NASPO ValuePoint for MRO and Industrial Supplies Technical Proposal | RFP #DASPS-2183-17 January 5, 2018 Ms. Shirley A. Smith State Procurement Analyst State of Oregon, DAS PS 1225 Ferry Street SE Salem, Oregon 97301 Subject: Solicitation Number DASPS-2183-17, NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement(s) for Facilities Maintenance and Repair & Operations (MRO), Industrial Supplies Dear Ms. Smith: Please find enclosed Noble’s response to the subject solicitation. Noble is a Small Business offering NASPO ValuePoint the highest quality products and services at the lowest possible cost. With hundreds of ongoing projects demanding a wide variety of products, balancing direct orders, inventory, and emergency requests can be a complicated, often expensive, job. We at Noble built our business using a model that includes direct relationships with our manufacturers, strategically located distribution centers, on-site Regional Managers and support teams, and a commitment to offering our customers the lowest prices available. Noble is a distributor for more than 11,000 manufacturers both in the U.S. and around the world. We offer NASPO an established supply chain for all products offered through this contract. Our distribution philosophy includes a flexible ISO-certified approach to established procedures for qualifying and adding suppliers; pre-positioned inventory at our warehouses; agreements with manufacturers to maintain committed stock levels; distribution facilities and logistics partners located in strategic geographic locations to allow for quick, inexpensive deliveries; and a staff of professionals who provide quotes, quality oversight, and dedicated customer service. Noble’s approach to supporting customers with locations around the country includes an e-commerce solution customized to each contract. Customers have access to only the products and services included in their contract, including built-in authorization screens, order history, and complete visibility of order status through all stages of its lifecycle. We also provide dedicated regional teams with 24-hour customer service. We look forward to offering these advantages to the NASPO Program. Sincerely, Thomas W. Noble CEO Noble Supply & Logistics, Inc.
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NASPO ValuePoint for MRO and Industrial Supplies Technical Proposal | RFP #DASPS-2183-17
January 5, 2018
Ms. Shirley A. Smith
State Procurement Analyst
State of Oregon, DAS PS
1225 Ferry Street SE
Salem, Oregon 97301
Subject: Solicitation Number DASPS-2183-17, NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement(s) for Facilities
Maintenance and Repair & Operations (MRO), Industrial Supplies
Dear Ms. Smith:
Please find enclosed Noble’s response to the subject solicitation. Noble is a Small Business offering
NASPO ValuePoint the highest quality products and services at the lowest possible cost. With hundreds
of ongoing projects demanding a wide variety of products, balancing direct orders, inventory, and
emergency requests can be a complicated, often expensive, job. We at Noble built our business using a
model that includes direct relationships with our manufacturers, strategically located distribution centers,
on-site Regional Managers and support teams, and a commitment to offering our customers the lowest
prices available.
Noble is a distributor for more than 11,000 manufacturers both in the U.S. and around the world. We offer
NASPO an established supply chain for all products offered through this contract. Our distribution
philosophy includes a flexible ISO-certified approach to established procedures for qualifying and adding
suppliers; pre-positioned inventory at our warehouses; agreements with manufacturers to maintain
committed stock levels; distribution facilities and logistics partners located in strategic geographic
locations to allow for quick, inexpensive deliveries; and a staff of professionals who provide quotes,
quality oversight, and dedicated customer service.
Noble’s approach to supporting customers with locations around the country includes an e-commerce
solution customized to each contract. Customers have access to only the products and services included in
their contract, including built-in authorization screens, order history, and complete visibility of order
status through all stages of its lifecycle. We also provide dedicated regional teams with 24-hour customer
service.
We look forward to offering these advantages to the NASPO Program.
NASPO ValuePoint for MRO and Industrial Supplies Technical Proposal | RFP #DASPS-2183-17
Attachment E revised OFFEROR INFORMATION AND CERTIFICATION SHEET
This form must be completed and returned with the Proposal in response to Section 2.21 of this RFP. Failure to submit this form with the Proposal may result in disqualification for non- responsiveness.
1. Offeror Information:
Offeror/Firm Name (Printed): Noble Supply and Logistics
Address:302 Weymouth Street
Rockland, MA 02370
Citizenship, if applicable: Non-resident alien Yes X No
Business Designation (Check One):
Professional Corporation Partnership Ltd. Partnership Ltd. Liability Company Ltd. Liability Partnership Sole Proprietorship Other
Federal Tax ID #: 04-2767926
State Tax #: 042-767-926
Secretary of State Corporations Division Registration #: 042767926
2. Identify Individual with Authority to Obligate the Offeror Contractually:
5. CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION CLAUSES IN RESPONSE TO RFP
a. Offeror understands and accepts the requirements of this RFP. By Proposal submission, the Successful Offeror(s) agree(s) to be bound by the Master Agreement attached hereto as ( Attachment B), as modified by Addendum, except for those terms and conditions that DAS PS has reserved for negotiation in the RFP.
b. Offeror acknowledges receipt of any and all Addendum to this RFP.
c. Proposal is FIRM for 180 days following the Closing.
d. If awarded a Master Agreement, Offeror agrees to perform the scope of work and meet the performance standards set forth in the final negotiated scope of work of the Contract.
e. Offeror does not discriminate in its employment practices with regard to race, creed, age, religious affiliation, sex, disability, sexual orientation or national origin. Nor has Offeror or will Offeror discriminate against a subcontractor in the awarding of a subcontract because the subcontractor is disadvantaged business enterprise, a minority-owned business, a woman-owned business, a business that a service- disabled veteran owns or an emerging small business that is certified under ORS 200.055.
f. Offeror certifies that, to the best of its knowledge, there exists no actual or potential conflict between the business or economic interests of Offeror, its employees, or its agents, on the one hand, and the business or economic interests of the State, on the other hand, arising out of, or relating in any way to, the subject matter of the RFP. Offeror shall provide prompt written notification to the State of any change occurring with respect to Offeror’s business or interests which is reasonably likely to result in (or has resulted in) an actual or potential conflict between the business or economic interests of the Offeror and those of the State, arising out of, or relating in any way to, the subject matter of the RFP. In its notice, Offeror will describe the nature of such actual or potential conflict of interest or remuneration in question in reasonable detail.
Offeror and Offeror’s employees and agents are not included on the list titled “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury and currently found at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/sdn/t11sdn.pdf.
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g. Offeror certifies that all contents of the Proposal (including any other forms or documentation, if required under this RFP) and this Proposal Certification Sheet, are truthful and accurate and have been prepared independently from all other Offerors, and without collusion, fraud, or other dishonesty. Offeror acknowledges these certifications are in addition to any certifications required in the Master Agreement (Attachment B) at the time of Master Agreement execution.
h. Participating Entity Only: While the primary purpose of this RFP is to select
one or more contractor(s) who can offer the Facilities Maintenance and Repair & Operations (MRO), Industrial Supplies for all Participating States, Offerors are permitted to submit a Proposal for one or more State(s). However, if a Offeror elects to submit a Proposal for one or more State(s), then the Offeror must be willing to supply the entire State and will not be allowed to add additional States following award or at any time during the term of the Master Agreement(s) resulting from this RFP, including all optional renewals. Offerors must propose to all RFP Mandatory Requirements.
I, the undersigned, certify that I am duly authorized to legally bind the Offeror to the provisions of the RFP and the Master Agreement.
Dec. 21, 2017
Authorized Signature Date
Thomas W. Noble III, Chief Executive Officer
Typed or Printed Name and Title of Signatory
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2.0 Executive Summary
Founded in 1982 and located in Rockland, MA, Noble Supply &
Logistics, is a small business and leading supplier of maintenance,
repair, and operations (MRO), industrial, and building supplies as
well as safety, office, janitorial/sanitation, and construction products. Noble manages supply and
logistics and storefront contracts for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the U.S. Air Force,
the U.S. Navy, and others to supply low-cost products, special order capabilities, an EDI-
Figure 3. Noble Contract Awards. Noble’s quality products, exceptional customer service, and low prices led to 39% compounded annual growth rate from 2015 through 2017.
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3.4.2 Customer Service
a. What are Offeror’s hours of operation and when are key account people available to
Participating States/Entities and Purchasing Entities?
Normal business hours are 7:00 am – 5:30 pm, in each region across the U.S. with Customer
Support available 24 hours a day. Our Program Manager, Chrissy McStowe, is available for
routine matters from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, PT, and available 24 hours a day for emergencies. Key
account representatives are available 8:00 am – 6:00 pm in their respective time zones and are
also available 24 hours a day for emergencies.
Figure 4 is an example of our helpdesk page.
b. Describe how Noble works to prevent problems from occurring.
Our standard vendor agreement includes contractual requirements and industry standards that
ensure our vendors are committed to complying with safe, environmentally friendly products and
services. For instance, our agreement includes audit clauses and requirements to adhere to the
Toxic Substance Control Act, OSHA regulations, Hazard Communications Standard, Federal
Hazardous Substances Act, and quality standards necessary to comply with building and
infrastructure codes and other applicable environment hazardous and toxic standards.
We pre-screen our suppliers who agree to comply with our vendor agreement requirements,
including terms and conditions that state our packaging, bar code, and storage requirements with
the understanding that Noble performs random audits to ensure supplier compliance. When
Figure 4. Helpdesk Page. NASPO customers have 24-hour access to Noble’s customer service support.
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shipments arrive at Noble’s distribution centers, our warehouse team inspects all orders, opening
each box to verify the contents against the packing list. If damaged goods are identified, we
refuse the shipment and return to the vendor.
When Noble adds vendors for large quantities of new products, we require that they send us a
sample of the products that we will be stocking in our distribution centers. Once received, our
QA Manager verifies that the product and its packaging meet our standards for labeling,
warranty, and country of origin and verifies that the contents match the label and the packaging
meets contract requirements, if applicable. Noble includes all preservation, packaging,
marking/labeling, and bar coding requirements on each PO we issue to ensure compliance.
Noble’s warehouse staff, with the help of Noble’s proprietary warehouse and inventory
management system ALPHA, stocks inventory with the material shelf life carefully managed.
ALPHA maintains product shelf life requirements and directs stocking and pulling order.
Figure 5 is an example of ALPHA showing inventory available.
Issues do arise, though. An order arrives and there is a product the customer doesn’t like, an item
that is broken, or a combination of products that aren’t compatible. Regardless of the reason, if
our customer contacts us to say they are not satisfied with a product, our customer service
representative (CSR) generates a return material authorization and ships the replacement product
immediately. Noble fixes the situation before we take anything back by immediately replacing
the discrepant item at no additional cost to the customer or issuing a refund or open credit memo
if they choose not to replace the item.
Figure 5. Inventory Designation. ALPHA includes product availability.
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The CSR creates a case following the discrepant item in ALPHA, allowing the customer to see
the status of the refund, call tag, tracking of the replacement, etc. If the item was replaced, our
system notifies us that the customer received the new item and we make arrangements to pick up
the discrepant item for return to our facility. Finally, Noble ships the item to the manufacturer
and works with them to find both a cause and a solution for any faulty products.
As stated, our CSRs meet weekly with the PM to discuss customer problems and our solutions. If
there is a reoccurrence of a problem with the same product, we post the vendor and product on
our multi-return list. This results in the item having a notation in our system identifying a
recurring problem and offering a list of potential substitutes for the item. Until the situation is
remedied, our CSRs tell customers ordering that product that we have had return issues with that
particular brand item and then offer them the list of substitutes.
Problems can always occur with deliveries, too. As soon as we are notified an order is delayed,
our system flags it and notifies the logistics manager that there is a delay. He and the CSR work
to notify our customer, while at the same time, he contacts the carrier or other participants to find
a solution to the situation while communicating with the customer to let them know when to
expect their order.
d. How does Offeror propose to service the NASPO account? Describe the system Offeror will
use to manage the account.
Noble’s Program Manager (PM), Ms. Chrissie McStowe, is responsible for resources,
contractual compliance, and management across the Participating States’ varying requirements.
Noble offers NASPO ValuePoint customers a Regional Sales Manager assigned to each
Participating State who is responsible for business development and customer satisfaction. The
Regional Sales Manager is supported by buyers, customer service representatives, and product
experts. A team of sales and marketing professionals, working directly under the Sales Manager,
develops and distributes information on products, the program, and new vendors.
Each participating State has a Noble sales Manager assigned from within the Regional Sales
Team who is responsible for customers throughout the state. Depending on the State’s volume
and requirements, the Noble Sales Manager has access to both Regional Sales Team resources,
including sales, marketing, and customer service representatives. The Sales Manager is available
to his or her customers throughout the business day and via cell phone 24 hours per day for
emergency requirements. All Noble customers have access to 24/7 support through our online
chat, toll-free number, and email.
Our E-commerce system, ALPHA, includes extensive Customer Relationship Management
(CRM) functionality. The entire Team has a single view of the customer, including tracking
appointments, documenting customer requirements and preferences, maintaining current contact
information, detailing authorization chains (Figure 6), and storing order histories: delivering
high-quality customer service that few companies can provide. ALPHA offers an online retail
experience that includes order histories, saved shopping carts, tracking information,
environmentally preferable products (EPPs), and access to product expertise and customer
service.
