Uniforms

Correction in reference to ORCA documents.  Offerors will not be penalize for submitting a proposal over 30 pages due, to the request of certain document within this notice. 

NOTICE:  Deadline for questions is September 13, 2011 @ 12pm. 
Questions and Answers are below:

Q - We have two more questions regarding our proposal for DTMC75-11-Q-00080.

The RFQ specifies "three references."

We would prefer to include more than three references. Please let us know whether including more than three references will weigh in our favor.

Also, in regards to the stated page limitation -- 30 pages with text at 12 point Times New Roman, we are hoping that our ORCA document, which totals 27 pages, can be included as an appendix, whose page count is not included in the 30-page limit for our quote.

A - NO and 30 pages max. 

Q - The FedBizOpps page requires us to include the ORCA document.  If there is a 30 page max, how are we to include the ORCA document?

A- The proposal is no more than 30 pages.  FMCSA did not ask for the ORCA document.  The number of pages in the ORCA and any other requested document will not be included in the "total" count of the actual proposal.

Q - HEAT TRANSFER FOR T-SHIRTS:  Is silk-screening an acceptable method for printing the t-shirts (CLINs 00003 and 00004)?

 A- YES

 Q- PATCHES vs DIRECT EMBROIDERY:  Is direct embroidery in lieu of sew-on patches acceptable for CLINs 00006 and 00007?

A - NO

 Q - On the hats (line items 00001, and 00002), shall "USDOT" be embroidered directly on the hats? 

A- YES

Q - Would it be acceptable to create a "USDOT" patch and apply it to the hats?

A - NO

Line item 00009 is "embroidering". 

Q- Does this include the cost of embroidering the hats and patches, and the cost of attaching the patches? Or should the cost of creating the patches and attaching them be included in the cost of the other items?

A - Please submit make a separate cost breakdown for the uniforms, embroidering, total cost.

Q- On what date will this contract be awarded?  The solicitation says the samples will be "approved" three days after the 15th, but is this the same as the "award date"?

A- TBD

Q - Also, after the "first article samples" are received, how long will it take the DOT to tell the vendor if those samples are approved?  This will affect production times, and therefore affect the delivery schedule. 

A - 2 - 3 days

Q - Is there a chance the numbers were reversed on the bid? I'm showing Jerzee's Heavyweight blend being a 5.6 oz not 6.5 oz weight.  

A - Yes. It's 5.6 oz.  That was a typo that we are going to update on fedbizopps this afternoon.   

Q - Are you indicating that the samples due on  September 15 do not need to have patches attached to  them? 

A - YES

Q- Do you need to review the patches at all (attached or unattached) as a part of the proposal?

A - NO

Q- Are we required to purchase uniforms, patches, and baseball caps from an approved vendor.

A - The approved vendor shall be the contractor responding to the proposal and whom the government will be purchasing the items from. 

Q - How are the samples referred to in the following two bullet points different from each other, or are they the same?

Q- The Contractor shall provide a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt by September 15, 201.  The Government shall review and approve the uniform sample within 3 business days.  ANSWER:  Send a sample of the uniform in to our office along with your proposal.  The Government will approve the uniform within 3 business days and will then return the item back to you. 

 Q -The Government reserves the right to request a first article product sample prior to full production.  Therefore, the first article samples will be required to be submitted to the Government no later than 30 days after award.  Therefore, the Contractor must submit for approval and evaluation a completed uniform (with sown on patch) prior to full production. After approval of the first article sample, the contractor is required to deliver items (with embroidery patch) to addresses by no later than November 7, 2011.  ANSWER: After the Government approves the uniform and proposal that's submitted on September 15, 2011, the Government will then make a selection base upon the evaluation factors listed in the SOW and will later require the vendors to submit the first article sample within 30 days for review prior to full production.  After approval of the first article sample (w/ the patches), the contractor/vendor is required to deliver items (with embroidery patching) to addresses by no later than November 7, 2011.

