Request for Information Mattress Padding.doc

Request for Information

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Department of Corrections Procurement

Mattress Padding, MSI

Request For Information

This Request for Information (RFI) seeks to obtain information on mattress padding specifications This information gathered is intended to assist the State of Michigan to better understand (a) types of mattress padding, (b) various testing methods (d) industry best practices, Anticipated Timeline Issue Date

April 17, 2019 Deadline to Submit Questions

3:00 p.m. EDT

April 23, 2019 Anticipated Date State will Post Answers to Questions

April 24, 2019 Deadline to Submit Response 3:00 p.m. EDT May 1, 2019 Follow up to responses, if necessary

May 8, 2019 The information in this document is subject to change. Check www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS for the current information.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE STATE. The sole point of contact concerning this Request for Information (RFI) is:

Cathy Carr, Buyer CarrC@michigan.gov 517-241-2192

2. QUESTIONS. Questions concerning the RFI must be emailed to CarrC@michigan.gov no later than the time and date specified on the cover page of this document. Answers to questions will be posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS.

Questions should be submitted using the following format:

3. RESERVED.

4. DELIVERY OF RESPONSE. Vendors should provide an informational response on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS no later than the date and time located on the cover page of this document. All documents should be created using tools that are compatible with the Microsoft Office Suite 97 standard desktop tools, without need for conversion. System prompts for pricing attachments and information can be disregarded.

Questions on how to submit information or how to navigate in the SIGMA system can be answered by calling (517) 373-4111 or (888) 734-9749.

In addition, MDOC requests the vendor to submit samples. Samples should be clearly labeled with the vendor’s name and RFI number and sent to:

Attn: Cathy Carr Michigan Department of Corrections

Grandview Plaza Building

206 E. Michigan Avenue

Lansing, MI 48933

MDOC requests the vendor supply one square yard sample along with specification sheets and/or Certificates of Analysis.

5. ORAL PRESENTATION. The State reserves the right to invite some vendors for oral presentations.

6. GENERAL RESPONSE CONDITIONS. The State will not be liable for any costs incurred in preparation of vendor’s response, delivery of the response, and any follow-up discussions with the State. This RFI is not an offer to enter into a contract.

7. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. All portions of a response are subject to disclosure as required under the Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act, 1976 Public Act 422.

8. RIGHTS TO INFORMATION CONTAINED IN RESPONSES. All informational responses will be considered the property of the State.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Request For Information Mattress Padding, MSI

The purpose for this Request for Information (RFI) includes, but is not limited to, collecting market information to better understand types of mattress padding. The information gathered may be used to assist the State in developing program strategy and possibly developing a Request for Proposal (RFP).

The State of Michigan plans to post an upcoming bid for mattress padding in the near future. If you have a comparable product, please respond to this RFI. Vendors may provide more than one option provided that they supply the specifications for each option. The State will determine, in its sole discretion, which if any, products are incorporated into the upcoming bid document.

Response Preparation

Please respond to the following topics and questions in a “Question and Answer” format, providing thorough information for each, when possible.

1) Company full name and address:

2) Name, telephone number, and email address of the individual(s) who will serve as your company’s authorized contact;

3) Please identify who was involved in developing the response to this RFI:

4) Vendors are encouraged to redline the product specifications below or add additional specifications. Please provide reasonable variables for all measurements, such as +/- amounts.

Brands or trade names are for identification purposes only and do not limit the Vendor to such brands or trade names.

The State requests that vendors provide copies of their products specifications. The State will determine, in its sole discretion, which if any redlines or alternative specifications are incorporated into the upcoming bid document.

Program Overview The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Michigan State Industries (MSI) manufactures goods and provides services to State agencies, tax supported entities, and local government units. MSI manufactures mattresses for sale to the MDOC to be used in correctional facility and to outside customers.

1) General Specifications Mattress padding, cotton felt, fire retardant, 40” x 80” +/- 5%

Weight: 5 lbs per batt (+/- 5%)

Product must consist of the following

· Picker Motes

· % of Fiber content = 87%

· Willowed Gin Motes

· % of other content – 13%

· 11% Boric Acid for Fire Retardancy

· 2% Naphthenic Oil f/Boric Acid Adhesion

2) What documents should come with the product? Please provide samples of the documentation.

3) If you are proposing an alternative to the above specifications, please provide complete specifications and explain why you feel your proposed product meets or exceeds MSI’s needs.

4) What products make up your mattress padding?

5) What are picker motes and how do they affect the product?

6) What are cotton linters and how do they affect the product?

7) What percentage of the product is the fiber content? Please explain the advantages and disadvantages of using this content.

8) What are the other contents?

9) Explain the purposes, advantages, and disadvantages of this content.

10) Explain the fire-retardant requirements for mattress padding.

11) What fire-retardant tests do you pass?

a) Is there a level, such as level 1, 2 , 3 for these tests?

b) If so, what level test does your padding pass?

c) Explain why you use these tests.

12) MSI passes 16 CFR 1633 for mattresses. If we change mattress padding, would we need to retest our mattresses?

13) How would you propose MDOC test this product?

a) Sample Testing – What would you suggest MDOC test for and how would you suggest we test it?

b) Specification Review – What would you suggest MDOC review in the specifications and why?

c) Other documentation? Please specify.

d) Other testing suggestions?

14) Do you have experience providing mattress padding for institutional use? Please provide details of correctional industries that have purchased your proposed products.

15) Please provide any additional pertinent information.

16) If an RFP is issued for provision of this service, is it likely that your company will bid on it? If no, why not?

Version 1 Revised: 07-28-2017