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d. How does Offeror respond to customer complaints and service issues?
Whether a customer calls with a problem, product issue, or a general question about an order, our
CSRs open a “case” to track how quickly we solved the problem or answered the question and
how often we receive similar calls. Each inquiry is maintained in the customer’s file within
ALPHA and each case is followed until it is resolved. Our system is based on preventing
problems in the first place. By tracking calls and analyzing issues, we work to find solutions
before our customers have to ask.
Noble tracks each interaction with the customer whether via phone, fax, online, or in the store. If
a customer has a complaint or issue, they can reach us in person or through our ordering system
via the “Contact Us” button. An email is sent to customer support and an automatic response that
we received their email is sent immediately. A Noble CSR will get back with a solution within
24 hours. Using this support case system, the Program Manager has access to the real-time open
cases and oversees resolution.
e. How does Offeror assess customer satisfaction?
Noble’s CSRs manage responses to customer requests for information, document cases, and
ensure case resolution. They send surveys to our customers following delivery of an order and
work closely with the PM to provide inside support for the customer. Together with the HQ
Purchasing Team, the CSR offers product recommendations based on customer requirements.
They also accept orders via phone, fax, and email, including credit card and PO transactions. The
Figure 6. Example of Approval Workflow. Noble makes it simple to manage order approvals automatically.
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CSR handles product returns and warranty issues and communicates backorder, delivery
schedule, receipt, and special-order status information to customers. Figure 7 is an example of
order status and shipping/tracking information. The CSRs act as a liaison between the Buyers
and the customer, following up after each order; supporting the technical experts to handle
ordering questions, quotes, and RFQs; communicating with the customer; generating and
sending reports to each activity; processing credit cards; filling out bills of lading; and arranging
delivery schedules and associated paperwork.
One of Noble’s corporate values is to make a difference for our customers. In that spirit, when a
customer calls, they get a person not a phone queue. Our team holds weekly customer service
meetings to evaluate open cases as well as to discuss ways to improve our customers’
experience. The NASPO Team develops solutions by examining repeating issues and
implementing corrective actions.
f. Describe Offeror’s quality assurance measures and how are they handled within the
organization.
Figure 7. Order status and tracking screen. Customers receive regular updates on order status and tracking information.
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Key Elements of Quality System
Noble’s Quality Plan is documented in our ISO
procedures and updated semi-annually. Noble's
Quality Management System was assessed and
registered as conforming to the requirements of
ISO 9001:2008 in July 2010. Highlights of our
Quality Program follow.
1. Inventory. Noble’s success is demonstrated in
our track record of managing inventory for U.S.
Government customers in locations as diverse as
Okinawa, Japan; Letterkenny Army Depot in
Pennsylvania; and Anniston Army Depot, in
Alabama. Our Inventory Managers perform
inventory counts monthly to ensure that what’s in
our system agrees with what’s on the shelf.
Relying on ALPHA’s technology for monthly
inventory and weekly cycle counts, our inventory
for the past 2 years has been 99% accurate, consistently reflecting what’s in our inventory
management system.
2. Safety. Noble’s Inventory Managers inspect shelving to ensure it is set up properly, packaging
to verify it adheres to OSHA standards, and facility grounds to ensure no safety hazards exist
from equipment, spills, stacking, and clutter. This is performed monthly.
3. Facility. Noble’s Inventory Managers inspect organization of the warehouse space, down to
the bin locations, each month. In conjunction with the inventory count, they inspect to make sure
bin locations are organized properly to match our systems, verifying each item is stored in the
spot identified in ALPHA’s warehouse management system.
4. Product. Noble’s Inventory and Purchasing Managers inspect products each month to verify
they meet contractual standards, product is as authorized and not a substitute or equal product,
the packaging is intact, and that product agrees with what the contract specifies and the
Government has authorized us to inventory.
5. Incoming Product. Noble’s Inventory Managers inspect each incoming shipment as it is
received to ensure the product received is the product the customer ordered. The results of all
monthly inspections are delivered to the PM for review and approval.
Processes to Ensure Quality Products and Services. Noble’s standard vendor agreement
includes contractual requirements and industry standards that ensure our vendors are committed
to complying with safe, environmentally friendly products and services. For instance, our
agreement includes audit clauses and requirements to adhere to the Toxic Substance Control Act,
OSHA regulations, Hazard Communications Standard, Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and
quality standards necessary to comply with building and infrastructure codes and other
applicable environment hazardous and toxic standards.
We pre-screen our suppliers who agree to comply with our vendor agreement requirements,
including terms and conditions that state our packaging, bar code, and storage requirements with
the understanding that Noble performs random audits to ensure supplier compliance. When
▪ Standard vendor agreements include contractual
requirements to ensure safe, environmentally
friendly products and services
▪ Contract requirements, vendor information,
order data, and compliance verification
maintained in ALPHA
▪ KPIs monitor the inventory levels of warehouse
and staging facilities and customer-facing
merchandise racks
▪ ISO-certified process for quickly adding
suppliers
▪ Experienced Quality Team ensure inspections,
testing, and contract compliance
ISO-Certified Quality Program
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shipments arrive at Noble’s distribution centers, our warehouse team inspects all orders, opening
each box to verify the contents against the packing list. If damaged goods are identified, we
refuse the shipment and return to the vendor.
When Noble adds vendors for large quantities of new products, we require product samples for
items that we will be stocking in our distribution centers. Once received, our QA Manager
verifies that the product and its packaging meet our standards for labeling, warranty, and country
of origin and verifies that the contents match the label and the packaging meets contract
requirements. Noble includes all the preservation, packaging, marking/labeling, and bar coding
requirements on each PO we issue to ensure compliance.
Noble’s warehouse staff, with the help of ALPHA, stocks inventory with the material shelf life
carefully managed. ALPHA maintains product shelf life requirements and directs stocking and
pulling order. Figure 8 highlights other ALPHA elements.
Methods, Techniques, and Tools. Noble’s QA Manager, Jim Campbell, works with the
technical staff to identify indicators and their associated measures (metrics) that are needed to
control performance and predict future status of processes used to produce products and services.
The metrics are used to help determine when and where a problem is occurring and what type of
impact it has on the product or service. The metrics are used to base decisions concerning the
selection of best practices to implement in the project.
Metrics that are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of QA processes and procedures include:
▪ Number of reviews (QA activities) conducted
▪ Status of non-conformance items identified
▪ Status of action items open/closed/on-hold
▪ Number of days to correct and close a non-conformance item
▪ Customer satisfaction levels relating to product and service quality
▪ Trends for process improvement
▪ Lessons learned
Figure 8. ALPHA’s NASPO customers gain immediate ordering support and access to 1,000,000 SKUs with all the features of online retail buying.
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Noble regularly relies on other tools and methods to gather customer feedback, including
Customer Surveys, Customer Calls Reporting Issues, On-site Personnel Gathering Data from
Customers, and Regular Risk Analyses.
Noble manages both our performance and that of our subcontractors and suppliers through pre-
established key performance indicators (KPIs) that track fill rates, number of customer calls,
average time on hold, and average time to resolve customer inquiries. For each of our vendors
and subcontractors, Noble sets KPIs that include measuring fill rates, time-to-ship, price changes,
cycle time analysis, compliance with contractual requirements, quoted vs. actual delivery time,
total volume, product country of origin, amount of new added vs. discontinued products, and
others, depending on the vendor. We monitor these KPIs to ensure that our vendors are meeting
our supplier agreement requirements.
Our Team determines inventory availability using multiple data analytic tools to run models to
ensure our service levels exceed 99% on all high-demand items. Using the well-known inventory
management News Vendor formula, we constantly monitor the demand data to determine
minimum and maximum levels on all fast-moving parts. In addition, we audit labels and
frustrated freight closely to ensure seamless customer deliveries with compliant labels.
After the first quarter, we grade the vendor from A to D based on on-time delivery, product
conformance, product defects, price, and customer service and our Purchasing Team reviews
these quarterly. Using Supplier Scorecards, we rank the supplier’s relative performance within
the supply base and track improvement in supplier’s quality over time. Scorecards also provide a
data point into any future business negotiations. At the end of the year, Purchasing Manager
reviews the supplier list. Any supplier rated C or below is given a warning detailing steps
necessary to comply with our supplier agreement and meet our performance criteria. If they
don’t comply within 30 days, we drop the vendor and find an alternate supplier.
Noble also monitors the KPIs within each area of our own organization. For example, we
monitor our case system to determine how our Customer Support Team is performing. Through
ALPHA, we identify how quickly our team responds to our customers and how quickly they
resolve customer issues. We monitor how much time each case has been open, the average
amount of communication per issue, and the customer’s evaluation of how we handled the issue.
In addition, Noble tracks repeat orders from existing customers to help us determine how we are
performing. ALPHA maintains a breakdown of every new customer, every repeat customer, and
the time between the original order and repeat order for each customer to allow us to gauge how
satisfied the customer is.
Each Noble professional has a dashboard on their ALPHA home page where messages are
posted automatically to alert staff to an issue. For instance, when our volume with one of our
suppliers’ increases, our Purchasing Manager is notified so he knows to renegotiate volume-
based discounts. When a case is open more than 24 hours, the CSR and PM are notified to ensure
problem resolution is in process. When an inventory item is backordered, the Warehouse
Manager is notified so he can offer alternatives and the Purchasing Manager is notified to
identify alternative vendors.
Noble’s CSRs and Purchasing Teams are in place to ensure the customer’s requirements are met,
whether it’s quickly pulling an item from the shelf or researching and obtaining non-stock items
for next-day delivery. We approach each order with professional, pleasant, and informed support.
The PM is responsible for the program personnel and works closely with each employee to instill
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Noble’s philosophy of 100% customer satisfaction.
Noble tracks each interaction with the customer whether via phone, fax, online, or in the store.
Should the customer have a question that can’t be answered on the spot or product issues occur,
the CSR opens a case within ALPHA documenting all interaction. Using this support case
system, the PM has access to the real-time open cases and oversees resolution.
Noble’s regional CSRs manage responses to customer requests for information, document cases,
and ensure case resolution. The CSR Team sends surveys to our customers following delivery of
an order and works closely with the PM to provide inside support for the customer. Figure 9 is
an example of such a survey. Together with the HQ Purchasing Team, the CSRs offers product
recommendations based on customer requirements. They also accept orders via phone, fax, and
email, including credit card and PO transactions. The CSR Team handles product returns and
warranty issues and communicates backorder, delivery schedule, receipt, and special-order status
information to customers. The CSR acts as a liaison between Purchasing Team and customer,
following up after each order; supporting the technical experts to handle ordering questions,
quotes, and RFQs; communicating with the customer; generating and sending reports to each
activity; processing credit cards, filling out bills of lading; and arranging delivery schedules and
associated paperwork.
One of Noble’s corporate values is to make a difference for our customers. In that spirit, when a
customer calls, they get a person, not a phone queue. Our team holds weekly customer service
meetings to evaluate open cases as well as to discuss ways to improve our customers’
Figure 9. Example of Customer Survey. Noble is committed to NASPO customer satisfaction.
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experience. The CSR Teams develop solutions by examining repeating issues and implementing
corrective actions.
Whether a customer calls with a problem, product issue, or a general question about an order, our
CSRs open a “case” to track how quickly we solved the problem or answered the question and
how often we receive similar calls. Each inquiry is maintained in the customer’s file within
ALPHA and each case is followed until it is resolved. Our system is based on preventing
problems in the first place. By tracking calls and analyzing issues, we work to find solutions
before our customers have to ask.
Inspections and Testing. Noble uses industry best practices KPIs to closely monitor the
inventory levels of not only the warehouse and staging facilities but also the customer-facing
merchandise racks. Based on order history for time frames and quantities ordered, we set
minimum ordering levels in our system. When an item is scanned, the system adjusts the
inventory level on the spot. When the KPI is reached, the system automatically issues an order to
our vendor to replenish the inventory.
Noble invested heavily in our WMS technology, buying the latest barcoding and scanning
technology available. When items arrive at our stores, warehouses, and distribution centers, our
warehouse staff scans each one to enter it into our system. The item and its location in the
warehouse are recorded, making our pick/pack/ship process more efficient and accurate.
Frequency of Inspections and Testing. The warehouse staff inspects each shipment to ensure
we receive what we ordered at the quantities we ordered, and that the items are not damaged. As
each is scanned, they are coded for storage in the proper location in the warehouse. This
automated inventory control system has resulted in on-time consistent deliveries with our
network of logistics partners.
Noble’s WMS generates inventory reports that are monitored by Noble management. We discuss
program requirements with the CO to ensure we are inventorying the right items at the right
quantities at the right time of year.
