Description
***DO NOT SEND QUOTES OR SAMPLES*** This is not a solicitation, these are VA answers to contractor's questions/comments on draft specifications. Black color= draft specifications. Blue color= contractor's questions/comments Red color= VA response BATH TOWEL 20 BY 40 INCH 1 Fiber content shall be 86% cotton and 14% polyester or 100% cotton There are wide variances in the draft specifications, which can lead to discrepancies in quality and large price differences. Is there one specification that the VA prefers, or can more than one product be proposed to fall within these specifications. The VA should decide if it requires a blended 86% cotton, 14% polyester blend or 100% cotton. 100% cotton is more expensive than a blended product Would advise changing this to something more akin to "shall be at least 86% cotton" which would allow for any/all blends between 86/14 and 100% cotton. As currently written, a 87/13 or 88/12 or 90/10 blend would be unacceptable but an 86/14 would meet spec. Also advisable to indicate that pile yarn must be 100% cotton (this will force any synthetic utilized into the "ground" of the towel). We want both options so the field has a selection of quality to choose from. There will be separate line items on the solicitation for 86% cotton 14% polyester towel and 100% cotton towel. Also there are other blends available such as bamboo, while it is more expensive it offers double the life cycle of a blended product. Not interested in this at this time for not all companies have this product as of yet. NO we do not want to consider other blends. Are the loops for the terry ring spun or open end carded cotton terry loops? The VA will accept either one as this will not be specified. 2 Size of bath towel shall be 20" x 40" finished product Does the finished size have to be exact? Industry convention is for non-apparel textiles to be sold as cut size. A 20"x40" towel would not typically be delivered as a 20"x40" finished size. Specifying this finished size will require "non-stock" production which may elevate acquisition expense. Also, the weight per unit area will be reduced as compared to terry made to same weight but specified as cut size. Specification changed to: Finished product size of bath towel shall be 20" x 40" plus or minus .25 inch. 3 Weight per dozen of bath towels shall be within the range of 5 lbs - 6.25 lbs [1 towel - 6.66 to 8.33 oz] The weight must be from 6-8 lbs per dozen. Most typical 20 x 40 weight per dozen ranges from 5-5.5 lbs, would that be ok? Generally, the acceptable weight range for terry is +/- 5% per dozen. Weight is not ordinarily specified or validated on a per piece basis. In this case, it would be advised to specify as something such as 5.5 lbs./per dozen +/- 5% Specification changed to: Weight per dozen of bath towels will be a minimum of 5 lbs per dozen or 6.66 ounces each. 4 "VA Property Not For Sale" must be name woven (not printed) in a blue center stripe the entire length of towel. When specifying colors like blue or white the Color Card of America should be referenced so colors can be quality controlled and specified. Name woven must be in white on white, no color is good for reusable towels, as any color center stripe will bleed during bleaching, and if you do not bleach a white towel, it will become yellow after a couple of washes and look bad. What good would white on white be as you can't see the logo then. We want this so the laundries or facilities don't have to label them VA Property Not For Sale. Does it matter what color blue? Color does not matter; we just chose blue for that was what we had last time. We don't care what color of blue as long as it's blue. Are the letters 2" high? Yes we want 2" letters. Are the letters blue or are the letters white contained in a solid blue woven band? Letters are blue. 5 Each side of the towel shall have a selvage edge not less than " or more than " wide Selvedge can only be on the 2 sides (length side) " to " wide. Are the selvedges hemmed or self selvedges? Tolerance as stated here is very narrow in scope and may create high level of QA rejection (and increased cost). Suggested change to "no less than 1/4" or more than 3/4" Specification changed to: Selvaged edge on the length of the towel and hemmed on the ends of the towel. 6 Towel shall have a hem at each end no less than 3/8" or more than " Double stitch hem? Tolerance as stated here is unusually narrow in scope and may create high level of QA rejection (and increased cost). Suggested change to "no less than 3/8 or more than 7/8" Specification changed to: Towel shall have a double stitched hem at each end. 7 Towel shall have a border without terry loops. Border can be dobby, or plain, the distance from ends will be 2 to 4". Presuming that this is a flat, non-decorative border, this should be referred to as a "cam border" and the specification should also describe orientation and preferred location of the cam borders, i.e. woven parallel to and located approximately 3" from hemmed end Specification changed to: Towel shall have a border without terry loops, 2 to 4 inches at each end of towel. 