Q- Under  Section V:  PROPOSAL EVALUATION  How is point (3) : "The Contractor shall provide a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt by September 15, 2011"substantively different from point (7) : " The Government reserves the right to request Product sample prior to full production."?  Please clarify point (3) "The Contractor shall provide a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt by September 15, 2011." Does the exclusion of baseball caps in this statement mean that the baseball cap samples are not due on September 15th?  In regards to the sentence above, by "t-shirt" do you mean both the long and short sleeve t-shirts?  ANSWER:  Send in a sample of each item along with your proposal.  The items will be returned back to the vendor/contractor.  Basically, the Government needs to see the items first before full production to ensure quality etc.

Q -The RFQ states that the samples are to be size large.  What pant measurement (i.e., 36R mens?) will count as large?  Additionally, what shirt measurement will count as large? ANSWER: There is no specific "large" measurement for the men's pants.  Please use your best judgment.  There are no specific measurements for a large t-shirt.  The t-shirt should say "large" on the inside of the collar.  Normally around the neck area or will have a tag on the inside that says "large".

Q - Is the proposal due date on September 15th?  If not, what information (prices? proposed schedule?) is due along with the samples.  When is the proposal due?  ANSWER: Yes.  The Proposal and sample are due 9/15/11

Q - Our manufacturer has indicated that there is conflicting information in the RFQ in regards to line items #3 and #4.The request for long and short sleeve t-shirts is for 50/50 Poly/Cotton @   6.5oz.  Typically 50/50 Poly/Cotton weight is around 5oz, while 100% Cotton weight is around 6.5oz.  Which fabric should the shirts be made of?? ANSWER: There was an error.  The t-shirts are 5.6 oz 50% cotton and 50% polyester.

Q - Under Attachment 3

•·         For all t-shirts and BDU shirts, attachment 3 does not specify whether sizes are for men or women (a men's small is different than a women's small, etc.).  Unisex

•·         Men's t-shirts typically do not come in size extra small.  Are the extra small t-shirts women's t-shirts?  ANSWER:  NO

Are the BDU shirts unisex? If not, how many of each of the sizes are for men and how many for women? The sizes are posted on ANSWER: Unisex

Q - Please let us know whether or which federal-government-approved vendors are available for acquisition of the specified fabric, embroidered patches, buttons, zippers, etc. ANSWER: - Times New Roman, 12 point no more than 30 pages

Q- Especially if no such vendors are available, we need to know the specific Pantone colors intended. Otherwise, we cannot identify the "exact color" mentioned in the RFQ's description of "Product Samples."  There are many Vendors available on the GSA Schedule whom have these uniforms.  The exact color should match the pants and shirt or vice versa.  - ANSWER - For example, Dark navy blue pants and dark navy blue shirts. No dark navy blue pants and semi-dark shirts.  Everything must match and look the same.      

Q- Also under the "Product Samples" heading in Section V, item (1) and item (3) -- describing the samples to be submitted with our quote -- appear contradictory. While (1) specifies "samples of each line item must be provided" -- a specification that would include the two baseball caps manufactured of differing fabrics, section (3), instead, requests "a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt" with no mention of the baseball caps. ANSWER - We would like a sample of "each" product. 

Q- Additionally, please provide further specifications regarding the BDU apparel and t-shirts, such as as collar style and sleeve length, pocket size and placement and other details. - The specifications are within the Statement of Work.  ANSWER - You can utilize Google or GSA Advantage search to get a better idea.   

Q - Is there any way we can have a better quality photo of the FMCLA credential? ANSWER - NO

Q-  I just want to clarify a couple things regarding the uniform bid for FMCSA

•·         The Short/Long sleeve t-shirts are requesting the FMCSA Credential and USDOT heat seal on the left breast/full back.  Are these the same patches that will be sewn onto the Short and Long sleeve BDU shirts?

•1)      To clarify, the US Flag will not be reversed, it will be sewn on as seen on Attachment 1 (a) ANSWER:  A screen print will be applied to the t-shirts.

