us communities

U . S . CO MMUNITIES
Response for Technical Proposal 07-87857-20
TABLE OF CONTENTS TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
Haworth Response Letter
FAIRFAX COUNTY form
8.1 Supplier Qualifications
9.1 Commitment and Qualification Statemen
REQUIRED QUALIFICATION
9.2 Company
A.
A BRIEF HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF YOUR COMPANY.
01
02
03
B.
TOTAL NUMBER AND LOCATION OF SALES PERSONS EMPOLYED BY YOUR COMPANY.
03
C.
NUMBER AND LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTION OUTLETS
04
D.
NUMBER AND LOCATION OF SUPPORT CENTERS 04
E.
ANNUAL SALES.
04
F.
FED TAX ID AND DUN AND BRANDSTREET REPORT.
04
05-07
DEALER INFORMATION PAGE
9.3 Distribution
A.
DESCRIBE HOW YOUR COMPANY PROPOSES TO NATIONALLY DISTRIBUTE THE PRODUCTS
OUTLINED IN THIS RFP THROUGH YOUR WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.
08
B.
IDENTIFY ALL OTHER COMPANIES THAT WILL BE INVOLVED IN PROCESSING, HANDLING OR
SHIPPING THE PRODUCT TO THE END USER.
08
C.
STATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION IN PROVIDING THE LOWEST COST TO THE END USER.
08-09
D.
PROVIDE THE NUMBER, SIZE AND LOCATION OF YOUR COMPANY’S DISTRIBUTION
FACILITIES, AND WAREHOUSES (BY CITY AND STATE).
STATE THE COMPANY’S STANDARD DELIVERY TIME AND ANY OPTIONS, INCLUDING
DELIVERY COSTS FOR EXPEDITING DELIVERY, AND RETURN POLICIES.
10-12
09
E. 9.4 Marketing
A.
OUTLINE YOUR COMPANY’S PLAN FOR MARKETING THE PRODUCTS TO LOCAL, STATE AND HIGHER ED AGENCIES NATIONWIDE.
13
B.
EXPLAIN HOW YOUR COMPANY WILL EDUCATE ITS NATIONAL SALES FORCE ABOUT THE MASTER AGREEMENT. C.
MARKETING TO PUBLIC AGENCIES.
D.
EXPLAIN HOW YOUR COMPANY PLANS TO MARKET THE MASTER AGREEMENT TO EXISTING GOVERNMENT CUSTOMERS AND TRANSITION THESE CUSTOMERS TO THE MASTER AGREEMENT.
E.
EXPLAIN HOW YOUR COMPANY PROPOSES TO RESOLVE ANY COMPLAINTS, ISSUES OR CHALLENGES.
14
15
15
16
F.
9.5 Products
A.
PLEASE SUBMIT THE RESUME’ OF THE PERSON YOUR COMPANY PROPOSES TO SERVE AS THE NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER.
16-18
PROVIDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS TO BE THE MAJOR PRODUCT CATEGORY SET
FORTH IN SPECIAL PROVISIONS PARAGRAPH 2 ABOVE. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS FOR
EACH SUPPLIER TO PROVIDE ITS ENTIRE CATALOG OF PRODUCTS SO THAT PARTICIPATING
PUBLIC AGENCIES MAY ORDER A BROAD RANGE OF PRODUCT AS APPROPRIATE FOR
THEIR NEEDS.
B.
PROVIDE A DESCRIPTION OF ALL SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY YOUR COMPANY, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO SHIPMENT TRACKING, RETURN ITEM PROCESS, DESIGN, ASSET
MANAGEMENT, INSTALLATION AND ANY OTHER SERVICES YOU MAY OFFER.
C.
DESCRIBE ANY SPECIAL PROGRAMS THAT YOUR COMPANY OFFERS THAT WILL IMPROVE
CUSTOMERS’ ABILITY TO ACCESS PRODUCTS, SUCH AS SHIP-FROM-STOCK AVAILABILITY,
ON-TIME DELIVERY OR OTHER INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES.
21
D.
STATE BACKORDER POLICY. DO YOU REQUIRE AN AGENCY TO REORDER IF ITEM IS BACKORDERED? 21
19
20
E.
9.6 Administration
A.
DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY’S CAPACITY TO EMPLOY EDI, TELEPHONE, FACSIMILE, ELECTRONIC, RETAIL AND
INTERNET ORDERING WITH A SPECIFIC PROPOSAL FOR PROCESSING ORDERS UNDER THE MASTER AGREEMENT.
STATE WHICH FORMS OF ORDERING ALLOW THE USE OF A PROCUREMENT CARD AND THE ACCEPTED
BANKING (CREDIT CARD) AFFILIATION.