Tools for Inspections and Testing. Noble’s ISO procedures dictate that each inspection is
documented, the time and date recorded, and corrective actions detailed. All inspection
documents are kept in ALPHA, where they can be accessed by the contract’s authorized users at
any time. Inspection documents include the following:
1. Nonconforming product. When product received is determined to not conform, Noble’s
staff fills out the form and records the action taken to correct the deficiency. We then work
with the manufacturer to ensure the nonconformance isn’t repeated. If the product will no
longer be in conformance because of country of manufacture or specs changing, Noble
finds a new source for the product.
2. Preventative Action. Following our monthly audit, Noble identifies issues where
preventative action will ensure compliance. For instance, we might move product from one
section of the warehouse to another.
For each of our vendors, Noble sets KPIs that include measuring fill rates, time-to-ship, price
changes, total volume, amount of new added vs. discontinued products, and others depending on
the vendor. Our ISO program requires we perform regular audits on our system and our
suppliers to verify they are meeting our supplier agreement requirements, including on-time
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deliveries, inventory levels, product compliance, and customer service. In addition to routine
audits, ALPHA dashboard notifies him when a vendor’s grade has changed. When he sees that a
vendor has been downgraded, he contacts the vendor, notifies them of the downgrade and the
reasons for it, and gives them formal notice of the 30-day grace period to fix the issues.
Noble monitors the number of new vendors added each quarter and the performance of new
suppliers, including their EDI performance. Real-time statistics are posted on the Purchasing
Manager’s dashboard in ALPHA, allowing us to continuously monitor new vendor performance
and verify that the onboarding process integrity is maintained. For every vendor added, he
approves the package that demonstrates that all steps in the process have been completed.
Additionally, Noble’s Buying Team holds quarterly meetings with our top 20% suppliers to both
assess their performance and participate in new product demonstrations and testing. At that time,
we also review our volume with each vendor to determine volume-based discount pricing.
Noble establishes vendor agreements, including customer flow-down provisions, and buys
product following the specific customer requirements. Noble's Purchasing Manager ensures that
manufacturers and their products conform to contractual requirements, including product
specifications and quality standards across our supply chain. As such, he conducts supplier audits
to ensure that suppliers are following the processes and procedures agreed to in the supplier
agreement and resulting POs for all orders and contracts. The supplier audit identifies non-
conformances in place of manufacture, shipment, engineering change, invoicing, and quality
processes at the supplier. If noncompliance or nonconformities are identified, Noble works with
the supplier to fashion corrective actions, which must be implemented within an agreed-upon
timeframe. Noble follows up within 30 days to ensure these corrective actions have been
successfully implemented.
All supplier information and customer feedback are fed into ALPHA, including product source
compliance and specification information, inquiries, contracts, orders, feedback, and complaints.
The QA/Compliance Manager and his staff monitor this communication to address past and
potential problems, maintain records of these activities and the resulting decisions, and monitor
their effectiveness. Following our documented procedures for handling actual and potential non-
conformances, the QA Manager works with the CSRs to provide a quick resolution for the
customer while he contacts the PM and the supplier to identify and implement a corrective action
for the product.
Assuring Purchase Orders / Subcontracts Contain All Flow Down Clauses. For each new
contract or task order issued, Noble uses a standard PO format that includes contractual and
Noble-specified requirements. Our Purchasing Manager approves the PO form and ALPHA
automatically generates the contract-specific requirements with the PO.
Prime Contract Terms and Conditions. Because all contractual clauses are built into ALPHA,
the NASPO MRO terms and conditions are included on all related POs. Noble requires each
vendor to sign off and accept the terms and conditions of each PO as a condition of performance.
Absent such vendor acceptance, Noble is not obligated to accept delivery or pay for the product
or service.
Clauses to Carry Out the Requirements. Any specific clauses for a task order are included on
the PO, including ship-by dates, arrive-by dates, or pick-up dates. As with the terms and
conditions, the PO is conditional upon the vendor accepting the specific clauses and provisions
as material elements of fulfillment. Absent such vendor acceptance, Noble is not obligated to
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accept delivery or pay for the product or service.
Quality Team Personnel and Responsibilities. In Noble’s QA organization structure, the QA
Manager reports to the Noble’s Director of Corporate Compliance and Human Resources, not to
the Program Manager, to ensure shortcuts are not taken on quality activities. Mr. Campbell
manages our ISO program and conducts audits of quality metrics, including on-time delivery
rate, customer satisfaction, fulfillment rates, cycle times, and web performance metrics such as
time to load the web page. He participates in weekly Program Team meetings to discuss issues
and identify solutions for continuous improvement.
The Program Manager, works closely with the QA Manager to ensure products and services
adhere to Noble’s quality procedures. The Program Manager meets regularly with NASPO
Program Team to discuss customer service, procurement, inventory, and logistics issues and
meets quarterly with our customers to evaluate our overall performance. The Program Manager
reports issues and comments back to the QA Manager during quarterly meetings. Noble’s QA
Manager performs regular program audits. Documenting quality and process issues, the QA
Manager works with Program Staff to solve problems and implement continuous improvement.
The QA Manager submits monthly Program Quality Reports to the CEO.
Organizational Responsibility and Authority. The Project Team is responsible for high-
quality program deliverables and participates in quality reviews and continuous improvement
activities. Specific QA responsibilities for the NASPO program are listed in Figure 10.
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Role Quality Assurance Responsibility
Chief Executive Officer
▪ Assure availability of essential resources to implement identified quality activities
▪ Ensure resolution of quality issues escalated by Program Management
Program Manager
▪ Meet regularly with NASPO Regional Managers to discuss program issues, including
customer service, ordering, inventory, and delivery quality
▪ Encourage staff to participate in quality activities
▪ Encourage staff to participate in the continuous improvement of the quality procedures
and work activities
▪ Meet with the QA Manager quarterly to discuss QA issues and improvements
Regional Managers
▪ Review and approve the quality plan and the quality activities for operations
▪ Include project quality activities in the work assignments; schedule adequate time for
completion
▪ Manage resolution and follow-up on any quality issues raised during the quality
activities, escalating as needed
▪ Meet with customers to solicit feedback on Noble’s products and services and follow
up with a plan for problem resolution or continuous improvement
All Team Members
▪ Review and provide feedback on the quality plan and the quality activities for the
project; help determine the quality reviews, metrics, and criteria to be used in the
operations at the Base Store
▪ Participate in quality reviews and provide feedback on the products, services and Base
Store process
▪ Suggest ways to continuously improve the quality of the software and the development
process
Consumers
▪ Review and provide feedback on the quality plan and the quality activities for the
project
▪ Help determine the quality reviews, metrics, and criteria to be used for this project (via
in-store/web feedback and customer survey system)
Quality Manager
▪ Work closely with Program Manager and staff to identify quality issues and document
and track solutions
▪ Prepare quality plans, providing the framework for project quality activities
▪ Monitor the quality activities for completion and improvements
▪ Maintain documentation regarding inspections, corrective actions and continuous
improvement opportunities
▪ Prepare monthly quality update reports for Noble’s Director of Compliance
Figure 10. Noble’s QA Roles and Responsibilities. Everyone on our NASPO Team applies their thorough training to ensure a consistent commitment to quality.
3.4.3 Technology
a. Describe Offeror’s online system that Purchasing Entities would use to place orders and
receive results? Include all methods of order submission.
Our customers rely on Noble to deliver a contract-compliant product that meets their schedules.
We custom built our web-based, automated ordering and purchasing system, ALPHA, to
automate our order, vendor, inventory, and warehouse management systems while ensuring
quality in every step of the process. ALPHA, a fully EDI-integrated system equipped with the
latest encryption technology has built-in controls to ensure each aspect of the system meets all
our customers’ demands. Our customers can submit their orders via the website, email, phone,
fax, or online chat.
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ALPA’s customer-facing site is Shop.noblesupply.com, which provides users access to more
than 1,000,000 products. Shop.noblesupply.com offers amazon.com-like ecommerce technology
with outstanding functionality for a wide variety of MRO categories, including the 17 NASPO
MRO categories. Features include lightning fast search, detailed item and tech specifications,
product comparisons, quote requests, order status, invoice history, account management, and
customer support via live chat. (Figure 11)
Our NASPO customer can order from our punch out cart. Noble has proven experience working
with Ariba and other State contracts requiring punch out functionality. For example, we support
Home Depot on State of Georgia and city of Washington D.C. contracts using punch-out
technology via Ariba, where customers search for products on our website and instead of the
shopping cart going into our ERP system to be filled, it is pushed into the Government’s
accounting system to streamline order entry.
Our NASPO customers can also order from their mobile devices. Noble’s system is designed to
be compatible with all mobile devices and gives our customers all the same great features offered
on our browser site. (Figure 12)
ALPHA is a cloud-based system built on an Oracle database. Noble’s sales team can process
orders using a variety of payment options from their laptops at our customers’ sites. All data is
captured at the point of sale, a 100% secure environment, and the system prints receipts with the
Figure 11. Example of Live Chat Screen. NASPO customers can reach Noble customer support 24/7.
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first 12 digits xxed out. Our user-friendly store system offers touch screens and bar code
scanners during the check-out process.
Noble’s on-line purchasing system within ALPHA is a web-based system that is rapidly
deployable with no transition time: it is immediately accessible by anyone with a computer, a
user ID, and an internet connection, and requires no additional software. (Figure 13) ALPHA
offers a consistent 99% uptime with no requirements for wiring, cabling, or power beyond an
internet signal and a household plug. Noble’s transition team is able to start taking orders on the
first day of the contract.
ALPHA allows our customers to change a pending order up until the order is shipped. On the
“My Account” page, pending orders are listed in chronological order. When our customer
determines they need to add or subtract items, they click on “Edit or Cancel Order,” which will
cause an email screen to pop up. They then detail what they would like to add or subtract, or
cancel if needed, and the request goes directly to a Noble CSR. The CSR makes the changes and
returns an updated confirmation via email.
Noble customizes the reports, receipts, and invoicing format to the contract requirements. In
addition to establishing acceptable payment methods, we designate the information printed on
the invoice, including date and time, product specifics, PO #s, quantities, and price. As additional
items are requested, Noble’s IT Team adjusts to meet the contract’s requirements. ALPHA also
allows us to set dollar threshold limits to meet contract requirements.
For all orders, tracking information is automatically imported into the system and sent to the
customer for real-time tracking visibility. When the order is created, the customer receives an
email that their order has been received and is in process. Our system also generates a receiving
document, when required.
Figure 12. Noble’s Mobile Options. NASPO customers have convenient access from any mobile device.
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System Built-in Controls Benefit to GSA Customers
Vendor Relationship Management
▪ Integrate with our vendors via EDI
▪ Streamlined process for adding vendors
▪ KPIs displayed on dashboard
▪ Vendor performance ratings
▪ List of noncompliant products by vendor
▪ Automated forms that require vendor
confirm the country of origin, MilSpec
packaging, and other requirements
▪ Status on fill rates, open POs, backorders,
delivery rates
▪ Reduced risk of vendor
supplying a noncompliant
product
▪ Assurance that DLA’s
vendors meet all contractual
requirements
Warehouse Management System
▪ Real-time inventory levels
▪ Demand-based inventory replenishments
▪ Bin management to streamline
restocking
▪ Serial and lot number tracking
▪ Wireless barcoding and scanning
▪ Delivery schedule management
▪ Bill of material tracking and status
▪ Kitting and assembly management
▪ Calculated inventory for automated
restocking orders
▪ Buyers notified when country of origin
changes
▪ Packing slips and MSDSs automatically
generated
▪ Calculated pick/pack/ship time
▪ KPI efficiencies ratios
▪ The right items ship with the
right paperwork on time
▪ Minimized out-of-stock
situations
Product Information Management
▪ Marketing and catalog content
▪ Pricing with individual vendor price lists
▪ MSDSs
▪ Product specifications
▪ Country of origin listings
▪ Trade Agreement compliance
▪ Obsolete parts
▪ Flag noncompliant products
▪ Categorize products by levels of
compliance, e.g., TAA, DAA, and Berry
Amendment
▪ Capture discounts predicated on volumes
▪ Compliant products
shipping
▪ Lower costs based on
volume
Order & Billing Management
▪ EDI integration with Government
systems
▪ Real-time email communication with
receipts automatically sent
▪ Level III transaction data
▪ Backorder status and notification
▪ Real-time price updates
▪ Automated invoicing
▪ Extracts invoicing information, including
tracking information, proof of delivery,
and signed authorization
▪ Flag open orders for follow-up
▪ Flag products not compliant with
contractual requirements
▪ Cancellation and backorder notifications
▪ Ease of statement
reconciliation
▪ Compliant products
Customer Relationship Management
▪ Tracks customer order history and
communication, such as returns, calls,
questions, warranties, faxes, emails
▪ Provides order status, tracking numbers,
and proof of delivery
▪ Offers product suggestions based on
historical purchases
▪ KPIs displayed on dashboard, including
time to close the order
▪ Notifies CSRs to follow up with customers
after delivery to verify customer
satisfaction
▪ Issues customer surveys
▪ Comprehensive customer
service
▪ Contract data recorded and
maintained in one place
Reporting
▪ Responsive system that can print reports
based on any data request
▪ Access to usage data, socioeconomic
participation, inventory levels, pending
orders, and activity-specific invoices
▪ Customized reports emailed automatically
▪ Accurate contract data
Figure 13. ALPHA’s Systems and Controls. Noble’s ALPHA offers NASPO sophisticated systems and automated controls, resulting in on-time delivery of compliant products.
