Request for Quotation (RFQ)
For Consulting Services related to
Connecticut Manufacturing Centers Initiative
#BOR 13-06
Questions and Answers
Q:
On page 2, the RFQ states “A feasibility study was completed in 2012 regarding plans
and cost estimates for the construction of a Manufacturing Center at QVCC” and “ QVCC’s new
campus facility will accommodate its advanced manufacturing program and support the needs of
local industry”. Will the final report regarding equipment needs and recommendations for
QVCC pertain to QVCC’s manufacturing Center at Ellis Tech or to QVCC’s new campus
facility?
A:
The final report shall include equipment needs and recommendations for QVCC’s new
campus.
Q:
On page 2, the RFQ states: “The consultant shall not participate in any future RFP
resulting from this project or these services, nor should the consultant be affiliated with any
vendor.” Question 1: Does “this project” mean only the specific scope of services defined in the
RFQ or is it broader to mean more general “consulting services related to the Connecticut
Manufacturing Centers Initiative”? Question 2: Please provide a more detailed definition of
“affiliated with any vendor.” For example, does “affiliated” refer to any financial relationship
with a vendor?
A:
1. This RFQ is specific to the equipment needs and recommendations for the Phase II project.
2. The selected consultant shall not have any conflict of interest from any relationship with
manufacturers, vendors and/or distributors who sell, market, or install the recommended
equipment and cannot receive commission or salaries of any kind as incentive for consultant’s
recommendations.
Q:
Who will provide the curriculum, equipment list and facility layout for each institution –
individual colleges or BOR? When will that information be available?
A:
The BOR will provide the curriculum, equipment list and facility layouts for each
institution upon execution of the contract.
July, 2013
Page 1
Q:
Was there an RFP for the Phase II proposals submitted by the colleges? If yes, is it
available for review? If the RFP was released, have Phase II proposals been submitted by the
colleges? If yes, can you provide copies?
A:
An RFP was not issued for the Phase II.
Q:
Will the consultant be responsible for convening meetings with BOR staff; BOR
designers, college representatives; industry partners?
A:
BOR would be responsible for convening meetings with appropriate stakeholders,
however, the consultant would work in concert with BOR to support this effort. BOR expects
that the consultant would actively participate in these meetings, as appropriate.
Q:
What is the projected start date for this project?
A:
The start date for this project is as soon as possible and upon full execution of a
contract.
Q:
Is there a “must be completed by” date for the project? If yes, what is the date?
A:
The RFQ states that this engagement will be less than 6 months. BOR would like this
project to be completed as soon as possible. Feel free to include a proposed time line in your
response.
Q:
Are there any pricing details required other than task, hours, and hourly rates?
A:
No.
Q:
On page 3 under Submission Criteria regarding resumes, can they be attached to the three
page quote or do you want staff bios included in the 3 page limit for the response?
A:
Resumes can be attached to the three page quote and will not be considered part of the
three page limit.
Q:
On page 3 under submission Criteria, regarding references, do you want 3 letters included
as attachments or do you want the names/contact information of 3 references and a brief
description of the work completed included in the response?
A:
References can be in the form of letters or brief descriptions of the work but must
include a contact name and information. Reference can be attachments to the three page
quote and will not be considered part of the three page limit.
Q:
Is there a maximum amount of funding available for this project? If yes, what is the
limit?
A:
Yes. The limit is $49,500.
July, 2013
Page 2
Q:
Should the final report also include recommendations for possible changes to the
manufacturing curriculum based on industry partners’ feedback and input?
A:
No.
Q:
Should the final report also include recommendations on manufacturing software
products, such as CAD/CAM or virtual environments?
A:
Manufacturing Software can be included in the recommendations if it is needed in
Phase II.
Q:
Is the inclusion of NIMS and/or AWS credentialing being considered by the participating
manufacturing centers as part of the Phase II implementation?
A:
It is expected that credentialing will play a role but this aspect is also part of another
funding opportunity being considered at the federal level.
July, 2013
Page 3