23
B.
DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY’S INTERNAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING ORDERS
FROM POINT OF CUSTOMER CONTACT THROUGH DELIVERY AND BILLING. 24
C.
DESCRIBE THE STATE OF e-COMMERCE WITHIN YOUR COMPANY AND DETAIL HOW PARTICIPATING PUBLIC
AGENCIES CAN BENEFIT FROM YOUR APPROACH.
24
D.
DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY’S IMPLEMENTATION AND SUCCESS WITH EXISTING, COOPERATIVE
PURCHASING PROGRAMS, IF ANY, AND PROVIDE THE ENTITY’S NAME(S), CONTACT PERSON(S)
AND CONTACT INFORMATION AS REFERENCE(S). E.
DESCRIBE THE CAPACITY OF YOUR COMPANY TO REPORT QUARTERLY SALES UNDER THE MASTER AGREEMENT BY PARTICIPATING PUBLIC AGENCY WITHIN EACH STATE.
25-26
F.
DESCRIBE THE CAPACITY OF YOUR COMPANY TO PROVIDE MANAGEMENT REPORTS, I.E. COMMODITY
HISTORIES, PROCUREMENT CARD HISTORIES, ETC. FOR EACH PARTICIPATING PUBLIC AGENCY.
26
G.
DESCRIBE THE CAPACITY OF YOUR COMPANY TO MEET MINORITY AND WOMAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (MWBE)
AND OTHER LOCAL PURCHASING PREFERENCES WHICH WILL VARY AMONG PARTICIPATING PUBLIC AGENCIES. 26
H.
PLEASE PROVIDE ANY SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS AND ALTERNATIVES FOR DOING BUSINESS
WITH YOUR COMPANY THAT WILL MAKE THIS ARRANGEMENT MORE COST EFFECTIVE FOR YOUR
COMPANY AND PARTICIPATING PUBLIC AGENCIES.
Attachments
DESCRIBE THE CAPACITY OF YOUR COMPANY TO BROADEN AND KEEP THE PRODUCT OFFERINGS CURRENT
AND ENSURE THAT LATEST EQUIPMENT, STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR OFFICE FURNITURE ARE AVAILABLE.
21-22
25
27-28
8.1 SUPPLIER QUALIFICATIONS
Implementation StepsExpected Date of CompletionProposed Date of Completion
1. Administration Agreement signed
Returned with proposal
Complete
2. First conference call One week after award
One week after award
3. Supplier login established
One week after award
Complete
4. Initial senior management meeting
Two weeks after award
Two weeks after award
5. Initial National Account Manager and staff training meeting
Two weeks after award
Two weeks after award
6. Review of top 10 existing local government contracts
Two weeks after award
Two weeks after award
7. Program contract requirements
Two weeks after award
Two weeks after award
– Supplier contacts communicated to staff
Two weeks after award
Complete
– Dedicated email
Two weeks after award
[email protected]
– Dedicated toll free number
Two weeks after award
800-576-0943
– Dedicated fax number
Two weeks after award
616-393-1736
8. Marketing plan & materials
Three weeks after award
Complete
9. Lead referral training Three weeks after award
Complete
10. Admin fee and report training
Three weeks after award
Complete
Complete
11. Web development
– Initiate IT contact
Two weeks after award
Complete
– Website construction
Three weeks after award
Complete
– Website final edit
Four weeks after award
Complete
On-Going
12. Sales training
– Top 10 metro areas
Four weeks after award
On-Going
– Supplier login training – remote Webex for all sales
Two weeks after award
On-Going
– Training plan for the other metros
Eight weeks after award
On-Going
9.1 Commitment and Qualification Statement
Commitment and Qualification Statement
9.1 Commitment and Qualification Statement
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
9. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: Please submit a proposal to supply the Products outlined in this RFP that includes the
following information:
9.1Commitment and Qualifications: Please address each of the Commitments and Qualifications shown in Sections 7 and 8
above and provide a summary not exceeding 2 pages demonstrating that your company is willing to make the required commitments and
meet each of the qualifications.
Corporate
Haworth is proud to be among the original suppliers of adaptable workspace solutions to Public Agencies
through the US Communities program. Our long term commitment to this program is demonstrated by our
continued sales growth, on-going education and training of our members, as well as our consistent promotion of
the US Communities program as the primary purchasing contract for Public Agencies.
Haworth is committed to transitioning existing Public Agency customers to the US Communities program.
Most recently, we received a request from the Baltimore Metro Purchasing Cooperative to extend their contract
through December 2008. Baltimore Metro is using the US Communities contract to purchase from other
non-furniture suppliers, and Haworth is transitioning this customer to purchase our products using the US
Communities contract as well.
