East Africa Trade and Investment Hub. Request for Proposals (RFP)

Transcription

1 East Africa Trade and Investment Hub Request for Proposals (RFP) RFP-NAI-0057 Staff Medical, WIBA and GPA Insurance Provider for DAI-The Hub Employees Issue Date: May 26, 2017 WARNING: Prospective Offerors who have received this document from a source other than the East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, should immediately contact, procurementtih@eatradehub.org and provide their name and mailing address in order that amendments to the RFP or other communications can be sent directly to them. Any prospective Offeror who fails to register their interest assumes complete responsibility in the event that they do not receive communications prior to the closing date. Any amendments to this solicitation will be issued and posted by . Page 1 of 16

2 Table of Contents Synopsis of the RFP Scope of Work and Proposal Purpose Scope of Work for Services or Technical Specifications Anticipated Deliverables Instructions for the Preparation of Technical Proposals Technical Evaluation Criteria Past Performance Instructions for the Preparation of Cost/Price Proposals Price schedule Group Life Insurance: Price Schedule Medical Insurance: Price Schedule WIBA: Price Schedule General Instructions to offerors General Instructions Basis of Award Best Value Determination Responsibility Determination Page 2 of 16

3 Synopsis of the RFP RFP No. RFP-NAI-0057 Issue date May 23, 2017 Title Issuing company address for submission of questions address submission of proposals Deadline for Receipt of Questions Deadline for Receipt of Answers to Questions Deadline for Receipt of Proposals Anticipated Award Type Staff Medical, WIBA and GPA Insurance Provider for DAI-The Hub Employees, divided into 3 lots: LOT 1: Group Life Insurance Provider- Group Life Insurance Providers for DAI-The Hub Employees. Period - August 01, 2017 to July 31, With an option year; August 01, 2018 to August 22, 2019). LOT 11: Provision of Medical Insurance- East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (The Hub) Employees & Their Dependents. Period- October 01, 2017 September 30, With an option year; October 01, 2018 to August 22, LOT 111: Provision of Work Injury Benefit Act Cover- WIBA PLUS). Period- October 01, 2017 September 30, With an option year; October 01, 2018 to August 22, DAI - East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (the Hub). GoodMan Towers, 5th Floor, off Waiyaki Way Nairobi, Kenya procurementtih@eatradehub.org tenderstih@eatradehub.org Wednesday May, 31, 2017, 10:00 am East Africa Time. Monday, June 05, 2017, 5:00 pm East Africa Time. Sunday, June 11, 2017, 11:59 pm East Africa Time. Firm Fixed Price Purchase order Basis for Award An award will be made based on the Trade Off Method. The award will be issued to the responsible and reasonable offeror who provides the best value to DAI and its client using a combination of technical and cost/price factors. Interested Offerors may obtain a full copy of the RFP which contains detailed instructions for preparation of the proposal from the Trade Hub website Page 3 of 16

4 1.0 Scope of Work and Proposal. 1.1 Purpose DAI Global LLC, the implementer of the USAID-funded East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (the Hub) project, invites qualified offerors to submit proposals to provide staff Medical, WIBA and GPA insurance cover for its employees & their dependents as per the specifications detailed in the scope of work below. 1.2 Scope of Work for Services or Technical Specifications Background The East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (The Hub) is a five-year USAID project intended to spur inclusive economic growth by promoting an enabling environment for trade and investment in the East African region. The project builds upon prior investments to increase regional trade competitiveness and reduce poverty through: Integrated East Africa Community (EAC) market with full implementation of the EAC Common Market and Customs Union; Increased regional competitiveness driving growth in trade, investment and agriculture; and Increased two-way trade and investment between the U.S. and East and sub-saharan African. The project pursues these goals through four integrated components: 1. Investment and technology 2. Agriculture and agribusiness 3. Trade promotion and African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) 4. Trade policy and regulatory reform LOT 1.Group Life Insurance Provider - Group Life Insurance Providers for DAI- Hub Employees A. Objectives The objective of this contract is to provide group life insurance services to Trade hub staff members. The Trade hub invites only insurance brokers and agents to apply for this RFP. B. Tasks The insurance provider should provide a cover to a minimum of the following scope listed. Please not that this list is not exhaustive and just provides the basic needs of DAI staff members. You can provide additional information that your Company s group life insurance policy has; 1. Free Cover Limit (FCL); Sate your maximum limit 2. Covering annual salary times 5 years; 3. Political Violence & Terrorism Extension Clause. 4. Critical Illness - If a member contracts a critical illness for the first time in their life 30% of the accepted group life sum assured (state the maximum limit). On subsequent death the 70% of the benefits will be payable to the next of kin. 5. Last Expenses benefit (state the benefit amount) be paid to cater for the immediate burial costs. 6. Upon death due to Illness, Accident or natural causes of an assured member whilst in employment of DAI. Cover is payable 48hrs upon receipt of all required documentation. 7. No exclusion on HIV/AIDS deaths. 8. No restriction out of death benefits arising from accidental causes due to medical noncompliance. Page 4 of 16

