Attachment_B_Questions_and_Answers_Amendment__3_08.27.14.docx.pdf

General Services Administration Integrated Workplace Acquisition Center

20 North 8th Street 10th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19107 www.gsa.gov

TOTAL WORKPLACE FURNITURE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (FIT)

ATTACHMENT B QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS DOCUMENT#3 08.27.14

1. According to the SBA Web site, the Non-manufacturer Rule is stated as follows: The Small Business Act and SBA's regulations impose performance requirements (limitations on subcontracting) on firms that are awarded set-aside contracts.

Regulations:

· 15 USC §§ 637(a)(14), 644(o);

· 13 CFR § 125.6;

· Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) §§ 52.219-14, 52.219-27

On a supply contract, a firm must perform at least 50% of the cost of manufacturing the supplies (not including the cost of materials). The NMR is an exception to the performance requirements, and provides that a firm that is not a manufacturer may qualify as a small business on a supply contract set aside for small business if, among other things, it supplies the product of a small business made in the United States. 15 USC § 637(a)(17); 13 CFR § 121.406. We initially interpreted the Small Business Set Aside requirement to mean that we (Metro Office Solutions) is a small business and the contract, if awarded to us, would be to Metro so that the manufacturer we propose to use does not have to be small business also. Are we interpreting that incorrectly? Does the manufacturer of the product also have to be a small business? Any guidance you can provide would be very much appreciated.

Answer: Functional Areas 4 Seating and Functional Area 5 Demountable Walls are set aside for small business, therefore, both the manufacturer and dealer are required to be a small business concern. A waiver to the Non Manufacture Rule was not obtained.

2. Will awards be made exclusively to domestic suppliers?

Answer: Awards will be made in accordance with the Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act, as applicable.

3. Considering the extent and involvement of responding to a single IDIQ – let alone multiple IDIQs – can GSA provide an estimated turnaround time for when questions will be answered? Once answered, can GSA provide all bidders at least two full business weeks to then respond even if this extends the bid’s original due date.

http://www.gsa.gov/

Answer: Responses to all questions received will be posted via Amendment to the solicitation package in FedBizOpps and ITSS accordingly. An extension to the Request for Proposal (RFP) due date is not anticipated at this time.

4. Can you please clarify that “open market” items are acceptable in order to meet technical requirements.

Answer: This procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, therefore, open market items do not exist.

5. Considering GSA is possibly permitting “open market” items, the requirement to provide the GSA catalog name and page number on the Bill of Materials should be irrelevant. Please consider removal of this requirement, as it is also burdensome to bidders, as we have to manually enter this information. If the Bill of Materials with the catalog name and page number is still required, please clarify how GSA would like for bidders to address open market items in their Bill of Materials, respective of the catalog name and page number, since these items would not necessarily match up with a catalog name and page number?

Answer: The evaluation criteria for Factor 1 Technical Compliance has been updated in Attachment A Request for Proposal (RFP).

6. Please confirm that if a bidder intends on submitting responses to all functional areas that a separate proposal for each functional area is required? Or would a single proposal (with pricing and all other required information included) be acceptable?

Answer: A proposal that addresses the evaluation criteria for each Functional Area is required.

7. Will GSA evaluate each IDIQ Functional Area separately? Or will a bidder who responds to multiple IDIQs be evaluated more favorably? The most cost advantageous solution to the Government would be to try to minimize the number of IDIQ vendors providing a solution based on the limitations of manufacturers versus the broad breadth of a furniture dealer who can dedicate a single point of contact for streamlined organizational management and offer multiple manufacturer solutions that best meet the technical requirements.

Answer: Yes, each Functional Area will be evaluated separately, with separate awards being made via ITSS. Preference will not be given to offerors who propose under multiple Functional Areas.

8. It is our understanding that this IDIQ is open to all Executive and Legislative areas of the federal government. Outside of the Department of Commerce project mentioned, can GSA provide a list of other potential projects that will fall under the IDIQ for

FY2015?

Answer: At this time the Government does not have a list of potential projects that will fall under the IDIQ’s for FY15. The use of this type of contract is necessary since the exact times and/or exact quantities of future deliveries will not be known at time of contract award.

9. Does GSA have a qualification process or standards in place to determine which projects are eligible to fall under the IDIQ? For example, is there is a certain size (i.e.

# of persons, real square footage, etc.); complexity of project (i.e. workstations, offices, seating, conference, etc.); or dollar volume that GSA has mandated for usage of the IDIQ?

Answer: GSA does have a qualification process in place for the Total Workplace Furniture and Information Technology (FIT) Program. The basic qualification to be considered for the FIT Program is a right-sizing of the agency’s footprint, however, there is no size, complexity, or dollar volume mandate established for usage.