Pricing
Haworth’s US Communities pricing is and will continue to be the most favorable pricing to Public Agencies
nationwide. In those states where public agencies have the ability to utilize Haworth state contracts, we have
matched the state pricing and report sales on these contracts to US Communities.
In addition to the most favorable customer pricing, we provide our network of Haworth dealers a profitable
dealer margin through the US Communities program. This ensures our dealers present Public Agencies with
Haworth’s US Communities contract as the primary purchasing vehicle for our products.
Economy
Haworth is committed to marketing the US Communities program as the primary purchasing option for Public
Agencies. As such, we do not lead with or market other purchasing cooperatives that compete with the US
Communities program. We will, to the best of our ability, present the benefits of the US Communities program to
Public Agencies and encourage the use of this contract over other purchasing options.
Sales
Haworth’s sales members and network of certified independent dealers are continuously educated on the
US Communities program and its benefits to Public Agencies nationwide. As new members join the team,
either directly with Haworth or a dealer, they are encouraged to attend our many training programs designed
to educate them on Haworth products, programs and processes. Part of this training includes an in-depth
discussion of the US Communities contract and how to successfully market the contract to Public Agencies.
Additionally, Haworth provides on-site dealer training, continuous communications regarding program
developments and program support for sales and dealer members.
01
Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.1 Commitment and Qualification Statement
In addition to the supplier commitments above, Haworth meets or exceeds the following minimum
requirements as outlined in Section 8 of the competitive solicitation:
Required Qualification
Haworth
Qualification
Strong national presence easily recognized by government agencies
nationwide.
National sales force easily accessible by government agencies
nationwide.
National distribution network with capacity to deliver products
nationwide, free of charge, and in a timely manner.
Full range of products to meet varying requirements of government
agencies.
Demonstrated market with bulk purchasing power, capacity and
commitment to guarantee lowest government pricing.
Existing capacity to provide toll-free phone assistance and state-ofthe-art electronic, facsimile and internet ordering and billing.
Support system to provide assistance to government agencies
nationwide.
Ability to fully implement all necessary activities to effectively
promote the program nationally.
Confidential and Proprietary Information
02
9.2 Company
Company
9.2 Company
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
9.2 Company
A. A brief history and description of your company;
Innovation and flexibility have been the cornerstones of Haworth, Inc. since the company began in 1948 as
Modern Products.
G.W. Haworth, the company’s founder, was driven by two dreams: starting his own business and sending his five
children to college. Those dreams have created a billion-dollar global leader in the workspace solutions industry.
In 1954 Modern Products first shifted toward office environments with the development of modular office
partitions, the predecessors of today’s panel systems. With the introduction of the world’s first pre-wired
modular panel in 1976, Modern Products’ name was changed to Haworth, Inc., and the company began focusing
exclusively on office furniture systems. When Haworth introduced office seating to its product offering in the
early 1980s, the company continued its focused advance toward providing complete workspace solutions. In the
late 1980’s Haworth began to pursue an aggressive expansion in North America, Europe and Asia. Over the next
20 years Haworth continued to develop industry firsts— including the first mobile office system and panel-topanel cabling systems.
In 1994 the company reached the $1 billion mark, surpassing the $2 billion landmark in 2000. Haworth continued
to grow, providing increasingly comprehensive workspace solutions and continuing to stretch outward in its
global reach. The acquisitions of SMED® and InterfaceAR™ further strengthened Haworth’s workspace solutions.
Today Haworth continues to win awards for its business and design practices, including environmental
sustainability, leadership, community service and member job satisfaction. The family-owned, privately-held
company operates in more than 120 countries and employs nearly 8,000 members
B. Total number and location of sales persons employed by your company;
Haworth’s national field sales members provide our customers and dealers best-in-class service and support
wherever they’re located. The table below represents Haworth sales positions and the number of members in
each position.
Haworth Position
03
Number of Members
Sales Support – provides required support for Haworth sales and dealer
members
135
Sales Representatives – promote and market Group Lacasse products
100
Area Dealer Managers – coordinate between Haworth corporate and
Haworth dealers
18
Business Development Managers – develop new business and maintain
relationships with existing customers
88
Business Development Directors – manage specific Haworth sales area
14
TOTAL
335
Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
9.2 Company
U.S. COMMUNITIES
C. Number and location of distribution outlets (if applicable);
To best meet the needs of our customers, Haworth distributes products through authorized Haworth dealers.
There are more then 1,200 Haworth dealer sales representatives throughout the United States presenting our
complete offering of adaptable workspace solutions from floors and walls to our mid-market Group Lacasse
products to our industry leading Haworth brands.