5 9. Claims settled within 4 working days upon receipt of full documentation while last expense paid within 48 hours upon receipt of all required documentation. 10. Provides coverage on a 24 hour and worldwide basis. Should not be restricted to Kenya. 11. The terminal ages are 70 years for death benefits and 60 years for critical illness and disability benefits. 12. No exclusion on passive war, invasion, terrorism, act of foreign enemy, hostility, war-like operation, civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military or usurped power and popular rising, martial law, strike, riot, civil commotion or mutiny. C. Request for Proposal The insurance provider shall submit a full written description of the proposed group life insurance services component as per scope of work above (all of section B above is considered). C.1 Contract Prices The Insurance Provider shall indicate on the Price Schedule the premium given the staff annual salary of KES 132,396, as at May 24, 2017 for 35 (thirty five) staff members. Description 1 Death 2. Funeral benefit 3. Critical Illness cover 4. Permanent total disability 5. Free limit cover 6 Other ( specify) Total Benefit level Sum Assured Rate Annual Premium Excess ( if any) Comments Prices indicated on the Price Schedule shall be the cost of the services quoted. Please indicate clearly any VAT and other taxes payable. Prices quoted by the Group Life Insurance Provider shall remain fixed during the Term of the contract unless otherwise agreed by the parties. A proposal submitted with an adjustable price quotation will be treated as non-responsive and will be rejected. D. Instructions to Group Life Insurance Provider The Group Life Insurance Provider will propose their own strategies that meet the criteria noted above in Section B and the evaluation criteria stated in Section C. to minimum provide; a) Claims procedures b) Underwriting requirements E. Deliverables Service Level Agreements Group Life Insurances services to DAI staff. Page 5 of 16

6 F. Period of Performance The period of performance is August 01, 2017 to July 31, With an option year; August 01, 2018 to August 19, We anticipate the contract period will be two years with year August 01, 2017 to July 31, 2018 being a base year and option year one (1) August 01, 2018 to August 19, 2019, will only be exercised after satisfactory performance of the base year of the contract. G. Place of Performance Nairobi, Kenya. LOT 11: Provision of Medical Insurance for DAI- East Africa Trade and Investment Hub Employees & their Dependents A. Objectives The objective of this Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order is to provide medical services to The East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (The Hub) staff and their dependents. The Trade hub invites only insurance brokers and agents to apply for this RFP. B. Tasks B.I DAI, East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (The Hub) Staff Members and Dependents The scope of services will be for the following staff members (Principal) and dependents (spouse or and children). Please note that the premium calculations (financial Proposal) presented in section C and F (see below) should be at Member (M+0), Member plus one (M+1), Member plus two (M+2), Member plus three (M+3), Member plus four (M+4), and Member plus five (M+5). Staff and Dependents M 35 M+1 23 M+2 20 M+3 13 M+4 7 M+5 1 Total 99 B.2 Medical services specifications The insurance provider should provide a cover to a minimum of the following scope listed. Please not that this list is not exhaustive and just provides the basic needs of DAI staff members. You can provide additional information that your Company s medical policy provides; 1. Hospitals: separately provide a List of hospitals and a panel of Medical Service Providers and Page 6 of 16

