RFP 049302402_Addendum 1.pdf

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

ADDENDUM NO. 1

DATE: February 14, 2024 TO: All Offerors FROM: Kim Widrig, Contracting Officer TOTAL PAGE(S): 2 pages (not including attachments) SOLICITATION TITLE: Class Rings for Class Years 2027-2031

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 049302402

I. CLARIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NONE

II. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION

1. Of the 824 non-precious alloy rings listed in Attachment C, how many of those are considered “battle” rings?

Virginia Tech Response: Battle rings are only offered in Celestrium, and are offered in any of the traditional styles. Battle rings are included in this count, but have not been separated out. I am unsure exactly how many of those rings were sold as battle rings.

2. Are battle rings sold at a Are battle rings sold at a lower price when purchased as a companion ring to a genuine gold rings? If so, what is the price of a battle ring when ordered in addition to a genuine alloy ring?

Virginia Tech Response: Yes, they are sold at a lower price as a companion ring. In the last years, that price has been negotiable depending on metal cost. In the 2025 ring sales, the battle ring cost was $149.

3. Clarifying questions regarding the Class dues listed in Section VI.I:

a. Should the vendor include the “Class Dues” portion of the ring price in our proposed pricing? Or, is this amount determined by each class Committee and added after the contract is awarded?

Virginia Tech Response: Yes, Class Dues should be included in the proposed pricing. Class dues has traditionally been $55 per ring, not including battle rings.

b. Can you please clarify when Class dues are paid to Virginia Tech. Is this paid only after a “campus sales week”, or are these ongoing payments that are made on a set schedule?

Virginia Tech Response: Class dues are paid to Virginia Tech in ongoing payments on a negotiable schedule.

4. Is Virginia Tech receiving a “per ring” commission, above and beyond licensing royalties and Class dues?

Virginia Tech Response: No, royalties and class dues are the only “per ring” commissions.

5. Would Virginia Tech be interested in hearing about ideas to re-allocate marketing funds earmarked for the Transit Bus Wrap? Or is this a “fixed” tradition.

Virginia Tech Response: While this is a tradition we would like to continue, as the Blacksburg Transit System has a large impact on the Blacksburg community and the bus wrap has contributed to ongoing awareness of the tradition, we are willing to hear proposals on alternative proposals for the use of bus wrap funding.

6. What is the baseline for which the penny weight options are based?

Virginia Tech Response: Options are based on traditional ring sizes that have been offered for since the early 90s. We are open to suggestions and cutting down weight options, while still considering tradition as there are long legacies of students getting the same size and shape rings as their family members who have been Hokies before them.

7. Is that metal only, no stone included?

Virginia Tech Response: Pennyweights are exclusive on the stone.

8. What is the tolerance +/- on each of the weights?

Virginia Tech Response: Low tolerance on smaller rings. 2dwt tolerance on larger rings.

9. Do we include licensing royalties of 15% in our pricing...or are the rings exempt?

Virginia Tech Response: Royalties must be included in pricing.

10. What has the historical average amount been for class dues been the last 3 years?

Virginia Tech Response: Class dues have historically been $55 per ring, not including battle rings.

11. Can you provide average number of ring sales for the last 3 years?

Virginia Tech Response: Total average number of ring sold for the last 3 years is 2,342, which is inclusive of 2021-2023 class years as the 2024 class year of sales is not yet complete.

12. Do class dues vary by ring quality?

Virginia Tech Response: No