10. Will any government project (from a single workstation to one that just has a few dozen chairs) be eligible to fall under the IDIQ?

Answer: The Total Workplace FIT Program is a program whereby GSA owns and leases furniture to agencies. Not all Government projects will be part of the Total Workplace Furniture and Information Technology (FIT) Program. It is expected that GSA will also procure furniture for agencies utilizing other procurement vehicles. There is no mandate regarding the size of a project that can be accepted under the FIT Program.

11. Will any government project – no matter its scope or size – across the country be eligible to fall under the IDIQ?

Answer: The Total Workplace FIT Program is a program whereby GSA owns and leases furniture to agencies. Not all Government projects will be part of the Total Workplace Furniture and Information Technology (FIT) Program. It is expected that GSA will also procure furniture for agencies utilizing other procurement vehicles. There is no mandate regarding the size of a project that can be accepted under the FIT Program.

12. Will each project that falls under the IDIQ have to have each of the functional areas identified, e.g. each project will have systems furniture, seating, conference tables, high density filing, and demountable walls? Or will some projects just feature one or only a few of the functional areas?

Answer: Each project will have a unique set of requirements that may or may not include furniture components from all Functional Areas.

13. In the instance that GSA awards multiple bidders to Functional Area 1, how will GSA handle bidding out each project to the awardees of Functional Area 1 for each IDIQ project? What will be the evaluation criteria for those bids considering the pre-determined pricing, discounting, and product selection, etc., a bidder’s technical capabilities, past performance, etc. will have already been pre-determined and deemed acceptable by GSA. In such an instance, wouldn’t each bid then just be awarded to the lowest priced submitter? Or will other criteria play a role?

Answer: The criteria for each project will be based upon each individual requirement and the associated circumstances. This can be price and non price related factors.

14. Considering the Department of Commerce project is the first order under the IDIQ, will the product that is currently installed as a result of Phases 1, 2, and 3 affect the awards of the IDIQs? I.e. will the Department of Commerce have a preference to ensure that the furniture proposed under the IDIQ matches its existing furniture?

Answer: Phases 1 and Phase 2 of the Department of Commerce project did not include installation of furniture. Therefore, matching existing furniture is not a requirement.

15. The IDIQ and Dept of Commerce project pricing only asks for design, project management, and installation pricing per workstation and private office typicals;

however, labor pricing is not accounted for ancillary/storage, such as the accessories, lateral files, etc. within workstations and pricing offices. Considering typicals are provided that do not account for these other items, how are bidders to account for labor pricing for all other parts, pieces, and components and the workstations/private offices, including lateral files, storage, etc.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 2.0 General Conditions #8 and #9. Further, labor for open area storage is addressed separately on Attachment #6 DOC Price Form.

16. The representations and certifications provided in the RFQ identify the Buy America Act as compliant for this IDIQ. Will GSA provide a waiver or exception of the Buy America Act apply to allow for manufactured product from NAFTA-trading partners with the United States?

Answer: Awards will be made in accordance with the Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act, as applicable.

17. Is having a GSA schedule a requirement in providing a response? If not, will Authorization Letters be issued to allow access to manufacturers’ GSA schedules so GSA pricing can be obtained?

Answer: No, having a GSA Schedule is not required to provide response. This procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, procedures under FAR Part 8 do not apply. Authorization Letters are not required.

18. Is teaming allowed within each Functional Area?

Answer: Teaming is a definition specific to GSA Schedules, which will not be used for this procurement. The proposal may include subcontracting in order to meet the requirements identified in the solicitation for each functional area.

19. Under GSA’s SQSA-JB-100001-B Refresh # 8 Package Office responders must meet various scenarios for each order. The furniture needed to meet this requirement must be incorporated in orders that span across the Functional Areas requested for this solicitation. How would you suggest these requirements be met under a Package Office response?

Answer: This procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, therefore, the Packaged Office SIN does not apply. The solicitation number SQSA-JB-100001-B Refresh #8 is not applicable to the FIT IDIQ (Solicitation R03FITIDIQ072014). The Government cannot advise an offeror how to propose.

20. Is it GSA’s intention to utilize this contract moving forward for all agency requests to GSA? Or will GSA, at its customers’ discretion, still procure furniture outside this

IDIQ?

Answer: This IDIQ is in support of the Total Workplace Furniture and Information Technology (FIT) Program. It is GSA’s intention to utilize this vehicle when leasing furniture to agencies. However, there may be instances where procurement vehicles outside of the IDIQ’s will be utilized.

21. How will this IDIQ affect other Government-awarded IDIQs or BPAs, such as for HHS, the Air Force, the Navy, Army Corp of Engineers, etc.?

