Questions and Answers~6.docx

Question 1: Please explain the difference between Vinyl Exam Line Items 1-4 and 22-25 as the descriptions are identical except for the Unit of Measure (Case vs Box), yet listed separately.

Answer: The only difference between Line Items 1-4 and 22-25 is that Line Items 1-4 will be purchased in “CASE” quantities (CASE=10 boxes of 100 per box) and Line Items 22-25 will be purchased in “EACH” quantities (EACH=box of 100).

Question 2: Please explain the difference between Nitrile Exam Line Items 5-8 and 17-20 as the descriptions are identical except for the Unit of Measure (Case vs Box), yet listed separately.

Answer: The only difference between Line Items 5-8 and 17-20 is that Line Items 5-8 will be purchased in “EACH” quantities (EACH=box of 100) and Line Items 17-20 will be purchased in CASE quantities (CASE=10 boxes of 100 per box).

Question 3: Please explain the difference between Latex Exam Line Items 13-16 and 26-29 as the descriptions are identical except for the Unit of Measure (Case vs Box), yet listed separately.

Answer: The only difference between Line Items 13-16 and 26-29 is that Line Items 13-16 will be purchased in “EACH” quantities (EACH=box of 100) and Line Items 26-29 will be purchased in CASE quantities (CASE=10 boxes of 100 per box).

Question 4: Since Bid # 19-416CMS-BOSS4-B-8241 requires vendors to quote per case and box for the aforementioned glove types, please confirm the State intends to purchase by-the-box as well as by-the-case.

Answer: Gloves will be purchased by the box as well as by the case as indicated on individual line items.

Question 5: According to Attachment A, the State intends to purchase 3,737 cases of Nitrile 4-5 mil Exam Gloves annually (Line Items 17-20) and an additional 1,854 boxes of the same product (Line Items 5-8). Section 1.5.2. reads, “The minimum order required for FOB Destination will be $100 to a single location. Orders less than $100 will be shipped FOB Destination, with freight prepaid, and the additional freight cost will be added as a separate line item to the invoice.” Therefore, please verify the State issued numerous by-the-box purchase orders under the previous contract and bidders must be prepared for the same if awarded the next long-term agreement.

Answer: As outlined in the IFB document, the quantities listed on individual line items are estimated usages for the initial term of the contract. Quantities ordered will be by unit of measure indicated on the individual line item.

Question 6: Please confirm the “4-5 MIL” listed for Nitrile Exam Line Items 5-8 and 17-20 represents the minimum acceptable finger thickness.

Answer: There are no specifications required for glove color on any line item.

Question 8: Please verify the State does not require a minimum mil thickness for Line Items 1-4, 22-25, and 21.

Answer: There are no specifications required for MIL thickness for Line Items 1-4 and 21-25.

Question 9: There have been significant advances in the disposable glove industry since the previous Illinois State procurement. Several 4-5 mil Nitrile Gloves, like line items 5-8 and 17-20, are no longer packaged 100/ box by industry leaders. “200 Per Box” Environmentally Responsible Packaging reduces the energy needed to produce and transport the product and result in less waste for the customer to dispose of, all of which helps to control costs and reduce landfill waste. Not only is this recyclable packaging option good for the environment, it also results in reduced waste, more efficient storage, less restocking, and better pricing for the State. We are committed to ensuring a healthy workplace and preserving our environment in partnership with our customers, suppliers, and employees. Therefore, please verify Eco-Friendly “200 per box” Packaging is acceptable, and we will include the correct computations to avoid any difficulties for the State.

Answer: Bidders are allowed to quote “Alternate Descriptions” for consideration. However, bidders that submit quotes that meet the specifications of the line item, will have preference.

Question 10: Page 12 references the Illinois State Prompt Payment Act (30 ILCS 540 et seq.) and reads, “this shall be Vendor’s sole remedy for late payments by the State. Payment terms contained in Vendor’s invoices shall have no force or effect.” Upon review of the Prompt Payment Act, it states, “if a payment is not made to a vendor within 90 days of receipt of a proper invoice, an interest penalty of 1% of any unpaid amount will accrue for each month or, on a prorated basis, each fraction thereof that such payment is delayed after such 90-day period.” Please clearly specify the payment terms since the information above implies NET 90 is to be expected.

Answer: All correspondence relating to payment of invoices must be directed to the agency receiving the merchandise.

Question 11: Please confirm all vendor questions will be answered and posted via an addendum.

Answer: This question and answer document is being posted via bid amendment.