Questions_ _Answers.pdf

Request for Quote SBE10015Q5001

Residential Appliances: Refrigerators, Washers, Stackable Washer‐Dryer Kits Amendment 001 ‐ Questions & Answers

QUESTION #1: Can you please advise if you need European style or US style 220V/50HZ appliances?

ANSWER: The Government does not fully understand this question. Offerors must propose household appliances that meet the specifications as they are detailed in this announcement. Either US or

European brands may be considered acceptable, depending on their ability to meet the specifications detailed. As stated, ALL appliances must be manufactured for 220V/50Hz electricity; transformers or conversion adapters are not acceptable.

QUESTION #2: My Company is a certified veteran owned small business in the appliance industry. I would like to know if there is any consideration for my certified veteran status on this proposal.

ANSWER: This is an overseas procurement, and therefore the requirements of FAR Part 19 (except

Subpart 19.6) do not apply. This requirement is not set‐aside in full or in part; no small business concerns are accorded preferential status. However, US small businesses and businesses with or without special considerations defined in FAR 19 are certainly encouraged to compete for this requirement, and will be afforded an equitable opportunity.

QUESTION #3: What form do I use for my proposal? Who do I send the proposal to?

ANSWER: There is not a specified form to be used. Offerors should note the instruction that requires only two email attachments should be uploaded to your email submission: a full and complete single attachment with your Technical Quote (addressing all of the requirements as noted in the solicitation) and a full and complete single attachment with your Price Quote. Offerors have the flexibility and latitude to submit these quotes in the format of their choosing, although common submission types are

.PDF, .DOC, .XLS, etc. Please see INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS for details. As stated, quotes must be submitted via email to Lauren Kunze at kunzelc@state.gov

QUESTION #4: Is there a particular port of shipping in the USA that is preferred by the State Dept. for this type of shipment?

ANSWER: There is not a specific port of shipping which is preferred. As stated in the solicitation: for origin within the USA, the Government will arrange for pre‐positioning government owned/leased sea containers at a contractor designated point for contractor's loading. Generally this is the Offeror’s warehouse/receiving point or manufacturer’s warehouse. The Government will then independently manage/purchase onward transportation of the loaded container. Contractor must propose costs for receipt and loading of the containers. Offeror must clearly state the origin point.

QUESTION #5: Please explain which low program setting on Whirlpool 700 RPM washer uses low spin, which would not approach the maximum speed?

ANSWER: The Government does not fully understand this question, as a Whirlpool 700 RPM washer was not specifically mentioned as a preferred model. The Offeror shall state whether or not, and at which settings, their model offers a spin not exceeding 650 RPM, which may be manually set so as not to exceed 650 RPM. As currently stated, if a washer has a maximum speed of 700 RPM but may be manually set to setting(s) which are 650 RPM or below, this would be an acceptable product. This requirement is to ensure that if a model is in use in a country where 650 RPM is the maximum speed possible (due to electrical infrastructure or other considerations), then a resident can proactively limit the speed so as not to exceed 650 RPM.

QUESTION #6: Refrigerator/Freezer:

a) Schuko plug: does the unit have to come with power cord ending with Schuko plug, or are adapter plugs acceptable (e.g. British plug with adapter British‐to‐Schuko)?

b) Country of origin: are there requirements or restrictions regarding the product origin? If not, is there a preferential treatment for product originating in the USA and in the EU?

c) Approvals: does unit have to carry CE mark? What other approvals are required?

d) Are there dimensions restrictions (e.g. max width or height) for the product?

e) What is the desired gross capacity in cu.ft?

f) Should refrigerator shelves be wire or glass? Will glass shelves be considered as “better value”?

g) Is there any requirement regarding refrigerator door storage, i.e. quantity and type?

h) Will unit with adjustable refrigerator door storage (bins/shelves) be considered as “better value” than a unit with fixed door storage?

i) Should humidity crispers be white or clear?

j) Should freezer have adjustable or fixed shelves?

k) What is the requirement for the freezer door storage, if any?

l) Will Energy Star label be considered equal to EU “A” rating? What about other ratings, such as EER Star Rating?

m) Would Government consider a larger unit than max. 580 L Gross capacity if the model offered has better features and can be delivered within shorter time frame than maximum delivery period listed in the solicitation?

n) Are there max. dimension requirements?