•2)      Correct

Q - For the caps, will it be possible to substitute a leather strap instead of Velcro? ANSWER - NO

Q - For the tactical pant and shirt, would you be willing to go with 70/30 Poly/Cotton Ottoman-Weave fabric as opposed to the 65/35 Poly/Cotton Ripstop or would you be willing to go with a 6.5 oz. 65/35 Poly/Cotton Ripstop?  I have a couple of good options.

ANSWER -  NO

Q - Can you please list where the emblems are supposed to go on the uniforms?  ANSWER -  The information is contained in the uniform specifications document.

Q - We are working in the bid. Will you need the items packed by employee or do you want them shipped in bulk and still packed by employee?

ANSWER - In bulk to the shipping addresses.

Q - Do we have to pack by employees? or the purchase order will say just quanties and sizes? and all the sizes will be ship together?

ANSWER - I believe just the quantity and sizes.   

Q - Could you please clarify the questions below? Your answers will give us a better way to do a better pricing. 

1-The short and long sleeve T-shirts I will have a heat transfer decals, right- no emblem?

and  the BDU long and short sleeve shirts have 4  sew-on emblems, right?

 2-Are the quantities stated in the RFQ will be divided by the 20 offices listed?

 3-Are we going to have the list of the employees for each office? or we will have just a bulk list of  items  to ship to each location?

We can ship  anyway the Agency  needs it. We serviced a USDA PPQ Contract  for over 10 years, with 2800-3200 employees, for which we tracked their yearly  uniforms allowances. We shipped to their work locations through the 50 states.

ANSWER:

 1 - heat transfer, no emblem

2 - the quantities will be divided (however, not equally) among the 20 offices

3 - bulk list of items to ship to each location

Q - I have a question on your line items 00003 and 00004 in regards to the heat press, can you confirm if this will be screen printing or garment printing on the tee shirts.

ANSWER - Print screen

NOTICE:  Deadline for questions is September 13, 2011 @ 12pm. 
Questions and Answers are below:

Q - We have two more questions regarding our proposal for DTMC75-11-Q-00080.

The RFQ specifies "three references."

We would prefer to include more than three references. Please let us know whether including more than three references will weigh in our favor.

Also, in regards to the stated page limitation -- 30 pages with text at 12 point Times New Roman, we are hoping that our ORCA document, which totals 27 pages, can be included as an appendix, whose page count is not included in the 30-page limit for our quote.

A - NO and 30 pages max

Q - The FedBizOpps page requires us to include the ORCA document.  If there is a 30 page max, how are we to include the ORCA document?

A- The proposal is no more than 30 pages.  FMCSA did not ask for the ORCA document.

Q - HEAT TRANSFER FOR T-SHIRTS:  Is silk-screening an acceptable method for printing the t-shirts (CLINs 00003 and 00004)?

 A- YES

 Q- PATCHES vs DIRECT EMBROIDERY:  Is direct embroidery in lieu of sew-on patches acceptable for CLINs 00006 and 00007?

A - NO

 Q - On the hats (line items 00001, and 00002), shall "USDOT" be embroidered directly on the hats? 

A- YES

Q - Would it be acceptable to create a "USDOT" patch and apply it to the hats?

A - NO

Line item 00009 is "embroidering". 

Q- Does this include the cost of embroidering the hats and patches, and the cost of attaching the patches? Or should the cost of creating the patches and attaching them be included in the cost of the other items?

A - Please submit make a separate cost breakdown for the uniforms, embroidering, total cost.

Q- On what date will this contract be awarded?  The solicitation says the samples will be "approved" three days after the 15th, but is this the same as the "award date"?

A- TBD

Q - Also, after the "first article samples" are received, how long will it take the DOT to tell the vendor if those samples are approved?  This will affect production times, and therefore affect the delivery schedule. 

A - 2 - 3 days

Q - Is there a chance the numbers were reversed on the bid? I'm showing Jerzee's Heavyweight blend being a 5.6 oz not 6.5 oz weight.  

A - Yes. It's 5.6 oz.  That was a typo that we are going to update on fedbizopps this afternoon.   

