Purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,See below for the request for clarifications and the responses from UNOPS:Question (11):Please can you clarify what level of protection you require the hard armour upgrades to be. You have mentioned NIJ IIIA but this is a soft armour solution protecting against high velocity hand gun rounds.  Hard amrour plates usually come in level III (3), III+ (3+) and IV (4).Response (11):The requirements listed are minimum requirements but it is now revised to include level III+. Kindly refer to rev2 of the solicitation documents.Question (12):In your Request for Clarifications document recently posted you have mentioned that you require both the Flak Jacket and Helemet to be Blue, however, in the Schedule of Requirements it is requested that they are Coyote Brown or Gunmetal Gray.Response (12):The requirement is now changed to Blue. Kindly refer to Rev2 of the solicitation documents.Question (13):Could you kindly confirm whether:The front and back plates material should be Cermaic or Polyethylene (PE)? The helmet material should be Aramid or PE?Response (13):Both items shall be made of polyethylene PE. refer to Rev2 of the solicitation documents.Question (14):We would like to clarify if you require the Flak jackets to have Soft Armour side protection.On the pictures provided these does not seem to be side armour.Should we include the side armour in our quotation, or would you prefer without?Also, on the clarification document it mentions that the colour required as blue, whereas the colour as per the returnable bidding is Coyote Brown or Gunmetal GrayResponse (14): The flak jackets do not need to be manufactured with soft armour side protection.For the colour, refer to response No.12.Question (15):Regarding the Carrying bag, is it a normal Canvas made carrying bag or is it a Bullet proof bag with an inserted plate?Response (15):Normal carrying bag, no bullet proof is required.Thank you,UNOPS 

New amendment added #3: Dear Bidders,Kindly note the following changes to the tender. Please ensure that you use the latest documents when submitting your offer:Some minor changes have been made to both the Returnable Bidding Form (Form C) and the Schedule of Requirements. Please download the latest revision (Rev2).A new Request for Clarification document has been uploaded. Please download the latest revision (Rev2).Thank you,UNOPS

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,Kindly see below request for clarification and responses provided by UNOPS;Question (2):For purposes of clarity, may we please have sample photos for the two items required for supply for the subject RFQ reference (FLAK Jacket and Ballistic helmet)?Response (2):See the sample photo and details uploaded in the clarifcaction document added in the document tab.Question (3):From reviewing the technical specifications our manufacturer's technical team note you request 1000D Cordura for the Vest cover material. Most manufacturers use 500D cordura as standard and this is accepted by other major international clients as the outer vest material with good durability/wear capabilities.Is this acceptable to UNOPS?Response (3):This is acceptable.Qustion (4):The goods are subject to export licence approval and under current export licence process time approval may take up to 8 weeks from receipt of an award and the Buyers supporting End user Undertaking documentation. In the event of an award, will UNOPS Afghanistan provide the necessary End User Undertaking support documents?  May we quote best delivery, having to include it for the export licence approval process?Response (4):Yes, UNOPS Afghanistan will provide the necessary End User undertaking support documents. Bidders can quote their delivery period including the export license approval and not to exceed a total delivery period of 12 weeks. The delivery period requirement is now amended from 6 weeks from contract signature to 12 weeks.Question (5):Please confirm if the NIJ 0101.06 level III plates and IIIA panels would be acceptable instead of the outdated 0101.04. As the NIJ 06 supersedes the NIJ 04.Response (5):Yes, this is acceptable.Question (6):Can you clarify if a standard full coverage flack jacket is required or a quick release plate carrier with both soft and hard armour.Response (6):Both options are acceptable.Question (7):I am writing to seek clarification regarding the documentation required for the similar project we previously completed with another UN agency. We were awarded and successfully completed the project, and we would like to confirm whether we should request a formal certificate of completion, or if providing the contract reference number will suffice for your records.Response (7):Providing a copy of the contract or approved receipt note of the goods will suffice.Question (8):I would appreciate clarification on whether vendors have the flexibility to propose alternative options, provided they meet the specified requirements.Response (8):No alternative offer is accepted in this tender. Bidder shall strictly meet the technical specifications of this tender.Question (9):Will it be conducted FAT before delivery?Response (9):No. The goods must meet the required technical standards, and the bidders must obtain the manufacturer's authorization to ensure that the goods are authentic and comply with the necessary standards.Question (10):Despite being a relatively young organization, we have already established strong partnerships with major private companies and have successfully collaborated with esteemed international organizations, including FAO, the United Nations, and USAID programs. Our team brings a wealth of experience across various sectors, supported by a solid track record of delivering high-quality results. Additionally, we have partnered with a reputable factory, further enhancing our capacity to meet and exceed project requirements. We would like to inquire if we are eligible to apply for the current RFQ. Given our expertise and resources, we are confident in our ability to fulfill the requirements and deliver value to your esteemed organization.Response (10):Any bidder is eligible to participate in this tender; however, bidders must ensure that they fully meet the required evaluation criteria.Thank you,UNOPS

New amendment added #2: Adjusting the timeline of the tender as communicated earlier.

New amendment added #1: Dear Bidders,Kindly see the changes below to the tender and ensure that you use the latest documents when submitting your offer:The tender deadline has been extended from 15 to 19 January 2025, and the due date for clarifications has been moved from 12 to 15 January 2025.Some minor adjustments have been made to the technical specifications of the product and the delivery period. The updated documents are now uploaded in the document tab.Thank you,UNOPS

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,See below for the request for clarifications and the responses from UNOPS:Question (1):Can International companies bid for this RFQ or only for local based companies?Response (1):Yes, international companies can participate in this opportunity. The requirement is that the bidder must be registered in any country worldwide and must provide a copy of their business license. Bidders are encouraged to review all other requirements listed under the criteria tab and ensure they meet all the requirements outlined at each stage of the evaluation process (eligibility, qualification, and technical).Thank you,