7 Specialists indicate the ease and process of adding specialists in your panel list 2. Capacity: Ensuite private Room (with a bed, toilet and washroom accessible at all hospitals) To include the following while the member is hospitalized: 1. Surgical operations and procedures 2. Professional fees 3. Theatre fees 4. Anesthetics for surgery 5. Assistants at operations 6. Standard private room/ensuite room (with a bed, toilet and washroom) accommodation 7. Intensive care and high care units 8. Visits and consultation by a GP and / or Specialist (while hospitalized) 9. X-ray and pathology (while hospitalized) 10. Physiotherapy 11. Ultrasound scans (pregnancy related) please state maximum scans per pregnancy 12. Ultrasound scans (other than for pregnancy) 13. MRI and CT scan (while hospitalized) 14. Blood transfusion 15. Internal prostheses 16. Medicine dispensed and used in hospital 17. Medicine dispensed on discharge from hospital 100% of cost 18. Organ transplants 19. Emergency evacuation and ambulance services 20. Pre-existing, chronic, HIV/AIDS and related conditions the limits 21. Congenital and Neo-natal related conditions the limits 22. Inpatient limit for 1st diagnosis of chronic condition 23. First emergency caesarean section -maternity cover to cater for Delivery Expenses. (Is there a limit) 24. Dental cover for non-accidental dental inpatient hospitalization what is included, what are limits and exclusions 25. Optical cover for non-accidental inpatient ophthalmology - what is included, what are limits and exclusions 26. Entry age limit for the medical cover including for new born ( state the age) 27. Waiting period for existing members 28. Waiting period for new employees and dependents 29. Cover worldwide ( since Hub staff travel frequently) 30. Evacuation abroad for treatment ( which countries) 31. Road ambulance locally 32. Post hospitalization visits/follow-ups 33. Specialist consultation 34. Reimbursement for non-designated providers 35. Immunization/Vaccination 36. Hospital Capacity 37. Personal Accident cover if any 38. Psychiatric treatment 39. Medical cases arising from terrorism, riot or political violence Additional Benefits 1. Personal accident cover limit 2. Critical illness cover limit Page 7 of 16

8 3. Child guard cover limit 4. Last expense limit 5. Maternity cover (normal and caesarean - including premature conditions) days cover for rehabilitation 7. Annual basic wellness checks state the tests included 8. Travel insurance 9. Travel medical vaccinations (especially polio and yellow fever) 10. Baby friendly and all private vaccinations 11. Any other offered benefits Please note the Insurance provider is allowed to add additional medical benefits available to the DAI staff members. The details on dental, maternity and optical should be clearly stated. The medical services cover options are; Per Family 1. Outpatient Ksh 400,000 per family (this will include pre-natal clinics expenses only for related maternity expenses) 2. Dental Ksh 75,000 per person 3. Optical Ksh 75,000 per person 4. Inpatient covers at Ksh 12,000,000 per family 5. Maternity limit 500,000 (this will include, miscarriages, prematurity and related complications) 6. Pre-existing and chronic related conditions limit 4,500,000 per family 7. Congenital and Neo-natal related conditions limit KES 1,000,000 NB: The offerer is allowed to offer other insurance limits options to the current options above but must provide pricing at a minimum for the above 2 options) C. General Instructions C.1 Medical services proposal The insurance provider shall submit a full written description of the proposed medical services component as per scope of work above (all of section C above considered). The Medical Insurance Provider will propose their own strategies that meet the criteria noted above in Section B in the scope of work and the evaluation criteria stated below. C.2 Prices Proposal The Insurance Provider shall indicate on the Price Schedule the unit prices and total price of the services it proposes to provide under the contract per each Member classification; Member only (M+0), Member plus one (M+1), Member plus two (M+2), Member plus three (M+3), Member plus four (M+4), and Member plus five (M+5). Prices indicated on the Price Schedule shall be the cost of the services quoted. Please indicate clearly any VAT and other taxes payable. Prices quoted by the Medical Insurance Provider shall remain fixed during the term of the contract unless otherwise agreed by the parties. A proposal submitted with an adjustable price quotation will be treated as non-responsive and will be rejected. Page 8 of 16