ANSWER:

a) Plug adapters are acceptable, if each unit is securely packaged with a single adapter. A separate bag containing all adapters is not acceptable.

b) Please read the solicitation. As stated in the solicitation: “For all CLINs, only supplies sourced in

North America or applicable TAA origins per FAR 25.401 are acceptable.” There is no specific preference for US or EU origin‐countries over other TAA‐compliant origins.

c) As already stated in the solicitation: “ALL EQUIPMENT MUST BE […] safety‐tested and certified by an internationally‐recognized testing association.” Offeror’s technical quote should state any and all safety certifications.

d) There are not specific dimension restrictions. Product must comply with the stated capacity requirements.

e) Desired capacity is stated in gross liters. Offerors shall ensure their quote states the capacity of their proposed product specifically in gross liters.

f) There is no specific preference or restriction of the shelving material.

g) Offerors shall state their proposed door storage which will be evaluated, but a minimum requirement is not stated.

h) There is no preference for adjustable versus fixed door storage.

i) There is no preference for the transparency of the crispers

j) There is no preference for adjustable versus fixed freezer shelf/shelves.

k) Offerors shall state their proposed door storage which will be evaluated, but a minimum requirement is not stated.

l) As already stated in the solicitation: product must be either “Energy Star / A power class, or equivalent.” If proposing a potential “equivalent,” it is the Offeror’s responsibility to put forth documentation which supports this claim.

m) No. The product must comply with the stated maximum capacity.

n) See (d) above.

QUESTION #7: Washer:

a) Schuko plug: does the unit have to come with power cord ending with Schuko plug, or are adapter plugs acceptable (e.g. British plug with adapter British‐to‐Schuko)?

b) If unit offered comes with multiple plugs, including Schuko, will it be considered better value?

c) Country of origin: are there requirements or restrictions regarding the product origin? If not, is there a preferential treatment for product originating in the USA and in the EU?

d) Approvals: does unit have to carry CE mark? What other approvals are required?

e) Among US‐Style washing machines only no‐agitator HE top loaders have Energy Star rating.

Traditional top loaders with improved efficiency only meet Department of Energy Minimum Clothes

Washer Energy & Water Requirements. Will Government consider non‐agitator (e.g. Whirlpool

Cabrio) washers for Higher efficiency that have higher maximum RPM than 700? Please note that no

US‐style top loading washing machine will meet the EU energy efficiency level A.

f) Will model achieving higher speed than 650 RPM be accepted?

g) Should washer have an agitator or no agitator?

h) Are there any requirements regarding energy rating and water consumption of the unit?

i) Are there max. dimension requirements?)

ANSWER:

a) See 6‐a.

b) No, if a Schuko plug is provided, this product will meet the requirement. No other plugs are required.

c) See 6‐b

d) See 6‐c

e) There are no requirements for EU energy efficiency level A, or other energy efficient requirements. The unit must have the ability to limit speed between 600 & 650 RPM maximum speed, as stated.

f) The model with an RPM exceeding the maximum 650 will only be accepted if there are proven cycles or settings that the user can manually limit the speed to a maximum 650 RPM as stated.

g) There is no specific preference or restriction of agitator or not.

h) See (e) above.

i) There are not specific dimension restrictions. Product must comply with the stated capacity requirements.

QUESTION #8: Stacked Washer/Dryer

a) Schuko plug: do the units have to come with power cord ending with Schuko plug, or are adapter plugs acceptable (e.g. British plug with adapter British‐to‐Schuko)?

b) Country of origin: are there requirements or restrictions regarding the product origin? If not, is there a preferential treatment for product originating in the USA and in the EU?

c) Approvals: does unit have to carry CE mark? What other approvals are required?

d) Minimum capacity listed is 6 kg. Is there a maximum?

e) Should washer and dryer match (same manufacturer and styling)? Are matching units considered

“better value” than non‐matching units?

f) Should dryer be condensing, heat‐pump condensing or exhaust air?

g) If washer offered has EU rating “A+” or higher, will it be considered a better value than “A” rated model?

h) If dryer offered has EU rating “B“or higher, will it be considered a better value than “C” rated model?

i) Should washer have a removable worktop?

j) Is larger drum volume considered a better value?

k) Is delayed start option required in washer?

l) Do you consider “auto half load adjustment” in the washer the same as “automatic adjustable water level”?

m) Should dryer have a removable worktop?

n) Should dryer have delay start option?

o) Should dryer have timed programs, auto‐dry programs, or both?

p) Is audible end‐of‐signal option a required feature in washer and dryer?

q) Are there max. dimension requirements?