D. Number and location of support centers (if applicable);
Haworth’s world headquarters is located in Holland, Michigan. Our showrooms throughout the United States
not only showcase our products but also provide service and support to our customers on a local basis. We also
operate manufacturing facilities in several locations throughout North America. Any Haworth product produced
in any location can be shipped to and serviced at any customer site worldwide.
North American Showroom Locations Atlanta, Georgia Boston, Massachusetts Calgary, Alberta Chicago, Illinois Dallas, Texas Denver, Colorado Detroit, Michigan Holland, Michigan
Houston, Texas
Los Angeles, California
Minneapolis, Minnesota
New York, New York
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
San Francisco, California
Seattle, Washington
Toronto, Quebec
Vancouver, British Columbia
Washington, D. C.
North American Manufacturing Facilities
Allegan, Michigan
Big Rapids, Michigan
Calgary, Alberta
Douglas, Michigan
High Point, North Carolina
Holland, Michigan
Kentwood, Michigan
Ludington, Michigan
Rexdale, Ontario
St Pie, Quebec
E. Annual Sales
Haworth distributes products through authorized Haworth dealers in order to best meet the needs of our
customers. There are currently 243 Haworth dealers throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
YEAR 2003
2004
2005
SALES
$1.2 billion
$1.3 billion
$1.4 billion
F. Fed Tax ID and Dun and Brandstreet Report
Haworth’s federal tax identification number is 38-6053093.
Due to the cost to request a D&B report, Haworth will provide our Dun and Brandstreet (D&B) number
(07-259-5457). Our current D&B rating is 5A3.
Confidential and Proprietary Information
04
9.2 Company
05
Confidential and Proprietary Information
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.2 Company
Confidential and Proprietary Information
06
9.2 Company
07
Confidential and Proprietary Information
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
9.3 Distribution
Distribution
9.3 Distribution
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
9.3Distribution
A. Describe how your company proposes to nationally distribute the Products outlined in this RFP through your wholesale distribution system.
Haworth’s mission (and the mission of our dealers) is to exceed the expectations of our customers. We believe
our network of strong, independent dealers is the best way to ensure that Haworth customers receive the
highest level of attention and service. Currently, there are 243 certified Haworth dealers throughout the United
States. Haworth provides best-in-class products, services, and support to US Communities customers nationwide
through our dealer distribution system. Haworth has committed, and will continue to commit, resources to
develop strong and effective dealers.
We view our Dealer Network as critical to our ability to satisfy our customers. To ensure that our dealers can
provide our customers with the highest quality products and services, they must continually reinvest in their
businesses and improve their service standards. To help recognize and reward those dealers who make these
types of investments, Haworth developed its Preferred Dealer Program. Preferred Dealers are able to offer our
customers higher levels of product expertise and customer responsiveness. There are 123 preferred dealers
throughout North America.
B. Identify all other companies that will be involved in processing, handling or shipping the Product to the end user;
Haworth strongly recommends that customers utilize Haworth-certified installers and installation companies.
Reasons include:
1. All Haworth-certified installers have completed a manufacturer-supported installation training program.
2. Certified installers have been trained on all existing and new Haworth products, and have bench-marked installation techniques
3. Certified installers are individually trained and certified on one to six distinct Haworth product groups (Systems, Wood Casegoods, Freestanding Steel, Seating, Walls, and Raised Floors).
4. Certified installation companies are required to use appropriate installation tools, and maintain an approved ration of certified to non-certified installers on each job site.
5. Completed installations are periodically inspected by Haworth technical field personnel to insure compliance with installation guidelines and quality standards.
6. Installation companies and installer are re-certified every three years.
The end of this section contains a list of Haworth dealers in the United States.
C. State the effectiveness of the proposed distribution in providing the lowest cost to the end user.
Haworth has established agreements for the transportation and delivery of Haworth products with national
transportation suppliers. The volume of product we ship combined with our ability to provide full truckload
quantities allows us to negotiate the best possible price for product shipment. A critical component of our
transportation contracts is the quality survey results. Each carrier must attain a rating of at least 97% to retain
their contract. Freight charges to all continental United States destinations are pre-paid by Haworth.
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Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
9.3 Distribution
U.S. COMMUNITIES
Additionally, Haworth dealer distributors are held to the highest levels of quality in delivery and installation
through its Dealer Certification Program. The Dealer Certification Program ensures that our customers’ products
will be installed quickly, efficiently and correctly by well-trained installers. The speed and efficiency of our
installations translate to a reduction in downtime for our customers and an improved bottom line.
D. Provide the number, size and location of your company’s distribution facilities, and warehouses (by city and state);
Any Haworth product produced in any location can be shipped to and serviced in any customer site worldwide.