8 Towel shall have double loop range of one eighth to one quarter thread size What do you mean by that? It is unclear what this is intended to indicate or specify - recommend removing from specification. However, it would be advisable to add a specification for the yarn size to be utilized in the loop or pile portion of the towel - such as 16/1 Pile Yarn This is the size of the loops on the towel. All towels are looped with variance of sizes as it makes for a higher quality towel. This spec stands as is. 9 Manufacturing Label (fabric content, care instructions, Country of Manufacture) The specification should address how these products are to be laundered. Even though care instructions means the exact same thing. Specification changed to: Manufacturing Label ( fabric content, laundry instructions, Country of Manufacture) BATH TOWEL 24 BY 48 INCH 1 Fiber content shall be 86% cotton and 14% polyester or 100% cotton Would advise changing this to something more akin to "shall be at least 86% cotton" which would allow for any/all blends between 86/14 and 100% cotton. As currently written, a 87/13 or 88/12 or 90/10 blend would be unacceptable but an 86/14 would meet spec. Also advisable to indicate that pile yarn must be 100% cotton (this will force any synthetic utilized into the "ground" of the towel). We want both options so the field has a selection of quality to choose from. There will be separate line items on the solicitation for 86% cotton 14% polyester towels and 100% cotton towels. 2 Size of bath towel shall be 24" x 48" finished product size. Industry convention is for non-apparel textiles to be sold as cut size. A 24"x48" towel would not typically be delivered as a 24"x48" finished size. Specifying this finished size will require "non-stock" production which may elevate acquisition expense. Also, the weight per unit area will be reduced as compared to terry made to same weight but specified as cut size. Specification changed to: Size of bath towel shall be 24" x 48" finished product size plus or minus .25 inch. 3 Weight per dozen of bath towels shall be within the range of 6.25 lbs - 8 lbs [1 towel - 8.33 to 10 oz] The weight must be from 8-10 lbs per dozen. 24 x 48 towel weight per dozen range is 8 lbs. Would that be ok? A 6.25 towel is normally associated to a 22 x 44 Bath towel should we address a 22 x 44 with a 24 x 48 bath towel? Generally, the acceptable weight range for terry is +/- 5% per dozen. Weight is not ordinarily specified or validated on a per piece basis. In this case, it would be advised to specify as something such as 8.0 lbs./per dozen +/- 5% Specification changed to: Weight per dozen of bath towels will be a minimum of 6.25 lbs per dozen or 8.33 oz each. 4 "VA Property Not For Sale" must be name woven (not printed) in a blue center stripe the entire length of towel. See #4 above (20 x 40 Towel) 5 Each side of the towel shall have a selvage edge not less than " or more than " wide. Tolerance as stated here is very narrow in scope and may create high level of QA rejection (and increased cost). Suggested change to "no less than 1/4" or more than 3/4" See #5 above (20 x 40 Towel) 6 Towel shall have a hem at each end no less than 3/8" or more than " Tolerance as stated here is unusually narrow in scope and may create high level of QA rejection (and increased cost). Suggested change to "no less than 3/8 or more than 7/8" See #6 above (20 x 40 Towel) 7 Towel shall have a border without terry loops. Presuming that this is a flat, non-decorative border, this should be referred to as a "cam border" and the specification should also describe orientation and preferred location of the cam borders, i.e. woven parallel to and located approximately 3" from hemmed end See #7 above (20 x 40 Towel) 8 Towel shall have double loop range of one eighth to one quarter thread size. It is unclear what this is intended to indicate or specify - recommend removing from specification. However, it would be advisable to add a specification for the yarn size to be utilized in the loop or pile portion of the towel - such as 16/1 Pile Yarn See #8 above (20 x 40 Towel) 9 Manufacturing Label ( fabric content, care instructions, Country of Manufacture) See #9 above (20 x 40 Towel) WASHCLOTH 1 Fiber content shall be 86% cotton and 14% polyester, or 100% cotton. Would advise changing this to something more akin to "shall be at least 86% cotton" which would allow for any/all blends between 86/14 and 100% cotton. As currently written, a 87/13 or 88/12 or 90/10 blend would be unacceptable but an 86/14 would meet spec. Also advisable to indicate that pile yarn must be 100% cotton (this will force any synthetic utilized into the "ground" of the towel). We want both options so the field has a selection of quality to choose from. There will be separate line items on the solicitation for 86% cotton 14% polyester washcloths and 100% cotton washcloths. 