9 D. Deliverables: Monthly Utilization report per staff member Health talks Medical services to staff and their dependent s Free Annual wellness checks E. Period of Performance The period of performance is October 01, 2017 to September 30, With an option year; October 01, 2018 to August 19, We anticipate the contract period will be two years with year October 01, 2017 to September 30, 2018 being a base year and option year one (1) October 01, 2018 to August 19, 2019, will only be exercised after satisfactory performance of the base year of the contract. F. Place of Performance Kenya and worldwide (when the Hub staff travel internationally, they will be covered). LOT 111: Provision of Work Injury Benefit Act/GPA (WIBA Plus) Cover A. Objectives The objective of this contract is to provide Work Injury Benefit Act/GPA (WIBA Plus) Cover to The Hub staff. The Trade hub invites only insurance brokers and agents to apply for this RFP. B. Tasks B.1 General Instructions The insurance provider should provide a cover to a minimum of the following scope listed. Work Injury Benefit - WIBA Plus Estimate annual earnings for 35 staff members at KES 132,396, hours enhance with the following benefits at minimum (Offerors can include additional benefits); Death 8 years salary Permanent Total Disability 8 years Temporary Total Disability Actual weekly earnings salary up to 104 weeks. Medical expenses Above 250,000 KES Funeral expenses Above 200,000 KES (includes member and spouse) Excess 5,000/- on each and every claim apart from funeral expenses, accumulation limit Kshs. 100,000,000/- Occupational illness Exposure clause Hijack clause Jurisdiction clause Terrorism, riot and political violence coverage Repatriation clause Kshs. 100,000/- Page 9 of 16

10 Disappearance clause Airfares for treatment clause above 200,000/- Worldwide coverage C. Period of Performance The period of performance is October 01, 2017 to September 30, With an option year; October 01, 2018 to August 19, We anticipate the contract period will be two years with year October 01, 2017 to September 30, 2018 being a base year and option year one (1) October 01, 2018 to August 19, 2019, will only be exercised after satisfactory performance of the base year of the contract. D. Place of Performance Kenya, and where applicable when the staff have travelled. 1.3 Anticipated Deliverables Upon award of a purchase order, it will be signed and executed within five days, with a start date of as per respective LOTs above. The Offeror should detail the proposed cost package in the Price Schedule. 1.4 Instructions for the Preparation of Technical Proposals Technical proposals shall be submitted via only to tenderstih@eatradehub.org. Technical proposals shall include the following contents; Conditions to be met by the Group Life Insurance Broker/Agent, Medical Insurance Broker/Agents and WIBA Insurance Broker/Agent (Mandatory): 1. Must be registered with the Commissioner of Insurance for the current year and a certified copy of the current license be submitted.- IRA CERTIFICATE 2. Must submit a copy of the audited accounts for the past 3 years. 3. Must have total number of staff of at least Must be a member of the AIBK - REGISTRATION 5. Must submit copies of the following documents; a) PIN Certificate b) Tax Compliance Certificate c) Certificate of registration/incorporation. 6. Professional indemnity of minimum Kshs 10 million. 7. Detailed company profile indicating Offeror s (eligibility) and past experience 1.5 Technical Evaluation Criteria Each proposal will be evaluated and scored against the evaluation criteria and evaluation sub-criteria, which are stated in the table below. Cost/Price proposals are not assigned points, but for overall evaluation purposes of this RFP, technical evaluation factors other than cost/price, when combined, are considered. Page 10 of 16

11 Evaluation criteria Maximum points 1. Past experience/ client references at least five reputable clients together with the total client s premiums for the previous year and claims payments history (must provide name, contact and phone number of each). Client.) 2. Insurance coverage proposed proposal should aim at meeting or exceeding the requirement under each Scope of work of the RFP. Total 100 A minimum of 85 points will be required for one to proceed to financial evaluation. The score will depend on the completeness of relevant information for each of the above mentioned technical criteria. The combined technical factors above are as significant as the cost or price. However, DAI will not select an insurance provider for award on the basis of a superior technical proposal without considering cost. Cost will be evaluated based on cost reasonableness, allowability, and realism. Cost realism will be based on considerations such as the following: Are proposed costs realistic for the services to be performed? Do the costs reflect a clear understanding of the scope of work? Does the proposal meet at minimum the DAI-staff requirements/specifications? Are the costs consistent with the various elements of the insurance provider technical proposal? What are the additional benefits provided within the proposal that exceed the scope of work? A technical/cost trade-off analysis will be performed by DAI in order to determine the best value to the project. The final budget will be negotiated after the Group Life Insurance Provider has been selected based on the specific Evaluation Criteria in Section D1 as agreed upon by DAI, and USAID. Note that the staff insurance provider will be negotiated, denominated, and paid in Kenya Shillings. 1.6 Past Performance Include at least 3 assignments / projects that best illustrate your work experience relevant to this RFP, sorted by decreasing order of completion date. Projects should have been undertaken in the past three years. Projects undertaken in the past six years may be taken into consideration at the discretion of the evaluation committee Page 11 of 16