Answer: The Total Workplace Furniture and Information Technology (FIT) Program is a separate GSA initiative and does not affect other Government awarded contracts.

22. Please clarify that GSA is not requesting that pricing be held throughout the duration of the contract plus all exercised option years; that GSA-approved price increases and discounting changes will apply.

Answer: The IDIQ allows for a firm fixed price base year with the inclusion of escalation for each option year. This pricing proposed, inclusive of escalation will be fixed for the life of the IDIQ. Further, this procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, therefore, the policies and procedures in accordance with FAR Part 8 do not apply.

23. What are the general requirements for the workstations panels? Industry standard is for panel thickness to not exceed 3”.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, Workstation Typicals, WK-1 through WK-5; HS-1.

24. Concerning the overhead storage, is the intent to mount the storage on the 54” high panels in a standard application or up-mount application?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, Workstation Typicals, WK-1 through WK-5; HS-1. Additionally, please refer to the General Notes section on the workstation typicals (WK-1 through WK-5; HS-

1) for further information.

25. Mid-grade fabric on screens is requested. This is always complicated, as one manufacturer’s mid-grade fabric option is not necessarily equivalent to another manufacturer’s. Some manufacturers have 6 grades of fabric while others have 3.

This is not a true apples-to-apples comparison. We respectfully ask that fabric grades be revised to lowest grade in order to ensure a true comparison between all bidders’ quotes.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, B.

Benching Workstation, #3 Privacy Options.

26. The RFQ states, “Electric and data shall be provided in the beltline for all panels except end panels, behind towers and/or lateral files.” However, under the workstation typicals, it notes, “Each workstation shall have 1 isolated, color coded circuit, 1 non- isolated circuit, and 1 tele/data outlet at worksurface height.” Please clarify as this appears to be contradictory.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, A.

Workstation, #1. Electrical and Cable Management a). Offeror to propose as required with beltline power, this location is at worksurface height.

27. Please clarify the beltline electrical location for panels. Typical drawings with panels don’t indicate power locations.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, A.

Workstation, #1. Electrical and Cable Management a). Offeror to propose as required with beltline power, this location is at worksurface height.

28. Regarding pricing for installation and project management, GSA is asking for a firm-fixed price per typical or hourly rate for each functional area; however, areas that GSA does not address that will affect installation and project management pricing include: accelerated deliveries, building access, permits, security, storage, among many factors, all of which are not possible to understand without a specific scope or an exact building location. For instance, will the buildings have loading docks? Will they have freight elevator? What assurance is in place to ensure we don't have to offload after hours, which is more expensive? How will GSA address these conditions and pricing for installation and project management under these various conditions?

Answer: Specific building/project requirements will be addressed at the delivery order level.

29. How will GSA address pricing for storage? For example, how would GSA handle storage fees that exceed 30 days?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 3.0 Project Conditions #4.

30. Regarding Functional Area #5, what ceiling height should be priced at? Ceiling height varies between 7’ – 10’. Please recommend standard height for pricing purposes.

Answer: Refer to Attachment #5 FA5, Functional Area 5 Price Form, for ceiling height.

31. Regarding Functional Area #5, what door widths should be used for pricing purposes? Door widths range from 38”-44” for single doors, and 74-1/8” – 86-1/8” for double doors. Can you please recommend a standard width for pricing purposes.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, V. Functional Area (5) Demountable Walls, B.

Frames/Partitions/Doors #15 and #16. The Government cannot advise how to propose.

32. Regarding Functional Area #5, how many receptacles and data ports per office and at what locations?

Furniture Requirements, V. Functional Area (5) Demountable Walls. Specific requirements for each agency will be addressed at the delivery order level.

33. Regarding Functional Area #5, at what height is furniture going to be hanging from the wall? Marker board begins at 30” AFF; is this the control line for all other horizontal reveals for furniture purposes?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, V. Functional Area (5) Demountable Walls. Specific requirements for each agency will be addressed at the delivery order level.

34. Regarding Functional Area #5, how is installation to be priced? Is it at an hourly rate based on Washington, DC GSA rates? Same for Project Management?

Answer: Refer to Attachment A Request for Proposal, Volume II Price Quote.

Also, please refer to Attachment #5 FA5, Functional Area 5 Price Form.

35. Functional areas 4 and 5 are listed as “Small Business Set Aside”-Will a small business organization be able to respond as the prime contractor while using a large business manufacturer as a sub on the contract?

Answer: Functional Areas 4 Seating and Functional Area 5 Demountable Walls are set aside for small business, whereby the Non Manufacture Rule applies.

