Discussion | Standard Configurations for Office Furniture

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Standard Configurations_Scope 1_GSA FSSI Furniture.pdf	244.93 KB	PDF

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GSA Furniture Expert

Please see more feedback/questions we received and their responses: 1.     Are the options included under the standard configurations restrictive? If so, please explain why. Depending on the type of procurement vehicle selected, some modified products seen as restrictive on the MAS Schedule program would not be restrictive if full & open competition where the purchasing vehicle.  To avoid restriction in developing standards, consider using size ranges as opposed to identifying specific size requirements which may or may not suffice for every space requirement.  Response:  GSA has conducted extensive research together with input from the interagency commodity team to determine any options that could not be provided by at least 3 vendors  Options that could not be offered from a minimum of three separate vendors are not included in the standard configurations.  In the case of specific sizes, these options were thoroughly researched and it was validated that the sizes could be competitively procured.   2.     Are any of the options in the base configurations considered premium options in the commercial sector?Options normally seen as premium may be considered minimum requirements when certain user needs are factored (i.e., ergonomics, ADA requirements, etc.). This manufacturer agrees with the assessment in identifying premium seating options.  In addition to the premium options identified by the commodity team, we would include soft wheel casters as a premium option.  All-purpose casters meet BIFMA standards and the necessary requirements of our commercial customers.  Other concerns in the seating category include graphite/titanium/aluminum polish,  4” height adjustable arms, recline auto balance, and metal arms, as these are restrictive and manufacturer specific.  Restrictive items in the filing & storage category include grade 3 pain as it appears specific to certain manufacturers and the security pan, which is offered by select few manufacturers and would be considered a premium option in the commercial sector.   Response: Soft wheel Casters - The standard configuration for task seating does include soft wheel casters as a premium option.   Base Configurations - The base configurations include plastic, aluminum, chrome and titanium as preferred. The base configurations include the lowest price options and these finishes are supported by extensive GSA and the inter-agency commodity team research.  Other Attributes- 4" height adjustable arms, recline auto balance, and metal arms were identified by the subject matter experts on the commodity team as required for a broad and varied range of project requirements.  The option was vetted by extensive GSA market research and inter-agency commodity team input and determined to be available in the market place by at least three manufacturers.   Filing and Storage - Grade 3 paint is a custom surface finish.  It was determined by the inter-agency commodity team  and through extensive GSA research that the grade 3 finish is supported and available from at least three manufacturers.  Premium options such as the grade 3 paint and security pans are included in the standard configurations to support filing requirements for a broad range of agency projects.  <div> </div>

