SMARTMATIC-TIM

1. If the prospective bidder has a reference site for both CF Cards-MAIN and CF Cards-WORM with the total contract value of more than 50% of the ABC (Php 44,584,384.00 + Php 44,584,384.00 or Php 93,168,768.00), will the SBAC accept this as a valid reference site for both components since the total amount exceeds the required 25% of the approved budget per component?

Please refer to revised Section III-Bid Data Sheet, Annex "B".

2. What is the Certification required from the DOST regarding the Thermal Paper?

The physical attributes, quality, and other specificiations of the Thermal Paper shall be checked and verified by the Department of Science and Technology Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI). The DOST-FPRDI Certification to be submitted with the Bid Documents must indicate the following technical specifications of the Thermal Paper:

1. Dimension
2. Basis weight
3. Paper thickness
4. Brightness (UV included)
5. Image life

In the event that the aforesaid Certification from the DOST is not available in time for the submission and opening of bids on August 13, 2012, the original or a certified true copy of the Acknowledgment Receipt or a Proof of Application issued by the DOST showing that the thermal paper of the prospective bidder has been submitted for Certification shall be submitted.

3. For the post-qualification, shall the sample units already have the logo of COMELEC? Or can it be just a sketch to show how it would be?

For purposes of compliance with the requirement of identification marks on prototype samples of each component to be submitted for the Opening of Bids on August 13, 2013 pursuant to Section VII – Technical Specifications, said samples need not bear the actual COMELEC logo or design. An illustration or design of the actual COMELEC logo on each item, and how it will be placed on the same, shall be submitted with the samples.

4. Under Section V.17.4, the correction of defects in the warranty period is one (1) calendar day. Considering that SMARTMATIC can only do the replacement in their facility, and COMELEC will be handling the logistics and operations of the 2013 elections, will the warranty be applicable only when SMARTMATIC receives the item?

Sec. 17.4 Shall be amended to read  as follows:

17.4. The COMELEC shall promptly notify the Supplier in writing of any claims arising under this warranty. Upon receipt of such notice, the Supplier shall, within (1) CALENDAR DAY, replace the defective Goods without cost to COMELEC. For this purpose, the supplier shall issue a warranty certificate indicating that they shall have available stocks to replace all defective Goods. See attached Annex "C".

5. For the following Certifications:
   1. Certificate of Distributorship
   2. Certificate of Warranty that the product complies with the technical requirements of procuring entity
   3. Certificate of Availability of Parts within one (1) year from Notice to Proceed
   4. Current and valid Certificate of Compliance with ISO or CE
   5. Certificate that goods were manufactured not more than one (1) year prior to actual date of delivery.

For foreign manufacturers and suppliers, would COMELEC require the certifications to be authenticated with the Philippine embassy in the country where the manufacturer or supplier is based? The authentication process takes around one (1) week.

Yes.

In the event that the aforesaid Certifications are not available in time for the submission and opening of bids on August 13, 2012, the original or a certified true copy of a Proof of Application issued by the Philippine Embassy in their respective countries, showing that an authentication of the certificates have been requested.

6. Under Section VII.5.D, the Marking Pen is required to write on most surfaces. Is the COMELEC referring to different types of paper surfaces? Can COMELEC define the paper type?

"Most surfaces" refers to surfaces OTHER than paper, as used in ordinary industry standard.

Paper shall refer to BALLOT PAPER.

7. The warranty under Section VII for all Consumables is required for at least one (1) year from final acceptance. Manufacturers do not provide such warranty as these products are Consumables.

The provision shall be retained.

8. Under Section VII.F for External Rechargeable Batteries:

1. Shouldn’t it be "Sealed Lead Acid Battery" instead of Sealed Lead Battery?

"Sealed Lead Acid Battery"
or "Sealed Lead Battery"

2. Sealed Lead Acid Batteries do not fall under the List of Products under Mandatory Certification. Please relax this requirement.

For compliance with the Product Standard under Section VII – Technical Specifications, the External Rechargeable Batteries must have DTI Certification and/or ISO certification, CE (European Conformity), or UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or such other equivalent as may be applicable, pursuant to Section III, 29.2a.9;

3. Shouldn’t the power output be "12VDC" instead of "12VDS 18Ah"?

Power output shall be "12VDC"; please refer revised Section VII, Annex "E".

4. Shouldn’t the cycle use be 14.4-15VDC instead of 14.4-15V?

It should be"14.4-15VDC";
please refer Revised Section VII, Annex "E"

5. A tighter range will mean lesser deviations. Will COMELEC accept specifications that have better tolerance than the given range? Example: range of 14.5-14.9VDC.

Please Refer to Revised Section VII, Annex "E".

6. Shouldn’t the standby use be "13.5-13.8VDC" instead of "13.5-13.8V"?

Please Refer to Revised Section VII, Annex "E".

7. Will COMELEC accept specifications that have a better tolerance than the given range for Standby Use? Example: range of 13.6-13.7VDC.

Please Refer to Revised Section VII, Annex "E".

8. Since DTI Product Standard is for goods sold in the Philippines, will COMELEC accept CE or other similar certification from other countries equivalent to the DTI Standard?

For compliance with the Product Standard under Section VII – Technical Specifications, the External Rechargeable Batteries must have DTI Certification and/or ISO certification, CE (European Conformity), or UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or such other equivalent as may be applicable, pursuant to Section III, 29.2a.9;

9. Requirement to disclose relationship with incumbent official, and if there exists a relationship, divest himself of interests in the Bidding Company

The Provision is retained.

CONSOLIDATED PRINTER, INC.

10. On technical specifications of Thermal Paper, do we follow the diameter roll or the thickness and the length?

The specifications of the diameter roll, length and thickness of paper should all be met. Diameter includes the core, and is needed to determine if it will fit in the PCOS machine. Prospective bidders can check the PCOS at the ITD and look for Mr. Felimon Enrile III.

11. Can the weight of 50gsm +/- 2.6gsm be interpreted as having weight with a "minimum of 50gsm" or "at least 50gsm" weight?

OPTIMAL SYSTEM

12. On Rechargeable External Batteries, in the absence of a DTI stamp, would a UL or CE certification be sufficient in the absence of a DTI stamp?

See answer in 6.h.