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Noble provides our customers with end-of-the month statements that include all transactions
placed that month to help them reconcile their credit cards. Our customers can also log into our
e-commerce store to see a list of transactions and download/print invoices.
ALPHA’s technology merges the requirements, documentation, and authority chains inherent in
government contracting with the systems, interface, ease of use, and advantages of commercial
business practices. With ALPHA, Noble delivers rapid response, direct vendor delivery,
warehouse and inventory management systems, total asset/in-transit visibility, and customer
service records, reporting, logistics planning, vendor catalogs, and seamless integration with EDI
requirements and all government systems. Noble’s proprietary software streamlines our business
processes and integrates our customers, suppliers, and logistics partners throughout the ordering
lifecycle. ALPHA includes order management, CRM, inventory levels, procurement, real-time
asset visibility, KPIs, and reporting. Our system integrates EDI with government systems and
key vendors, sending and receiving POs, invoices, advance ship notices, and catalog transfers.
ALPHA automatically generates contract-required reports, including monthly usage, number of
customer calls, days to resolve questions, returns, warranty claims, new suppliers, and other
contract data. Our customers can access to this information through our website or can request
reports through the Noble PM. Regularly generated reports can be expanded to include any
contractual data. (Figure 14)
Figure 14. Customized Reporting Capability. NASPO customers can produce any program reporting information at any time.
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While ALPHA’s automated systems and controls offer consistent processes with dependable
results, Noble also relies on manual inspections, direct negotiations with vendors, regular
communication with customers, hands-on product training, and repetitive order verifications.
Noble’s Purchasing Team is responsible for ensuring we fill our orders with the highest quality
products, which means they manage our vendors, review product data, verify manufacturer QC
Noble manages storefronts for our customers on military installations throughout the continental
US, as well as in Hawaii, Guam, and Japan. By managing 22 storefronts on U.S. Military
installations, we have expertise in designing, maintaining, and staffing MRO retail entities to
meet the requirements of changing buying patterns for our customers. Product and service
requirements change depending on their region. For example, we supply abrasives, paints,
coatings, and other refurbishing tools and chemicals to support ship deployments and
rehabilitations in the Norfolk area. In response to our customers’ demand for these items, Noble
identified vendors in that region, established vendor agreements, and adjusted our inventory
levels at our South Carolina warehouse. We do the same for NASPO ValuePoint customers who
prefer a local entity rather than online ordering.
▪ Local Supply Chain
Andersen AFB COCESS,
Guam
▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Store management
▪ Local Supply Chain
▪ Guam
Beale AFB COCESS ▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Store management
▪ Local Supply Chain
▪ California
Cannon AFB COCESS ▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Store management
▪ Local Supply Chain
▪ New Mexico
Eglin AFB COCESS, 2
stores
▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Store management
▪ Local Supply Chain
▪ Florida
Minot AFB COCESS ▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Store management
▪ Local Supply Chain
▪ North Dakota
Ellsworth AFB COCESS ▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Store management
▪ Local Supply Chain
▪ South Dakota
U.S. Navy Installation Supply, Logistics, and Store Management Contracts
Industrial Supply Store,
Joint Base Hickam
▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Store management
▪ Local Supply Chain
▪ Hawaii
Eagle Contractor Operated
Hardware Store, 5 stores
▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Store management
▪ Local Supply Chain
▪ Okinawa, Japan
3PL COPARS, 4 stores in
the northeast
▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Store management
▪ Local Supply Chain
▪ Maine, Rhode Island, New
Jersey, and Connecticut
General Services Administration Supply & Logistics for MRO and other Products
GSA 51V ▪ MRO, building, and industrial supplies
▪ Both domestic and international logistics
services
▪ Supply Chain development
▪ Based in Rockland, MA
▪ Support customers around
the world
Figure 16. Supply & Logistics Expertise. Noble offers NASPO expertise in all product categories and experience supplying high-quality products to a diverse customer base around the country and the world.
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We maintain an inventory of in-stock items and can help customers with their orders for non-
stock items, as well. As our NASPO Team develops our customer base, Noble opens additional
offices and distributions centers to allow the convenience of ordering, buying, or picking up
products.
Once a Participating State is established in ALPHA, all applicable information is available at any
location, whether it is from the customer’s computer or in person at our facility. Customers can
pay using a credit card or purchase order and the order is automatically included in reporting for
that Participating State.
Section 6.6.1 discusses Noble’s Will-Call Locations and capabilities in more detail.
6.2.3.2 The favorability of the terms under which the offeror will do business;
6.2.4 Demonstrated Competence;
6.2.4.1 Reporting Capabilities Disaster Recovery Plan
As later detailed in Section 6.5.6, Noble’s e-commerce system is designed for accurate and
complete backups of all data using cloud computing technology. Because our process is
automated, redundant, and performed in real-time, there is no manual backup procedure
performed by the Noble Team. Data is backed up with three redundant systems – continuously
and consistently. All transactions are stored along with all our data on servers located in three
different geographical locations. Should one of the servers fail or be struck by a natural or man-
made disaster, there are two additional full backups available at all times. We can always access
all program data.
6.2.4.2 Web based ordering System
As described previously in Section 3.4.3, Noble custom built our web-based, automated ordering
and purchasing system, ALPHA, to automate our order, vendor, inventory, and warehouse
management systems while ensuring quality in every step of the process. ALPHA, a fully EDI-
integrated system equipped with the latest encryption technology has built-in controls to ensure
each aspect of the system meets all our customers’ demands. Our customers can submit their
orders via the website, email, phone, fax, or online chat.
ALPA’s customer-facing site is Shop.noblesupply.com, which provides users access to more
than 1,000,000 products. Shop.noblesupply.com offers Amazon.com-like ecommerce technology
with outstanding functionality for a wide variety of MRO categories, including the 150NASPO
categories. Figure 17 is a screenshot of Noble’s homepage. Features include lightning fast
search, detailed item and tech specifications, product comparisons, quote requests, order status,
invoice history, account management, and customer support via live chat.
6.2.4.3 The number of available green environmentally preferable products that meet the
solicitations specifications available, showing a robust supply of green products.
As discussed in more detail in Section 6.6.8, Noble offers NASPO customers a wide variety of
product information, account and billing questions, and contract compliance requirements.
6.5.10.6 Describe in detail the process that shall be used to ensure adequate service representatives
will be available.
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All orders placed with Noble, whether via phone, fax, email, or online, are entered into ALPHA
and a tracking number is automatically generated and sent to the customer as part of their order
confirmation email. As with any online retailer, the customer can click on the link to find up-to-
date tracking information. Should the customer not have internet access, they can call our CSRs
for updates. Tracking information is maintained throughout the life of the order and can be
accessed by anyone on the Noble Team for quick responses to customer inquiries.
Whether a customer calls with a problem with a product or a general question about an order, our
CSRs open a “case” that allows us to track how quickly we solved the problem or answered the
question and how often we receive similar calls. Each inquiry is maintained in the customer’s file
within ALPHA and each case is followed until it is resolved. Our system is based on preventing
problems in the first place. By tracking calls and analyzing issues, we work to find solutions
before our customers have to ask.
Issues do arise, though. An order arrives and there is a product the customer doesn’t like, an item
that is broken, or a combination of products that aren’t compatible. Regardless of the reason, if
our customer contacts us to say they are not satisfied with a product, the CSR generates a return
material authorization and ships the replacement product immediately. Noble fixes the situation
before we take anything back by immediately replacing the discrepant item at no additional cost
to the customer or issuing a refund or open credit memo if they choose not to replace the item.
The CSR creates a case following the discrepant item in ALPHA. All activity is logged into
ALPHA to allow the customer to see the status of the refund, call tag, tracking of the
replacement, etc. If the item was replaced, our system notifies us that the customer received the
new item and we make arrangements to pick up the discrepant item for return to our facility.
Finally, Noble ships the item to the manufacturer and works with them to find both a cause and a
solution for any faulty products.
As stated, our CSRs meet weekly with the PM to discuss customer problems and our solutions. If
there is a reoccurrence of a problem with the same product, we post the vendor and product on
our multi-return list. This results in the item having a notation in our system identifying a
recurring problem and offering a list of potential substitutes for the item. Until the situation is
remedied, our CSRs tell customers ordering that product that we have had return issues with that
particular brand item and offer them the list of substitutes.
Problems can always occur with deliveries. As soon as we are notified an order is delayed, our
system flags it and notifies the Logistics Manager that there is a delay. He and the CSR work to
notify our customer, while at the same time, he contacts the carrier, customs officials, or other
participants to find a solution to the situation while communicating with the customer to let them
know when to expect their order.
The Noble Team’s CSRs have expertise in the products we sell and are available to help our
customers identify the right items for their projects as well as the often-forgotten item such as
batteries, filters, and other regular maintenance items. Should the technical questions require in-
depth product knowledge, the CSRs include one of our product experts in the discussion.
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6.6 Administration and Marketing
6.6.1 Return Policy
What is your standard return policy?
Working closely with our customers to order just what they need has resulted in our return rate
of less than 1% over the past 5 years. When something isn’t right, whether the item is defective,
damaged, or just plain wrong, Noble fixes the situation before we take anything back by
immediately replacing the discrepant item at no additional cost to the customer or issuing a
refund or open credit memo if they choose not to replace the item.
When a return is in order, our CSR creates a case following the discrepant item in our system.
All activity is logged into ALPHA to allow the customer to see the status of the refund, call tag,
and tracking of the replacement. If the customer comes to the store to return the item, we
perform the exchange or issue a refund. If the customer notifies us from their facility that they
require a replacement and want it shipped to them, we place the order and our system notifies us
that the customer received the new item. We then make arrangements to pick up the discrepant
item for return to our facility. We do not question our customer – our return policy is that the
customer is always right.
6.6.2 Distribution Points
It is desirable that a successful offeror has inside and outside sales staff and distribution facilities
located in all Participating States or geographic area offered. Offerors must provide the locations
of their distribution points and information regarding sales staff for each Participating State or
geographic area offered.
With sales offices and distribution centers around the country, Noble offers complete coverage of
all Participating States and can support any additional States choosing to participate at a later
date. As shown in Figure 26, Noble has dedicated Sales Managers, Buyers, and CSRs at each
regional office.
Noble’s Sales Team is comprised of seasoned professionals who have decades of experience
with hardware, industrial, and building supply vendors and materials. Our Sales Managers work
closely with the NASPO ValuePoint Team to reach out to our customers to keep them informed
of program functions and capabilities, and to identify new products to fit customers’
requirements. They meet with Participating State customers to promote the program and explain
Noble’s capabilities, processes, and catalogs. The Sales Managers build and maintain
relationships with the different customers in the region and offer product and project expertise to
ensure customers have a complete and correct BOM for their projects. The Sales Team resolves
order issues, writes specifications for any service requirements, and works with Purchasing to
hire service subcontractors that meet all contractual requirements.
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NASPO customers receive their orders within 48 hours in part because Noble has distribution
centers, warehouses, and consolidation facilities strategically located across the U.S. We support
customers with a wide range of MRO, industrial, JanSan, and building products in every State in
the country, as shown in Figure 27.
Figure 26. Noble Regional Facilities. Noble makes on-time deliveries of more than 1,000,000 MRO, Industrial, and Building Supplies to Participating States customers
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Figure 27. Noble’s Distribution Facilities. With facilities strategically located around the country, our customers are assured on-time delivery no matter where they are.
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6.6.3 Contract Management
6.6.3.1 Describe the Offeror’s strategy for contract management and sales support including
roles and responsibilities as they relate to each participating state for each of the proposed
account teams that will handle contract management issues.
Noble offers NASPO ValuePoint an experienced Management Team with dedicated sales offices
in each Participating State. Our Team is organized into three core functions, sales, operations,
contract administration. Our Program organization is illustrated in Figure 28.
Figure 28. NASPO ValuePoint Management Structure. Noble’s Program Manager, dedicated to this contract, is supported by experienced managers and regional offices.
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Noble’s NASPO sales approach is based on the same approach we successfully use with our
DLA, GSA, and USPS MRO contracts. Each covers a number of large regions across the U.S. or
across many country, abroad. We create dedicated regional teams comprising senior lead
positions in each Inside Sales, Outside Sales, and Customer Service Representatives, all
supported by our NASPO Marketing Team at our HQ office in Rockland, MA. Our Marketing
Team supports the sales teams with local publications, email, and other forms of media to make
customers aware of Noble’s participation in this contract, special offers, and easy access to the
NASPO e-commerce site. These Regional Sales Teams are complimented Corporate Support
Teams as needed, depending on individual State requirements and projected volumes.