Posted 09/24/2014 9:13 AM

GSA Furniture Expert

Please see more feedback/questions we received and their responses:<div> Tables: Standard Meeting/Training and Multipurpose: 1.      Are the options included under the standard configurations restrictive? If so, please explain why.  Comment:  The options included in the base configuration for meeting/training do not appear to be restrictive for meeting and training tables but some firms may be challenged to provide the smaller sizes and the larger sizes for training application. 30”w tables either will not seat the appropriate number of persons for optimum application. Response:  The small, medium and large optional size ranges listed in the draft Standard Configurations were identified by the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the Commodity Team (CT) as required for a broad and varied range of project requirements.  The options were vetted by extensive GSA market research and federal agency input to be readily available in the market place. Comment:  Locking casters on multipurpose table may be proprietary and more appropriate on rectangular shaped training tables vs. the round/square options noted.  A range of sizes from 36”w – 96”w and 18”d to 36” d,  +/-2” , would be appropriate. Response:  The locking castor option listed in the draft Standard Configurations was identified by the SMEs on the CT Team as required for a broad and varied range of project requirements.  The option was vetted by extensive GSA market research and federal agency input to be readily available in the market place. Thank you for your comment regarding the table widths.  The commodity team will take this into consideration. 2.      Are any of the options in the base configurations considered premium options in the commercial sector. No. Additional comments on tables:·         HPL and melamine laminate are standard base offering The SMEs on the CT Team deemed the HPL laminate to be the preferred Base Configuration Top Finish based on aesthetics and durability.  The Top Finish option was vetted by extensive GSA market research and federal agency input to be readily available in the market place  ·         Post legs are typically a less costly option than T legs. The commodity team agrees that the post are less costly than the T-legs  The SMEs on the CT Team deemed the T-leg to be the preferred Base Style base on the functionality of the T configuration recessed legs.  This allows for clear knee space around the table perimeter and this allows flexibility of chair placement around tables.  . ·         Leg metals are aluminum for the most part·         Height adjustment mechanisms are most common as crank and electric. Pneumatic could be restrictive.·         Removable modesty panels may be a restrictive specification.  Most training table modesty panels are flexible and can remain fixed to the table when not in an upright position (folded or nested).·         Upgraded metal on tables in polished aluminum may be considered restrictive and not a standard offering. Filing and Storage: Lateral Files/ Storage Cabinets/Bookcases 1.      Are the options included under the standard configurations restrictive? If so, please explain why.  Comment:  To account for variations in file depth, for the options, we would suggest a +/- variation of at least 2”. We would also suggest a range of 30”w to 36” wide for the base configuration on the storage cabinets. Response:  Thank you for your comment, the commodity team will take this into consideration. Comment:  We would encourage a range of +/- 4” for the bookcase widths. Response:  Thank you for your comment, the commodity team will take this into consideration. Comment:  Custom paint colors are often provided as s standard special vs. a COM.  GSA might consider adding customer for your storage options as a premium.  Response:  Upgrade paint options are included in the standard as a premium option.  COM was included based on the decision of the commodity team. Comment:  We notice that personal storage cabinets were not included in the storage options.  Will this be included in later standard configurations or included with work systems? Response:  Personal Storage cabinets will be considered under the development of the workstation standard configurations in the near future. Additionally, is there an intent to include vertical storage options? Response:  Vertical Storage cabinets will be considered under the development of the workstation standard configurations in the near future. 2.      Are any of the options in the base configurations considered premium options in the commercial sector? No. Seating: Task Seating/Non-Executive Conference/Side-Guest/Stackable-Nesting 1.      Are the options included under the standard configurations restrictive? If so, please explain why.  It would be preferable to see either a measurement only or the term “Mid-Back” only in the Back attribute instead of both.  There’s no industry standard around what can be called a Mid vs. Low vs. High.  We have seating in Mid-Back that measures 23” at its lowest setting and adjusts upward, and would technically not meet this base configuration.   Response:  Thank you for your response.  The Commodity Team will take this comment into consideration.With respect to the adjustable lumbar, we would request that this be modified to “Adjustable Lumbar/Height Adjustable Back.”  Also, there is seating that provides a passive lumbar support due to the flexibility of back materials (mesh, stretchable fabrics). I assume the N/A refers to no adjustment for the lumbar on the task seating?   Response:  N/A refers to not available.  Can you define the term “Multifunction Tilt Control”?  If it means “more than one adjustment,” please advise.  If this means you are looking for an asynchronous control that has adjustments for seat angle, back angle, etc., that becomes very restrictive.   Response:  Offers more than one option for tilt.  2.      Are any of the options in the base configurations considered premium options in the commercial sector? For the most part no, but a flexible, sliding seat may not be an option in a base configuration model in the commercial sector.     Response:  Thank you for your response.  The Commodity Team will take this comment into consideration.<div> </div></div>