12 # Name of organization and contact information for whom services was provided Duration of Agreement ( start and end date) Client details and Location (contacts name, and phone Address) Value of Contract ( in KES) A. Group Life Insurance Cover details. B. Medical Cover details ; state for each 1. Outpatient 2. Inpatient 3. Optical 4. Dental C. WIBA/GPA Plus Cover details; state for each client *The table above is the format expected for submission purposes. Please adjust your cell sizes accordingly to accommodate the submitted information 1.7 Instructions for the Preparation of Cost/Price Proposals Cost/Price proposals shall be sent via to tenderstih@eatradehub.org Provided in the below table is the Cost/ Price Schedule, for firm-fixed Price Purchase Order A detailed budget should accompany the price schedule. It is important to note that Value Added Tax (VAT) shall be included in the budget on a separate line, it should also be noted which line items the VAT has been applied to. If the contract is issued from Nairobi, Kenya, these insurance services are eligible for VAT exemption under the DAI prime contract with USAID. The Offeror s invoices will bill DAI inclusive of VAT, based on the invoice DAI will seek VAT exemption through USAID within 30 days of the date of the invoice. DAI will seek VAT exemption from the government per each Invoice and Electronic Tax Receipt (ETR) provided after successful completion of the assignment tasks and deliverables. Once approved by the Government of Kenya DAI will provide the successful Offeror with VAT exemption documentation. Based on these documents repayment of the VAT portion will be made to DAI Global LLC. The offeror is responsible for all applicable taxes and fees, as prescribed under the applicable laws for income, compensation, permits, licenses, and other taxes and fees due as required Price schedule Group Life Insurance: Price Schedule Group Life Insurance Providers should , no hard copies will be allowed. The financial proposal Page 12 of 16

13 should be submitted in the following format. The Insurance Provider shall indicate on the Price Schedule the premium given the staff annual salary of KES 132,396, for 35 (thirty five) staff members. Description 1 Death 2. Funeral benefit 3. Critical Illness cover 4. Permanent total disability 5. Free limit cover 6 Other ( specify) Total Benefit level Sum Assured Rate Annual Premium Excess ( if any) Comments Prices indicated on the Price Schedule shall be the cost of the services quoted. Please indicate clearly any VAT and other taxes payable. * Evaluation of cost will consider Unit Price, as billed amounts are to be based on actuals staff employed. * DAI- The Hub will seek VAT exemption per invoice issued Medical Insurance: Price Schedule Medical Insurance Providers should , no hard copies will be allowed. The financial proposal should be submitted in the following format; Option - Per Family 1. Outpatient Ksh 400,000 per family (this will include pre-natal clinics expenses only for related maternity expenses) 2. Dental Ksh 75,000 per person 3. Optical Ksh 75,000 per person 4. Inpatient covers at Ksh 12,000,000 per family 5. Maternity limit 500,000 (this will include miscarriages and related complications) 6. Pre-existing and chronic related conditions limit 4,500,000 per family 7. Congenital and Neo-natal related conditions limit KES 1,000,000 size Principal Member Principal Member at Any other years at 40 years and above M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M Inpatient Cover at 12,000,000 per family Page 13 of 16

14 2 3 4 Outpatient at 400,000 per family Optical at 75,000 per person Dental at 75,000 per person * Evaluation of cost will consider Unit Price, as billed amounts are to be based on actuals staff and dependent s numbers. * DAI- East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (The Hub) will seek VAT exemption. * Value Added Tax (VAT) shall be included in the budget on a separate line, and the total cost, inclusive of VAT, will be indicated WIBA PLUS: Price Schedule No Description Quantity Unit Cost Total cost WIBA Estimate annual earnings for 35 staff members estimated annual earnings at KES 132,396, hours enhanced with the following benefits at minimum ( Offerors can include additional benefits); Permanent Total Disability 8 years Death 8 years salary Temporary Total Disability Actual weekly earnings salary up to 104 weeks. Medical expenses Above 150,000 KES Funeral expenses Above 200,000 KES (member and spouse) Excess 5,000/- on each and every claim apart from funeral expenses, accumulation limit Kshs. 100,000,000/- Occupational illness Exposure clause Hijack clause Jurisdiction clause Terrorism, riot and political violence cover Repatriation clause Kshs. 100,000/- Disappearance clause. Airfares for treatment clause above 100,000/- Worldwide coverage Page 14 of 16