36. Adjustable Height Worksurfaces are mentioned-Are the Adjustable Height Worksurfaces to be Crank Adjustment, Electric Adjustment or Pneumatic Adjustment ?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, D.

Adjustable Height Work Surface #1.

37. High Density-2a/b – Show sizes for slotted and un-slotted shelves – all letter 6. – States that system should accommodate both letter and legal-The two seem to contradict each other. Which is correct?

Answer: Refer Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, #2 Shelves. The SOW has been updated.

38. The unit shall accept adders to the right and to the left: Correct, but what if the room will not allow?

Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary

Filing and Industrial Shelving. Specific requirements for each agency will be addressed at the delivery order level.

39. Carriage System states that the carriage “should be able to support 1,000 pounds per carriage. Do you mean per “carriage foot?”

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, #11 Carriage System d).

The SOW has been updated.

40. The typical on page 24 states a unit height of 86” which coincides with shelving height listed on page 21. Are we to assume that the overall system height is 86” which would include the height of the floor and the carriage?

Answer: No, the approximate height dimensions listed on Typical HD-1 include only the HD filing unit. Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving.

41. Shelving shall have a clean appearance without holes on exposed surface. Are holes on uprights acceptable? Are we to utilize 4 post shelving on the high density system?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, Typical HD-1, HD Filing Component List. Government cannot not advise how to propose.

42. High Density Filing Component List: Drawing (plan view) does not show system dimensions. Please provide.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, Typical HD-1. Typical HD- 1 has been updated. Typicals are for representational purposes only.

43. Drawing (plan view) and description/quantity list does not seem to match. Please clarify

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, Typical HD-1. Typical HD-1 has been updated. Typicals are for representational purposes only.

44. Plan view and 3D view do not seem to match. 3D view looks like 4 equal sections per carriage whereas plan view seems to indicate 2 larger sections (assuming 48”W) and 2 smaller sections (assuming 36”W) per carriage. Please clarify.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, Typical HD-1. Typical HD-1 has been updated. Typicals are for representational purposes only.

45. There are no elevation drawings provided which are needed for pricing. Please provide elevation drawings.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3), High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing. Also, please refer to Attachment #3 FA3, Functional Area 3 Price Form, for pricing requirements.

46. Rotary Files: There are no typicals provided which are needed for pricing. Please provide typical drawings.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, B. Rotary Filing. Typicals will not be provided.

Also, please refer to Attachment #3 FA3, Functional Area 3 Price Form, for pricing requirements.

47. If not typical, should all units be priced as starter units?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, B. Rotary Filing. Typicals will not be provided.

Also, please refer to Attachment #3 FA3, Functional Area 3 Price Form, for pricing requirements.

48. Are units to be equipped (and priced) with shelves only or with drawers as well? If drawers, how high would the drawers go per unit?

Answer: Refer to Section III, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, B. Rotary Filing, #7 Drawers. Also, please refer to Attachment #3 FA3, Functional Area 3 Price Form, for pricing requirements.

Both the SOW and Price Form have been updated.

49. Shelves shall be constructed of steel and include a center panel.” Please define what is meant by a center panel.

Industrial Shelving, B. Rotary Filing, #6. Shelving a).

50. The pricing page is confusing. Line 6 asks for high density system which we assume is the typical. Is that correct? If so, lines 10-23 and 26-37 ask for breakdowns of uprights and shelves but it does not ask for the rest of the shelving components, i.e.

backstops, centerstops, reinforcements, etc… Is this correct?

Answer: Yes, Line 6 from Attachment #3 FA3, Functional Area 3 Price Form, is referencing Typical HD-1. For lines 10-23 and 26-37, a complete unit price is required. Offeror is permitted to add additional lines to identify individual piece parts that comprise a single unit, if priced separately.

51. Please confirm that the Small Business Set Aside for walls is intended for Small Business Manufacturers vs Small Business Dealerships. DIRTT is a Small Business Manufacturer.

Answer: Functional Area 5 Demountable Walls is a Small Business Set Aside subject to the Non Manufacture Rule.

52. Is the intent to award to a single manufacturer for Demountable Walls portion vs Dealership?

Answer: Functional Area 5 Demountable Walls is a Small Business Set Aside subject to the Non Manufacturer Rule

53. Please provide an estimated % of the $175M budget which is anticipated to be spent on Demountable Walls.

Answer: At this time the Government does not have a list of potential projects that will fall under the IDIQ’s for FY15. However, the estimated dollar value for each functional area for the five (5) year period has been updated in Attachment A Request for Proposal. However, the exact times and/or exact quantities of future deliveries will not be known at time of contract award.

54. Please confirm that all products for this RFP should be currently listed on a GSA Small Business contract.

Answer: This procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, therefore, procedures under FAR Part 8 do not apply.