Posted 09/24/2014 9:11 AM

GSA Furniture Expert

Please see more feedback/questions we received and their responses:I would recommend changing all references on frame and base finishes that currently read “Graphite/Titanium” to “Black/Silver. I think everyone would have the same definition of Black and Silver where graphite and titanium could be interpreted very differently.  For example some might say graphite is black while others might say it is more gray.<ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">This element was not to infer color or finish but to identify frame materials.  In this case, graphite and titanium refer to the metal used in the frame construction.  </li></ul>   Under task seating “Back”  I would recommend adding high back as an option.<ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">This attribute was not considered for non Executive task seating. However, we</li></ul>are currently studying Executive Level Task Chairs.  This attribute may be included in this category.  Under task seating and non-executive conference seating “Upholstery” I would recommend changing from two entries for leather (i.e., Entry and Mid-level) to a single entry reading “Leather”.  Having two will just lead to more questions.<ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">Industry offers at least two grades of leather and in some cases three grades.  </li></ul>For this reason, GSA has included varying level of leather in the standards - entry grade and higher grade as defined below:Entry grade:       Corrected-Grain leather is any Top-Grain leather that has had its surfaces sanded, buffed or snuffed in order to remove any imperfection on the surface due to insect bites, healed scars or brands. Top-Grain leather is often wrongly referred to as Corrected-Grain. Although Corrected-Grain leather is made from Top-Grain as soon as the surface is corrected in any way the leather is no longer referred to as Top-Grain leather. The hides used to create corrected leather are hides of inferior quality that do not meet the high standards for use in creating aniline or semi-aniline leather. The imperfections are corrected and an artificial grain applied. Most Corrected leather is used to make Pigmented leather as the solid pigment helps hide the corrections or imperfections. Corrected grain leathers can mainly be bought as two finish types: semi-aniline and pigmented. Higher Grade:     Full-Grain leather or Top-Grain leather is referring to the upper section of a hide that contains the epidermis or skin layer. It refers to hides that have not been sanded, buffed or snuffed (otherwise known as Corrected) in order to remove imperfections on the surface of the hide. Only the hair has been removed from the epidermis. The grain remains in its natural state which will allow the best fiber strength, resulting in greater durability. The natural grain also has natural breath ability. The natural Full-Grain surface typically wears better than other leathers. Rather than wearing out, it will develop a natural "Patina" and grow more beautiful over time. The finest leather furniture and footwear are made from Full-Grain leather. For these reasons only the best raw hides are used in order to create Full-Grain or Top-Grain leather. Full grain leathers can mainly be bought as two finish types: aniline and semi-aniline.  Under task seating and non-executive conference seating “Upholstery” I still think the focus must be on performance expectations (double rubs etc.) vs. grades or terms like entry level.  General terms could be viewed and interpreted very subjectively and lead to many different answers.  Also note that upholstery mills provide better prices to those who purchase from them in great quantities.  Thus the same upholstery could be a grade 1 from one company and the identical upholstery could be a grade 4 from another.  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">Market research has determined the Government should ensure an abrasion rating of fabrics procured are appropriate for the environment of use.  Based on this, Furniture Commodity Team has agreed upon the following:</li></ul> •High Wear Upholstery: 50-100K double rubs (recommended for regular office environment) •Extreme Wear Upholstery: 100K+ double rubs (recommended for 24/7 utilization situations)  Under task seating “Seat Height” is would a 5” cylinder under options.  This would provide an end user with the option for a great seat height range if needed.  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">The standard configuration does include a seat height range up to 5".  </li></ul>  Under task seating “Ergonomics” I would provide a minimum lumbar adjustment range.  2” would seem reasonable and allow for competition.  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">GSA will share this comment with the Furniture Commodity Team for further discussion.  </li></ul>  Under task seating “Ergonomics” I would recommend making the Synchronized Tilt Control the base configuration and Multifunction Tilt Control to the options.<ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">The standard does include the Synchronize Tilt Control under the base configuration.  The Multi-function Tilt Control is listed as an option. </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">Under non-executive conference seating “Ergonomics” I would change “non-adjustable lumbar” to read “static lumbar”.  </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">GSA will share this comment with the Furniture Commodity Team for further discussion.</li></ul>  Under side/guest seating “Base Style” I would recommend having Four Legs as the only base configuration and move sled and/or cantilevered to the options column.   <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">The Furniture Commodity Team has discussed this in great detail.  Based on the diverse needs of the government, GSA has included varying options in the base standard for the Base Style attribute. </li></ul>  Under side/guest seating “Back/Seat” I would make the base option “Fully Upholstered” and move mesh to the options column.  Fully upholstered side and gust seating is much more common than mesh.   <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">The base standard configuration represents the lowest priced options for a given product.  Mesh was determined to be least priced configuration for the back and seat.  While we recognize that fully upholstered side and guest seating is more common it is also more expensive than mesh. </li></ul>  Under stacking/nesting seating “Back/Seat I would have the base option read “Plastic/Polyurethane” just to increase the expectation of what is to be required. <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">GSA will share this comment with the Furniture Commodity Team for further discussion.</li></ul>  Under stackable/nesting seating “Base Style” I would recommend having Four Legs as the only base configuration and move sled and/or cantilevered to the options column.   <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline;">The Furniture Commodity Team has discussed this in great detail.  Based on the diverse needs of the government, GSA has included varying options in the base standard for the Base Style attribute. </li></ul> <img height="8px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/JJHRWr703lQ0T_x4nbST00NPBlZeYvW7hs93_hWkhrhMriHH3UBGuX6XM86tpfGbN6sy2AtBr_QSlF1wJ9AVkwUF-hijphrQDmRUxFQfxAmUP-S1RZqVBDdTchzFEYBkfw" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad); -webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="20px;" /><div> </div>

