR a manufacturing line will be defined as - An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all considered one manufacturing line.

#38 6.3 Evaluation Components, What point value will be assigned to the environmental portion of requirements?

The point values for the evaluation are as follows Manufacturers, Price, and Discount is worth 45 percent, Supplier Diversity Plan is worth 25 percent, Other Evaluation Components including EPP Specifications, Company Experience and References, Prompt Pay Discount, and Dock Delivery Discount is worth 30 percent, as was shared in the bidders conference slide deck.

#39 6.3 Evaluation Components, What is the percentage weight of each evaluation component?

The point values for the evaluation are as follows Manufacturers, Price, and Discount is worth 45 percent, Supplier Diversity Plan is worth 25 percent, Other Evaluation Components including EPP Specifications, Company Experience and References, Prompt Pay Discount, and Dock Delivery Discount is worth 30 percent, as was

#40 5.3 Eligible SDP Partner Certification Categories, Would Small Business Enterprises (SBE) also be recognized as eligible SDP partners?

Small business enterprise or SBPP is not included in SDP, the acceptable certification categories are: MBE, WBE, VBE, DOBE, LGBT, & SDVOBE.

#41 Existing dimensional size standards - Category 5: Preconfigured Walls, Does the OSD have existing dimensional size standards for typical private offices, conference rooms (small, medium, large), training rooms etc. that can be shared with bidders? These would be like existing modular furniture workstations size standards.

There is not an existing dimensional size standard, it would be determined on need of each individual project for each Eligible Entity.

#42 Historical Contract Volume Data - ?preconfigured walls product?, Can the OSD provide historical contract volume ($) data for ?preconfigured walls product? in category 1 56-11-17 Casegood & Non-Modular Furniture under the current contract OFF38: Office, School and Library Furniture, Accessories and Services contract?

The VRM sales template for OFF38 does not capture Contract Category. Without this info, I dont believe we would be able to reliably provide the historical contract volume data being requested.

#43 Capital Projects Historical Budget Data, Can the OSD provide the 5-year total $ volume history of budgeted capital projects with contract values between $500k and $2 million for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?

This question is too broad to answer. Interested parties can review Summary Spending data offer on CTHRU

#44 6.3 Evaluation Components, What point value will be assigned to the environmental portion of requirements?

The point values for the evaluation are as follows Manufacturers, Price, and Discount is worth 45 percent, Supplier Diversity Plan is worth 25 percent, Other Evaluation Components including EPP Specifications, Company Experience and References, Prompt Pay Discount, and Dock Delivery Discount is worth 30 percent, as was

#45 6.3 Evaluation Components, What is the percentage weight of each evaluation component?

The point values for the evaluation are as follows Manufacturers, Price, and Discount is worth 45 percent, Supplier Diversity Plan is worth 25 percent, Other Evaluation Components including EPP Specifications, Company Experience and References, Prompt Pay Discount, and Dock Delivery Discount is worth 30 percent, as was

#46 5.3 Eligible SDP Partner Certification Categories, Would Small Business Enterprises (SBE) also be recognized as eligible SDP partners?

Small business enterprise or SBPP is not included in SDP, the acceptable certification categories are MBE, WBE, VBE, DOBE, LGBT, and SDVOBE.

#47 Quick Payment Terms History, Can the OSD provide historical data on how often did the Commonwealth take advantage of quick payment terms of contract holders under the ?preconfigured walls product? category 1 56-11-17 Casegood & Non-Modular Furniture under the current contract OFF38: Office, School and Library Furniture, Accessories and Services contract?

The most current Prompt Payment Discount information can be obtained through the comptrollers office. You can find them through an internet search for ma comptroller prompt payment discounts and to go to their website.

#48 Installation Labor and Freight Costs, Since individual projects will vary in scope. Can the OSD advise if freight and installation costs can be quoted separate from individual ?product? contract pricing, or must the freight and installation costs be included in ?product? contract pricing (i.e. all product discounts must be quoted as inclusive of all freight and delivery costs)?

All costs should be taken into consideration within the discount structure, including the cost of shipping.

#49 Submittals, Do we need to include warranties, environmental certificates and information, and letters of authorization from manufacturers with the bid submittal? Or do we answer the yes/no questions, fill in the blanks and submit documents if awarded?

Please refer to RFR Section 4.6 Warrantee documentation will be required if requested by an Eligible Entity but not for submission to this RFR. For Environmental Certificate requirements please refer to RFR Section 4.9.