ANSWER:

a) See 6‐a.

b) See 6‐b

c) See 6‐c

d) There is no stated maximum

e) The Government expects that a commercially available stacking kit will have the same manufacture/brand for washer and dryer. However, if Offeror offers a stacking kit which uses differing models and complies with all warranty requirements, they shall make this clear in their offer.

f) As stated, dryer must have rear extendable vent hose. Therefore, it must be an exhaust air model

g) Energy class will be evaluated, and an energy class above the minimum acceptable may be a minor advantage in part of the determination of technical capability. That advantage will be considered in relation to the stated evaluation of offers, where overall technical capability, delivery and past performance, when combined, are equal to price.

h) See (g) above.

i) A removable worktop is not a requirement.

j) The only requirement is that the drum volume meets the stated minimums.

k) A delayed start option is not a requirement. The only requirements are as stated in the solicitation.

l) If the washer automatically adjusts water level in any way, this would meet the minimum requirement.

m) See (i) above.

n) See (k) above

o) As stated, the only minimum requirements for the dryer are that at a minimum, dryers have at least 6kg capacity, front loading, rear extendable vent hose, timer, minimum 2 temperature settings, anti‐crease setting, auto‐reversing function. 'C' or better Energy Class.

p) Audible end‐of‐signal is not a requirement for either unit

q) There are not specific dimension restrictions. Product must comply with the stated capacity requirements.

QUESTION #9: Is it possible to submit a partial quote (not for all line items) or should quote be for all units requested?

ANSWER: Partial quotes will be considered non‐responsive and unacceptable. There is no intention of multiple awards, therefore all quotes must contain all items for consideration.

QUESTION #10: Should all submitted models be of the same manufacturer and brand, or are mixed brands and manufacturers acceptable? If all models are offered from the same manufacturer, will it be considered better value?

ANSWER: The Government does not have a preference as to whether all products are from the same manufacturer or brand.

QUESTION #11: Can we offer more than one product for each CLIN in the same proposal, or should separate proposals be submitted for each option?

ANSWER: In accordance with FAR 52.212‐01(e), an Offeror may propose Optional items as alternatives, as a separate submission. As stated in the clause, each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

While the Government does not initially intend to make multiple awards by accepting partial offers, FAR

52.212‐01(h) does reserve this right.

QUESTION #12: Are multiple proposals from the same vendor acceptable?

ANSWER: See #11

QUESTION #13: Will partial shipments be allowed (more than one shipment per CLIN), or do goods need to be delivered as one complete shipment?

ANSWER: Partial shipments may be allowed, but only in Full Container Load (FCL) quantities. Proposed delivery schedule (including details of any partial or consolidated shipment plans) will be evaluated to determine the most advantageous to the Government in accordance with all evaluation factors. A consolidated shipment may be determined as more advantageous than separate partial shipments.

QUESTION #14: Delivery requirements specify two locations: Antwerp, Belgium or FCL coordinated with USDA‐NY. Is it up to the offeror to decide on the delivery location? It is possible to quote both delivery options for one product, or is it required that non‐US made goods are quoted with delivery to Belgium and US‐made product for container loading in the US?

ANSWER: Yes, the Offeror shall propose the delivery location, but based upon the shipping origin of the product proposed. It is a requirement that US delivery origin products are coordinated with the DA‐NY, and that non‐US delivery origin products are shipped directly to Belgium. There may be both delivery options under a resulting award, but only if different products have different delivery origin locations

(within as well as outside the US).

QUESTION #15: For US‐made product, can containers be delivered anywhere in the US (CONUS)? Will inland location for container delivery be considered equal to container delivery near a sea port (within

15 mi)?

ANSWER: For purposes of evaluation, inland location will be considered equal to container delivery near a sea port. Awardee must work with and follow the instructions of the US Despatch Agency.

QUESTION #16: Maximum delivery time for Belgium is 60 days. If we offer shorter delivery period, will that be considered an advantage or an equal?

ANSWER: As stated in the solicitation “Offerors are encouraged to quote a shorter delivery time, but any delivery in excess of the maximum date for the delivery chosen will be considered unacceptable and removed from award consideration.” A shorter delivery may be considered an advantage to the delivery factor of evaluation, where overall technical capability, delivery and past performance, when combined, are equal to price.

QUESTION #17: Does Government intend to award the contract to one or multiple suppliers?

ANSWER: See #11

QUESTION #18: Will award be made based on best price or best value?

ANSWER: As stated in the solicitation, Award will be made to the responsible vendor whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government on the basis of price, technical capability, delivery, and past performance. Technical capability, Delivery and Past

Performance, when combined, are equal to price.

QUESTION #19: Should quotes be exclusive of customs duties and VAT?

ANSWER: These products are being procured by ELSO, as US State Department entity, to enter a bonded warehouse, and are intended to export to American Embassy offices in numerous other countries. While these goods are waiting for export, they remain in our bonded facility and are not imported into Belgium. As the final customer is a US Embassy or other US Mission (located in the EU or otherwise) – the customer is exempted from VAT in the country where they are established with the government of that country. Therefore, the quotes shall be generally exclusive of customs duties and

European VAT.