Haworth-North America products have been installed around the globe. Haworth-Europe products have been
installed in the Middle East, Far East and the United States.
Location
Address
Facilities/Product
Size (sq. ft.)
Holland, Michigan
One Haworth Center
Holland MI 49423
Corporate offices
289,400
Distribution Center
360,000
Panels Plant - Panels System Furniture
Unigroup, Places, Premise
Steel Components Plant - File
Freestanding Steel Storage Wood Plant - Work surfaces
380,800
300,845
(HPL Veneer), Tackboards Flipper
Doors, Veneer Casegoods
393,425
Sales Offices (N. America)
Offices/showrooms (23)
141,047
Memphis, Tennessee
Distribution Center
250,000
Allegan, Michigan
640 River Street
Seating Plant - Metal Seating,
Allegan MI 49010
Metal Stacking Chairs
Douglas, Michigan 200 Washington Road
Steel Fabrication Plant - Race
Douglas MI 49406
Freestanding & Crossings
Ludington, Michigan
5170 West Progress Dr
Components Plant - Lighting,
Ludington MI 49431Glass panels & side trim rails
190,200
163,000
152,800
Big Rapids, Michigan
300 N. Bronson Ave
Metal Furniture Plant - Metal
Big Rapids MI 49307
system Pedestal units, Premise desk
Big Rapids, Michigan
1918 Industrial Drive Wood Components Plant - Places
Big Rapids MI 49307
shelf ends, Veneer products
High Point, N. Carolina
1673 English Road
Wood Seating Plant - Wood
High Point NC 27262
Seating Executive and Lounge
291,000
95,200
134,000
Rexdale (Toronto), Ontario
110 Carrier Drive
Kinetics Seating/Tables Plant -
Rexdale ON M9W 5R1
Seating and Tables 89,000
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
10 Smed Lane SE
Corporate offices and Manufacturing. Office 117,000
Calgary Alberta Canada
Modular office systems, raised panel Mfg 560,000
flooring, wall systems and ceilings
Confidential and Proprietary Information
09
9.3 Distribution
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
E. State the company’s standard delivery time and any options, including delivery costs for expediting delivery, and return policies.
Delivery Time
Haworth lead times are published on a monthly basis and are product dependent. The table below indicates
current lead times based on 1) an acknowledged order, 2) the use of standard catalog offered fabrics and/or
finishes, and 3) the longest lead time item on the order.
AUG U S T 2 0 0 6
Files , Storage and Desks All files, pedestals, storage towers 3 weeks
Collaborative carts
5 weeks
X Series and PLACES desk units
3 weeks
Tables
10
Lead Time
Lead Time
if tables with laminate tops 4 weeks
if tables with wood veneer tops 4 weeks
Entropy tables 8 weeks
Galerie tables 3 weeks
Kinetics tables 4 weeks
Kinetics glass top tables 5 weeks
Adjustable height tables 12 weeks
Seating Lead Time
Accolade 3 weeks
All Improv seating 4 weeks
Monaco 4 weeks
LOOK 4 weeks
Tempo, K200 lounge, and Neon seating 4 weeks
All wood lounge products 4 weeks
All X99 seating 4 weeks
System 12 3 weeks
System 58 4 weeks
Zooey Chu 4 weeks
Zody 4 weeks
Systems and Accessories Lead Time
PREMISE (includes wood trim) 4 weeks
PREMISE stack components 4 weeks
Moxie 4 weeks
UniGroup/ Unigroup Too/PLACES (includes wood trim) 4 weeks
Compose 6 weeks
RACE 4 weeks
If 4 weeks
JumpStuff 2 weeks
Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.3 Distribution
Wood Casegoods
Lead Time
Tripoli
8-9 weeks
Orlando
8-9 weeks
Varia
8-9 weeks
Nottingham
6 weeks
Vancouver 8-9 weeks
PLACES Wood York 4 weeks
8-9 weeks
Master
8-9 weeks
Legs Private Office *NC 8-9 weekss
Legs Systems *NC
8-9 weeks
Refreshments *NC
7-8 weeks
Moveable Walls
Lead Time
LifeSpace NC 4-6 weeks
Neo 4 weeks
Moveable Walls
Lead Time
LifeSpace NC 4-6 weeks
Neo Technology
4 weeks
Lead Time
Pre-Terminated Zone
4 weeks
PowerWebg 4 weeks
Group Lacasse
Lead Time
United Chair 4 weeks
Lacasse Steel 4 weeks
Avenue Quad 4 weeks
Avenue Panel Systems
Lacasse / Avenue Case Goods
Educational Furniture
Nvision
Expediting Delivery
Haworth has grown at double digit rates for more than 40 years and is accustomed to handling increasing
schedules. Recently, more than $250 million was invested in expanded manufacturing capacity (plant,
equipment & tooling) and quality processes.