Please refer to RFR section 4.1 for manufacturer letter information. For the purpose of this RFR a manufacturing line will be defined as - An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all considered one manufacturing line.

#50 Pricebook - Product Line, The pricebook provides a location to list the manufacturer, but does not provide a location to list the product line. If the manufacturer offers some product lines that comply with the environmental requirements but others that do not, should it be assumed that we can answer affirmatively to the environmental requirements?

Yes, the excel comment function can be used for explanations, clarifications or other necessary information.

Please refer to Environmental Specifications RFR 4.9.3

#51 Product Categories, Do respondents have to provide products in all categories?

No, Bidders do not have to provide products in all categories.

#52 Installation, 4.3 No installation charge for loose seating, file cabinets or other drop-in-place items.

This assumes delivery during vendor defined normal business hours as stated in the bid process with a working loading dock, freight elevator access or equivalent. Stair carries may be included as an additional cost. - A majority of our seating products are not delivered assembled. There is usually some assembly required. Can installation for these be charged?

All costs should be taken into consideration within the discount structure, including the cost of product assembly not to be confused with installation.

#53 AMENDMENTS, If amendments are issued, we kindly request highlights to any portions that are modified so bidders can easily identify the changes.

Any RFR amendments are in red font and any items language that is struck is still present with a strike through.

Any changes made in the RFR will also be posted in COMMBUYS by the amendment deadline. You can also refer to the Revision History on the second page of the RFR for the timeline.

#54 FILE-NAME PROTOCOL for PRICING (Bidder Response Form, Submission Checklist worksheet, Excel cell

C8), May quoters provide the Pricing Discount & Labor form in Excel (rather than .doc) since the original bid document is an Excel file?

Yes

#55 FILE-NAME PROTOCOL for SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PLAN (Bidder Response Form, Submission Checklist worksheet, May quoters provide the Supplier Diversity Plan form in Excel (rather than .doc) since the original bid document is an Excel file?

Yes, but make sure you are not confusing the environmental practices form within the Bidders Response Form, with the environmental practices plan section 4.9.7 of the RFR

#56 Certified Payroll RFR PDF (pg 12, #4.1.1, second to last bullet), Please confirm Certified Payroll is required for all projects?

Certified payroll submission is not a document requested as part the bid process to get on contract, Certified payroll would only be required if requested by the buyer see RFR section 4.1.1

#57 PRODUCT LINE IDENTIFICATION (Pricebook Final.xls, Category worksheets), Our product lines are available at various discounts. May quoters add a column to the Category worksheets to capture the specific Product Line discounts and applicable other data, or in the Manufacturer column (Column C) list the manufacturer and product line (e.g., Mfg - Product)?

Vertical Columns may not be added, any OSD supplied templates should not be modified. Multiple horizontal rows can be used for a manufacturing lines using the excel comment function to provide necessary distinction and or information.

#58 MOVABLE and MOBILE PARTITIONS - HEIGHT (RFR PDF, PDF, pg 14, #4.1.6), Please confirm Movable

Partitions and Mobile Partitions are not required to be taller than 72"H and are not required to be permanently attached to the building.

There is not an existing dimensional size standard, it would be determined on need of each individual project for each Eligible Entity.

#59 TIERED-DISCOUNTS (Pricebook Final.xls, Category worksheets, Column J to Column M), The pricebook has

7 Tiers listed. Is it acceptable for bidders to offer the same discount in multiple tiers?

Yes, it is acceptable for bidders to offer the same discount in multiple tiers.

#60 DELIVERY DAYS/WEEKS (Pricebook Final.xls, Category worksheets, Column N), Is Delivery Days/Weeks -

Column N: [a] what the product line's current lead time is; [b] what is the standard delivery and installation times (e.g., Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm); or, [c] what are available delivery and installation times (e.g., Sunday to Saturday, 12am to 11pm).

Bidders are to define what are considered their normal business hours

#61 NON-SHADED CELLS (Pricebook Final.xls, Category worksheets, Column O to Column AF), Since columns O to AF are not shaded gray, quoters are not required to complete; however, if quoters elect to complete, should they only input "yes" responses so your evaluation team can quickly identify columns with data (otherwise "yes" and "no" responses might be challenging to quickly sort/evaluate).