QUESTION #20: For product originating within EU, VAT needs to be added to the cost of the goods (per

EU regulations), unless the goods are for export and proof of export is provided. Should VAT be separated from the cost of goods in the proposal, or included in the cost of the goods?

ANSWER: This is a fluid issue, and it is being reviewed and discussed within the US Embassy for the applicability. It is still the Government’s position that these items intended for the US Embassy and also for export are VAT‐exempt, but for situations as stated above, the Offeror should quote VAT as a separate Optional cost. If Offeror’s quote is accepted for award, the VAT amount will be included on the initial order as either a funded or unfunded line item. However, in any case where the vendor will request payment against the VAT line item, they will be required to provide separate invoices, proof that the vendor incurred and paid VAT, and proof of import for products ultimately imported into an EU country where VAT was charged, in order to be determined an allowable cost. In no way will an Offeror be authorized to profit from VAT – either by incorporating VAT into their proposed FFP item cost, or in requesting payment of VAT for which the VAT was reimbursed due to agreements between the US

Government and host EU country.

QUESTION #21: Is this solicitation set aside for small businesses? If not, are small business given a preferential treatment?

ANSWER: See #2.

QUESTION #22: Are US offerors given a preferential treatment vs. non‐US offerors?

ANSWER: As stated in the #2, this is an overseas procurement, with goods intended for use outside of the US. As such, and given the estimated dollar value, neither the Buy American Act not the WTO GPA applies to this acquisition. Therefore, the procedures of FAR 25.502 do not apply, and US offerors do not receive preferential treatment. FAR 25.7 – Prohibited Sources still applies. Vendors must be registered in www.sam.gov, in accordance with the solicitation.

QUESTION #23: Solicitation mentions that “supplies shall be packed for shipment in a manner that will ensure acceptance by commons carrier and safe delivery at any ultimate destination abroad, to include multiple handling points at Government warehouse and by multiple carriers.” Could you please clarify what type of packaging is required, and what type of packaging is not desirable? How will type of packaging influence the evaluation of offers?

ANSWER: The Government does not have a specific material preference, only that – as stated, Offerors shall propose how their proposed packaging will protect the product through multiple handling points and multiple carriers. The Government’s goal is to ensure products reach their ultimate destination, which will be at Embassy residences throughout countries worldwide. If the Government evaluates the packing proposed to be inadequate or risky for damage to the product, this will be noted as a proposal risk in the overall technical capability factor.

QUESTION #24: If models offered do not meet all the minimum required specifications, will they be still considered for award if they provide good value? What if the goods exceed the min specification – will they be graded higher than models only meeting the minimum?

ANSWER: Models must, at a minimum, meet the specifications stated in the solicitation, to be considered technically acceptable. Supplies exceeding the minimum may receive a higher technical capability evaluation, which as stated, will be used to determine the most advantageous to the

Government on the basis of price, technical capability, delivery, and past performance. Technical capability alone is NOT the defining factor, however. Price and other technical aspects are still considerable factors, as stated in the solicitation: Technical capability, Delivery and Past Performance, when combined, are equal to price.

QUESTION #25: Should products be offered with worldwide warranty? What is the min. warranty requirement? If product does not have worldwide warranty, will it be considered for award? Will product with warranty (and warranty longer than min. required) be considered as better value in the evaluation process.

ANSWER: Please read the solicitation. As stated, “ALL EQUIPMENT MUST BE […] covered by a warranty for use outside of the USA.” Additionally, also as stated, offerors must provide “warranty information regarding extent of coverage and limitations.” The Government will evaluate the coverage of the warranty as part of the technical quote.

QUESTION #26: If award is made to one company, will partial invoicing be allowed (per CLIN)?

ANSWER: A company is authorized to invoice when the US Government takes receipt of the goods. For items coordinated with the US Despatch Agent in NY, that is upon their receipt; for items shipped to

Antwerp from outside the US, it is only upon receipt at the warehouse in Antwerp. A company may technically invoice separately if CLINs are shipping by different methods or on different shipments within the USA; but no more than once monthly. As the overall delivery requirement is so short (30 days for coordination with DA_NY, 60 days total to Antwerp), invoices shall be consolidated as much as practicable. The only feasible scenario would be if certain CLINs ship from the US, and others from outside of the US, but with no more than two total invoices.

QUESTION #27: How soon after delivery will payment be processed?

ANSWER: After the US Government takes receipt of the item, the Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act – within 30 days of receipt of a proper and complete invoice.

If an invoice is rejected for incomplete or incorrect data, this does not count as part of the 30 days.