Q - Are you indicating that the samples due on  September 15 do not need to have patches attached to  them? 

A - YES

Q- Do you need to review the patches at all (attached or unattached) as a part of the proposal?

A - NO

Q- Are we required to purchase uniforms, patches, and baseball caps from an approved vendor.

A - The approved vendor shall be the contractor responding to the proposal and whom the government will be purchasing the items from. 

Q - How are the samples referred to in the following two bullet points different from each other, or are they the same?

Q- The Contractor shall provide a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt by September 15, 201.  The Government shall review and approve the uniform sample within 3 business days.  ANSWER:  Send a sample of the uniform in to our office along with your proposal.  The Government will approve the uniform within 3 business days and will then return the item back to you. 

 Q -The Government reserves the right to request a first article product sample prior to full production.  Therefore, the first article samples will be required to be submitted to the Government no later than 30 days after award.  Therefore, the Contractor must submit for approval and evaluation a completed uniform (with sown on patch) prior to full production. After approval of the first article sample, the contractor is required to deliver items (with embroidery patch) to addresses by no later than November 7, 2011.  ANSWER: After the Government approves the uniform and proposal that's submitted on September 15, 2011, the Government will then make a selection base upon the evaluation factors listed in the SOW and will later require the vendors to submit the first article sample within 30 days for review prior to full production.  After approval of the first article sample (w/ the patches), the contractor/vendor is required to deliver items (with embroidery patching) to addresses by no later than November 7, 2011.

Q- Under  Section V:  PROPOSAL EVALUATION  How is point (3) : "The Contractor shall provide a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt by September 15, 2011"substantively different from point (7) : " The Government reserves the right to request Product sample prior to full production."?  Please clarify point (3) "The Contractor shall provide a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt by September 15, 2011." Does the exclusion of baseball caps in this statement mean that the baseball cap samples are not due on September 15th?  In regards to the sentence above, by "t-shirt" do you mean both the long and short sleeve t-shirts?  ANSWER:  Send in a sample of each item along with your proposal.  The items will be returned back to the vendor/contractor.  Basically, the Government needs to see the items first before full production to ensure quality etc.

Q -The RFQ states that the samples are to be size large.  What pant measurement (i.e., 36R mens?) will count as large?  Additionally, what shirt measurement will count as large? ANSWER: There is no specific "large" measurement for the men's pants.  Please use your best judgment.  There are no specific measurements for a large t-shirt.  The t-shirt should say "large" on the inside of the collar.  Normally around the neck area or will have a tag on the inside that says "large".

Q - Is the proposal due date on September 15th?  If not, what information (prices? proposed schedule?) is due along with the samples.  When is the proposal due?  ANSWER: Yes.  The Proposal and sample are due 9/15/11

Q - Our manufacturer has indicated that there is conflicting information in the RFQ in regards to line items #3 and #4.The request for long and short sleeve t-shirts is for 50/50 Poly/Cotton @   6.5oz.  Typically 50/50 Poly/Cotton weight is around 5oz, while 100% Cotton weight is around 6.5oz.  Which fabric should the shirts be made of?? ANSWER: There was an error.  The t-shirts are 5.6 oz 50% cotton and 50% polyester.

Q - Under Attachment 3

•·         For all t-shirts and BDU shirts, attachment 3 does not specify whether sizes are for men or women (a men's small is different than a women's small, etc.).  Unisex

•·         Men's t-shirts typically do not come in size extra small.  Are the extra small t-shirts women's t-shirts?  ANSWER:  NO

Are the BDU shirts unisex? If not, how many of each of the sizes are for men and how many for women? The sizes are posted on ANSWER: Unisex

Q - Please let us know whether or which federal-government-approved vendors are available for acquisition of the specified fabric, embroidered patches, buttons, zippers, etc. ANSWER: - Times New Roman, 12 point no more than 30 pages

Q- Especially if no such vendors are available, we need to know the specific Pantone colors intended. Otherwise, we cannot identify the "exact color" mentioned in the RFQ's description of "Product Samples."  There are many Vendors available on the GSA Schedule whom have these uniforms.  The exact color should match the pants and shirt or vice versa.  - ANSWER - For example, Dark navy blue pants and dark navy blue shirts. No dark navy blue pants and semi-dark shirts.  Everything must match and look the same.      