Sections O through AF are not required for bid submission but HPD EPD and third party certification disclosure are all requirements post award, please refer to RFR sections 4.9.3. Disclosure will be a requirement for any awarded bidders prior to going live on the resulting contract.

#62 PROP 65 (Pricebook Final.xls, Category worksheets, Column AB), Please confirm that a "yes" response indicates the product line does NOT have a Prop 65 warning, and a "no" response indicates the product line HAS a Prop 65 warning.

Confirmed a response of yes would indicate that it does NOT have a Prop 65 warning

#63 VINYL-FREE (Pricebook Final.xls, Category worksheets, Column AC), Certain products (e.g., seating) are available with a vinyl seat and back. How should quoters answer "Free of Vinyl?" if vinyl is an option?

Answer yes and the excel comment function to provide necessary distinction and or information can be used.

#64 ANTIMICROBIALS (Pricebook Final.xls, Category worksheets, Column AD), Please provide context to correctly answering "Free from Antimicrobials" since typically antimicrobials are not used in a manufacturing process.

During the manufacturing process, especially since the start of the pandemic, some manufacturers have been applying antimicrobial chemicals to surfaces and or products, and those chemicals are what are being referred to

#65 FSC CERTIFICATION (Pricebook Final.xls, Category worksheets, Column AF), FSC certification only applies to products with wood/veneers. Please confirm quoters will not receive a evaluation-point penalty for product lines that do not feature wood/veneers.

Confirmed, Bidders will not receive a evaluation-point penalty for product lines that do not feature wood/veneers

#66 Pricebook, May quoters propose the same product line for more than one Category? For example, an ergonomic task chair appears to be relevant for Category 2 - Seating, Category 6 - High Education "Seating", and Category 7 - Healthcare "Seating".

Yes, Bidders may propose the same product line for more than one category.

#67 General, "Is it possible to provide dollar-values for product/services that were delivered against SWC#

OFF38 for the following islands so quoters can provide accurate pricing for remote locations: ?Martha's Vineyard ?Naushon Island ?Nantucket ?New Shoreham/Block Island ?Nashawena Island ?Nonamesset Island ?Tackernuck Island" The best way to access this information would be through a Public Records Request for the VRM reports submitted for OFF38. With this info you could analyze all sales and filter down to the entities and or locations of interest to determine pricing share for products or services delivered to these locales.

#68 TRAINING (RFR PDF, pg 20, #4.4), Please confirm Training may be charged as an additional fee.

All costs should be taken into consideration within the discount structure, including the cost of product assembly not to be confused with installation.

#69 TIERED DISCOUNTS (RFR PDF, pg 23, #4.10), Please confirm tiered discounts will be applied per each project rather than ongoing totals for the OFF52 Contract.

Yes the discount would be applied per project. Vendors should work with buyers to determine what each total project entails and if it requires different phases.

#70 PREVAILING WAGE (RFR PDF, pg 24, #4.10.1.2), Please confirm the ordering agency/organization will confirm if Prevailing Wage is required for each project.

Awarded vendors are responsible for paying prevailing wage rates when required by a project, please refer to mass.gov prevailing wage program website for more information. Awarded vendors can obtain current prevailing wage sheets from the purchasing entity.

#71 PRICING (RFR, PDF pg 24, #4.10.3), Where specifically are quoters required to provide "pricing" on the

Bidder Response Form? It appears only discounting is required within quoters' submittal package.

Pricing is based on discount on MSRP. Section 1.1 Summary Description of Procurement states The OFF52 SWC will be utilizing tiered discounts based on a spend and applied to the most current manufacturer annual catalog.

Section 4.10 Compensation Structure Pricing. As stated, each tier will have a discount in the form of percentage off of the most current manufacturers list price found on the manufacturers website, most current catalog or a designated location by the bidder. If the manufacturers list pricing is not available on the manufacturers website or bidders designated location, the bidder must submit an electronic price book to OSD for buyers to reference while using the contract.

#72 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (RFR, PDF pg 25, #5.2), Please confirm quoters may provide data on the

OFF52 SDP Plan Form for "meaningful financial commitments" they have made to "non-profit organizations" if they do not have any diverse suppliers?

Meaningful financial commitments do not qualify toward SDP commitment or spending. The 2 options for SDP are, subcontracting, related to the contract or Ancillary, not contract related but impacts business operations, for example, payroll, landscaping, taxes, paper, ink, etc.

