Q&A1.docx

Question & Answer #1 Uniforms, Customization and Accessories- 03424

This document is posted to capture the questions received during the question & answer period for 03424, Uniforms, Customization and Accessories. This document is the official response to the questions received.

No questions or responses included in this document require any change to the solicitation document, this document stands alone.

Any additional questions regarding this solicitation must be directed to the Procurement Coordinator listed below.

April Cole DESContractsTeamFir@des.wa.gov

No

2.

If you’re a Main Awardee, can a Reserved operate in our Awarded area?

Yes, a Reserved Awardee can operate within a Main Awardee’s awarded area. However, there are key distinctions in coverage and how customers make purchasing decisions:

· Main Awards cover the entire state for Washington (WA) and Oregon (OR).

· Reserved Awards operate on a regional basis within Washington State only.

Ultimately, customers have the flexibility to choose products or services based on their specific needs and the business offerings available, whether from a Main Award or a Reserved Award.

No

3.

On Exhibit A-1 Bidder Certification, If you select Main Award, do you also have to select Oregon?

No, selecting the Main Award automatically includes the State of Oregon. There is no need to select Oregon separately, as the Main Award covers both Washington (WA) and Oregon (OR) in its entirety.

4.

On Exhibit B-2 Specification/Standard of Quality - The solicitation documents listed NFPA for shirts, but not all shirts listed are FR shirts so not all shirts would have NFPA specs. (demonstrated in prebid meeting) Please read the introduction and instructions on Exhibit C, Bid Price.

If bidding on the Standard of Quality (SOQ) listed in Exhibit C, Bid Price, you will not need Exhibit B-2, Specification/ Standard of Quality.

For Alternative to SOQ listed on Exhibit C, Bid Price: Exhibit B-2 provides the general requirements for each category, focusing on safety, functionality, durability, and professional appearance. To be responsive, Bidders must provide a clear and detailed description of their offering in Column F of Exhibit C, Bid Price. An equivalent alternative claim must include all specified features as a minimum to demonstrate equal or superior quality to the Standard of Quality (SOQ).

Bidders may also verify SOQ alternative item details by referring to the manufacturer’s website for the SOQ items, using Column C and Column D of Exhibit C, Bid Price.

5.

If a question is submitted in the next couple days, will they held until Q&A is published, can we expect answers piecemeal?

We will provide as many answers as possible in groups, ensuring you receive information without unnecessary delays.

6.

Services & Customization, Exhibit C Bid Price, What happens if you leave sections blank on the bid submittal?

Services & Customization category is worth up to 100 points. You will only receive points for the line items you bid on. Each item is worth 1 - 4 points.

7.

On Exhibit C, are you only bidding on the tabs containing items we sell?

Please read the introduction and instructions on Exhibit C, Bid Price.

To be responsive for Exhibit C, Bid Price, you must bid on ALL uniform categories (tabs):

Section 1, Required Items and manufacturers You must submit bids for all categories (tabs) and every line item within this section.

Section 2, Percentage off Essential Manufacturers /Distributors Provide the percentage off catalog for as many manufacturers listed as possible.

In the Services & Customization sections (1 and 2) you are encouraged to bid on all items you can offer. You will only receive evaluation points for the specific line items you bid on.

Additional Manufactures tab is Optional.

Can you talk about scope changes from the expiring contract?

The scope of the contract remains largely unchanged, with the exception of a minor addition: a specific holster has been included in the offerings. This adjustment does not significantly alter the overall scope or requirements.

If your firm provides brick and mortar stores, does that get you points anywhere?

No points for brick and mortar. This contract primarily utilizes shipping.

(Rev5/8/2023)

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