Posted 08/25/2014 2:42 PM

GSA Furniture Expert

Please see more questions we received and their answers we would like to share: What is considered the base configuration of seating: Upholstered back and upholstered seat? <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">The base configuration for each product is listed in the first column of each table.  The base configuration represent the lowest price options for that product by attribute. </li></ul> Define Tension Preference Selector <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">A Tension Preference Selector is usually considered to be a lever that allows tension adjustment while the chair is in an upright position.</li></ul> What is considered the frame of the seating:   <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">The seat frame is the structure that the seat and back is mounted to.</li></ul>

Posted 08/14/2014 5:09 PM

GSA Furniture Expert

After receiving some feedback on the above Standard Configurations, here are some questions and answers that GSA would like to share: Tables:  Does this category including conference rooms?  If so, shouldn’t longer table sizes be optional?  Boat shape?  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">The boat shape tables and larger tables are included in the Executive Conference Standard Configuration, not in the Standard Meeting and Training Configuration.</li></ul> Tables - Base Styles:  For power and data routing, could optional bases include square, round, elliptical shapes to route power and data?  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">We have included panel bases, cylinder bases, half cylinder bases and other bases in the  Executive Conference Standard Configuration, which we are currently collecting the data.   </li></ul> Tables: Top Finish is identified as plastic laminate.  You may want to consider noting if it’s HPL, LPL, TFL, or Thermofoil.  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">For the Standard Meeting and Training Configuration, HPL is the preferred plastic laminate.  LPL is usually specified inside cabinets, credenzas, etc., not as a table top.  TFL is thermally fused laminate without adhesives, which is acceptable but may only be project specific. Thermofoil is a laminating material on MDF which is primarily used for doors and cabinets, but can be used as table tops.  MDF is a mixture of sawdust and bonding materials that hardens to form a surface in the shape of any mold.  Thermofoil is a type of vinyl covering that contains PVC applied to give it additional sheen and protection.  The sub structure, MDF contains formaldehyde, a toxic chemical.  The only advantage of this process is covering the entire shape (mold that is poured) of the table top, edges included.  As stated and based on our research above, HPL is the preferred plastic laminate for the Standard Meeting and Training Configuration.         </li></ul> Tables - Modesty panels: Would the options include ½ height and full height?  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">For the Standard Meeting and Training Configuration, Modesty Panels can be included for either full or half height applications.  Modesty Panels are project specific.</li></ul> Filing and Storage - Lateral Filing:  Could both 20” and 18” depths be acceptable on all width options?  20” depth is proprietary.  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">The Standards for Filing and Storage Configuration allow for both 18 and 20 depths as depth options on all width options.  </li></ul> Filing and Storage - Lateral Filing - Security:  Security pan between drawers- would the bottom of the file drawer be acceptable? <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">The Standards for Filing and Storage Configuration allow for security at the  bottom of the file drawer. The position of the security pans is project specific.</li></ul> Filing and Storage - Bookcases Height: You may want to note the number of adjustable shelves?  Adjustable shelves are standard in bookcases.  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">For the Standards for Filing and Storage Configurations, each manufacturer offers its own options in this category. Some manufacturers offer shelving in the base price and other do not.  The number of shelves is project specific.  </li></ul> Seating - Side/Guest Seating: Consider allowing for wood frames as well?  <ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Wood frames for Side/Guest Seating are offered in the Executive Seating Category.</li></ul>

Posted 08/11/2014 5:08 PM

GSA Furniture

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