Only a certified nonprofit organization can be an SDP partner providing either subcontracting or ancillary services. Financial contributions are not eligible.

#73 MANUFACTURING LINES (RFR, PDF pg 28, #6.1.1), Please confirm "three manufacturing lines" means one manufacturer must have three product lines per Category rather than three different manufacturers per Category.

Bidders must offer a catalog with a minimum of three manufacturing lines that they are able to market, sell and deliver to eligible buyers. For bidders who are manufacturers unable to meet the minimum of three manufacturing lines, they will need to work with eligible bidders and/or dealers to be listed in their bid. For clarification a definition has been added to the RFR section 4.1, for the purpose of this RFR a manufacturing line will be defined as - An individual product or group of related products all produced and branded under the name of a single company, for the purpose of this contract are all considered one manufacturing line

#74 General, Please confirm quoters are not required to submit product literature or sustainability certificates

Correct, please refer to the RFR for required documentation as well as the list provided on the Bidders Response Form.

#75 General, Post-award, how will entities/organizations determine which products they want to purchase off the Contract?

A sortable master discount list will be compiled and provided to Eligible Entities utilizing the direct information you provide in the Bidders Response Form.

#76 General, How will OSD promote the Contract to applicable entities/organizations?

OSD utilizes different publications such as Buy The Way, through the Local Government Enablement office and via social media. Please review OSD trainings that help awarded vendors to better market their goods and services to Eligible Entities. Please refer to RFR Section 1.3.7 Contractors will be responsible for marketing their goods and/or services to Commonwealth Agencies and other eligible entities.

#77 ELIGIBLE ENTITIES (RFR, PDF pg 10, #1.3.7), Is Contract use mandatory for the Entities listed in #1.3.7?

Statewide contracts for goods and services are required for use by executive department in Massachusetts and are available for use by all of the Commonwealths constitutional offices, public authorities, commissions and cities and towns.

#78 OFF38 ENTITIES (RFR, PDF pg 10, #1.3.7), OFF38 ENTITIES (RFR, PDF pg 10, #1.3.7): Post-award, will OSD provide a list of the entities that purchased off OFF38 so Contract Holders can market their products to the entities that used the previous Contract and/or identify the entities that did not use the Contract?

OSD will not provide a list of purchasing entities to newly awarded vendors. Please See RFR section for the list of Eligible Entity types. Additionally interested parties may request public records related to OFF38 by doing the following (go to public records website and pull link so they can determine what they need)

#79 General, Are manufacturers required to list all of their authorized dealers? If so, where should this information be listed?

Bidders are not required to supply a list of authorized dealers. Please review RFR sections 1.1 Summary Description of Procurement, section 4 Commodity Specifications, section 4.2 Service Specifications, section 4.3 Installation Services as well as section 9.1.3.9 Subcontracting Policies for a more full scope of what the bid entails.

#80 Labor, We understand that installation quotes and costs are not applicable for items such as seating, files, or other drop-in products. However, could we confirm that installation quotes and costs are indeed anticipated for more labor-intensive items, including workstations, office setups, conferencing equipment, and similar products?

Please note there is a distinction between delivery and labor, you can find the delivery terms in Section 4.1.14 .

Please refer to RFR section 4.3 Bidders provide installation, deinstallation and re-installation services.

Installation, deinstallation and re-installation labor may only be charged while vendor is working on site or offsite when preapproved and agreed upon by both the bidder and the purchasing entity. Bidders must survey the location to ensure it meets installation/re-installation criteria. If installation criteria is not met, the bidder & ordering eligible entity will modify product to meet the criteria. If installation is not possible, the bidder cancels the order.

#81 List Price Increases, In the event of any increase or decrease in a manufacturer's list price, can you confirm the expectation is to provide written notice at least three months prior to the change in order for it to be recognized and effectively incorporated into the contract?

Section 4.10.3 Discounts will be applied to the most current manufacturer’s annual catalogue. The intent is that the prices and their subsequent discounts would be in line with the current manufacturers annual catalogue.

Section 4.10 Compensation Structure Pricing. As stated, each tier will have a discount in the form of percentage off of the most current manufacturers list price found on the manufacturer’s website, most current catalog or a designated location by the bidder. If the manufacturers list pricing is not available on the manufacturers website or bidders designated location, the bidder must submit an electronic price book to OSD for buyers to reference while using the contract.