15 Any applicable Taxes Grand Total * Evaluation of cost will consider Unit Price, as billed amounts are to be based on actuals staff and dependent s numbers. * DAI- East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (The Hub) will seek VAT exemption. * Value Added Tax (VAT) shall be included in the budget on a separate line, and the total cost, inclusive of VAT, will be indicated. 2.0 General Instructions to offerors 2.0 General Instructions Offeror and/or Bidder mean a firm proposing the work under this RFP. Offer and/or Proposal means the package of documents the firm submits to propose the work. Offerors wishing to respond to this RFP must submit proposals, in English, in accordance with the following instructions. Offerors are required to review all instructions and specifications contained in this RFP. Failure to do so will be at the Offeror s risk. If the solicitation is amended, then all terms and conditions not modified in the amendment shall remain unchanged. Issuance of this RFP in no way obligates DAI to award a subcontract. Offerors will not be reimbursed for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of their proposal. DAI shall in no case be responsible for liable for these costs. Proposals are due no later than Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 11:59 pm East African Time, to be submitted via to the address provided in the instructions. (Late offers will be rejected except under extraordinary circumstances at DAI s discretion.) All proposals submitted shall reference the RFP Number Insert the RFP title in the subject line. The submission to DAI of a proposal in response to this RFP will constitute an offer and indicates the Offeror s agreement to the terms and conditions in this RFP and any attachments hereto. DAI reserves the right not to evaluate a non-responsive or incomplete proposal. 2.1 Basis of Award Best Value Determination DAI will review all proposals, and make an award based on the technical and cost evaluation criteria stated above, and select the offeror whose proposal provides the best value to DAI. DAI may also exclude an offer from consideration if it determines that an Offeror is "not responsible", i.e., that it does not have the management and financial capabilities required to perform the work required. Evaluation points will not be awarded for cost. Cost/price will primarily be evaluated for realism and reasonableness. DAI may award to a higher priced offeror if a determination is made that the higher technical evaluation of that offeror merits the additional cost/price. Cost realism will be based on considerations such as the following: Are proposed costs realistic for the services to be performed? Do the costs reflect a clear understanding of the scope of work? Does the proposal meet at a minimum the DAI requirements/specifications? Are the costs consistent with the various elements of the offerors technical proposal? DAI may award to an Offeror without discussions. Therefore, the initial offer must contain the Offeror s best price and technical terms. Page 15 of 16

16 2.1.2 Responsibility Determination DAI will not enter into any type of agreement with an Offeror prior to ensuring the Offeror s responsibility. When assessing an Offeror s responsibility, the following factors are taken into consideration: 1. Provide Business registration certificate. 2. Evidence of a DUNS number (explained below and instructions contained in Attachment D). 3. The source, origin and nationality of the products or services are not from a Prohibited Country (explained below). 4. Having adequate financial resources to finance and perform the work or deliver goods or the ability to obtain financial resources without receiving advance funds from DAI. 5. Ability to comply with required or proposed delivery or performance schedules. 6. Have a satisfactory past performance record. 7. Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics. 8. Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls and technical skills. 9. Have the necessary production, construction and technical equipment and facilities if applicable. 10. Be qualified and eligible to perform work under applicable laws and regulations. 2.2 Proposal Cover Letter A cover letter shall be included with the proposal on the Offeror s company letterhead with a duly authorized signature and company stamp/seal using Attachment B as a template for the format. The cover letter shall include the following items: The Offeror will certify a validity period of one hundred and eighty (180) days for the prices provided. Acknowledge any solicitation amendments received. The Offeror will certify financial responsibility. The Offeror will certify acceptance of The Hub s VAT exempt status. 2.3 Questions regarding the RFP Each Offeror is responsible for reading and complying with the terms and conditions of this RFP. Requests for clarification or additional information must be submitted in writing via or in writing to the Issuing Office as specified in the Synopsis above. No questions will be answered by phone. Any verbal information received from a DAI or The Hub s employee or other entity shall not be considered as an official response to any question regarding this RFP. Copies of questions and responses will be distributed in writing to all prospective bidders who are on record as having received this RFP after the submission date specified in the Synopsis above. Page 16 of 16