Attachment_B_-_Question_and_Answers.pdf

W81XWH-19-R-0096

Amendment 0001

Attachment B - Questions and Answers

Question # 1: We are hoping to understand which format is the preferred proposal Response. It mentions Form SF 1449. Is this preferred or can we do our response in a word document with all issues addressed in paragraph form? What is preferable? We looked over the SF 1449 and there is not much room to write in this.

Answer # 1: The solicitation will be amended to allow for written response. Reference FAR 52.212-1, “Addendum”.

Question # 2: The RFP mentions having a data plate with the IUID (Item Unique Identification). Is this something you will give us or do you mean our own unique code we use internally? We understand you will provide the National Stock Number at the time of contract. Would we be putting this data plate on or is this your responsibility?

I would assume this is only after a contract is awarded anyhow.

Answer # 2: Reference Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.211.7003 contained within the solicitation.

Question # 3: What is ORCA and do we have it if we are registered on SAM? We did not see any mention of it anywhere and we have a DUNS number but no mention of ORCA. Here is the reference: Offerors must be registered and have current and valid SAM and ORCA records before an award can be made to them. If we need ORCA records, how do we get these?

Answer # 3: In 2012 the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) was integrated into the System for Award Management (SAM). Reference the SAM website at www.sam.gov.

Question # 4: For our proposal, should we price everything separately as a line item such as the carrying case, warranty, accessories, travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations and training as well as shipping and handling?

Or would you rather have the proposal with all of these things included. (pages 8 - 10)

Answer # 4: Reference page 31, paragraph M.2.

Question # 5: The MECs mention a Interpupillary Distance of minimum span of 20mm Adjustable. I am not sure this is correct as most binoculars have a minimum of 55 mm and do not go this close together. Usually the range for interpupillary distance is between 55mm and 70mm which corresponds to the distance between the user's eyes.

Answer # 5: The requirement for an “Interpupillary Distance of minimum span of 20mm Adjustable” will be removed from the MECs.

Question # 6: This solicitation is asking for microscopes including seven total to be supplied from 11/2019 to 11/2020 and the remainder in subsequent years. What do we do for some new developments that we anticipate having finished by November or soon after that likely will be desired but are not priced yet from our perspective?

(we are finalizing our automated Z focus but we do not have it finished yet.) Also, is the proposal asking for a guarantee of price for a microscope that we would provide in 2021, 2022, 2023 etc as there may be further changes that affect our pricing. I read this as we are only guaranteeing price for 30 days but this doesn't specify what happens for our pricing for subsequent years unless you are asking us to guarantee supply costs for all 16 microscopes today based on our proposal.

http://www.sam.gov/

Answer # 6: Contractors shall propose a price for the microscope for the base year and the four (4) option years based on the model the Contractor is proposing to the Government in accordance with the Minimum Essential Characteristics (MECs). The Government will not consider future enhancements or developments as the requirement is for a microscope that is currently available in the marketplace. The requirement is for the Government to purchase the same microscope the Contractor proposes for the life of the awarded contract.

Question # 7: Where do we find the FAR 52.212-3 to include? Is this coming from our SAM registration?

Answer # 7: Reference page 34 of the solicitation.