Q- Also under the "Product Samples" heading in Section V, item (1) and item (3) -- describing the samples to be submitted with our quote -- appear contradictory. While (1) specifies "samples of each line item must be provided" -- a specification that would include the two baseball caps manufactured of differing fabrics, section (3), instead, requests "a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt" with no mention of the baseball caps. ANSWER - We would like a sample of "each" product. 

Q- Additionally, please provide further specifications regarding the BDU apparel and t-shirts, such as as collar style and sleeve length, pocket size and placement and other details. - The specifications are within the Statement of Work.  ANSWER - You can utilize Google or GSA Advantage search to get a better idea.   

Q - Is there any way we can have a better quality photo of the FMCLA credential? ANSWER - NO

Q-  I just want to clarify a couple things regarding the uniform bid for FMCSA

•·         The Short/Long sleeve t-shirts are requesting the FMCSA Credential and USDOT heat seal on the left breast/full back.  Are these the same patches that will be sewn onto the Short and Long sleeve BDU shirts?

•1)      To clarify, the US Flag will not be reversed, it will be sewn on as seen on Attachment 1 (a) ANSWER:  A screen print will be applied to the t-shirts.

•2)      Correct

Q - For the caps, will it be possible to substitute a leather strap instead of Velcro? ANSWER - NO

Q - For the tactical pant and shirt, would you be willing to go with 70/30 Poly/Cotton Ottoman-Weave fabric as opposed to the 65/35 Poly/Cotton Ripstop or would you be willing to go with a 6.5 oz. 65/35 Poly/Cotton Ripstop?  I have a couple of good options.

ANSWER -  NO

Q - Can you please list where the emblems are supposed to go on the uniforms?  ANSWER -  The information is contained in the uniform specifications document.

Q - We are working in the bid. Will you need the items packed by employee or do you want them shipped in bulk and still packed by employee?

ANSWER - In bulk to the shipping addresses.

Q - Do we have to pack by employees? or the purchase order will say just quanties and sizes? and all the sizes will be ship together?

ANSWER - I believe just the quantity and sizes.   

Q - Could you please clarify the questions below? Your answers will give us a better way to do a better pricing. 

1-The short and long sleeve T-shirts I will have a heat transfer decals, right- no emblem?

and  the BDU long and short sleeve shirts have 4  sew-on emblems, right?

 2-Are the quantities stated in the RFQ will be divided by the 20 offices listed?

 3-Are we going to have the list of the employees for each office? or we will have just a bulk list of  items  to ship to each location?

We can ship  anyway the Agency  needs it. We serviced a USDA PPQ Contract  for over 10 years, with 2800-3200 employees, for which we tracked their yearly  uniforms allowances. We shipped to their work locations through the 50 states.

ANSWER:

 1 - heat transfer, no emblem

2 - the quantities will be divided (however, not equally) among the 20 offices

3 - bulk list of items to ship to each location

Q - I have a question on your line items 00003 and 00004 in regards to the heat press, can you confirm if this will be screen printing or garment printing on the tee shirts.

ANSWER - Print screen

This acquistion is for the purchase of Uniforms for the Federal Mortor Carrier Safety Administration.  See attached Request for Proposal.  

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals; quotes are being requested and a -written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is DTMC-75-11-Q-00080 and it is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP).   This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-53. This acquisition shall be a 100% Small Business Set-A-Side.  The NAICS Code is 315225 and the Small Business dollar standard is 500 employees.    

This requirement will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price. 

