The Quilt 2019 VMware and Related Offerings RFI Q&A

1. What is the represented value of the contract?  
   1. Answer: There is no represented value of the contract. While we expect that there will be significant advantages to The Quilt participants to purchase from an Authorized Quilt Provider for services, participants are free to choose their own providers and solutions based on their individual needs.
2. Can you provide sales data for The Quilt VMware Contract from previous years?
   1. Answer: The exact sales performance numbers for the existing contract are confidential, however sales have been in the millions of US dollars.  Past performance does not guarantee future sales numbers.
3. Is the contract a multi-award contract or single vendor award?
   1. Answer: The Quilt reserves the right to select multiple distribution partners to support its members nationwide.
4. Does the contract allow use of authorized agents or subcontractors to sell through the contract vehicle?
   1. Answer: The contract will allow use of resellers to sell through the contract vehicle. At the sole discretion of The Quilt, resellers will be added and removed from The Quilt’s reseller list.  Quilt resellers will be identified based on the recommendations of our members and their institutions with prior experience and/or relationships with resellers.
5. Does the opportunity allow for multiple manufacturers to be represented on the contract?
   1. Answer: In advance of the 2019 RFP, The Quilt is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify VMware-related technology offerings from multiple manufacturers that are commonly requested as a bundled solution offering with VMware.  Through this RFI, information will be gathered and compared in a structured, confidential format without prejudice. Information gathered through this RFI will be used to guide the scope of this and other future Request for Proposals.  
6. Besides VMware are there any other named manufacturer requirements?
   1. Answer: In advance of the 2019 RFP, The Quilt is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify VMware-related technology offerings from multiple manufacturers that are commonly requested as a bundled solution offering with VMware.  Through this RFI, information will be gathered and compared in a structured, confidential format without prejudice. Information gathered through this RFI will be used to guide the scope of future Request for Proposals.
7. What are the rules around pricing of products?
   1. Answer:   This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though may be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019.
8. Can new manufacturers be added to contract?
   1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though may be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019.
9. Are there price/product adjustment provisions?
   1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though may be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019.
10. Does the contract have any associated internal fees?
    1. Answer:  The distribution partner will provide a quarterly incentive/administrative payment to each participating Quilt member based upon the dollar volume of sales attributable to purchases made under the contract. This amount will be determined during the RFP process.
11. Does the contract have a performance bond or other insurance provisions?
    1. Answer: It is currently unlikely that we will add these provisions into the RFP.
12. How are authorized customers identified or added to the contract? Are they a party to the contract or is there a separate agreement that must be negotiated?
    1. Answer: The contract between the Quilt and the Respondent establishes the basic terms and conditions of the RFP. The list of Authorized Quilt Buyers (AQBs) is well-established and will be made available to the successful respondent. The services delivered from an distribution partner and/or reseller to an AQB will be established by a service agreement directly between the distribution partner and/or a named reseller and each AQB. The Quilt is neither involved in this process nor is it a signatory to the service agreement.
13. The RFI is requesting responses from Distributors of VMware, do you also have to hold a manufacturer certification to be considered a distributor of the supporting/complementary technologies that will be offered on the contract?
    1. Answer: It is currently unlikely that we will add these provisions into the RFP.  However, holders of such certifications may make mention of that in an RFP response.
14. Could you provide a prioritized list of technologies The Quilt community is seeking to be part of this effort, in addition to VMware?
    1. Answer:  In advance of the 2019 RFP, The Quilt is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify VMware-related technology offerings from multiple manufacturers that are commonly requested as a bundled solution offering with VMware.  Through this RFI, information will be gathered and compared in a structured, confidential format without prejudice. Information gathered through this RFI will be used to guide the scope of future Request for Proposals.
15. What requirements will The Quilt be requiring for contract management, marketing opportunities, reporting, and Quilt community engagement? Will there be SLAs (Service Level Agreements) associated with these requirements?
    1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though may be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019.
16. For each of the complimentary technologies, will The Quilt require dedicated staff/software engineers for each of these technologies in addition to the staff covering the VMware product line?
    1. Answer: The fundamental service relationship is between the AQP and the AQB. Each AQP is expected to provide full-technical support directly to the contracting AQB. It is important to The Quilt that our members receive only the highest quality support during and after installation. The Quilt members and their member institutions employ some of the most highly experienced and technical network engineers working today. They expect to collaborate with resources of equal knowledge and experience within our AQPs.
17. Beyond the stated offerings that are to be sold as a bundle or commonly purchased with VMware, would it be acceptable to include technologies that do not have a historical pairing relationship but are anticipated future needs for Quilt members?
    1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though may be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019.
18. What factors will be part of the evaluation criteria? If weighted, what will the weight distribution factors be?
    1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though will be defined when the RFP is released in January 2019.
19. Will each applicants scoring be available post decision/award?
    1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though may be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019.
20. How much relevant past performance does the potential awardee regarding national contract management? (i.e. GSA, SEWP or NASPO) must the applicant possess?
    1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though may be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019.
21. In order to promote the use of the contract, will a marketing and outreach campaign be required by The Quilt and its members?
    1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though will be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019.  It will be expected that the RFP awardee will have robust marketing support capabilities in order to assist the Quilt and its members in promoting the program
22. Will Letters of Authorization that require each applicant to be a certified distributor be required for each Vendor being proposed?
    1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though may be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019.
23. Will past contract performance valuation, specifically in the EDU vertical be considered?
    1. Answer: This item is not a requirement of the RFI, though may be a consideration when the RFP is released in January 2019. A demonstrated track record in the EDU/SLED vertical will be appreciated.