Noble’s Operations division includes three core areas: Purchasing, Technology, and Logistics.
Figure 29 includes department heads for each area. Our Purchasing Team works with key
suppliers to monitor our distribution centers to ensure reordering is on track and we maintain
99%+ service levels. They also work with our Market Team to communicate new updates or new
products from our suppliers.
Noble’s Technology Team of developers, ecommerce, and business analytics experts monitor
NASPO customers’ online use to ensure seamless signup, ordering, and communication. They
are responsible for ensuring the catalog is organized and maintained so that load rates and
performance meet the highest
industry standards. The Technology
Team manages our catalog and our
ecommerce site as well as suppliers’
EDI connections. They build and
create applications to support
different contracts such as ALPHA
and BRAVO, our RFQ system for
vendors. They track and test
customer feedback to add features
to our E-commerce site, ALPHA;
send customers surveys asking what
is working and what isn’t; and make
continuous improvements to
increase customer satisfaction.
Our Purchasing Team includes two
divisions: one handles replenishing
the warehouses and monitoring
inventory turns to prevent stock
outs and monitoring order flows to
ensure inventory levels and product
mix adapt accordingly. The other
manages drop ship vendors.
Approximately 80% of products in
catalog are managed in inventory
and 20% are drop ships from
suppliers. The Purchasing Team
performs quarterly reviews of
Figure 29. Noble’s NASPO Operations Division.
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demand data to determine the proper product mix for our distribution centers.
Our NASPO Logistics Team includes an Incoming Logistics Team and an Outgoing Logistics
Team. They maintain relationships with our shipping partners, and work closely with FedEx and
UPS for small pack and with LTL carriers, depending on the region and customer requirements.
The Team ensures our logistics partners are offering us the lowest price possible and that we are
fulfilling our obligations to meet 2-day delivery. The Incoming Team handles LTL shipments to
ensure Purchasing is using the right carriers and that the warehouse can plan for receiving. The
Outgoing Team manages large volumes of small pack via UPS and FedEx; monitoring from pick
up to delivery and ensuring delivery is within the parameters for contract service levels.
Program Management responsibilities are highlighted below.
NASPO ValuePoint Program Manager
Noble’s PM and NASPO’s point of contact, Chrissie McStowe, is responsible for managing all
aspects of this contract. Ms. McStowe has more than more than 15 years of experience managing
supply and logistics contracts. In addition to submitting monthly reports and attending regular
contractual meetings, the PM manages our team with support from her Sales, Purchasing, and
Contracts Managers. She also participates on the Noble Management Team. Working with staff
at on-site regional sales offices and coordinating support with the HQ team, the PM ensures
responses to RFQs are complete and competitive, customer service is prompt and friendly,
suppliers are onboard and compliant with contractual requirements, and orders are delivered
according to customer specifications and schedules. The PM is responsible for the quality of all
aspects of this contract, including subcontractor performance, and works with the customers to
expand the reach of the contract. Additionally, our PM is responsible for marketing and
expansion of this contract, including developing e-commerce and visiting new customers. She is
the POC for all emergency orders. For problem escalation, either for the PM or our customers,
Noble’s CEO, Tom Noble is the POC for resolution.
NASPO ValuePoint Sales Manager
Noble’s Sales Manager, Wendy Orwig, is responsible for our team of Inside and Outside Sales
Managers across the country. Each region has a dedicated team comprising Inside Sales
Manager, Outside Sales Manager, and CSR and each team is supported by a Marketing Team,
Sales Support, and CSRs located in our Headquarters facility. The Sales Manager, working out
of our Headquarters in Rockland, MA, develops and implements our marketing activities. With
offices in each region, she develops marketing strategies to reach out to new and existing
customers to expand the use of the contract using marketing materials, email “blasts,” customer
visits, Noble newsletters (Figure 30), Program presentations, and regular phone calls. She is
responsible for training new Regional Managers, identifying new potential customers, and
performing regular quality audits on marketing team interactions with customers using emailed
and in person evaluations. Manages surge activity by assigning marketing resources to support
other regional offices across the Program. Acts as POC for the Program in the PM’s absence.
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NASPO ValuePoint Purchasing Manager
Noble’s Purchasing Manager, Wes Beamon, works with the PM to add new vendors and is
responsible for negotiating with all new vendors within each region, providing contractual
requirements and monitoring supplier performance. The Purchasing Manager participates in in-
region trade shows and collects marketing and catalog information for our system. He monitors
supplier performance and adherence to flowdown requirements. The Purchasing Manager
forecasts product demand, monitors inventory, and works closely with the Procurement Team to
respond to RFQs. The Purchasing Manager is responsible for ensuring our fill rate is at least 98%
and forecasts inventory fluctuations.
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for Buying Teams at regional offices who are supported,
when necessary, by the Purchasing Team at Noble’s headquarters in Rockland, MA. Reacting to
special orders for non-stock items, they source and procure non-stock items, develop new
sources of supply and new vendors, and provide current new product expertise to help customers
choose the right product for their project. The Team also maintains a library of print and
electronic vendor catalogs to facilitate sourcing of special order items. For multiple item orders,
the team compiles BOMs, orders from multiple vendors, and holds product in the warehouse
when the customer prefers to receive their order in one delivery.
The Purchasing Manager hires and manages subcontracting activities to provide installation
support, as required, is responsible for sourcing non-catalog material, works with the supply
chain to ensure volume discounts are passed on to the customer, and supports outside sales team
with recommendations, suggestions, and substitutions, as necessary.
NASPO ValuePoint Contract Manager
Noble’s NASPO Contract Manager, Dan Marini, is responsible contract administration duties,
including contracts and legal issues with Participating States, vendor agreements, and
subcontractor performance. The department leads are identified in Figure 31. A member of our
Corporate Contract Management Team, he has 5 years of experience managing large, complex
contracts across our organization. Dedicated to the NASPO Program, he works closely with the
Figure 30. Noble Newsletter Signup. NASPO customers receive important product information delivered to their inboxes.
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PM to ensure all contractual requirements are met and with the Purchasing Manager to onboard
new vendors. Mr. Marini works in conjunction with the QA/Compliance Manager on all aspects
of the contracts to ensure full compliance. Each State and their agreements are maintained,
catalog and pricing levels reflect requirements, work with purchasing and catalog teams and
technology to ensure pricing is up to date and compliant.
6.6.3.2 It is desired that offerors have a representative(s) that has the sole responsibility of
management of this NASPO ValuePoint contract. Provide a list the name(s) and title(s) of the
dedicated representative(s) per region or State.
Noble offers NASPO a dedicated Program sales organization with regional teams comprising
outside sales, inside sales, and CSRs. A list of names and titles of dedicated representatives by
region is included in Figure 32.
Noble’s Outside Sales Team uses the Hubspot customer cloud-based relationship management
software to interface with NASPO customers, including scheduling meetings, understanding
product needs, and helping plan projects and to see where we can provide value to each
customer. They promote the NASPO contract itself and build awareness of value for different
buyers in each State.
Figure 31. Contracts Administration Organization.
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The Inside Team works closely with Outside Team but is also responsible for special orders for
products that fall outside of our catalog. They use BRAVO, our vendor/supplier reverse auction
tool, to send requirements to different manufacturers. This approach reduces acquisition costs
and we pass those savings to our customers. Inside Sales Reps are responsible for calling and
interacting with customers in each State, sending email correspondence to ensure we’re
supporting their needs, and communicating with potential customers in areas without heavy
volumes.
The NASPO Customer Service Representatives answer the “where’s my order” questions and
handle returns and warranty issues. They use ZenDesk to track all communication from the
moment a customer asks question through to its resolution, giving us data we can use to monitor
the effectiveness of the Customer Service team. They answer all incoming calls for this contract
and route them accordingly. The Team works across regions to support customers.
Figure 32. Sales Organization Chart. Each participating state is assigned a regional team and a state manager
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The Marketing Team uses ordering and customer data to target contract marketing to regions of
the US and support the sales team by marketing particular products that will be of value, such as
rock salt and maintenance-related ice reducing products in cold regions. They use the HubSpot
marketing tool to gather data on the success of our email and web marketing.
6.6.3.3 Does your contract management include customer training? Please provide a detailed
narrative including, at a minimum, the following:
Noble’s Regional Sales Managers arrange sessions to train our customers to use our proven
system ALPHA to track orders, generate reports, submit RFQs, and communicate via live chat
with technical experts. With each State’s requirements built into the system, we can demonstrate
exactly what they will see, how authorizations and approvals are made, where they find order
tracking information, and how they can request additional information either in the system or
from CSRs. The training is minimal as Noble’s system is very similar to other online retailers but
we are available to answer questions and provide support both during the training and after. In
addition, we train our customers on the items listed in Figure 33.
6.6.4 Delivery
6.6.4.1 Delivery time for in-stock items should not exceed 24-48 hours for all points within in
the Participating States. Non- stocked items must be delivered within 10 working days. The
Participating States reserve the right to impose restrictions. Explain in detail your delivery
policy.
With 11,000 suppliers, regional warehouses with MRO inventories, and a team of Buyers, Noble
offers 1,000,000 items to our customers. Our approach for delivering stock and non-stock items
is detailed in Figure 34, including our commitment to provide non-stock items within 5 working
days.
Training Information Topic The Noble Team Approach
Sustainable products (energy
efficient, water efficient, low
toxicity, recycled content, etc.)
As part of ALPHA training, we provide a copy of the icons presented in
Figure 4 to help customers easily identify energy efficient and other product
categories
New products The Marketing Team sends out “blast” emails listing new products, their use,
and their prices
Equipment and operation-
Manufacturer/certified set up and
training
As requested by our customers, our Purchasing Manager arranges for on-site
manufacturer training
Seminars and other learning
opportunities
Noble arranges “brown bag lunch” presentations with major vendors to
introduce their products, explain their support of the product, and
demonstrate its uses
Review of environmentally
preferable products with third
party certifications
As with energy efficient products, Noble provides a list of icons with product
designations that customers can use to identify green or recycled products
Figure 33. Training Topics. The Noble Team is committed to providing our customers all the information they need to make their projects a success.
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6.6.4.2 Specify Guaranteed Delivery Time for In-Stock Items.
Noble guarantees delivery within 48 hours for in-stock items.
6.6.4.3 Specify Guaranteed Delivery Time for Non-Stock Items.
Noble guarantees delivery within 5 days for non-stock items.
6.6.4.4 SDS must accompany all orders at the time of delivery (where applicable).
6.6.4.5 The Participating States expect high delivery standards from all contractors. Penalties
may be imposed on contractors that have continual late deliveries. These penalties may include
but are not limited to cancellation of orders, request for
discounted pricing, non-use of an offending contractor or
cancellation of the contractor’s participating addendum(s).
6.6.5 Shipping
6.6.5.1 All shipments are to be delivered directly to the
purchasing department/division address. All shipments
shall include a packing label that includes at a minimum
the following information on the outside of the package:
including labeling, in ALPHA at contract award. Figure 35
is an example of a shipping label with all NASPO-required
information. Each label is produced with the required
information, as follows, and we can add additional fields,
at our customers’ request.
Authorized Purchaser;
Delivery Address;
Purchasing entity and floor;
Contact; and
Telephone number.
Requirement Plan to Meet
In-Stock
Items
24 - 48 hours
■ Tap closest inventory and ship directly to customer location
■ Sell to customer at will-call at regional facilities
Non-Stock
Items
5 working
days
■ Identify Noble warehouses with items in inventory, ship to customer location
■ If not in inventory, contact suppliers, locate items, and ship to customer location
■ If necessary, contact manufacturer and arrange to ship direct to customer location
MSDS ■ Identify all items requiring MSDS in ALPHA
■ Include MSDS with all applicable shipments
Figure 34. On-time Delivery. Noble responds to our customer’s timeline to ensure the most cost-effective solution while meeting even the tightest schedules.
Figure 35. Noble Shipping Labels are compliant with all contract requirements.
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6.6.5.2 A packing slip shall also be included with each shipment, which shall include at a
minimum the following information in no particular order:
Line item description;
Date ordered;
Quantity ordered;
Quantity included in shipment;
Any backordered items;
Unit Price and extension;
Number of parcels;
Purchase Order Number;
Purchasing entity name; and
F.O.B. Destination.
As shown in Figure 36, Noble establishes packing slip requirements in ALPHA at contract
award. Each packing slip is produced with the required information, as follows, and we can add
additional fields, at our customers’ request.
Figure 36. Packing Slip Example. Noble’s packing slips are customized to meet each customer’s contractual requirements
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6.6.5.3 Describe in detail how your company has implemented environmentally sound shipping
and transportation practices. For example:
▪ Is your company a US EPA SmartWay Partner?
▪ Does your company use alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., electric, battery hybrid electric, bio-
based diesel, etc.?
