RFP 325-475-Amd2-QandA.pdf

RFP 325-475, Amendment #2 Page 1 of 3

RFP 325-475 - Amendment 2

RFP Title: RFP 325-475 – Life Jacket Wear Rate Study Amendment Issued: 11/22/2024

Previous Terms and Conditions in Effect: All earlier terms, conditions, instructions, information, language, etc. not modified by this amendment remain in full force and effect.

Note: Bidders are invited to include this competition amendment with the Bidder’s bid response, but it is not mandatory.

This Amendment 2 provides State response to questions received.

No. Question State Response

Can you please clarify the priority statement in RFP 325-475 – “small or veteran-owned business”.

Would a WA State certified OMWBE business qualify, or a certified small business from another state?

This response was previously provided in amendment 1. It is included here as a courtesy

A detailed description of the Washington Small Business and/or Certified Veteran- Owned Business criteria is provided in Section 5.3 of the RFP.

If your firm meets the criteria as defined in this section for either (or both) of these, and you have certified as such in WEBS/WDVA, then you will be eligible for this priority.

The priority will put your response in competition with any other certified/priority responses, and the highest scored proposal of these will become the Apparent Successful Bidder (ASB). This is described in the RFP Section 1.3.

RFP 325-475, Amendment #2 Page 2 of 3

Who is responsible for providing the equipment needed by the observers?

Will the State provide that, or will the contractor provide that?

The successful contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary equipment to the observers to conduct the study. Based on prior studies, this equipment typically includes items such as binoculars, observation checklists, and questionnaires. Contractors should ensure that all equipment aligns with the study's methodology and supports accurate and consistent data collection.

Do the observers used to gather data for this study receive payment or stipends?

If so – is the contractor responsible for paying those, or the State?

Could the contractor themselves conduct some or all of the observations?

The selection, management, and payment of observers will be the responsibility of the successful contractor. The contractor has the flexibility to determine the formal relationship with observers, which may include subcontractors, independent contractors, stipends, or other lawful arrangements, as long as these comply with applicable laws and regulations.

The successful contractor is not required to use outside observers; observations can be conducted by the contractor’s own staff, provided they meet the observation requirements and adhere to the timeline outlined in the RFP.

If requested, State Parks will connect the contractor with groups such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary and other organizations we work with.

These groups have networks that can help identify and recruit qualified observers. While this resource is optional, it can be a valuable tool for facilitating the recruitment process.

4 Does the State anticipate any changes to the Data Collection forms previously used?

The State does not anticipate any changes to the data collection forms previously used. However, the successful contractor will have the opportunity to review the forms and propose adjustments if necessary to align with the study's methodology and objectives.

5 What data does State Parks need regarding life jacket loaner boards?

State Parks requires detailed data regarding life jacket loaner boards at observation sites.

Specifically, the following information should be collected:

Board Type: Whether the board features the standard sign provided by the Boating Program or a

RFP 325-475, Amendment #2 Page 3 of 3 non-standard sign designed by the life jacket loaner board stewards.

Intended Use: Whether the board is intended for swimming, boating, or both.

Location: The distance of the board from the boat launch (e.g., right next to the launch, within 50 yards, or more than 50 yards).

Availability: The number of available jackets, categorized by size (infant, child, youth, adult).

Photo Documentation: A photo of the loaner board, including its signage and location, must be taken and submitted with the collected data.

Previous studies utilized observations from 34 sites. Does the State anticipate the same number of sites this time?

Yes, the State anticipates collecting data from approximately the same number of sites as in previous studies, around 34.

However, during the development of the Observation Plan (RFP Objective 1), State Parks recognizes that some sites may need to be replaced to better align with the study’s objectives. In particular, the State is interested in increasing the sample size for wear rate observations from non-motorized watercraft.

As a result, some sites may be specifically selected to enhance data collection for this aspect of the study.

While the total number of observation sites may increase or decrease slightly, approximately 34 sites is the current expectation.

7 Is the vendor who facilitated the previous study registered for this solicitation?

Yes, the vendor who facilitated the previous study is registered for this solicitation.

All offerors who submit a response to this RFP will be evaluated according to the criteria described by the RFP.