QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Color Digital Press
RFQ-2018-045
February 12, 2018 

Question 1:         For Requirement # 1 under Specifications - Will Senate accept up to 85 pages per minute?

Answer 1:            We would consider this if other specs were met or exceeded.

Question 2:         For #6 under Specifications - Is the request for color management technology on the press itself or is this a request for EFI Color Profile Suite or similar software?

Answer 2:            On the press itself.

Question 3:         For Specifications - Line 7 - "Color Digital Press shall print at up to 2400 X 2400 dpi." Question:  Industry standard resolution for production printers is 1200 x 1200 dpi, and the 2400 x 2400 dpi is technically restrictive to industry and fair and open competition.  Would the US Senate change this to a minimum 1200 x 1200 dpi for a more fair and open competition?

Answer 3:            If the machine will meet or exceed most requirements, this will be considered.

Question 4:         For Requirement # 8 under Specifications - Will Senate accept a Color Digital Press that automatically adjusts the printed sheet to provide front-to-back registration, within +/- 1mm?

Answer 4:            Yes.

Question 5:         For Requirement # 23 under Specifications - Will Senate remove the requirement for clear toner?   If cannot be removed please advise:  What are the applications for clear toner? What is the estimated monthly volume of clear toner jobs? Will Senate accept an additional print device included in solution to produce applications needing clear toner technology ?

Answer 5:            No, the Senate cannot remove this requirement. It is used for Capitol Hill events and is of high importance to our customer base. An offline solution would be fine.  

Question 6:         For Requirement # 25 under Specifications - Would TUV certification be an acceptable certification in lieu of a UL Certification?

Answer 6:           Yes.

Answer 7:            No, right now the Senate has high demand for Saddle stitch and this would make the workflow quicker.  

Question 8:         Under Work Station/Server - Line 7 - "Large flat-screen display, preferably 19" or larger.  Please specify." Question:  Is the US Senate looking for a full workstation? This would include a 19" monitor, furniture stand, keyboard and mouse.  

Answer 8:           No, we are looking for a RIP workstation with a 19" or larger.

Question 9:         Does the post inserter need to be able to insert full bleed covers to the saddle stitch unit; are 2 PI trays required; and is there a minimum sheet tray capacity?

Answer 9:            Yes it is for pulling full bleed covers for saddle stitch. It is also for preprinted inserts.

Question 10:      Does the specification/requirement for inline saddle stitch require support of up to 50 sheets/200 page booklets?  Please provide requirements.

Answer 10:        It just needs to have the capability to saddle stitch, if the offline machine mentioned is able to do so, please specify.

Question 11:      It is respectfully requested that Senate provide an extension from the date that answers to questions are provided on this RFQ to allow for sufficient time to compose a complete and accurate response.

Answer 11:         2 weeks is all that we would like to have the bid open for.