The contractor shall be required to provide the requested supplies in accordance with the SF18 and Attachments 1, 1 (a) through 1 (d).  Delivery of the requested items must FOB Destination and delivery no later than 30 days after contract award.  The following Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) provisions at 52.212-2, Evaluation of Commercials applies to this acquisition.  The following evaluation factors will be used for the award:  See Statement of Work

Offerors must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items with its offer. FAR Clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. FAR written notice of award or acceptance of an offer mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful Offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, is incorporated by reference into the solicitation. The following clauses are incorporated by reference as addenda to 52.212-4: 52.204-2, Security Requirements; 52.216-31, Definitions; 52.203-5, Covenant Against Contingent Fees; 52.203-7, Anti-Kickback Procedures; 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System Number; 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration; 52.216-24, Limitation of Government Liability; 52.216-25, ; 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor sales to the Government; 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases; 52.233-2, Service of Protest; 52.233-3, Protest After Award; 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim; 52.219-3, Child Labor ; 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Central Contractor Registration. Finally, the Transportation Acquisition Regulation (TAR) clauses 1252.217-74 - Subcontracts; 1252.237-70. 

Proposals and samples of each item are due no later than 2:00 p.m. on September 15, 2011. Offeror quote shall be a maximum of 30 pages. If your quote is being submitted by REGULAR MAIL, EXPRESS MAIL OR COURIER, use the following address: Department of Transportation (DOT)/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, to the Attention of Ms. Melinda Riddick, W66-448. Offerors must submit via proposal via mail or designated carrier and electronically to melinda.riddick@dot.gov.   However, it is each offeror's responsibility to ensure the offer is received (in total) by the Contract Specialist prior to the deadline. Should Offerors have any questions, submit questions to the Contract Specialist, Ms. Melinda Riddick, at the above email address, no later than 2:00 p.m. EST on September 15, 2011.

Place of Contract Performance:

US DOT/FMCSA
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States

Set Aside:

Total Small Business

Please send a sample of uniform items along with proposal by September 15, 2011. 

The correct t-shirt weight is 5.6 oz 50% cotton and 50% polyester

QUESITONS & ANSWERS

  Q - Is there a chance the numbers were reversed on the bid? I'm showing Jerzee's Heavyweight blend being a 5.6 oz not 6.5 oz weight. 

A - Yes. It's 5.6 oz.  That was a typo that we are going to update on fedbizopps this afternoon.   

Q - Are you indicating that the samples due on  September 15 do not need to have patches attached to  them? 

A - YES

Q- Do you need to review the patches at all (attached or unattached) as a part of the proposal?

A - NO

Q- Are we required to purchase uniforms, patches, and baseball caps from an approved vendor.

A - The approved vendor shall be the contractor responding to the proposal and whom the government will be purchasing the items from. 

Q - How are the samples referred to in the following two bullet points different from each other, or are they the same?

Q- The Contractor shall provide a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt by September 15, 201.  The Government shall review and approve the uniform sample within 3 business days.  ANSWER:  Send a sample of the uniform in to our office along with your proposal.  The Government will approve the uniform within 3 business days and will then return the item back to you. 

Q -The Government reserves the right to request a first article product sample prior to full production.  Therefore, the first article samples will be required to be submitted to the Government no later than 30 days after award.  Therefore, the Contractor must submit for approval and evaluation a completed uniform (with sown on patch) prior to full production. After approval of the first article sample, the contractor is required to deliver items (with embroidery patch) to addresses by no later than November 7, 2011.  ANSWER: After the Government approves the uniform and proposal that's submitted on September 15, 2011, the Government will then make a selection base upon the evaluation factors listed in the SOW and will later require the vendors to submit the first article sample within 30 days for review prior to full production.  After approval of the first article sample (w/ the patches), the contractor/vendor is required to deliver items (with embroidery patching) to addresses by no later than November 7, 2011.