55. In the electronic response, is it possible to include a video or links in the response?

Answer: Videos or links are not able to be uploaded to the electronic response.

56. Electrification and Data are often needed in all installations, and is mentioned on Section 2, page 31. However, no scope is defined on the typical. Do you want pricing for those products as well and can you provide a scope?

Answer: For IDIQ requirements, refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, A. Workstation, #1. Electrical and Cable Management a). Offeror to propose as required with beltline power, this location is at worksurface height.

Specific requirements for each agency will be addressed at the delivery order level.

57. The GSA .75% IFF fee is mentioned on page 10. Will IFF fees be included on this contract? If so, could you please provide the process.

Answer: This procurement is under FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, therefore the IFF will not be collected. Refer to Attachment A Request for Proposal, Volume II Price Quote.

58. Page 28, #6 mentions plywood must be available in panel substrates. DIRTT does not have plywood as standard product in our walls but does include MDF. And DIRTT can provide all the other surfaces and finishes as well as many more, including but not limited to the finishes on the attachment. DIRTT uses aluminum as our solution to metal for strength and aluminum does not prohibit the use of wireless technology throughout the facility.

Furniture Requirements, V. Functional Area (5) Demountable Walls, B.

Frames/Partitions/Doors #7. The SOW has been updated.

59. Page 31, Performance Requirements 1 and 2 specification calls for a class A flame spread on materials. Class A is not required by IBC or the local jurisdictional codes for business occupancies in buildings with fire suppression systems. Can Class B finishes that meet the IBC code be used?

Furniture Requirements, V. Functional Area (5) Demountable Walls, C.

Performance requirements #1 and #2 for the minimum requirements.

60. Does the Gov’t require a Class A Flamespread that exceeds the international building code? Often we find this specification to be present in boilerplate specifications prior to 2003 – perpetuated by some manufacturers that do not feature MDF / composite wood materials in their system. Below are tables from the IBC which shows the applicable code and denotes finished ratings across building occupancies and construction types.

Furniture Requirements, V. Functional Area (5) Demountable Walls, C.

Performance requirements #1 and #2 for the minimum requirements.

61. How are manufacturer’s price increases handled?

Answer: The IDIQ allows for a firm fixed price base year with the inclusion of escalation for each option year. This pricing proposed, inclusive of escalation will be fixed for the life of the IDIQ. Further, this procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12, therefore, the policies and procedures in accordance with FAR Part 8 do not apply.

62. Can the option of “non-PVC” edging be removed from the specifications? Due to the durability of PVC/Vinyl edging, we recommend that this requirement be removed.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 6.0 Furniture, Finish and Equipment (FF&E) Requirements, #1 Materials: c).

63. It is our understanding that this purchase is not on GSA schedule so all open market items would be allowed. Is that correct?

Answer: This procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, therefore, open market items do not exist.

64. Will you accept high-density proposals that are manual/mechanical assist only, without the electrical option included?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing #3 and #4.

65. The drawing details on page 24 do not correlate with the component listing/ quantity breakdown. Please clarify the sizes, quantity of shelving/carriage components.

Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, Typical HD-1. Typical HD-1 has been updated. Typicals are for representational purposes only.

66. Confirm the number of shelves to be included in the mobile typical. Drawing 3D detail shows bottom shelf, 5 adjustable shelves and canopy top?

has been updated. Typicals are for representational purposes only.

67. Will the single-face fixed shelving against the wall require full-height back panels?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, #13 Shelving e). The SOW has been updated.

68. Will you accept all-steel painted end panels, with options for magnetic decorative end panels available in laminate, fabrics or veneer options?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, #13 Shelving.

69. Functional Area 3 includes three items of storage - high density, rotary, and industrial shelving. We assume it is acceptable to supply pricing only on those items which we manufacture. Please confirm.

Answer: All components within each functional area are required to be proposed. Missing or incomplete offers will not be considered for award.

70. Please confirm if a separate pricing page is required for the base year as well as one for each of the optional years two through five.

Answer: The pricing forms associated with each Functional Area (Attachment #1 FA1, Attachment #2 FA2, Attachment #3 FA3, Attachment #4 FA4 and Attachment #5 FA5) have a tab for base year pricing as well as a separate tab for each Option Year.

71. SOW, Page 21, A.1.a.5 and 6 and also A.1.b.5 and 6 – 4-post uprights are not available in 48” depth. Letter size is 12” single face and 24” double face. Legal is 15” single face and 30” double face. 36” is also available. Please advise.

Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, #2. Shelves a). Dimensions provided are for the shelf width. The SOW has been updated.