▪ Does your company reduce energy usage or other environmental impacts during shipping?
Noble works in partnership with UPS and FedEx, primarily, to deliver shipments to our
customers around the country. Both are US EPA SmartWay Partners. Each of our vehicles
located at regional offices are equipped with emission control devices but do not use bio-diesel
fuel.
Noble ships hundreds of thousands of packages each year to customers around the world. By
choosing logistics partners that take environmental impacts seriously, we look to them to
minimize shipping energy
6.6.6 Implementation
Noble offers NASPO a proven implementation framework that is customizable to the needs of
each State. Figure 37 illustrates the following Implementation plan components:
■ Engagement - Engage the States that have indicated participation
as a priority and then the balance of the States that now participate in the
NASPO MRO contract. Determine the unique course of action in each
State.
■ Negotiate and Plan - Based on engagement outcome, negotiate
unique State Participating Addendum and finalize plan for
implementation.
■ Implementation & Execution - Unique State plans based on
education, awareness and value are executed through a blend of
webinars, face-to-face and remote meetings, and direct marketing email
notifications. Each implementation plan includes KPI targets. The Noble
Implementation and Sales Teams base their approach on each State’s
procurement process and use of the NASPO award to drive efficiency,
cost savings, and compliance.
■ Review Progress and Results - Quarterly meetings are conducted
with participating States that focus on the performance to established
KPI targets developed during the Implementation process. Meetings
focus on more effective implementation execution strategies to
accelerate value delivery.
■ Adjust - Implementation plans are reviewed for adjustment based on the progress and
results reviewed during the quarterly meetings. Adjustments are focused on
understanding root cause and improvement planning for KPIs that are not being achieved
and accelerating efforts where KPIs are delivering better than expected results.
Figure 37. Implementation Plan Overview
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6.6.6.1 Implementation of this contract is vital to the Participating States. Describe in detail your
implementation program including an estimated time line to include at minimum the following
points.
On contract award, our IT Team loads all contractual requirements, Program-specific catalog
items, authorization requirements, and they develop a NASPO ValuePoint portal for
Participating States. At the same time, we expand our existing Marketing, CSR, and Buyer
Teams and train each to understand the contract and the customers they will be supporting.
Noble is up and running within 30 days.
6.6.6.2 Describe in detail the Offeror’s implementation plan, including all process steps.
1. Participate in a Program Kick-off Meeting to introduce our key personnel, discuss
contract terms, and request transaction history, customer list, current spend data,
transaction data, and any information that will help us update our system by transmitting
data.
2. Using information provided by the Program Office, Noble creates the customer structure
in ALPHA, adjusts settings based on the contract terms and conditions, establishes key
performance indicators and performance criteria, including pricing and discount
structures.
3. Evaluate regional inventory based on data from step 1 to verify inventory levels are
sufficient
4. Test the process flow through our system to ensure any uniqueness required is tested
before we go live, including verifying Punch-out API is operating
5. Train the Noble Team on contract requirements, adding additional staff to support the
program, as necessary
6. Develop marketing materials
7. Design and schedule our sales manager visits with the customer base
8. Schedule customer visits to introduce the program, the team, and the company
9. Send Email blasts with marketing information
10. Do web training and face-to-face training with customers on ALPHA
11. Complete efforts to fill open positions
6.6.6.3 Detail the specific information, resources, and assistance the offeror will require from
each Participating State to implement the contract.
Noble’s PM meets with each Participating State to understand their requirements, typical
ordering items and volumes, and high-volume products. At this time, we identify a time to
conduct training on ALPHA and to meet the Regional Team of Buyers, Sales Managers, and
CSRs who will support their requirements.
6.6.6.4 Describe how soon from execution of the Participating Addendum the online ordering
system will be available to each Participating State. If a phased implementation is planned in
terms of limited functionality vs. complete functionality, please specify.
Once the online system is set up at contract award, adding additional Participating States takes
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only a few days to implement; however, to schedule and conduct initial meetings and training
depends on the State’s availability. Should there be no delay, complete functionality is available
within two business days.
6.6.6.5 Describe in detail the Offeror’s experience when implementing customer relationships of
equivalent size and complexity.
Noble’s contracts with equivalent size and complexity are listed in Figure 38. Each of these
contracts was implemented within 30 days of contract award.
Contract Contract
Value
Number of
Customers Product Types
DLA CENTCOM MRO $1.3B 50 MRO, building, and industrial supplies
DLA AFRICOM MRO $36M 36 MRO, building, and industrial supplies
DLA EUCOM MRO $57M 71 MRO, building, and industrial supplies
DLA Southeast Region MRO $252M 118 MRO, building, and industrial supplies
DLA Northeast Region MRO $205M 76 MRO, building, and industrial supplies
U.S. Postal Service MRO $200M 45,000 MRO, building, and industrial supplies
Hawaii Industrial Supply
Store MRO $40M 665
MRO, building, and industrial supplies
Eagle Hardware, Okinawa $30M 3,000 MRO, building, and industrial supplies
GSA 51V $150M 115,000 MRO, building, and industrial supplies
Figure 38. Contract Implementation Examples. Noble routinely implements contracts of similar size and complexity within 30 days of award.
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6.6.6.6 Describe any customization abilities for different States or political subdivisions within a
Participating State.
ALPHA is completely customizable for any customer or subset of customer. It can accommodate
multiple catalogs, varying authorization requirements, unique packaging and labeling
information, and tailored reporting. We incorporate customer process-specific customizations
into our ecommerce platform; for example, our Ellsworth COCESS wanted to submit RFQs via a
web portal. Noble’s Technology Team designed and built a customer RFQ submittal program
into their contract-specific ecommerce portal to give them that functionality. Our Minot
COCESS customer needed their contract requirements and approval process built into a different
process flow for RFQs. We customized their site and it runs smoothly now.
Noble routinely customizes pricing levels and product categories, reduces categories that aren’t
applicable, and implements authorization chains that prevent ordering without proper approval.
6.6.7 Reporting Capabilities
6.6.7.1 The offeror shall provide information on all reports that are available without charge, to
include a brief description of the report and the frequency. If there are other reports available at
additional pricing, information on these reports is also required. Please note the reporting
requirement in the NASPO ValuePoint terms and conditions; in addition, states may have
additional reporting requirements.
All reports are available to our customers at no charge. These can each be tailored to meet our
customers’ requirements and are provided automatically through ALPHA. Any authorized
customer can also generate reports in real-time on any information pertaining to the Program.
6.6.7.2 Explain your company auditing policy to ensure that pricing and services are in
compliance with the contract. Explain your policy for revenue recovery in the event that any
auditing reveals incorrect pricing.
Noble uses a third party, Grant Thornton, working closely with contract compliance department
to perform quarterly audits. When a discrepancy is found, because of pricing updates or other
reasons, we issue a check to the customer of the amount of the discrepancy.
6.6.7.3 Does your company provide a green product spend report? Please describe how your
company reports environmentally preferable product purchases.
By using the icons shown previously in Figure 19, Noble identifies by contract the items ALPHA
will track. Our Program Manager, or our customer, can generate a report automatically that
provides information on EPP purchases. An example of such a report is one we generate for our
USPS customer. (Figure 39)
6.6.8 Sustainability/Environmental Practices
Sustainability and sound environmental practices are important to many of the Participating States.
Thoroughly describe your sustainability and environmental practices that you currently have in
place. This description should include the following:
(1) Sustainability Program
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a. Does your company have a corporate-wide sustainability policy? If yes, attach or provide a
link to your sustainability policy as well as any related policy initiatives such as a Climate
Action Plan, a Zero Waste Policy, a Toxics Reduction Strategy, or a Green Fleet Policy.
Also, please summarize what your corporate sustainability policy directs your company to do.
Noble is committed to being a corporate steward for environmentally sound practices and
continuous improvement in how we find and implement solutions for reducing our carbon
footprint. Figure 40 summarizes Noble’s Corporate Sustainability Policy and the entire policy
can be found online at http://www.noblesupply.com/sustainability-policy/.
Figure 39. USPS EPP Report. ALPHA automatically generates EPP information based on customer and contractual requirements.
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Sustainability Policy Highlights
▪ Comply with all relevant environmental legislation, regulations, and requirements in all Noble
facilities
▪ Make recycling waste material easy with conveniently located recycle recepticals
▪ Reduce the amount of waste material produced in offices, warehouses, and storefronts
▪ Increase paperless options, including online RFQ submittals, vendor invoicing, and direct payments
▪ Recycle equipment, including donating computers and printers to local schools
▪ Reduce energy consumption in all facilities by using low energy light bulbs and automatic lighting
▪ Use vendor-provided recycling programs for printer cartridges, batteries, and other iems
▪ Commit to using and offering our customers environmentally friendly products such as products made
with recycled paper
▪ Curtail unnecessary travel when instant messaging, video and audio conferencing, telephone, or email
will serve the purpose
Figure 40. Sustainability Policy Highlights. Noble’s commitment to the environment is demonstrated at every level of our business
b. Describe the key elements of your company’s sustainability program including sustainability
staff positions, qualifications and training.
Noble Supply & Logistics has successfully applied an environmental management system to
provide integrated supply, procurement, and logistics solutions to government and businesses,
worldwide. An on-site audit documents that the requirements according to ISO 14001:2004 are
fulfilled. John Morrison, our Sustainability Coordinator, is certified in handling HazMat and
holds multiple certifications such as energy efficient lighting solutions and the use of solar
energy to reduce greenhouse gases. After attending the Do It Best Sustainability Class at Fort
Wayne, IN, where the focus was on sustainable packaging, he instituted sustainable packaging in
our warehouses, reducing space, plastics being used to cut down on shipping CO2, and the
amount of plastics left in the environment. We partner with key suppliers to offer
environmentally friendly products, host an annual Green Day at our corporate HQ where
manufacturers of green products demonstrate new products, and we host Vendor Days at our
multiple base locations where we introduce environmentally friendly projects to our customers
and introduce to the market through our large global foot print.
In our catalogs and online, we denote which products are “Green” with icons shown previously
in Figure 19. For our USPS contract, for example, we supply hundreds of Green products that
we denote with the “Green” icon, as well. We report on the usage of these Green products
quarterly and work with the USPS to meet their Green initiatives. Noble carries thousands of
items that meet these requirements, spanning Energy Star, Biodegradable, Recycled, and
Renewable, Energy Efficient categories.
When Noble adds a new supplier to our catalog, we send them a product content template that
asks for complete product data, which includes whether it is green. Once we receive the
information, we enter the product data into ALPHA, which automatically flags each Green item
and adds the icon to the product descriptions both in our catalog and on our web site.
Noble works with our customers to find the best green solutions for their projects. Green
products are important to our customers, in part because they cost less in the long run with lower
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costs to transport, stock, and dispose while initial costs are often comparable to non-green items.
Working with our vendors, we consult a number of sources, including the Environmental
Protection Agency’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing website, the FAR, and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s 2008 guidance to find the best products at the lowest price.
Noble’s Domestic Sourcing Plan includes procedures for ensuring all products meet contractual
requirements, confirming the source of material, enforcing flow-down to our suppliers,
conducting audits, and documenting mitigations to limit future nonconformance issues. All
contractual requirements and Noble’s vendor policies and procedures are included on our
standard supplier agreement. The Purchasing Manager performs periodic audits to ensure each
vendor is adhering to the terms and conditions of the agreement, including payment terms, ship-
by dates, and fill rates. These requirements are all included in the automatic notifications sent
from ALPHA, posting updates on the VP of Purchasing’s dashboard. Ensuring these
requirements are met is a key component to Noble’s regular vendor audits, as well.
c. Describe Proposer’s environmental practices that are applicable to items that Proposer
markets. Provide links to your published statements, policies and reports and summarize key
accomplishments.
Noble works to promote environmentally friendly products. For example, we work with vendor
partner, LG, to convert a high percentage of Joint Base Pearl Harbor’s HVAC split systems to
more energy efficient, and ultimately cost effective split units. Noble’s team attends trade shows
looking for environmentally friendly manufacturers of a wide variety of products and we allow
them to sell their products through us to the US Government. Our Purchasing Department
provides each of our suppliers with ratings based on a number of criteria, including whether they
are environmentally friendly. We follow our ISO procedures and pass our requirements on to
manufacturer partners to ensure they are as environmentally friendly as possible. ALPHA flags
orders as they come in to alert customers that a product can be substituted with environmentally
friendly item, if they choose. Noble received the ISO 14001 certification for internal green
policies and disposable hazardous waste. The ISO 14001 certification process requires us to
mandate that we reduce the amount of plastics in packaging.
In addition, Noble offers a full line of green paints and do not sell metallic paints or external
plastic housing, nor do we use them ourselves. We also offer a wide variety of dismantled
components. Noble has recycle programs for certain products, such as batteries, where our
customers give us their batteries and we send to the manufacturer for recycling.
Noble’s sustainability policy is found at http://www.noblesupply.com/sustainability-policy/.