Q- Under  Section V:  PROPOSAL EVALUATION  How is point (3) : "The Contractor shall provide a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt by September 15, 2011"substantively different from point (7) : " The Government reserves the right to request Product sample prior to full production."?  Please clarify point (3) "The Contractor shall provide a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt by September 15, 2011." Does the exclusion of baseball caps in this statement mean that the baseball cap samples are not due on September 15th?  In regards to the sentence above, by "t-shirt" do you mean both the long and short sleeve t-shirts?  ANSWER:  Send in a sample of each item along with your proposal.  The items will be returned back to the vendor/contractor.  Basically, the Government needs to see the items first before full production to ensure quality etc.

Q -The RFQ states that the samples are to be size large.  What pant measurement (i.e., 36R mens?) will count as large?  Additionally, what shirt measurement will count as large? ANSWER: There is no specific "large" measurement for the men's pants.  Please use your best judgment.  There are no specific measurements for a large t-shirt.  The t-shirt should say "large" on the inside of the collar.  Normally around the neck area or will have a tag on the inside that says "large".

Q - Is the proposal due date on September 15th?  If not, what information (prices? proposed schedule?) is due along with the samples.  When is the proposal due?  ANSWER: Yes.  The Proposal and sample are due 9/15/11

Q - Our manufacturer has indicated that there is conflicting information in the RFQ in regards to line items #3 and #4.The request for long and short sleeve t-shirts is for 50/50 Poly/Cotton @   6.5oz.  Typically 50/50 Poly/Cotton weight is around 5oz, while 100% Cotton weight is around 6.5oz.  Which fabric should the shirts be made of?? ANSWER: There was an error.  The t-shirts are 5.6 oz 50% cotton and 50% polyester.

Q - Under Attachment 3

•·         For all t-shirts and BDU shirts, attachment 3 does not specify whether sizes are for men or women (a men's small is different than a women's small, etc.).  Unisex

•·         Men's t-shirts typically do not come in size extra small.  Are the extra small t-shirts women's t-shirts?  ANSWER:  NO

Are the BDU shirts unisex? If not, how many of each of the sizes are for men and how many for women? The sizes are posted on ANSWER: Unisex

Q - Please let us know whether or which federal-government-approved vendors are available for acquisition of the specified fabric, embroidered patches, buttons, zippers, etc. ANSWER: - Times New Roman, 12 point no more than 30 pages

Q- Especially if no such vendors are available, we need to know the specific Pantone colors intended. Otherwise, we cannot identify the "exact color" mentioned in the RFQ's description of "Product Samples."  There are many Vendors available on the GSA Schedule whom have these uniforms.  The exact color should match the pants and shirt or vice versa.  - ANSWER - For example, Dark navy blue pants and dark navy blue shirts. No dark navy blue pants and semi-dark shirts.  Everything must match and look the same.      

Q- Also under the "Product Samples" heading in Section V, item (1) and item (3) -- describing the samples to be submitted with our quote -- appear contradictory. While (1) specifies "samples of each line item must be provided" -- a specification that would include the two baseball caps manufactured of differing fabrics, section (3), instead, requests "a sample of the shirt, pants, and t-shirt" with no mention of the baseball caps. ANSWER - We would like a sample of "each" product. 

Q- Additionally, please provide further specifications regarding the BDU apparel and t-shirts, such as as collar style and sleeve length, pocket size and placement and other details. - The specifications are within the Statement of Work.  ANSWER - You can utilize Google or GSA Advantage search to get a better idea.   

Q - Is there any way we can have a better quality photo of the FMCLA credential? ANSWER - NO

Q-  I just want to clarify a couple things regarding the uniform bid for FMCSA

•·         The Short/Long sleeve t-shirts are requesting the FMCSA Credential and USDOT heat seal on the left breast/full back.  Are these the same patches that will be sewn onto the Short and Long sleeve BDU shirts?

•1)      To clarify, the US Flag will not be reversed, it will be sewn on as seen on Attachment 1 (a) ANSWER:  A screen print will be applied to the t-shirts.

•2)      Correct

Q - For the caps, will it be possible to substitute a leather strap instead of Velcro? ANSWER - NO

Q - For the tactical pant and shirt, would you be willing to go with 70/30 Poly/Cotton Ottoman-Weave fabric as opposed to the 65/35 Poly/Cotton Ripstop or would you be willing to go with a 6.5 oz. 65/35 Poly/Cotton Ripstop?  I have a couple of good options.