72. SOW, Page 21, A.2.a – Shelves (SH-1 through SH 12) are noted as 18 gauge. SOW, Page 23, A. 12. d-g, Shelving – does not specify a shelf gauge. Typical 4-post shelving for standard use applications utilizes 22 gauge shelves. Please confirm the requirement for quoting purposes.

Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, #2. Shelves a).

73. Drawing HD-1- Please confirm for quotation purposes that electric carriages are required.

Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3), High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, Typical HD-1, General Notes #1.

74. Drawing HD-1- Please confirm that the drawing shows four double face moveable carriages and two single face stationary platforms. Please confirm length of carriages and stationary units.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, Typical HD-1. Typical HD-1 has been updated. Typicals are for representational purposes only.

75. Drawing HD-1- Quantities in the “HD Filing Component List” appear to be incorrect

– assuming quantities should reflect number of shelving sections, matched to carriage and platform length. Please confirm quantities.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving, A. High Density Filing, Typical HD-1. Typical HD-1 has been updated. Typicals are for representational purposes only.

76. Drawing HD-1- Please confirm six shelf openings plus a canopy top, are required for quotation purposes.

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, III. Functional Area (3) High Density Filing, Rotary has been updated. Typicals are for representational purposes only.

77. Pricing Page – Functional Area 3: Code HD-1 High Density Filing – Please confirm that “Unit Price Inclusive of Proposed Discount” is net pricing for high density shelving per drawing HD-1 inclusive of mobile system, shelving, freight, install, etc...

after final BPA applied discount.

Answer: For HD-1, the unit price inclusive of proposed discount column should reflect the unit price for the complete system (all piece parts) inclusive of the proposed IDIQ discount. Further, please refer to Section III, Statement of Work (SOW), 2.0 General Conditions #5, all pricing shall be FOB Destination.

78. Pricing Page – Functional Area 3: Proposed discount is additional discount above GSA discount? Please confirm.

Answer: The proposed discount column reflects the discount proposed. The GSA discount column reflects the GSA contract discount. If the offeror does not hold a GSA Schedule contract, please refer to Attachment A Request for Proposal (RFP), Volume II Price Quote.

79. Pricing Page – Functional Area 3: CUL and OU appear to be unit prices per single upright. There is a column for electrically and manually operated. This would not pertain to unit pricing for the upright components. Should the electrically operated and manually operated columns be moved and used for the HD-1? Please clarify.

Answer: Refer to Attachment #3 FA3, Functional Area 3 Price Form, which has two columns one for unit price (electrically operated) inclusive of proposed discount and one for unit price (manually operated) inclusive of proposed discount.

80. Pricing Page – Functional Area 3: Please confirm if unit prices for uprights and shelves are materials only or are inclusive of freight, install, etc…. after final BPA discount is applied.

Answer: Please refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW),

2.0 General Conditions #5, all pricing shall be FOB Destination.

81. If there are multiple awardees, will GSA require multiple quotes on FIT projects from those vendors or will they all award based on this pre-qualification process?

Answer: The Government intends to make multiple awards under Functional Area 1 Workplace Furniture. After award, fair opportunity will be provided to all awardees for individual projects over the micro purchase threshold, requiring Workplace Furniture. The evaluation criteria for each project will be based upon each individual requirement and the associated circumstances. This can be price and non price related factors.

82. Will this contract be mandatory for the user agencies when accessing FIT related projects, or, as is now, may the client access other GSA schedule offerings?

Answer: This IDIQ is in support of the Total Workplace Furniture and Information Technology (FIT) Program. It is GSA’s intention to utilize this vehicle when leasing furniture to agencies. However, there may be instances where procurement vehicles outside of the IDIQ’s will be utilized.

83. Under the agreement, a minimum order quantity of $2,500.00 is established?

Answer: The minimum that the Government agrees to order during the period of this contract is $2,500.00. If the Contractor receives total orders for less than $2,500.00 during the term of the contract, the Government will pay the difference between the amount ordered and $2,500.00.

84. What percentage of recycled material is required of the systems furniture?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 5.0 Environmental, 1. b).

85. Please clarify the requirement for a single BPA/IDIQ/GSA with multiple delivery orders. Are you requiring that an IDIQ/BPA or GSA contract held by the manufacturer or dealer only have had 5 delivery orders fulfilled for that BPA/IDIQ or GSA contract over a 12 month period?

Answer: In accordance with Attachment A Request for Proposal, Volume I Technical Quote, Factor #3 Past Performance, the number of delivery orders submitted under a single BPA/IDIQ/GSA Schedule Contract example shall not exceed five (5) within the twelve (12) month time period.

86. "…this IDIQ is available to all Executive and Legislative Federal Government Agencies." Does this mean that it is not available to any Judicial Federal Government Agencies? If so, could you please explain why?