While Noble’s ISO Procedure P-019, Environmental Aspects and Impacts, is not published
outside of our company, we are happy to provide to NASPO upon request.
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(2) Product Take Back/End of Life:
a. Provide a list of products for which you provide end of life take-back and recycling (e.g.
fluorescent lamps, batteries, solvents, metals, etc.). List subcontractors if any you use for
these services. List any fees or conditions for these services. Certificates of Disposal must be
provided for hazardous waste. This is an EPA requirement.
Noble's packaging materials, such as boxes, stretch wrap, edge protectors, and paper, contain at
least 25% recycled content. Noble's packaging does not contain inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives,
stabilizers, or any other additives to which any lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium
has been included as an element during manufacture or distribution in such a way that the sum of
the concentrations levels of such lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium exceed the
following concentration level: 100 parts per million by weight (0.01%). We take back
fluorescent lamps, batteries, solvents, metals, and ship back to manufacturers offering a take-
back warranty. Additionally, we ensure that the products we are offering under our catalog have
not been available for more than one year. Noble’s subcontractors include AirGas and Cerco. We
don’t charge any fees for standard materials.
b. Proposers are to minimize or eliminate the use of disposable containers; is made from
recycled content or other bio-based fibers; is easily recyclable, contains a minimum of 25%
by weight of post-consumer materials; and/or meets or exceeds the minimum post-consumer
content level for respective packaging in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines.
Noble only uses shipping companies that use reusable shipping containers such as UPS Supply
Chain, DHL Supply Chain, and Expeditors. To become a Noble-preferred vendor, our
manufacturers must meet the 25% post-consumer recycled materials requirements.
c. Proposers are to provide packaging that does not contain inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives,
stabilizers, or any other additives to which any lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent
chromium has been included as an element during manufacture or distribution in such a way
that the sum of the concentrations levels of such lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent
chromium exceed the following concentration level: 100 parts per million by weight (0.01%).
Noble complies with all EPA guidelines.
d. All drums shall remain the property of the supplier. Empty drums shall not become the
property of the affected state entity under any circumstance or condition. All empty drums,
including their respective caps, plugs, or bungs, shall be collected by the supplier within a
reasonable time frame specified by the affected state entity for reuse or recycling via the
most reasonable transport method.
Noble's packaging products are only sourced from eco-friendly manufacturers where all of their
materials contain recycled content. Noble's preferred carrier is FedEx. 100% of FedEx packaging
is recyclable. FedEx envelopes are made from an average of 92% recycled content. Every FedEx
envelope delivery is carbon offset to minimize its impact on the environment. The Legal Size
Reusable FedEx Envelope is designed to be used twice. FedEx white boxes are made from an
average of 38% recycled content. With a wide variety of box sizes to choose from, it’s easy to
right-size your shipment, minimize waste, and maximize efficiency. FedEx brown boxes are
made from an average of 35% recycled content. The tablet box, which was their first retail
packaging to earn the EarthSmart designation, is reusable, right-sized, and made from renewable
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resources. You can be sure you’re getting packaging that’s as environmentally responsible as it is
durable. And that can help make every shipment worry-free. As detailed previously in Figure 19,
Noble assigns icons to products to indicate their environmentally safe classification. Our
customer can search on any of these designations to find the products they want.
(4) Product Choice:
a. Proposers green claims are consistent with the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides.
(for more information visit: https://www.ftc.gov/news- events/media-resources/truth-
advertising/green- guides)
Yes _X__ No____
(5) Other Sustainability Practices:
a. Offerors may provide additional information their company’s sustainability policies,
practices and/or achievements. Attach appropriate documentation to substantiate claim.
Noble obtains descriptions from manufacturers and we store that information in our product
information management system within ALPHA, which allows us to store product attributes
such as different green or environmentally friendly products. We ask for multiple images from
the manufacturers and suppliers and have created a data governance around ensuring that certain
mandatory fields are complied with by all our partners, such as model number, short description,
long description, and environmental attributes.
6.6.9 Emerging Small Business, Minority Business Enterprise, Women Business Enterprise,
And Disabled Veteran Owned Business.
6.6.9.1 Some Participating States, may desire to purchase products and services from
ESB/MBE/WBE/DV & DBE companies. Some Participating States may or may not have an
ESB/MBE/WBE/DV & DBE program and therefore each State will integrate this desirable into
its Participating Addendum, if applicable. In some Participating States, to qualify as an
ESB/MBE/WBE/DV & DBE supplier the listed companies must be registered with either the
government or a recognized certifying entity and provide a certification type and number.
Registered ESB/MBE/WBE/DV & DBE companies must be operating from a legitimate
commercial site, carry all applicable insurance policies, required business licenses, and have
operated continuously for at least two years. Please explain how the Offeror will provide
opportunity for, ESB/MBE/WBE/DV & DBE companies.
6.6.9.2 At a minimum, the following policies and practices must be described in detail:
Noble is registered as a Small Business with the U.S. Government. We have been registered as
such and we have carried all insurance policies, required business licenses, and operated from a
legitimate commercial site for more than 30 years.
6.6.9.3 Describe in detail how the Offeror will work with the registered companies to
determine what products can be a part of the contract.
As a member of the small business community, Noble is committed to identifying small business
vendors for our customers
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6.6.9.4 Describe in detail how the Offeror will track all ESB/MBE/WBE/DV & DBE Products
and services, including ordering, delivery, and invoicing.
Small business status is included in ALPHA and this information is available to our customers in
regular reporting activities.
6.6.9.5 Provide a list of Products that may be available to be purchased from
ESB/MBE/WBE/DV & DBE companies under the proposed Contract.
Products include chemicals, material handling equipment, lubrication, sealants and tapes, pumps,
and raw materials.
6.6.9.6 Describe how Offeror will make best efforts to increase the number of Products
available to Authorized Purchasers under the Contract acquired from ESB/MBE/WBE/DV &
DBE businesses.
As a Small Business, Noble understands the importance of reaching out to and supporting other
small businesses and remain committed to giving preference to small business vendors. Through
our web portal, BRAVO, we target small businesses to offer quotes on product requirements we
provide supporting NASPO. (Figure 41) Once they register in BRAVO, they receive regular
notices for products and they can quickly submit a quote. In addition, we regularly attend local
trade shows focused on different product categories in various regions.
6.6.9.7 Describe what other products or services the Offeror can offer within a category that
supports ESB/MBE/WBE/DV & DBE suppliers.
Because Noble has multiple contracts supporting the U.S. Government, we have ongoing
requirements for a wide range of products. We attend trade shows and give presentations for
attendees to ensure they understand our requirements and how to provide timely quotes. Noble
regularly leverages SAM to identify small businesses.
Figure 41. Noble’s BRAVO program portal for vendors.
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6.6.10 Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) / Qualified Rehabilitative Facilities (QRF):
Describe how the Offeror supports the use of products and/or services sourced from QRF and the
CRP programs.
Noble is committed to supporting programs that help a wide variety of communities help
themselves. As an example, we have been proud supporter of the AbilityOne Program on many
of our Federal contracts for many years and carry more than 1,500 AbilityOne items. Figure 42
includes both our authorization letter from AbilityOne and a 2016 letter commending Noble for
being an outstanding AbilityOne Distributer. We also support UniCor and will continue to
support these and others at the State and local level, including CRP and QRF Programs.
Figure 42. Noble’s AbilityOne Letter of Authorization and Outstanding AbilityOne Program Distributor Letter
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6.6.11 Retail Store Purchases/Will Call:
6.6.11.1 Describe the availability of contracted items through Offeror’s branch locations. Please
provide a list of branch locations that provide a will call service in each of the Participating States.
Figure 43 lists Noble’s Will-Call Locations where we maintain an inventory of in-stock items
and can help customers with their orders for non-stock items, as well. As our Marketing Team
develops our customer base, Noble opens additional offices and distributions centers to allow the
convenience of ordering, buying, or picking up products.
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State Will-Call
Locations
State Will-Call
Locations
State Will-Call
Locations
Alabama ▪ Birmingham Alaska ▪ Anchorage Arkansas ▪ Little Rock
▪ Jacksonville
California ▪ Sacramento
▪ Alameda
▪ El Centro
▪ Anaheim
Colorado ▪ Boulder
▪ Wheatland
▪ Fort Collins
Connecticut ▪ Manchester
▪ Fairfield
Delaware ▪ Middletown
▪ Wilmington
Florida ▪ Hialeah
▪ Ft. Lauderdale
▪ Ft. Myers
Georgia ▪ Smyrna
▪ Roswell
▪ Savannah
Hawaii ▪ Kailua-Kona Idaho ▪ Mountain Home
▪ Rigby
Illinois ▪ Dixon
▪ Springfield
Iowa ▪ Waukee
▪ Cedar Falls
Kansas ▪ Abilene
▪ Junction City
Kentucky ▪ Louisville
▪ Mayfield
Louisiana ▪ Ruston
▪ New Orleans
▪ Picayune
Maine ▪ Bangor
▪ Portland
Maryland ▪ Baltimore
▪ Washington
DC
Massachusetts ▪ Boston
▪ Worcester
▪ Springfield
▪ Framingham
Michigan ▪ Detroit
▪ Grand Rapids
▪ Kalamazoo
Minnesota ▪ Minneapolis
▪ Maple Grove
Mississippi ▪ Jackson
▪ Gulfport
Missouri ▪ St. Louis
▪ Kansas City
▪ Cape Girardeau
Montana ▪ Billings
▪ Missoula
Nebraska ▪ Lincoln
▪ Omaha
Nevada ▪ Reno
▪ Las Vegas
New
Hampshire
▪ Plymouth
▪ East
Hampstead
New Jersey ▪ Trenton New Mexico ▪ Albuquerque
▪ Roswell
▪ Las Cruces
North
Carolina
▪ Charlotte
▪ Asheville
North Dakota ▪ Minot Ohio ▪ Dayton
▪ Columbus
Oklahoma ▪ Oklahoma City
▪ Tulsa
Oregon ▪ Portland
▪ Eugene
▪ Woodburn
Pennsylvania ▪ Philadelphia
▪ Pittsburgh
Rhode
Island
▪ Providence
South Carolina ▪ Greenville
▪ Charleston
▪ Columbia
South
Dakota
▪ Rapid City
▪ Sioux Falls
Tennessee ▪ Knoxville
▪ Memphis
Texas ▪ Dallas
▪ San Antonio
▪ Austin
▪ Brownsville
Utah ▪ Salt Lake City
▪ Gunnison
Vermont ▪ Rochester
▪ Chester
Virginia ▪ Alexandria
▪ Portsmouth
Washington ▪ Seattle
▪ Spokane
West
Virginia
▪ Charleston
Wisconsin ▪ Green Bay
▪ Milwaukee
▪ Eau Claire
Wyoming ▪ Cheyenne
▪ Laramie
Figure 43. Noble Will-Call Locations. With locations around the country, Noble offers multiple will-call facilities
and can easily add more as customers request them.
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6.6.11.2 Provide a narrative that explains how authorized purchasers will be able to make
purchases at will call branch locations, make payment for those items and have those items
included in the reporting.
Noble manages storefronts for our customers on military installations throughout the continental
US, as well as in Hawaii, Guam, and Japan. With more than 20 storefronts, we have expertise
designing, maintaining, and staffing MRO retail entities to meet the requirements of changing
buying patterns for our military customers, depending on their region. For example, we supply
abrasives, paints, coatings, and other refurbishing tools and chemicals to support ship
deployments and rehabilitations in the Norfolk area. In response to our customers’ demand for
these items, Noble identified vendors in that region, established vendor agreements, and adjusted
our inventory levels at our South Carolina warehouse. We do the same for NASPO ValuePoint
customers who prefer a local entity rather than online ordering.
Once a Participating State is established in ALPHA, all applicable information is available at any
location, whether it is from the customer’s computer or in person at our facility. Customers can
pay using a credit card or purchase order and the order is automatically included in reporting for
that Participating State.
6.6.12 Growth Incentives:
6.6.12.1 Describe in detail any contract growth incentives, e.g. larger revenue, different levels of
discounts for large orders that may be offered to the Participating States/purchasing agency.
Noble offers a discount on an item-by-item basis for large orders. By reaching out to our
manufacturers or suppliers for the best price, we can then offer those savings to our customers.
6.6.12.2 Describe in detail any incremental pricing incentives for on-line ordering verses fax or
call in ordering.
Participating State Administrative Fee:
Noble offers an Administrative Fee up to a 2% negotiated and executed through State
Participating Addendum execution process as described in Attachment B, Section 6.b of the
Value Point Master Agreement.
Participating State Growth Incentive:
Noble offers a Growth Incentive up to .50% and paid back to dollar one. Growth Incentives
thresholds are mutually negotiated between each participating and Noble through the State
Participating Addendum execution process.
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Market Baskets:
Noble negotiates State-specific Market Basket pricing on up to 250 unique items through the
State Participating Addendum execution process.