ANSWER -  NO

Q - Can you please list where the emblems are supposed to go on the uniforms?  ANSWER -  The information is contained in the uniform specifications document.

Q - We are working in the bid. Will you need the items packed by employee or do you want them shipped in bulk and still packed by employee?

ANSWER - In bulk to the shipping addresses.

Q - Do we have to pack by employees? or the purchase order will say just quanties and sizes? and all the sizes will be ship together?

ANSWER - I believe just the quantity and sizes.   

Q - Could you please clarify the questions below? Your answers will give us a better way to do a better pricing. 

1-The short and long sleeve T-shirts I will have a heat transfer decals, right- no emblem?

and  the BDU long and short sleeve shirts have 4  sew-on emblems, right?

 2-Are the quantities stated in the RFQ will be divided by the 20 offices listed?

 3-Are we going to have the list of the employees for each office? or we will have just a bulk list of  items  to ship to each location?

We can ship  anyway the Agency  needs it. We serviced a USDA PPQ Contract  for over 10 years, with 2800-3200 employees, for which we tracked their yearly  uniforms allowances. We shipped to their work locations through the 50 states.

ANSWER:

 1 - heat transfer, no emblem

2 - the quantities will be divided (however, not equally) among the 20 offices

3 - bulk list of items to ship to each location

Q - I have a question on your line items 00003 and 00004 in regards to the heat press, can you confirm if this will be screen printing or garment printing on the tee shirts.

ANSWER - Print screen

This acquistion is for the purchase of Uniforms for the Federal Mortor Carrier Safety Administration.  See attached Request for Proposal.  

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals; quotes are being requested and a -written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is DTMC-75-11-Q-00080 and it is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP).   This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-53. This acquisition shall be a 100% Small Business Set-A-Side.  The NAICS Code is 315225 and the Small Business dollar standard is 500 employees.    

This requirement will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price. 

The contractor shall be required to provide the requested supplies in accordance with the SF18 and Attachments 1, 1 (a) through 1 (d).  Delivery of the requested items must FOB Destination and delivery no later than 30 days after contract award.  The following Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) provisions at 52.212-2, Evaluation of Commercials applies to this acquisition.  The following evaluation factors will be used for the award:  See Statement of Work

Offerors must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items with its offer. FAR Clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. FAR written notice of award or acceptance of an offer mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful Offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, is incorporated by reference into the solicitation. The following clauses are incorporated by reference as addenda to 52.212-4: 52.204-2, Security Requirements; 52.216-31, Definitions; 52.203-5, Covenant Against Contingent Fees; 52.203-7, Anti-Kickback Procedures; 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System Number; 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration; 52.216-24, Limitation of Government Liability; 52.216-25, ; 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor sales to the Government; 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases; 52.233-2, Service of Protest; 52.233-3, Protest After Award; 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim; 52.219-3, Child Labor ; 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Central Contractor Registration. Finally, the Transportation Acquisition Regulation (TAR) clauses 1252.217-74 - Subcontracts; 1252.237-70. 

Proposals are due no later than 2:00 p.m. on September 15, 2011. Offeror quote shall be a maximum of 30 pages. If your quote is being submitted by REGULAR MAIL, EXPRESS MAIL OR COURIER, use the following address: Department of Transportation (DOT)/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, to the Attention of Ms. Melinda Riddick, W66-448. Offerors must submit via proposal via mail or designated carrier and electronically to melinda.riddick@dot.gov.   However, it is each offeror's responsibility to ensure the offer is received (in total) by the Contract Specialist prior to the deadline. Should Offerors have any questions, submit questions to the Contract Specialist, Ms. Melinda Riddick, at the above email address, no later than 2:00 p.m. EST on September 15, 2011.

Place of Contract Performance:

US DOT/FMCSA
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States

Set Aside:

Total Small Business