Questions_ _Answers_-_II.pdf

Request for Quote SBE10015Q5001

Residential Appliances: Refrigerators, Washers, Stackable Washer‐Dryer Kits Amendment 002 – Supplemental Questions & Answers

QUESTION #1: From the response to Question #7 (f), if a proposed washer offers cycles that are listed in the manual with “low” spin speeds that do not allow the high spin speed, is this technically acceptable, even if the user is not able to manually choose the speed separately?

ANSWER: The response to this first question was already addressed in Question & Answer # 5. An excerpt: “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.”

QUESTION #2: From the response to Question #3 (along with INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS) explain that proposals can contain only a maximum of two attachments, yet the technical quote has to include

“existing product literature in English.” Combining all the specifications and manuals for all three CLIN will generate a large file that might not go through via email. Also, the file would most likely have to be in black & white (color files are too big.) If we are unable to send the complete proposal in one email, will it be acceptable to email the technical quote in more than one email? Each email would be identified as part of the proposal.

ANSWER: Nowhere in the solicitation are user manuals required as a proposal submission. The awardee must only submit English‐language manuals with the delivered product itself. Any product literature that the Offeror submits must be in English, but the Offeror shall choose the relevant literature needed to show that the product meets solicitation requirements. Installation guides or user manuals are not expected to be relevant to the evaluation for the required specifications stated.

QUESTION #3: Regarding the VAT question (question # 20), the answer says that the offeror would have to provide, among others, a “proof of import for products ultimately imported into an EU country where

VAT was charged.” The question, however, specifies that VAT would apply to product originating in the

EU (transit from an EU country to Belgium.) There is no import when goods are moved within EU territory (EU is one customs territory), thus it would be impossible to provide “a proof of import.” What other documents, if any, would have to be provided instead?

ANSWER: Again, 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 to make a proper case that the final destination was an EU country and therefore applicable for VAT despite destined for the US Embassy use, it would need to be clear that the product’s ultimate destination was an EU country where VAT was (a) incurred & paid and (b) not reimbursable due to any agreement between the United States and the host nation regarding VAT exemption of official supplies. ELSO’s warehouse contractor is able to provide proof of export to the US vendor upon request, and will assist if necessary.