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Illinois Department of Central Management Services JPMC Exam and Disposable Gloves SBSA
21-416CMS-BOSS4-B-22112
Questions and Answers #1 June 3, 2021
| Q1 |
| On lines 18-21 it says 1000 in a box. Is that supposed to be 1000 in a case? |
| A1 |
| According to Contract Section 2.1.2. for lines 17-20; its 1000 gloves/box. |
| Q2 |
| I have a question in reference to A.12 Small Business Set Aside. Could you explain that to me? Do you have to be in that to submit a bid? But I’ve also heard that if you can see a bid you can submit a bid. What’s the basis of that, please? |
| A2 |
| Essentially, according to Section A.12 for Small Business Set Aside (SBSA). In the Bulletin posting, if “Yes” is shown to the question, “Is this subject to Small Business Set Aside Program?” And in this case, it is. Then the bidder must be qualified by Small Business Set Aside (SBSA) Program at the time bids are due in order for the bid to be evaluated. For further information you’re actually going to have to go to the website that’s listed here. |
| Q3 |
| If we are not a part of that we are not able to submit a bid. Correct? |
| A3 |
| You can submit a bid, but it will end up becoming disqualified because you are not registered with the SBSA Program. |
| Q4 |
| How long does it take to apply for that? |
| A4 |
| I’m not certain, but I can access the email address for you and send it to you. For more information email SBSA questions at ecc.smallbusiness@illinois.gov |
| Q5 |
| As far as quantities required for this particular bid, if you should procure the bid will the organization drawn from this quantity over a period until 2026? |
| A5 |
| Essentially, the quantities in the solicitation are an estimate only. They are not to be a guarantee of quantities and that information is in Section A.22.1.9. So once the successful vendor is awarded, they will be expected to supply all requirements for users of the contract(s). We are not certain whether the quantities are higher or lower, whatever the agencies request, the vendor will be expected to supply those requirements. |
| Q6 |
| Could you tell me when you expect to award after close? |
| A6 |
| So, when it comes to the award process, we can’t give a specific date because it’s part of the evaluation process. We have to go through all the bids we have to make sure bids are responsive and responsible. Go through all the documents to make sure everything is submitted correctly. So, it can take anywhere from weeks to months because there’s an approval process internally that it has to go through, and everything has to be signed off on before that Notice of Award is even posted. |
| Q7 |
| How long after that’s awarded are you expected to start shipping? |
| A7 |
| Then from the award process it goes to the purchase order stage. So, we have to create that purchase order in the BidBuy system and make sure all documents are attached. Then there’s another internal process that it must go through in order to be published, approved and executed for order. So, once it gets to the purchase order stage, you may be looking at 4 to 6 weeks to be executed. |
| Q8 |
| Some of our product comes from Asia. So, if I’m awarded November 1st, I can still have up to 60 days before I’m expected to deliver? |
Go to Transportation and Delivery in the Contract. So, after the successful vendor receives his or her Purchase Order for the company and then an actual order is requested from your company; delivery will be expected to be made within 10 days after receipt of order freight on board destination to any location within the State of Illinois.
| Q9 |
| How many direct ship-to locations are there? |
| A9 |
| We don’t have a specific number of direct ship-to locations, but the successful vendor will be expected to deliver within the boundaries of the State of Illinois. |
| Q10 |
| It could cost $4 or so to ship a box to Springfield, for example. I could also be asked to ship a truckload to Springfield which would be far less for cost per freight per box. So, I’d have to make some kind of educated assumption relative to what the cost would be to ship it potentially to any location in Illinois? |
| A10 |
| You do have to come up with an assumed cost for freight and include that with your unit price. |
| Q11 |
| Will we be provided with any past PO trends from these facilities? |
| A11 |
| No, the State has not had a master contract for this commodity since 03/31/2019. |
| Q12 |
| The Contract length is a total of 5 years? |
| A12 |
| Yes, this contract has an initial term of five (5) years commencing upon the last dated signature of the Parties. |
| Q13 |
| The estimated volumes in the bid are for 1 year or over 5 years? |
| A13 |
| Please refer to IFB Section A.22.1.9 Estimated Quantities. |