Hill's $nub of U.S. companies in purchase of crystal stemware is clear

Hill's $nub of U.S. companies in purchase of crystal stemware is clear

Read more: Hill's $nub of U.S. companies in purchase of crystal stemware is clear - NYPOST.com


The contract was given to a tiny Washington, DC, interior designer, which in turn subcontracted the crystal work to a Swedish firm -- snubbing such US companies as the famous manufacturer in Clinton's own back yard, Steuben Crystal of upstate Corning.

The firm didn't even get a chance to bid on the contract, which will outfit embassies and ambassadors' residences with fancy crystal for ritzy functions.

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I'd like to see those who complained about no-bid contracts, discuss how this contract should have been handled.

Reverend_Hellh0und said:

I'd like to see those who complained about no-bid contracts, discuss how this contract should have been handled.

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it appears this sole source 8(a) award to a minority contractor deserves to be further examined to determine whether the contract conformed with the federal acquisition regulations as well as 13 CFR part 124

unless the 8(a) contractor is an Alaskan Native Corporation, Native American Corporation or Hawaiian Native Corporation the sole source award cannot exceed $5 million (for a manufacturing award - $3 million for all others). however, up to 10% over that threashold can be awarded if the government's estimate did not exceed $5 million. so, conceivably, the government estimate could have been $4.99 million allowing the contract room to rise to $5.4 million. but that is a very strong indicator someone may have toyed with the procurement to facilitate its being offered under the 8(a) program

there is another concern. the nonmanufacturer rule. a small business must provide not less than 50% of the labor for a manufacturer award with its own employees unless it has received a waiver. the waiver would be automatic if there are found to be no small business manufacturers of glass. that waiver allows the contractor to provide the goods of ANY manufacturer, including those which are not from the USA

being the skeptic that i am, i would not be surprised if this particular stemware was that which was desired by the state department and the 8(a) contract was awarded so that it could be obtained under the liberal provisions offered to 8(a) contractors

if there is a small business manufacturer of glass products under NAICS 327211 (Glass Manufacturers), then the waiver should not have been granted, and award under NAICS 423220 (Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers) should not have been issued

if there are no small business manufacturers under that NAICS code, then the waiver would be routine but the $5.4 million award size still bears looking into, to see if the procurement was manipulated to allow its award under the 8(a) tent

:lol: You seem to be quite knowledgable on the subject. :thumbs:

Reverend_Hellh0und said:

I'd like to see those who complained about no-bid contracts, discuss how this contract should have been handled.

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this is not good, imo.

Reverend_Hellh0und said:

I'd like to see those who complained about no-bid contracts, discuss how this contract should have been handled.

Click to expand...

The story is not clear, was the original contract a nobid contract? As best I read it, it does not ever actually claim this, only that it was then subcontracted, which is a different situation.

It's clear to me. :shrug:


Ironically, under the no-bid contract, some of the crystal is to be custom-crafted to include the seal of the United States, although Swedes will do all of the manufacturing.

Contracting rules require any American firms that subcontract work to use a domestic firm or get a waiver.



Read more: Hillary Clinton contracts purchases of $5.4M in crystal stemware for American Embassies to Swedish firm Orrefors/Kosta Boda USA - NYPOST.com
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You understand that it's hardly likely that Hillary negotiated and signed that contract, right? Some underling grants manager did this.