Questions and Answers final.doc

RFQ-2011-014

Color Digital Press

Questions and Answers July 26, 2011 Question 1 Will this procurement be an outright purchase or a lease? If a lease, please provide the terms and conditions.

Answer 1 Subject to receiving a proposal that meets or exceeds the requirements, this procurement shall be an outright purchase.

Question 2 Within Attachment “A” “List of Requirements the words “up to” are used in several line items. Would you please clarify or define the words “up to”. Does this mean a lesser amount would be acceptable or would you provide a minimum range to keep the solicitation open for fair competition? For example A1 shall print up to 100 images per minute. Would you consider indicating a range such as 80 – 100 images per minute?

Answer 2 Attachment A is amended to clarify the images per minute requirements.

Please see Revised Attachment A.

Question 3 In several requirements you reference “clear toner” as part of the specifications and under section “N” additional features (Optional), you mention “clear toner again. Since “clear toner” technology would restrict competitive bidding to a “sole source”; we request that all “clear toner” be placed under the “OPTIONAL” category.

Answer 3 “Clear toner” or “clear dry ink” (see Revised Attachment A) technology is a requirement for this solicitation. It is not an optional requirement to be placed under the “OPTIONAL” category. There is more than one source that offers color digital press with clear toner or clear dry ink technology.

Question 4 Would you remove the reference to Solimar under section D3 and replace it with the actual functions and applications in detail being processed through the Solimar server? This could be a big cost savings for you.

Answer 4 The Solimar system is a required application and is not an option for replacement.

· This application integrates with our address validation software (Satori\Rubika) to detect undeliverable constituent mailings (saves customers on mailing cost).

· Senate offices are using the Solimar printer commands to merge special forms (digitized letterheads, pay-notices, etc…) through their Constituent Correspondence system (CSS). Removing the Solimar system would require CSS vendors to modify offices methods of submitting/printing constituent response, and offices would be charge for reconfigure their CSS system with a new offsite printing solution.

· The Solimar (BUS\TAG) system is used to connect the SAA mainframe and printing systems to process financial and disbursing reports. Removing the Solimar would require reprogramming these reports and purchasing additional software to link these systems together.

· The Solimar system currently manages and maintains all print resources, as such, JSL print libraries for metacode printing, data converters to translate PCL and PS commands, converts PCL/PS to PDF format for indexing constituent print files to be segmented to deliverables and undeliverable mailings; maintains all resources, specials forms and images required for processing customers print requests.

Question 5 In the Synopsis there is a statement about a desire to purchase an additional digital color press. Please provide the specific address and location on where the second unit would reside.

Answer 5 The second proposed equipment that meets or exceeds the requirements will be located at 1535 Cabin Branch Drive, Landover Maryland 20785.

Question 6 Can you provide the specific configurations (list all accessories / in-line finishing / all controller licenses for Xerox and Creo) for all equipment listed on Attachment E for potential trade-in. Can you provide a photo of each potential trade-in unit as well?

Answer 6 The Xerox DocuColor 8000 has common stack stapler finishing, DC8000 2nd feeder, feed/fin interface, and the Creo has the standard software license.

The model number for Ryobi Press is 3302M and this is a two-color offset printing press.

The Xerox 6180 also has the ability to collate & staple, has a thermal binding finishing option, interposer, and imposition license.

Photos (in .jpg format) of the potential trade-in equipment shall be made available upon request.

Question 7 Would you provide the anticipated annual volumes (color and b/w) that would be produced on both digital color presses by location?

Answer 7 The anticipated volumes (color & b/w) on each digital press may vary and cannot be determined.

Question 8 In Attachment A under section N was line item #3 omitted or missing?

Answer 8 Line item #3 was not omitted or missing. Please see Revised Attachment A where section N is now renumbered.

Question 9 Attachment A, Section E - Confirm printing on tabs -- black and white, color or both?

Answer 9 The proposed equipment shall print on 5-position tabs (color & B/W) and auto recover tabs in 5-position order.

Question 10 Attachment A, Section H - Would the SAA consider training at our facility/training center offsite?

Answer 10 The SAA prefers on-site training on proposed equipment. The SAA may consider offsite training at a facility/training center if this center’s location is within 50-mile round trip commuting distance from Washington, D.C.

Question 11 Attachment E - Do the volumes listed represent a yearly or monthly rate?

Answer 11 The volume listed in “Attachment E” represents the total of the potential trade-in equipment: B/W = 456,925, Color = 3,082,264, Large Color = 481,864 Question 12 Attachment E - Please indicate volumes for the Ryobi Press.

Answer 12 We are unable to provide the total volume/number of impressions on the Ryobi Press 3302M at this time. The machine has been disconnected from electrical power and the digital counter is blank.

Question 13 Attachment E - What is the different Meter A and B measuring on the DocuTech 6180?

Answer 13 Meter A is for 8.5” X 11” stock sizes and Meter B is for oversized stock that is anything larger than 8.5” X 11”.

Question 14 General - Would the SAA consider a response with a two machine configuration to meet the needs of the bid?

Answer 14 The proposed system should fit in the allocated space at the location where it will be installed. See Revised Attachment A, section A, line #24. The SAA has space limitations and minimal staff to operate a two-machine configuration if that is required by the proposed system.