We plan capacity at 16 hours per day, 5 days per week. In addition, about 1015% of available capacity is left open
to support short lead time orders. Our manufacturing processes are designed to be very flexible and responsive
to both volume and mix variation, providing reliable delivery for all our products.
In addition to our manufacturing capacity, Haworth offers a RUSH quick-ship program designed to quickly
respond to office furniture requirements. Products included in this program are normally shipped within five
working days from the date the order is accepted. Product availability and order acceptance terms are specified
in each quick-ship price list. The RUSH product offering includes the top 80% of our volume products.
We understand the importance of meeting project schedules. If expedited delivery is required, we work with our
customers to ensure timely delivery of products to meet schedules while keeping costs contained.
Confidential and Proprietary Information
11
9.3 Distribution
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
Return Policy
Haworth’s return policy requires customers to request an authorization through our Order Services department
within ninety (90) days of product receipt to return unused product. If Haworth agrees to repurchase the
product, the customer will return it freight prepaid to Haworth, F.O.B. the original shipping point or as otherwise
instructed by our Order Services department. If product is returned without a Return Authorization, Haworth will
notify the customer of the unauthorized return and the customer must provide instructions within one (1) week
on disposal (i.e., return to dealer at dealers expense, or Haworth’s disposal of product with no credit offered).
A return authorization expires sixty (60) days after the date of issue. The customer must promptly provide a
purchase order or other acceptance of fees/credit reduction as required.
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Confidential and Proprietary Information
9.4 Marketing
Marketing
9.4 Marketing
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
9.4 MARKETING
A. Outline your company’s plan for marketing the Products to local, state and higher ed
agencies nationwide
Below is an outline of Haworth’s plan to market our complete offering of workspace solutions to US Communities
agencies nationwide.
I. Products
A. “All Eight” Product Groups on contract:
Systems
Seating
Metal Case goods
Wood Case goods
Walls
Floors
Lighting
Technology
B. Represents mid-market-through-contract price ranges
C. Broadest selection in the US Communities market place
D. Allows entry through construction and technology markets, as well as interiors
II.Marketing/Merchandising
A. Attendance and support at local and regional conferences
NIGP - national and regional
NACO
NAEP
ASBO
B. US Communities program brochure updated annually
C. Education and Training in conjunction with US Communities staff
D. Websites - Haworth.com and US Communities
E. dNet - Intranet site targeting Haworth dealers and field members
F. E-mail leads
G. Value statement/proposition
H. Potential collaboration with non-competing US Communities supplier(s)
III. Price/Volume
A. Matching state contracts or GSA, where applicable
B. Price concessions on specific bids
C. Synchronized US Communities price to dealers with Start It Up program, Haworth’s best price to our dealers. Provides dealer margin incentives or customer price points.
D. Multiple price offers rewarding single award or volume commitments
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IV.
Resources
A.Government sales champions and leaders
B. Broad-based training
C. Dealer-specific training in combination with US Communities regional managers
D. Face-to-face meetings with key dealer principles
E. Continuing to recruit and support dealers nationwide
F. Key management support
V.
Quality Processes
A. Timely payments and reporting
B. Support team in place
C. Online registration and tracking processes
D. Transition key customers
E. E-order capabilities
Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.4 Marketing
B. Explain how your company will educate its national sales force about the Master Agreement.
Haworth Dealers
Haworth invests heavily in its distribution network to satisfy our customers. We continually invest in training
to strengthen our independently-owned and operated dealers. Training addresses the varied needs of the
specialized personnel within a dealership: management, sales, order process, design/installation and project
management.
Part of Haworth’s dealer training includes information on purchasing programs, specifically US Communities.
Haworth offers a week-long course called Haworth Product Strategies, which is held at our corporate offices and
designed to educate dealer members on Haworth products, programs and processes.
US Communities Regional Managers and Haworth’s local sales support routinely host dealer sessions, training
more than 20 dealers through conference calls and on-sight meetings over the past 6 months. The success of this
training is evidenced by the sales growth we’ve experienced over the last two years.
Haworth Sales Members
Formal learning for field sales members is constantly evolving as Haworth enhances its product offerings and
refines its selling process. A training curriculum for new field sales members includes three core programs,
spending approximately 100 hours addressing Sales Process Orientation, Haworth Product Strategies and
Strategic Selling. Part of this formal process includes an in-depth session on Government Programs, specifically
the US Communities program.
