Responses_to_Pre-Proposal_Questions_for_19-R-0004.pdf

Tantalum Pre‐Proposal Conference Questions

SP8000‐19‐R‐0004

11 Feb 2019

Questions from the Pre-Proposal Conference:

1. Are the anticipated analytes >5 wt% (weight percent) to be reported expected to be Niobium and Tin?

Response: Niobium and tin are common constituents of tantalum ores and mineral concentrates, often occurring at 5 wt.% or greater. However, DLA Strategic Materials is not aware of the precise mineralogical composition of all sources that could meet technical requirements, so other metallic constituents also may appear at 5 wt.% or greater

2. Have you received material in the past with analytes (other than Niobium and Tin) >5 wt%?

Response: No. DLA Strategic Materials has not received material in the past with other analytes.

3. What size pre-ship sample for evaluation is desired? Is 2 kg (5 lbs) sufficient?

Response: There will be no pre-shipment material. Any awardee is required to submit a Certificate of Analysis for approval prior to shipment. See Attachment A – Revised, Statement of Work (SOW), Section 8.4.1.

4. What is the main focus for being technically acceptable beyond meeting the specification, delivery, past performance and price?

Response: DLA Strategic Materials’ evaluation factors are documented in Attachment B

– Revised, Evaluation Criteria Tantalum Pentoxide (Ta2O5) of the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation.

5. How can we anticipate when the two (2) option periods determined quantities need to be produced, third party sample and tested, and in stock for release to Scotia Depot for shipment? Is a lead time provided to produce, sample, and test sufficient or should we anticipate having the next release in stock?

Response: As presented in Attachment E – Revised, Tantalum CLIN Structure, delivery terms for all material deliveries are provided in CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001 (basic quantities); and CLINs 0002, 1002, and 2002 (option quantities). Delivery terms for all tests, analyses, and samples are provided in CLINs 0003, 1003, 2003 (basic quantities);

and CLIN 0004, 1004, and 2004 (option quantities). The applicable period of performance for each CLIN is specified in the CLIN as either within the prescribed period of performance of 15 months after contract award or within the prescribed period of performance of 15 months after exercise of the options for Option Period 1 or Option Period 2. The Offeror must address delivery schedule requirements as part of Attachment G – Revised, Offeror Submittal Package. See Section 8 of the Statement of Work.

Tantalum Pre‐Proposal Conference Questions

SP8000‐19‐R‐0004

11 Feb 2019

6. What is the approved lead-time for CoA?

Response: IAW the SOW, Section 8.4.2 – DLA SM will notify the contractor of DLA’s determination of acceptability of each CoA within 10 business days of receipt of the CoA by the Government.

7. Where can I find the “Lot Size” for sampling and testing, in the SOW?

Response: Section 6.1.6 of the SOW has been amended to address lot size and the expected number of lots. The Contractor shall propose a lot size and the expected number of lots in its offer. This information will become part of the contract upon award.

8. Please clarify the delivery time? Is it 15 months?

Response: Yes, the delivery time is 15 months and is as stated in Sections 4 and 8.3.1 of the SOW.

9. When will the option quantity be exercised?

Response: If the option quantity is exercised, it will follow the requirements of FAR Clause 52.217-7 found in Attachment F – Revised, Provisions and Clauses, The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the contractor no later than 90 days before the end of the period of performance in the schedule that corresponds to the option item being exercised.