Questions_and_Answers_SCG500-16-Q-0002_for_Painting_Services_.pdf

Questions and Answers for SCG500-16-Q-0002 Page 1

U.S. Embassy

498 Avenue Colonel Lukusa

Gombe, Kinshasa

Democratic Republic of Congo

December 15, 2015

SCG500-16-Q-0002 for Painting Services

Questions and Answers

Special note: Please check the FedBizOps website often for updates to this solicitation.

Q – What must I send with my bid?

A – Please follow the directions in the solicitation. See Section 3 for details.

Q – Which blocks does the vendor complete on the SF1449 form? This is the form which follows the cover letter. Its title is SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR

COMMERCIAL ITEMS.

A – The vendor should complete blocks 12, 17 and 30.

Q - I understand that there are an estimated 40 housing units which will require painting services per year. Can you advise the type of housing units? Are these apartment buildings or single family homes?

A – The estimate includes a mixture of both single family homes and apartments.

Q - As a business based outside the Democratic Republic of Congo, may we bid on this opportunity or do we need to be located in the country where the opportunity is opened?

A – Any company may apply. Those which meet the qualifications listed in the solicitation will be considered.

Q - Is it common for companies from the United States to perform work in Kinshasa?

A – Companies from various countries perform many types of work in varying sectors of the economy in Kinshasa. To do so legally, they must meet all host government requirements.

Q - Do you find it more common that local contractors from Kinshasa perform contracts with the

State Department?

A – Contract(s) will be awarded in accordance with Section 4 of the solicitation.

Questions and Answers for SCG500-16-Q-0002 Page 2

Q – Can a vendor which did not attend the Site Visit still bid?

A – Any vendor can bid. All offers from qualified bidders will be considered.

Q – What happens if a contractor’s staff member is caught doing something unsafe on a job?

A – The U.S. Government will insist that the contractor rectify the situation. If the situation is not corrected, the U.S. Government may stop the project until the situation is corrected. In serious cases where the situation is not corrected, the contract may be terminated.

Q – Where should a bidder purchase the required insurance, in the United States or in the

Democratic Republic of the Congo?

A – The U.S. Government cannot recommend where a bidder should purchase insurance.

However, no matter where insurance is bought, it must be viable in the DRC. It must cover all required items per the contract. We recommend that you see an insurance specialist for details.

Q – How do I get more information on registering in the System for Award Management?

A – You can go directly to www.SAM.gov. You can also find more information on our website at http://kinshasa.usembassy.gov/opportunities/contract-solicitation.html

Q – In Section 5 of the Solicitation, we are asked for our TIN Number. We are an American company and would like to bid as such. However, we will use our DRC based subsidiary to do the work. Which TIN do we use?

A – The TIN of the offering company’s address.

Q – What color will the paint be?

A – The color will be off-white. Colors and paint types are specified in the Continuation to the

SF1449, which is found under Section 1. See point 5(k)(i).

Q – We have closed one bank account and opened another. What do we need to send in the way of supporting evidence so you know that we are a viable company? Do we send information about the old bank account or just the new one?

A – Please send a financial statement prepared by your accountant. Supporting evidence such as bank statements for the past six months will be helpful. Also see Section 4 of the solicitation.

Q – When must the bidder submit information on insurance policies?

A – In the solicitation, under Section 1, read point 14E and note the part which covers

Deliverables. Also look at point 15 under Section 1 for information on insurance.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://kinshasa.usembassy.gov/opportunities/contract-solicitation.html

Questions and Answers for SCG500-16-Q-0002 Page 3

Q – In the solicitation on Contract Line Item Numbers 006 & 007, what is a textured surface?

A – Look at these links for examples. Though the photos may not be specifically of walls or ceilings made of cement, they will give you an idea of what we mean by textured surfaces.

http://www.drywallschool.com/textures.htm https://www.google.com/search?q=photos+of+textured+walls&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=un iv&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiTgLfZxNvJAhWBXSYKHStJAHAQ7AkIMw&biw=1344&bih= http://www.drywallschool.com/textures.htm https://www.google.com/search?q=photos+of+textured+walls&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiTgLfZxNvJAhWBXSYKHStJAHAQ7AkIMw&biw=1344&bih=759 https://www.google.com/search?q=photos+of+textured+walls&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiTgLfZxNvJAhWBXSYKHStJAHAQ7AkIMw&biw=1344&bih=759 https://www.google.com/search?q=photos+of+textured+walls&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiTgLfZxNvJAhWBXSYKHStJAHAQ7AkIMw&biw=1344&bih=759