Answer: GSA's Total Workplace Furniture and Information Technology (FIT) program is open to all federal operations in GSA controlled space, which includes Judiciary Branches of the Government.

87. Several projects have been identified as GSA/FIT projects including Dept. of Commerce and other agencies. Have these projects been funded?

Answer: The DOC requirement is funded. The DOC requirement is the only firm requirement GSA has to date, however, rapid growth of the FIT Program is anticipated.

88. The FedBizOpps notice lists a NAICS code of "337 -- Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing/337214 -- Office Furniture (except Wood) Manufacturing". Please confirm whether this means that awards can be made to manufacturers only?

Please confirm whether resellers are eligible to submit proposals and receive awards under any functional area of this solicitation?

Answer: For Functional Area 1 Workplace Furniture, Functional Area 2 Tables and Conference Room Furniture and Functional Area 3 High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving award can be made to a manufacturer or a dealer. Functional Area 4 Seating and Functional Area 5 Demountable Walls are set aside for small business, whereby the Non Manufacture Rule applies.

89. "If the product is not available on the Offeror’s current GSA schedule, then the contract price must be equal to or less than the same offering on the Offeror’s current commercial price list." Our industry's standard practice is to have customer (net) price computed using a list price, and subtracting a percentage discount by product line, from list. If the product line in question is available on the Offeror's GSA schedule (but this specific product number is not), then the GSA discount (for the product line) is established, and since you have instructed bidders to use the Offeror's current commercial price list (to determine the net price for the bid), then all factors required to complete the calculation of net price are known. However, what if the product line is not available on the Offeror's GSA schedule? You have instructed bidders to use the Offeror's current commercial list price, but there is no stipulated discount from list to use for that product line. In that situation may the Offeror discount at or better than the Offeror's established Federal Open Market discount percentage for that product line, or at or better than the discount percentage for that product line under another competitively bid and awarded Commercial or State/Local Government contract held by the Offeror?

Answer: The Government cannot advise an offeror how to propose.

90. For Functional Areas 4 and 5, does the small business requirement also apply to manufacturers providing the furniture? EX.We are a woman owned small business, will products we intend to offer for functional areas 4 and 5 have to be manufactured by a small business concern?

Answer: Functional Areas 4 Seating and 5 Demountable Walls are set aside for small business, whereby the Non Manufacture Rule applies.

91. If a GSA approved price increase has been approved for our GSA contract, will we be allowed to submit this pricing on the IDIQ?

Answer: The IDIQ allows for a firm fixed price base year with the inclusion of escalation for each option year. This pricing proposed, inclusive of escalation will be fixed for the life of the IDIQ. Further, this procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, therefore, the policies and procedures in accordance with FAR Part 8 do not apply.

92. Page 31.D.3 –states” Assembled panels shall be UL Classified to comply with NFPA 70 National Electric Code 2012 Edition” all the electrical components we supply are UL Listed and Classified. Are you looking for a panel to be certified UL or its internal components?

Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, A.

Workstation, #1. Electrical and Cable Management a). The internal components of the assembled panels shall be UL Classified.

93. The specifications are very vague. There are extreme ranges of quality, durability and aesthetics on all products, particularly on the wood products. What factors will be used to determine the best value since they are not indicated in the RFQ? How will you determine “equal” products.

Answer: Each proposal will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria identified in Attachment A Request for Proposal (RFP). The Government’s intent is to evaluate the submitted proposals against the criteria set forth in the RFP and make award on Best Value (Tradeoff) basis considering price and other factors

94. Is your preference to have one manufacturer team with other manufacturers to meet the 5 functional areas, or will you be awarding each functional area independently?

Answer: There is no preference, an IDIQ will be awarded for each functional area independent of each other. Teaming is a definition specific to GSA Schedules, which will not be used for this procurement. The proposal may include subcontracting in order to meet the requirements identified in the solicitation for each functional area.

95. Does GSA anticipate awarding Functional Area’s 1, 2, and 3 to a manufacturer or a dealer? If either, is there a preference?

Answer: There is no preference for awarding Functional Area 1 Workplace Furniture, Functional Area 2 Tables and Conference Room Furniture and Functional Area 3 High Density Filing, Rotary Filing and Industrial Shelving to a manufacturer or dealer.

96. It states that “The Government reserves the right to make one award to a responsible small business whose proposal represents the best value to the Government under Functional Area 1.” Is it the Government’s intention to make this award to a small business manufacturer directly or to a small business dealer?

Answer: The Government anticipates making award to the offeror(s) whose proposal represents the best value to the Government for Functional Area 1 Workplace Furniture while reserving the right to make one award to a small business meeting the Government’s requirement.