Contract Consolidation Incentive:
Noble negotiates mutually acceptable reduced item pricing for Participating States when expired
contracts are not renewed or re-bid, and are offered through Noble’s NASPO PA. Reduced
pricing is at the item level and added to the State-specific Market Basket.
Mandatory Use Incentive:
Noble negotiates a Mandatory Use incentive of up to .50% on categories or items that a
Participating State designates Noble as a mandatory source of supply.
Manufacturer Incentives:
Noble works with Participating States to negotiate and offer reduced pricing on manufacturer-
specific items or offerings where State is consolidating vendor and manufacturer sources through
Noble.
6.7 Additional Services
6.7.1 Training
6.7.1.1 Offeror shall provide all training as necessary at no additional pricing to all
Participating States on all aspects of ordering, online ordering, product delivery, product
returns, EPP’s, and customer service processes.
6.7.1.2 Describe in detail the Offeror’s ability to offer training that may be required to
ensure purchasing entities have a thorough understanding of all ordering processes
including any online systems. No pricing for product training, safety training, or travel and
per Diem.
Noble’s Regional Sales Managers arrange sessions to train our customers to use our proven
system ALPHA to track orders, generate reports, submit RFQs, and communicate via live chat
with technical experts. With each State’s requirements built into the system, we can demonstrate
exactly what they will see, how authorizations and approvals are made, where they find order
tracking information, and how they can request additional information either in the system or
from CSRs. The training is minimal as Noble’s system is very similar to other online retailers but
we are available to answer questions and provide support both during the training and after.
6.7.2 Disaster Recovery
Please describe your emergency management plan to aid States during an emergency or disaster
recovery. Be specific as to response time, supplies availability and other goods and services that
you offer.
Whether responding to a military deployment or a natural disaster, there is no more important
time to respond quickly. Because of our network of logistics centers, relationships with our
suppliers, and available warehouse space of more than 4 million sq ft, Noble responds to surge
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requirements of up to 1,000% within 24 hours, throughout the country.
Our three-prong approach to surge requirements allows us the flexibility to respond to any
emergency request:
1. Draw from the inventory in our warehouses to ship product immediately to our customers
via expedited land or air transportation
2. Mobilize our established vendors to drop ship to the customer or to our consolidation
warehouses where we build and deliver orders to surge locations quickly
3. Sustain up to a 1,000% product increase for at least 60 days by directing our
manufacturers to produce and maintain inventories, sustain increased production
capabilities, and ship directly to our customers, as necessary.
Noble’s vendor agreements contain clauses for manufacturers to maintain inventories for many
MRO, building, and industrial supply items. Because we hold these agreements with several
manufacturers for the same product, we can rely on large shipments of products sustained for at
least 60 days.
Surge, mobilization, and operational deployment requirements result in a minimal impact on
Noble’s operations for any of our other contracts. Our business supports sudden increases in
orders or volume year-round for requirements as diverse as the 125,000 GSA customers ordering
from Noble to the emergency support required from our DLA, GSA, DOS, DOD, and FEMA
contracts. We can support these surges and longer-term deployments, in part because of the
strength of our following systems and approaches:
■ Our strong financial stability allows us to fund increased volume, immediately. With
more than $5 billion in buying power, we have established credit with thousands of
vendors. There is no interruption in filling large orders quickly, which puts us in the same
league as the largest wholesale distributors in the world. We access multiple
manufacturers of the same product and procure all their inventory, put their factories to
work, and ship directly from their warehouses. Noble’s Emergency Response Team
(ERT) manages similar activities regularly.
■ ALPHA allows us to scale up without adding IT personnel. Our fully integrated EDI-
based system encompasses inventory management, order tracking, customer support,
logistics, and instant access to product substitutions. ALPHA alerts us when there are
changes in the order, automatically generates POs, tracks emergency shipments, and
generates reports so we can adjust inventory, tracking, and order changes. Noble’s
Buyers and CSRs quickly and efficiently enter and access data to support all aspects of
the surge requirement.
■ JIT shipping capabilities ensure minimal impact because we don’t rely solely on
inventory in the warehouse. Noble’s Procurement Specialists work closely with
manufacturers and suppliers around the globe to ship directly to our customers. By using
direct vendor deliveries, we avoid cross-docking, shortening the logistics pipeline and
maintaining the in-region inventory levels. We supply products within 48 hours and
continue supporting our customers for as long as they need the product.
The ERT, comprising the PM, Purchasing Manager, Operations Manager, CSRs, and the HQ
Logistics Manager, notifies the customer of our strategy and gives regular updates via ALPHA,
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email, and phone calls to keep our customer informed. As requirements change, we quickly
adapt to the demands of the surge to meet or exceed the delivery schedule.
Immediately on notification that our customer has a surge requirement, Noble assembles our
ERT, which analyzes requirements; establishes an order site within ALPHA to track all
activities, assesses our inventory, and based on the data, develops a procurement strategy. Our
procurement strategy includes drawing down our inventory, contacting in-region vendors to
determine available stock levels, and reaching out to manufacturers to begin production, as
necessary.
6.7.3 Installation, if applicable
Please describe Offeror’s ability to provide installation services of products or equipment that
Participating States may chose, if applicable to their States rules.
Noble routinely provides installation services of products and equipment both around the U.S.
and for our customers overseas. For example, we support our DLA Prime Vendor customers with
installation projects, including more than 5,000 minor construction projects in the U.S. Our
Purchasing Team bids out services to local vendors, vets subcontractors, and manages the
subcontractors regionally.
6.7.4 Value added solutions
Offerors are encouraged to suggest value added solutions that may improve the States use of the
contracts and products offered. One such value-add is product sourcing.
Noble offers an on-line quotation and sourcing portal, BRAVO, which provides a fully
automated tool available 24/7. Users have access to order histories and the ability to research,
update, and change quotation and sourcing requests, as well as activate opportunities to orders.
This functionality streamline processes for users and administrators and enables an efficient
buying experience.
6.7.4.1 Sourced Products
(1) Supplier sourced products is a product which is not currently listed in the suppliers’
contract catalog or on-line ordering system at the time of order receipt but is capable of
being supplied through the offeror.
(2) If the offeror is capable of supplying sourced products they must be direct line extension
products which have a similar item to an established product category and the offeror must
already have a publicly recognized business partnership with the “brand”.
(3) The offeror must list in their cost proposal Attachment D and D-1 their up charge for
all sourced products. Up charges must be detailed on invoices as a separate item from the
product charge.
Noble’s buying team verifies that each vendor meets our standards for financial stability, past
performance, documented quality programs, full warranty support, reasonable payment terms,
volume and other discounts, ability to meet surge requirements, and marketing allowances. Over
the years, the supply base has grown to more than 11,000 formal agreements with vendors.
When Noble’s Buying Team identifies vendors that offer either product we’re sourcing or that
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could potentially offer a range of products that fall within the MRO category of supplies, we
enter into vendor agreements that include established credit terms, letters of credit with our
suppliers’ banks, and product/service/delivery specifications. We establish the vendor’s financial
capability, verify their quality program, determine years in business, check other customer
references, and validate their history of complying with contractual requirements.
Noble’s process for adding new suppliers for NASPO ValuePoint contract begins when we
receive word of demand for a new product. The Purchasing Manager assigns a Buyer who
reviews and identifies whether the required material can be sourced from our existing supplier
base. Should Noble not have a vendor that produces or distributes the material, we begin our
process of identifying a vendor that does, as illustrated in Figure 44.
Should an order require a locally sourced item, either because of the product or the schedule,
Noble first checks our existing inventory and if we don’t carry the item already, we contact our
local suppliers. If the vendor is already part of our supply chain or the product is in inventory at
our warehouse, we issue the PO or pick ticket, line up transportation, and deliver. If it doesn’t
fall within our existing supply chain, our buyers follow the same process outlined in Figure 44,
reaching out to local distributors and suppliers.
Once Noble is aware of the need for a new product or supplier, we identify possible vendors
through a number of resources. Often, our best source is existing vendors or distributors. Should
the product require further investigation, we research using industry publications and resources
to identify the best source. Our Purchasing Team regularly consults third party services such as
Figure 44. Supplier Selection Process. Noble’s established process has resulted in more than 11,000 MRO vendors providing the right products at the right prices, every time.
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Ariba Commerce, Ali Baba, or ThomasNet to source potential suppliers based on specifications.
We also have agreements with local companies for lumber, wire, sand, and other basic building
materials. When possible, the Purchasing Team attends regional trade shows to meet new
vendors and learn about their products.
Once we have a potential vendor identified, our Buyer contacts the vendor, establishes a point of
contact, and asks initial questions about product specifications, QA/QC systems, manufacturer
locations, and turnaround time. If, at this time, the vendor appears to meet our criteria, Noble
issues our standard questionnaire that asks for additional vendor information, including payment
terms and conditions, shipping policies, Dun & Bradstreet information, credit references,
customer references, and requirements for necessary bonds and insurance minimums.
Upon receipt of the completed questionnaire, Noble’s Purchasing Team verifies vendor
information, checks references, and calls the vendor’s other customers. Additionally, we run
thorough checks on the vendor’s financials to mitigate risk for both Noble and for our customers.
Noble will not sign a vendor agreement with a supplier that is at risk of not performing up to our
standards or contractual requirements.
Noble and the vendor sign a supplier agreement that includes our terms and conditions, insurance
and liability requirements, surge provisions, and a minimum availability clause requiring the
vendor to set aside a select group of products that we have identified as high-use items. To avoid
NIS issues, the vendor agrees to maintain safety stock for the high-volume items to ensure there
are no production schedule delays and work with the vendor to test EDI documents procedures.
Finally, we determine whether the vendor will be a stocking or non-stocking vendor:
Stocking Vendor: Identify the items we will add to the catalog, order the product for inventory,
and carry them in one or more of our warehouses.
Non-Stocking Vendor: Add to ALPHA as a drop-ship vendor that will comply with our packing
slip and packaging requirements and agree to include in each order Noble’s disclaimer, return
instructions, and other paperwork that we provide electronically
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6.7.4.2 Vending Machines
(1) Vending style machines that can dispense singular or multiple products with control type
methods.
(2) Offerors are encouraged to list their vending solutions.
Noble’s partner, ToolCrib.com, provides the vending machine and our software integrates with
their software, allowing us to manage the inventory and track real-time product usage.
Other Value Add Solutions: ALPHA gives NASPO ValuePoint several Value Add Solutions,
including customized reporting authorizations, products, vendors, payment options, delivery
options, and total asset visibility from the moment an order is placed. Each authorized buyer sees
only options tailored for that Participation State in response to the States preferences and
requirements.
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Attachment F
AFFIDAVIT OF TRADE SECRET
Noble does not have any trade secrets under this solicitation.
State of )
) ss:
County of )
(Affiant), being first duly sworn under oath, and representing [insert
Offeror Name] (hereafter “Offeror”), hereby deposes and swears or affirms under penalty of perjury
that:
1. I am an employee of the Offeror, I have knowledge of the Request for Proposals referenced
herein, and I have full authority from the Offeror to submit this affidavit and accept the
responsibilities stated herein.
2. I am aware that the Offeror has submitted a Proposal, dated on or about [insert date] (the
“Proposal”), to the State of Oregon (State) in response to Request for Proposals [insert number],
for [insert brief description of the goods and/or services sought in the RFP] and I am familiar
with the contents of the RFP and Proposal.
3. I have read and am familiar with the provisions of Oregon’s Public Records Law, Oregon
Revised Statutes (“ORS”) 192.410 through 192.505, and the Uniform Trade Secrets Act as
adopted by the State of Oregon, which is set forth in ORS 646.461 through ORS 646.475. I
understand that the Proposal is a public record held by a public body and is subject to disclosure
under the Oregon Public Records Law unless specifically exempt from disclosure under that
law.
4. I have reviewed the information contained in the Proposal. The Offeror believes the information
listed in Exhibit A is exempt from public disclosure (collectively, the “Exempt Information”),
which is incorporated herein by this reference. It is my opinion that the Exempt Information
constitutes “Trade Secrets” under either the Oregon Public Records Law or the Uniform Trade
Secrets Act as adopted in Oregon because that information is either:
A. A formula, plan, pattern, process, tool, mechanism, compound, procedure, production data, or
compilation of information that:
i. is not patented,
ii. is known only to certain individuals within the Offeror’s organization and that is
used in a business the Offeror conducts,
iii. has actual or potential commercial value, and
iv. gives its user an opportunity to obtain a business advantage over competitors who
do not know or use it.
or
B. Information, including a drawing, cost data, customer list, formula, pattern, compilation,
program, device, method, technique or process that:
i. Derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally
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known to the public or to other persons who can obtain economic value from its
disclosure or use; and
ii. Is the subject of efforts by the Offeror that are reasonable under the circumstances to
maintain its secrecy.
5. I understand that disclosure of the information referenced in Exhibit A may depend on official or
judicial determinations made in accordance with the Public Records Law.