Training and Communication
Haworth continuously provides information to dealers and Haworth member, using resources such as:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Dnet – password-protect intranet website
Voice –monthly dealer publication (internal)
Hometown – Haworth corporate intranet
Regular email communications regarding program developments
HPS – Haworth Product Strategies
SPO - Sales Process Orientation
Strategic Selling
Confidential and Proprietary Information
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9.4 Marketing
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
C. Marketing to Public Agencies
Haworth is committed to offering our US Communities contract as the primary purchasing option for Public
Agencies, and our sales members and business resource consultants strongly support these corporate
commitments.
Haworth’s US Communities contract is the best pricing to Public Agencies. There are existing public contracts
that transition to the US Communities program as they expire. For example, Baltimore Metro recently requested
a contract extension, and we are currently working to transition their purchases to the US Communities program.
We expect to have this complete by third quarter 2006. Baltimore Metro currently uses the US Communities
contract to purchase other products.
In addition to the sales support, Haworth markets the US Communities program through:
1. National Trade Shows – ASBO, NACo, NIGP and NAEP
2. Regional Trade Shows
3. Trade Publication
D. Explain how your company plans to market the Master Agreement to existing government customers and transition these customers to the Master Agreement.
Haworth is committed to offering our US Communities contract as the primary purchasing option for Public
Agencies, and our sales members and business resource consultants strongly support these corporate
commitments.
When an opportunity arises with a Public Agency, Haworth’s sales team presents the US Communities contract
as the purchasing option for Haworth products. The agency completes the registration process online with the
help of our dealer representative or Haworth sales member. Once the agency is registered, our internal reporting
systems are updated to ensure sales to the customer are captured as US Communities sales and reported
quarterly.
In addition to the sales support, Haworth markets the US Communities program through:
15
1. National Trade Shows – ASBO, NACo, NIGP and NAEP
2. Regional Trade Shows
3. Trade Publications
4. Local/Regional Advertising
5. Post show follow-up calls and mailings
Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.4 Marketing
E. Explain how your company proposes to resolve any complaints, issues or challenges.
Haworth takes pride developing long-term relationships with our customers. We strive to exceed their
expectations daily.
If issues arise at any point in the process, we have a closed-loop quality system in place for timely and accurate
resolution. Product quality and order accuracy is tracked through our Field Problem Report (FPR) system. The
FPR system works within our order entry system, COMSTAR. An FPR record is created if a product needs to be
returned, replaced or exchanged.
The FPR system tracks information about what product was originally ordered, the product being replaced, what
was wrong with it, and what function (manufacturing, ordering, distribution) is responsible for the error. This data
is analyzed to identify opportunities to improve our processes, as well as give input to new designs.
Haworth’s FRP database is analyzed by our members in the plants, distribution and customer service. Issues
are reviewed, prioritized and assigned to teams for root cause corrective action. Issues are also brought to our
attention through contact with the dealers and Technical Consultants in the field.
Haworth manages our corrections process using a dedicated staff within our Order Services department. These
members are highly trained in all Haworth systems to provide the best possible service to customers, regardless
of who made the error. While specific financial results of the corrections process are confidential, Haworth is
confident, based upon benchmarking activities, that we provide world-class customer service.
F. Please submit the resume’ of the person your company proposes to serve as the National Accounts Manager.
Haworth established a Government Programs team to ensure Haworth maintains its position as industry leader
in quality products and customer service. The team consists of:
Phil Todd, Director Sales Support
Thomas Walker, Director Government Programs
Cynthia Kamps, Business Resource Specialist
As Director of Sales Support, Phil Todd is responsible for leading the government sales, contracting, pricing,
inter-market operations, and sales support functions for Haworth’s North American and Latin American Contract
Furnishings business sectors.
Tom Walker is responsible for the management of all aspects of Haworth’s Government programs, including
State, Federal and Local government customers. Under Walker’s direction, Haworth’s Government Programs team
creates individual Government Program Administrator representatives for State, Federal and Local government
customers and customer markets. This assures focused experience, leadership and support/assistance direction
to all aspects of the business relationship, both externally with customer and dealers, and internally within the
various functions of the company.
Confidential and Proprietary Information
16
9.4 Marketing
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
Cyndi Kamps is Haworth’s National Account Manager for the US Communities program. Since July of 2003,
purchases made through Haworth’s US Communities contract have increased annually, with a projected 67%
increase from 2005 to 2006. She is instrumental in educating and training Haworth members and dealers on
the US Communities program. She administers the activities of the program to ensure timely order processing,
accurate quarterly reporting and lead processing through the US Communities lead generation system.
Complete resumes for these program leaders are provided below.
Phil Todd
Director of Sales Support
Phil Todd is the Director of Sales Support for Haworth. He is responsible for leading the company’s sales
contracting, pricing, inter-market operations, government sales and sales support functions for the Haworth
North American and Latin American Contract Furnishings business sectors.