2 Wash cloths shall be sized within the range of 12" x 12" and 13" x 13". Industry convention is for non-apparel textiles to be sold as cut size. In the case of washcloths, 12x12 size products generally are not produced at weights higher than 1.0#/dz. Most often, weights above 1.0# dozen are specified as 13"x13" cut size. In any case, a specific size should be stated with an allowable tolerance. In the case of a washcloth the tolerance need not be larger than " Specification changed to: Wash cloths shall be a minimum of a 12" by 12" finished size. 3 Weight per dozen of washcloths shall be within the range of .75 lb to 1.2 lbs (1 washcloth - 1 to 1.6 oz) The weight must be from 1 lb to 1.5 lbs per dozen. 12 x 12 range is 1.3-1.5 lb. Is that ok? 13 x 13 range is or 1 lb. Is that ok? Generally, the acceptable weight range for terry is +/- 5% per dozen. Weight is not ordinarily specified or validated on a per piece basis. In this case, it would be advised to specify as something such as 1.0 lbs./per dozen +/- 5% Specification changed to: Weight per dozen of washcloths shall be a minimum of .75 lb per dozen or 1 ounce each. 4 All four edges of washcloths shall be over-edged by stitching with 10-14 stitches per inch with breaks, skipped stitches and run offs overstitched to 1 inch. There shall be no loose or untrimmed threads on finished product. All four edges of washcloths shall be over-edged by stitching with 10-14 stitches per inch with breaks, skipped stitches and run offs overstitched to 1 inch. There shall be no loose or untrimmed threads on finished product. Recommend deletion of text indicated by strike-through. Specification stands as is. 5 Washcloth shall have a border without terry loops, 1/2" to 1 " at each end of washcloth. Border has to be from 1" to 2" from the border from each end, selvedge on two sides, or hem on 4 sides. Presuming that this is a flat, non-decorative border, this should be referred to as a "cam border" and the specification should also describe orientation and preferred location of the cam borders, i.e. woven parallel to and located approximately 1" from each of two opposing ends. Also, for a washcloth, it is recommended that the cam border width be less broad in range - perhaps " - 1" in size. Specification changed to: Washcloth shall have a border without terry loops, 1" to 2" at each end of washcloth with selvaged edge. CONTRACTING QUESTIONS/COMMENTS Will this be a small business set-aside or a full and open competition? This will be a full and open competition. Would partnering with SDVOSB, VOSB, or other socio-economic groups have any consideration with this program? SDVOSB and VOSB will be given an evaluation factor preference, with SDVOSB higher than VOSB. Would a made in USA product have any special consideration? No. Made in USA or imported? Are there any TAA requirements? A majority of terry products are currently made in non-approved countries. These products must meet the requirements of the FAR-World Trade Agreement with regard to country of manufacturer and source of the actual base product. Does it matter if it is an approved country? Are there any restrictions on country of manufacture? Inter-name woven towels are only possible if the VA would waive FAR =country of origin requirements. This particular style of towel is only made/substantially transformed in Pakistan and China. When it is not a FAR Part 19 small business set-aside then the business size does not matter, and the place of manufacture is domestic, outlying areas, OR designated countries. ANY OF THE COUNTRIES BELOW ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR THIS PROCUREMENT "Designated country" means any of the following countries: (1) A World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement country (Aruba, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (known in the World Trade Organization as "the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu" (Chinese Taipei)) or United Kingdom); (2) A Free Trade Agreement country (Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Peru, or Singapore); (3) A least developed country (Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Yemen, or Zambia); or (4) A Caribbean Basin country (Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or Trinidad and Tobago). When a FAR Part 19 small business set-aside is utilized it falls under the Buy America Act. This act requires the non-manufacturer rule. This rule says that if you are a non-manufacturer (ie a distributor) that you must provide the products of a small domestic or outlying area manufacturer. Of course the offeror must be in the proper small business set-aside category (ie SDVOSB) whether a distributor or manufacturer. "Outlying areas" means- (1) Commonwealths. (i) Puerto Rico. (ii) The Northern Mariana Islands; (2) Territories. (i) American Samoa. (ii) Guam. (iii) U.S. Virgin Islands; and (3) Minor outlying islands. (i) Baker Island. (ii) Howland Island. (iii) Jarvis Island. (iv) Johnston Atoll. (v) Kingman Reef. (vi) Midway Islands. (vii) Navassa Island. (viii) Palmyra Atoll. (ix) Wake Atoll. Do I need an FSS Contract to make an offer? No. Will the packaging be in bales, or boxes? Boxes. What numbers of the 250,000 towels are to be 20 x 40 versus 24 x 48? Estimated quantities for each line item will be on the actual solicitation.