QNA.pdf

RFQ-20-PHX-040 Area-wide PPE BPA Questions and Answers

1. Are you required to provide pricing for each of the 7 PPE items?

Yes. Originally it was contemplated that vendors would be allowed to bid on individual items, but further discussion has determined that would not be in the Government’s best interest.

2. What are payment terms?

In accordance with FAR 32.9 – Prompt Payment, terms are net 15.

3. Is no federal past performance permissible?

In accordance with FAR 13.303-2(b)(2) Establishment of BPAs, past performance will “Consider suppliers whose past performance has shown them to be dependable, who offer quality supplies or services at consistently lower prices, and who have provided numerous purchases at or below the simplified acquisition threshold”. No federal experience is required, only preferred. Past performance submissions should demonstrate a capability to perform.

4. What is the manner of quote submission?

Via email to Ashley.velasquez@ihs.gov.

5. Will reusable gowns be considered?

No, the facilities do not have the means to launder the gowns onsite.

6. Are products subject to AZ state and local taxes or Navajo Nation taxes?

No. Arizona State Taxes. The Department of Health and Human Services, Phoenix Indian Medical Center, is Tax Exempt under A.R.S.42-5063(C)(3)(a), A.R.S.42-5067(B)(1), A.R.S.42-5065(B)(2)(a), A.R.S.42-5066(B)(3) (a), A.R.S.42-5074(B)(8), A.R.S.42-5071(B)(2)(a), A.R.S.42-5061(A)(25)(a), and A.R.S.42-5159(A)(13)(a),(b),(c), State of Arizona Department of Revenue. (Copy of Certificate available upon request).

7. Regarding gowns: Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3? Isolation Gowns or Surgical?

Any Level; however, Levels 2-4 are highly preferred. Either surgical or isolation.

8. Regarding face shields: 3/4 length (7.5") full length (9.5"), Universal Size? Disposable or Reusable?

Full and Universal only. Either.

9. Regarding Alcohol hand sanitizers: What are the specific sizes? Squeeze Bottles or Pump? Quantity 22,350 Cases or Individual Bottles? Optional Refill 1 Gallon?

Any size, must be clearly identified in quote. Squeeze bottles or pumps are acceptable. Quantity refers to individual bottles, not cases. Optional refill gallons are not acceptable.

10. Regarding disinfectant wipes: Canister 65-160 Count Wipes or Individual Pack Wipes? Quantity 362,176 Canister or Individual Packs?

Individual packs or canisters are acceptable. Quantity was based upon canister use. Canisters are preferred;

however, if packs are available in similar quantity, AND on the EPA List N, then packs would be acceptable.

11. Is everything being delivered to Phoenix?

There are 7 different delivery locations.

12. Are KN95 masks acceptable substitutions for N95 masks?

No, KN95 masks are not acceptable products for submission on this requirement.

13. Is this requirement a local, small business set-aside restricted to small businesses registered within Arizona?

No. This is a small business set-aside open to all SAM.gov registered vendors.

14. What is the page number restriction for the technical proposal?

Limited to 3 pages not including the cover page; 3 pages + cover sheet.

15. Regarding hand sanitizer: Is the requirement for liquid or gel?

Either would be acceptable.

16. Regarding face masks: Is the requirement for disposable 3-ply, or cloth face masks?

Disposable 3-ply, NOT cloth.

17. Does Buy American, Berry Amendment or Trade Agreements apply to this requirement?

We are working to answer this question with leadership, and will provide a response as soon as possible.

18. Is there a Buy Local or Buy Indian preference for this requirement?

See question and answer 13, regarding local set-aside. There is not a Buy Indian set-aside or preference for this requirement. Due to the nature of the requirement, and high demand of the items, this solicitation was set-aside for small business to promote the greatest amount of competition.

19. Are the ordering quantities per site or a total for the contract?

The quantities are estimates of total anticipated need.

20. How does a BPA work?

Laymen’s description: A BPA is an umbrella contract that secures pricing for identified items at a set price.

During the term of the BPA, the Government will issue calls against the contract, on a competitive basis among BPA contract holders, for a specified amount of money. The money will be available for one year, or until it is spent. The facility will then be able to purchase any of the items on the price schedule, in any combination of items and quantities; this will utilize a declining balance method. If one year from issuance of a call occurs, without all funds being expended, the CO will deobligate the unused funds. A BPA award does not guarantee the award of any funds. BPA call limits (minimum and maximum) will be established at the CO’s discretion. Total estimated quantities may not be met, or may be exceeded.

FAR 13.303 provides the regulatory information on a Blanket Purchase Agreement.

21. How is shipping paid?

Prices quoted shall include shipping; non-inclusive rates may not be considered.

22. How will price be evaluated?

Technically acceptable offers will be entered into an excel spreadsheet, with the unit costs broken down so an apple to apple comparison can be made (example: sanitizer prices will be converted to per ounce prices, since different size containers may be offered, etc.). The offers will then be sorted based on the total for the 7 items by lowest to highest. Then the technical evaluation board will work with the Contracting Officer to determine the number of BPA awards, based upon past performance/capability to perform evaluations, which will satisfy this requirement. To this extent, it is imperative that quotes clearly https://www.acquisition.gov/content/13303-blanket-purchase-agreements-bpas delineate details about their quote that will aid in performing this evaluation. Offers that do not provide ample information to perform this evaluation may not be considered further.

23. Regarding gowns: Is the requirement for all of the different sizes listed? Or can the submission be for XL (One Size Fits Most)?

Anything identified as Universal or One Size Fits Most is acceptable.

24. Regarding face masks: Is there a specific level requirement (i.e. 3-ply, Level 1, 2 or 3)?

3 ply, any level is acceptable.

25. Regarding N95 masks: Are on size fits all acceptable?

Yes

26. Regarding Alcohol hand sanitizer: Is 73% ethanol acceptable?

Yes

27. Where are the attachments for this requirement?

Below are screenshots of the public view of this requirement. If you go to BETA.SAM.gov you will see the requirement displayed with a section listing on the left hand side that is hyperlinked to areas of the requirement. If you click on attachments, it will take you to the section where these links are found. You can also scroll to the bottom of the display to see this section too.