The purpose of this amendment is outlined below: Answer all questions received by the 2/10/2023 11:00AM EST deadline. Questions and answers are as follows: Q: Can the due date be extended? A: The due date will not be extended. Q: A company is a small business but not an SDVOSB, and they are the sole source for some of the items being solicited. Should the company submit an offer on this solicitation stating that they are the sole source and provide OEM letters as support? Or will the items not be able to be quoted on by small businesses for this solicitation? And will these items be requested in a later solicitation that is open to all small businesses, and should small businesses wait to respond to that opportunity? A: This opportunity is open to businesses of all sizes using a tiered evaluation approach. Please see RFQ provision 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items under section E.3. Q: Is there a non-manufacturer rule waiver for this requirement? A: There is not a standalone non-manufacturer rule (NMR) waiver approved for this requirement, however, NMR Class waivers do apply to this requirement. Q: It is not clear how to answer Column R on the Quote Sheet and whether products are eligible for the NMR Waiver. For a certified WOSB, would this not be applicable? A: The NMR is applicable to WOSBs. Under column R, answer Yes if the item is covered under a NMR Class waiver or if the item meets the requirements of the NMR. Answer No if the item is not covered under a NMR Class waiver and does not meet the requirements of the NMR. Q: Are Woman Owned Small Businesses being considered for this solicitation? A: Yes, Woman Owned Small Businesses are being considered for this solicitation. Q: Can alternative items be recommended and quoted in response to this RFQ? A: Currently, only items being solicited will be accepted and reviewed, any alternatives can be submitted via the current New Item Request Process.
