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

Tender cancelled on 2025-05-12 11:39 UTC. Dear bidder;Thank you for submitting your quotation in response to this RFQ.Unfortunately, the requirements have changed in terms of both specifications and quantities of the equipment, and therefore this process has been canceled.We encourage you to regularly check the UNGM website for upcoming opportunities with UNOPS.Regards,UNOPS. For any inquiries, please contact Mustafa Oryakhel. Email: mustafao@unops.org, Phone: Afghanistan 798

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,See below for the request for clarifications and the responses from UNOPS:Question (26):Our company was established in March 2024. Consequently, we are unable to provide the audited financial statements for the past three years, as requested in the documentation requirements. In lieu of this, we would like to propose submitting three of our contracts with other international NGOs as a demonstration of our financial and operational credibility. We trust that these documents will suffice as an alternative to fulfill the necessary criteria. Confirm if this approach is acceptable or if additional information is required.Response (26):Unfortunately, past contracts cannot be equated to audited financial statements and are therefore not acceptable at this stage. However, the requirement is for any one of the last three years, not all three years. Thus, it is acceptable if you can provide the audited financial statement for 2024.Thanks you,UNOPS

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,See below for the request for clarifications and the responses from UNOPS:Questions (25):In reference to your response 22, you stated, "The requirement is the minimum acceptable; any level equal or above is acceptable." We would like to seek clarification regarding the material specification for the plates.We intend to provide Level IV plates, which we have recently procured for UN agencies and which represent the highest level of ballistic protection. However, Level IV plates are typically manufactured using Alumina or Silicon Carbide, both of which are ceramics. These materials, while offering superior protection, do not align with the specified polyethylene (PE) material in the Technical Specifications.Could you please confirm whether providing these ceramic plates would still comply with your requirements, or if strict adherence to the PE material is mandatory, which will only limit us to provide Level III?Response (25):Due to the harsh environment that we operate in, we would like to have the plates made of PE material.Thank you,UNOPS

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,See below for the request for clarifications and the responses from UNOPS:Question (24):The published tender revision 2025-01-17 states the deadline for submission is 26th January 2025. The 'My Tenders' table, when logged in on the UNOPS eSOURCING page, shows the deadline for submission is 27th January 2025 at 07:30 UTC. Which is correct?Response (24):The deadline of 27 January is correct. To avoid the closing date falling on a weekend (Sunday), a one-day extension was made in the last amendment but was missed in the amendment narrative.Thank you,UNOPS

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,See below for the request for clarifications and the responses from UNOPS:Question (22):In reference to your clarification response 17, you specify that the minimum acceptable standards are NIJ 0101.04 Level IIIA or NIJ 0101.06 Level III.Could you please confirm if proposing NIJ 0101.06 Level IV, which is an upgraded and certified level, would still qualify and be compliant with the stated requirements?Response (22):The requirement is the minimum acceptable, any level equal or above is acceptable.Question (23):We have obtained a manufacturer authorization letter as advised.Do we also require to fill the Form F: Joint Venture Partner Information Form?Response(23):No, unless the manufacturer plays a role in the delivery of the goods thus a joint responsibility. Under the checklist on eSourcing, the JV form has now been made optional and should only be used when applicable.Thank you,UNOPS

New amendment added #6: Dear Bidders,Please note the following changes to the tender. Ensure that you use the latest documents when submitting your offer:Under the Checklist tab on eSourcing, the Joint Venture form is now optional.A financial capability requirement has been added under the qualification criteria on eSourcing.Bidders who have already submitted their offers are requested to recall and update their submissions accordingly.Thank you,UNOPS

New clarification added: Dear Bidders,See below for the request for clarifications and the responses from UNOPS:Question (16):Please confirm what calibers you are looking for the hard armour plate to protect against.NIJ standard lists the calibers for level III and IV. The level III+ is a intermediate level used by the industry and does not follow a standard as for the calibers. NIJ Level III+ body armor can withstand a variety of calibers, including: 7.62x39 FMJ: A full metal jacket (FMJ) round5.56x45 FMJ: A full metal jacket (FMJ) round.44 Magnum: A type of ammunition9mm: A type of ammunition10mm: A type of ammunition.45cal: A type of ammunition.40cal: A type of ammunition.380: A type of ammunition.38 Special: A type of ammunitionResponse (16):We confirm the requirement in the schedule of requirements is accurate and bidders shall quote according to the required standards.Question (17):I wanted to clarify that NIJ 0101.06 Level III+ is not an official designation recognized by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This term is a market-based enhancement used to describe armor that provides protection against higher-velocity rifle threats beyond the standard Level III certification. However, the NIJ 0101.06 Level III is the officially recognized standard for protection against standard rifle threats like 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 FMJ).With that in mind, could you please confirm whether our products, which are certified to NIJ 0101.06 Level III, comply with your requirements for rifle threat protection? We want to ensure that our certification is aligned with your expectations and the recognized NIJ standards.Response (17):Yes, we confirm that NIJ 0101.04 IIIA or NIJ 0101.06 III are the minimum acceptable standards.Question (18):The bidder should make offer for all item from 01~09? Or partial item submission is allowed? For your info, we can only make offer for Ballastic helmets with colour Blue. Furthermore, more details about the exact size in MM and temperature, altitude and pressure table.Response (18):Partial offers are not allowed.The characteristics shall follow the standards requested and we can not define an equivalent in mm or other specific details requested in this question.Question (19):For FLAK jackets that require front and back plates, can the ballistic plates be of the same size, or do they need to match the size of the FLAK jacket? For FLAK jackets, the request color is Blue. But can we apply other color for strip and buckle? For example black?Response (19):Bidders are required to follow the standards requested.No, strictly it shall be blue in color.Question (20):Could you please clarify the required protection level for the Hard Armour Upgrade Plates? Since the FLAK Jacket already provides NIJ Level IIIA soft armor protection, is the intention for the plates to upgrade this to NIJ Level III (or perhaps Level IV for rifle protection?Including NIJ Level IIIA for the plates appears redundant, as the jacket already meets this standard.Additionally, could you clarify whether the system is intended to be modular, where users can adapt the jacket to different threat levels by adding or removing plates, or if the plates are required as a permanent enhancement?Response (20):The standard requirement is plate carrier and hard armour plates. The system level should be NIJ 0101.04 IIIA or NIJ 0101.06 IIII - and hard armor plates are mandatory.The system is not intended to be modular, as the level of protection should be at all times NIJ 0101.04 IIIA or NIJ 0101.06 III.Question (21):Could you also please clarify the preferred body protection area (in square meters) for both the FLAK Jacket and the Hard Armour Upgrade Plates? This will ensure proper coverage and alignment with the required protection standards.Response (21):The UN standardized  NIJ 0101.04 IIIA or NIJ 0101.06 III, provides the exact intended protection area - torso/back/front; that should also be reflected in the size of the system.Thank you,UNOPS 

New amendment added #5: Dear Bidders,Kindly note the following changes to the tender. Please ensure that you use the latest documents when submitting your offer:Minor adjustments have been made to the technical documents, allowing NIJ 0101.04 IIIA or NIJ 0101.06 III as the minimum acceptable standards for the PPE requirements. Ensure that you download the latest documents.Thank you,UNOPS

New amendment added #4: Dear Bidders,To address pending requests for clarifications, the deadline for submitting clarifications has been extended from 16 January 2025 to 22 January 2025. Consequently, the tender submission deadline has also been extended from 19 January 2025 to 26 January 2025.Thank you,UNOPS

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,