The solicitation has been extended for one day to answer a few questions below: I have read this solicitation in detail and the attached purchase specification for the solicitation. I do not find any details on a required NRR for this solicitation. I have read the Purchase Requisition and find this a comment about how the NRR will be derated, and a rather interesting comment: "NRR shall be constant for 8 hrs of continuous use." NRR is a laboratory established performance metric and does not change over time for passive products, so we are a bit unclear as to what this comment means. Any clarification that can be provided for this comment would be appreciated. ANSWER: If the wearer is keeping the hearing protection in for the entire shift, there shall be no degradation in the NRR. Finally, the last requirement in the Purchase Specification is: "Earplugs provided will allow for normal conversation by the wearer in production areas." To fulfill this requirement actually requires some knowledge of the noise exposure in the production areas. We have different custom fitted hearing protection solutions, for different amounts of noise exposure. Can you provide any further details as to what type of noise exposure situation is present; Time Weighted Average (TWA), description of noise sources, etc.? ANSWER: Possibly a vent of some sort for the form fitted hearing which allows for conversation in most noise areas present in the production areas of the Complex. This feature is a must to prevent employees from having to remove the earplugs to converse with coworkers and supervisors, (typically within a 3-4 foot radius). The noise exposure levels that most workers are exposed to are in the 60-95 dB levels. ... the TWA is around 60dB for an 8 hour period. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. SOLICITATION # FA8224-13-T-0062, this a request for quotation (RFQ) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 05-66 April 1, 2013. This is being issued on an unrestricted basis. Offeror shall submit the quote with this CLIN structure: 0001 (MSXG): [Product description], QTY 31, Unit of issue PAIR (PR), Unit price in U.S. Dollars$, Extended Price in U.S. Dollars $(*) 0002 (MMXG): [Product description], QTY 250, Unit of issue PAIR (PR), Unit price in U.S. Dollars$, Extended Price in U.S. Dollars $(*) 0003 (EMXG): [Product description], QTY 268, Unit of issue PAIR (PR), Unit price in U.S. Dollars$, Extended Price in U.S. Dollars $(*) 0004 (CMXG): [Product description], QTY 240, Unit of issue PAIR (PR), Unit price in U.S. Dollars$, Extended Price in U.S. Dollars $(*) *NOTE: The unit price shall be inclusive of the fitting fee, the manufacture and delivery of the ear plugs. Offeror shall comply with all aspects of the purchase description, see attached document. Final delivery shall be no later than 60 calendar days after receipt of order, FOB destination, Hill AFB, UT 84056 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, applies to this acquisition, no addenda attached. 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition, each quote submitted shall conform in every aspect to the purchase specification. Offerors will be evaluated in terms of lowest price after conformance and technical acceptability to the purchase specification has been determined. Include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, with an offer. 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition; please note any exceptions taken to the government's terms and conditions when submitting the quote. 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items(DEV), applies to this acquisition Additional FAR, DFARS clauses are applicable as follows: 52.252-2, 52.252-6, 252.212-7001(DEV), 252.232-7003, 252.232-7006, 252.203-7000, 252.247-7023 (alt III). This order is not DPAS rated The Air Force has identified questions potential offerors may have and has posted the questions with the RFQ, below are the answers to the anticipated questions: 1.Can this be open to resellers or is it strictly mfgrs as a prime on this effort? This is an unrestricted acquisition. If you can meet the purchase specification requirements, are registered to do business with the government, meet the buy American Act requirements, and submit your quote timely, you may be considered for award. 2. Is there a requirement for NRR? Please refer to the purchase specification attached to this solicitation. 3. Are there any other product performance-versus-price trades (besides attenuation), that are going to be considered when evaluating proposals? No, only conformance to the submission procedures and technical acceptability to the purchase specification, after that it is price. 4. Will the USAF coordinate the logistics to have the personnel designated to receive the custom hearing protectors, for our team to collect the ear impressions? Yes, internally we will coordinate having the personnel available. It is the responsibility of the awardee to coordinate the days for the fittings with the government POCs. 5. Is the proposal submitted directly to you, electronically? Yes, electronic submission is preferred; either PDF or MS Word Format.