97. Is there a particular (or minimum) number of awards that the Government is anticipating or intending on making in Functional Area 1? If so, what is the estimated number?

Answer: No, there is not a particular number of awards the Government is anticipating or intending to make for Functional Area 1 Workplace Furniture.

98. Functional Areas 4 and 5 are small business set asides. Does a WOSB carry more weight in the decision process, than a small business? Is there any particular socio‐economic group that will be looked more favorably or given greater weight than any other(s)?

Answer: No, preference will not be given for different socio-economic groups.

99. Does GSA intend to award Functional Areas 4 and 5 to a manufacturer or a dealer?

Answer: Functional Areas 4 Seating and 5 Demountable Walls are set aside for small business, whereby the Non Manufacture Rule applies.

100. The RFP states on page 1 “Functional Area 4 and Functional Area 5 are set aside for Small Business whereby the Non Manufacturer Rule applies” Can you please confirm the small business set aside applies to both manufacturer and dealer?

Answer: Functional Areas 4 Seating and 5 Demountable Walls are set aside for small business, whereby the Non Manufacture Rule applies.

101. Can a dealer respond to Functional Areas 3, 4, and 5 with multiple manufacturers?

Answer: Yes, however, Functional Area 4 Seating and 5 Demountable Walls are Small Business Set Asides, whereby the Non Manufacture Rule applies.

102. Is all product that comprises the solutions , required to be on GSA schedule?

Answer: This procurement is in accordance with FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, therefore, procedures under FAR Part 8 do not apply.

103. The RFP states on page 3 “ Offers are cautioned not to include assumptions, caveats, or exceptions within any part of their submission. Inclusion of assumptions, caveats, or exceptions to the requirement of any kind may result in the proposal no longer being considered.” If we have a deviation in our product, but submit because we believe it is an appropriate solution, how are we to call out this deviation?

Answer: The Government cannot advise how to propose. Offeror shall submit a proposal in accordance with the Government’s requirement.

104. The RFP states on page 3” The technical factors below are listed in descending order of Importance” Those factors are: Technical Compliance, Management Plan, and Past Performance. Can you please identify the weighting of each of these 3 factors?

Answer: Refer to Attachment A Request for Proposal (RFP), Volume I Technical Quote. The Government is not assigning weights to each factor.

105. The RFP states on page 10” Immediately after award of the IDIQ the functional Area 1 awardee, whose proposal meets the technical requirements at the lowest price will be issued a delivery order for the DOC requirement” . Is there a requirement in the RFP that requires solutions for the DOC specifically? Additionally, if there are multiple awards to Functional Area 1 who will receive the delivery order?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, II.

Functional Area (2) Tables and Conference Room Furniture, V. Functional Area

(4) Seating and V. Functional Area (5) Demountable Walls for the Department of Commerce requirement. Additionally, please refer to Attachment A Request for Proposal (RFP), Volume II Price Quote (Pg. 10) regarding how the DOC delivery order will be awarded.

106. Is there any advantage to a dealer responding to multiple functional areas?

Answer: No, there is no advantage to a dealer responding to multiple functional areas. Functional areas will be awarded independently. The Government cannot advise how to propose.

107. Note at the bottom states installation pricing per typical but page 11 of the RFP says that the install for each typical shall include all storage and ancillary components. How do you know what storage and ancillary items go with each typical?

Answer: Storage and Ancillary requirements will be provided at the delivery order level. Please see Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW),

2.0 General Conditions #8 and #9 for installation pricing at the delivery order level. For IDIQ pricing purposes, the hourly rate for the labor category(s) associated with design, project management and installation using Washington, DC labor rates is required.

108. A1a. Electrical -“Electric shall be provided in beltline for all panels except end panels, behind towers and or lateral files” Does each panel need to have power in the base and above the desk with only receptacles in 1 panel? Or do you want the cutouts for Power/data above the desk in all panels and only power them in the one panel that needs the outlets?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, A.

Workstation, #1. Electrical and Cable Management a). Offeror to propose as required with beltline power, this location is at worksurface height.

109. WK-3 Workstation Typical-Can surfaces along 8’ length be 96x24, or would you prefer all pieces be 48” x 24” for reconfiguration purposes?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), 7.0 Furniture Requirements, I. Functional Area (1) Workplace Furniture, A.

Workstation, Typical WK-3. Offeror shall submit a solution that meets the Government’s requirement to equal the 96” width dimension.

110. WK-4 Workstation Typical-3D shows a T Leg, but it is not shown in the furniture component list. Can Privacy screen be clear glass, or does it need to be frosted acrylic?

Answer: Refer to Section III of the solicitation, Statement…