WINDOW BLINDS

Waiver Rationale Summary

BSGI submitted a letter on 11 DEC 2024 (for blinds) to show their attempted compliance with the BAA clause. The letter showed their efforts in obtaining pricing, specifications and delivery for the blinds. Below is the summary for each: a. “Blinds: Sourcing American-made blinds in the large quantity required, within the specified timeframe and budget, has proven to be a significant challenge. Many manufacturers are unable to fulfill such large orders, while others cannot provide procurement timelines. Additionally, several companies willing to accept the order have presented unreasonably high-cost estimates—approximately four times our proposed price. • Blinded by Delight – Hunter Douglas: Stated they do not accept orders of this size. • Levolor Blinds: Products are BAA-compliant and manufactured in Mexico; however, orders are limited to 500 units. Multiple orders can be submitted, but procurement timelines are unavailable, and pricing significantly exceeds reasonable expectations. Total cost is $206,773.55. • Blind Chalet: Offers BAA-compliant blinds but cannot provide procurement timelines or competitive pricing due to the large order size. The Designer 2" Cordless Faux Wood Blinds sizes vary but estimate is between $300 to $333.00 Per blind total cost was approx. $261,456. Prices dependent on final measurements. • Service Shade Stop: Faced similar challenges, with unreasonable cost estimates and no clear procurement timeline. There are 3 options available from this vendor are listed below: * (smaller) Hunter Douglas SHADE SENSE 2" FAUX WOOD CORDLESS 155.83 each. Total cost is $124,664.61; * (Larger) Hunter Douglas EXPRESS BLINDS 2" CORDLESS 805.60 each. Total cost $30,613.13 Warranty 1 year * Total cost of $155,257.76 • Home depot home decorators’ collection cordless 2” wood faux blinds. Products are BAA-compliant and manufactured in Cambodia. The procurement time is roughly 8 to 10 weeks. There is no difference in size due to size and these blinds have a lifetime warranty. The total cost for these blinds is $56,715.84. Due to the issues discussed above trying to meet the burden of the BAA clause – it is the opinion of this contracting officer to approve the requested waiver for the blinds. In addition to the issues listed above, the proposed blinds are COTS items and would satisfy the requirements of the SOW. Although the price/costs of these items are not a deciding factor for this waiver, it should be noted the COTS items will save the government a tremendous amount of money.