Pre-solicitation_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

The following are questions and answers for the Solicitation that were asked for W564KV-16-T-0035.

Product Questions

CLIN 0001 - Washing machine, US style.

1. Point 5 calls for porcelain outer tub, yet manufacturers of US style washers use plastic outer tubs (porcelain is used for inner tub.) Please confirm that outer tub material should be plastic?

- Outer tub material can be plastic.

2. Point 8 calls for right-angle German Schuko plug. Will straight Schuko plugs be accepted, as commonly used in the US Style washers for export? Also, please clarify if you are going to accept units with other-than-Schuko power cords and plug adapters.

- Can be straight as well, on US Washers.

3. Point 13 calls for A+ EU Energy certificate to Energy Star Certificate. There is not a single US-

Style top loader that will not qualify for A+ EU Energy rating as top loaders consume more water and energy than front-loading washing machines. As for Energy Star rating, only US-voltage High-Efficiency Top Loading washers (no-agitator models) would qualify. Currently, there are no export models equivalent to Energy Star rated top loading washing machines.

However, there are export models of top loading washers that have improved efficiency (water and energy), and there are models that are high-efficiency.

The agitator models have improved efficiency (if designed after 2012) and non-agitator/impeller models have high efficiency.

Please confirm this point will be removed from the specifications and replaced with statement regarding efficiency (improved of high.)

- This is an EU Law/Requirement, with the US models we can relax the rating, but there but must be an EU Energy certificate or Energy Star Certificate this is the requirement.

4. Point 14 calls for stainless steel tub, which is usually a standard in high-efficiency models (impeller-type.) Please confirm that porcelain and other materials will be accepted for the washtub.

- Stainless steel and porcelain tubs are acceptable, plastic for example is not.

5. Point 17 calls for max. RPM of 710, however high-efficiency units (impeller-style, stainless steel tub) can reach spin speed of up to 800-850 RPM. If you are looking for a high-efficiency unit, please revise the max. RPM.

- The technical specification will be revised to say at least 710 RPM.

6. Point 26 calls for inlet hoses to be included and attached. Manufacturers do not attach the inlet hoses to the washing machines as they could kink and get damaged. Please confirm that required for the attached hoses will be removed.

- This is a requirement, we have had water damage in the past where the hoses have been pulled off, there are manufactures which have the hose connected directly to the pump and even with moving the appliance multiple times the hoses have not been damaged.

CLIN 0002 Electric Dryer, US Style.

1. Point 5 calls for max connected load of 3500W. There are no US-style electric dryers that meet that requirement. Several years ago, manufacturers were forced to introduce manufacturing changes that would result in dryers that consume less energy. Therefore, the manufacturers replaced the heating elements with more powerful ones, which now requires higher power output (30A.)

All current US-Style Export models of Electric Dryers have a connected load over 4000 W and require a commercial power cord (Schuko plug is not safe to use as it is rated only up to 16A.)

Now, in second half of the year 2016, Manufacturers are looking to introduce new platform of US Style electric dryers that will meet the Government's requirement of max. 3500 W power output. As a US Manufacturer authorized distributor of 220 Volt appliances, we are in possession of confidential information that includes specifications of the new models. Upon the request, we can provide you with more information.

If Government is not looking to wait till second half of 2016 for the new dryers, please confirm that max. Power output requirement will be removed.

- We have had problems in the past, that we had over 800 dryers delivered with the large heating elements these had to be exchange before that they could be set in use, they do not work in the EU as the standard is: 16 amp socket outlets therefor higher that 3500 will not work in the EU there are manufactures which can comply with this requirement. Therefore, drop down doors will not be acceptable.

2. Point 8 calls for side-opening door but there are some models that have drop-down door. Please advise if drop-down models will be acceptable.

- The side-opening door is standard, our experience is, drop down doors are not safe and can cause injury.

3. US Style Electric dryers for export do not meet EU or Energy Star efficiency requirements. Please confirm that requirement for "A+" or better efficiency will not apply.

- This is an EU Law/Requirement, with the US models we can relax the rating but there but must be an EU Energy certificate or Energy Star Certificate.

CLIN 0003 Refrigerator, 17.4-19.5 cu.ft.

1. Summary states that required model has to be of top-mount design. Will bottom-mount designs be accepted?

- No

2. Point 4 states that "the item shall be free of traditional ozone depleting substances that are prohibited in the EU." Please clarify if there are any restrictions regarding the refrigerant used in the offered model.

- This information is available on the internet: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32014R0517 http://www.acrib.org.uk/app/images/European%20Industry%20View_A%20Voigt.pdf

3. Please clarify if optional ice maker feature is required.

- Yes

CLIN 0004 Refrigerator, 15.9-17.4 cu.ft.

1. Summary states that required model has to be of top-mount design. Will bottom-mount designs be accepted?

2. Please clarify the min and max capacity as the information listed in the description is ambiguous.

- This is a guideline as different manufacturers have different sizes within the range of 15.9-

17.4 cu.ft.

3. Please clarify if optional ice maker feature is required.

4. Point 4 states that "the item shall be free of traditional ozone depleting substances that are prohibited in the EU." Please clarify if there are any restrictions regarding the refrigerant used in the offered model.

- This information is available on the internet: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32014R0517 :

http://www.acrib.org.uk/app/images/European%20Industry%20View_A%20Voigt.pdf

CLIN 0006 Dishwasher

1. Does the serial number requirement (in txt or excel) apply to the dishwasher only, or all types of appliances solicited?

CLIN 0007 Washing Machine, Euro 7kg

1. Please clarify point 9 regarding the 7-10 years wear & tear. Is the request for extended warranty or for confirmation that offered unit would have life cycle use expectancy of 7-10 years? If contractor confirms the required life cycle expectancy of the washer, will you require supporting documentation and what type (how will this requirement be reviewed?)

- 7-10 years wear & tear is standard and is not and extended warranty.

2. Point 13 states that "shipping and handling will be included in unit price". Please clarify.

- Shipping and handling will not be billed separately, it must be included in the unit price.

3. Please clarify point 16: are you requesting that Euro washer 7kg is made by the same manufacturer as Euro condenser dryer 7kg to allow for stacking with stacking kit?

- The 2 appliances must match so that the dryer can be mounted on top of the washer to save space and if a stacking kit does not fit the washer then there must be one available.

General Questions

1. Point 7 explains that replacement of models is acceptable. It is assumed that that replacement model will have to be equal or better that model awarded/offered. Please confirm.

- This is correct we don't want to have inferior appliances delivered after the initial selected one have been supplied.

2. Please advise if the intention of the Government is to award the solicitation to one or multiple contractors.

- Only one vendor

3. Please advise how will the offers be reviewed (price, technical, best value etc.)

- Technical and Price

4. Will it be required for the vendor to submit technical literature in both English and German with the offer, as it is stated in the Salient Characteristics/Specifications section?

- Yes except with the US appliances this is sometime not possible.

5. Will the offer be deemed "technically unacceptable" if vendor fails to submit one or more of the required documents with the offer, for instance copy of VDE/TUEV/UL/CSA/BEAB certificate.

- Failing to submit one or more of the required documents may cause the offeror to be deemed technically unacceptable.

6. Will all the goods have to be delivered to the same destination? Where?

- Yes, in Sembach, Germany

7. Does this replace W564KV-16-R-0004