Todd also oversees Haworth’s Design Resource Center. This team uses product application experts to work with
customers on issues relating human needs to the physical office environment.
Prior to accepting his role as Director of Sales Support, Todd has held positions of increasing responsibility,
including Director of Contract Development, Director of Customer Satisfaction, Business Manager Government
Sales, Manager Business Development Center and Director of Customer Development. He has worked at
Haworth since 1982.
Todd received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University in 1977, and
has taken graduate courses at GVSU.
In recognition of his commitment to customers, Todd serves as a managing member of Haworth’s Sales and
Operations Planning Group and the Strategic Planning Team. He reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
17
Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.4 Marketing
Thomas Walker
Director, Government Programs
Thomas Walker is the Director of Government Programs for Haworth, Incorporated. He is responsible for the
management of all aspects of Haworth’s North American Government programs, including State, Federal, and
Local government customers.
Walker and the Government Programs team are responsible for ensuring that Haworth maintains its position as
industry leader of quality products, services and customer Best Value programs to our government customers.
He began his career in the furniture industry in 1977 out of Western Michigan University. He joined Haworth as
Supervisor, GSA in 1995, bringing over fifteen years of furniture industry experience in Contract Management,
Customer Service, and Government Sales Management to Haworth’s Government Program. Walker was
instrumental in transforming the program into a leader within the industry, and was promoted to Director,
Government Programs in 1998.
In recognition of the quality customer commitment, supplier/customer partnership initiatives, and industry
leadership position with the government marketplace, Walker has been appointed to, and currently serves on
numerous committees, including:
– Board of Directors, Coalition for Government Procurement
– Systems furniture subcommittee, Coalition for Government Procurement
–General Services Administration Quality Partnership Counsel
– Steering Committee, Government Procurement Reform
– U.S. Communities Advisory Committee
Cynthia Kamps
Business Resource Specialist
Cynthia Kamps is Haworth’s Business Resource Specialist. She is responsible for administering various dealer
focused programs including US Communities, Dealerlink and Trade-In.
Under Kamps’ direction, purchases made by local public agencies using Haworth’s US Communities contract
have increased annually with a projected 67% increase from 2005 to 2006. Kamps administers the program
requirements, ensuring accurately and timely quarterly reporting, addressing process issues and continuously
educating and training members on program developments.
Kamps began her career with Haworth in 1999 as the Dealerlink administrator. The Dealerlink program
strategically links all dealers and their capabilities. Customers can place all of their orders with one dealer and be
assured that their furniture order will be professionally and consistently serviced wherever it is installed.
In addition to managing the US Communities and Dealerlink programs, Kamps oversees Haworth’s Trade-In
program. This program provides our customers value for existing furniture when they purchase new
Haworth product.
Confidential and Proprietary Information
18
9.5 Products
Products
9.5 Products
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
9.5 Products
A.Provide a description of the Products to be provided by the major product category set
forth in Special Provisions paragraph 2 above. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS FOR EACH SUPPLIER
TO PROVIDE ITS ENTIRE CATALOG OF PRODUCT SO THAT PARTICIPATING PUBLIC AGENCIES MAY ORDER A
BROAD RANGE OF PRODUCT AS APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR NEEDS.
Haworth provides a complete offering of workspace solutions from raised flooring and movable walls to systems
furniture, filing and seating. The table below represents products currently offered by Haworth. We continually
develop innovative products in response to the needs of our customers. As new products are developed, they
will be available to US Communities agencies through this contract.
Our complete offering is available on the CD provided. The CD includes current catalogs and product list pricing.
HAWORTH PRODUCTS
Systems
Unigroup and Unigroup Too, Places
Vancouver Panel Hung products
Premise and if
Races
Castelli 3D
Causeway
LEGGS private office, LEGGS open office, Refreshment Center
Seating
Accolade, Comforto 12, Comforto 28 NW/W, Monaco, System 28
Improv, Look, Tag
800 Series, Ascent, Berlin, Composites, Dendhur, Essex, Eton, Europa, Forenze, Galerie, Katia, Laura,
Maria, October, Prescott, Tally, Tuscany, Tuxedo, ToDo, Asheville, Berkshire, Cavendish, Richmond
Kinetics, Zooey Chu
Tempo
S-Con
X-99
Freestanding Products
950 series files, PLACES, freestanding steel, if lateral files, if personal storage towers
Premise casegoods NW, and WT, X Series™ files and pedestals
V Series™ files and pedestals
Wood Casegoods
Orlando, Tripoli, Vancouver
Places wood and freestanding units
Tables
If, Premise
Premise Sit-to-Stand
Improv tables
Galeria, Mirador, Varia, Entropy, Profile, Series K, Tripoli, Nottingham
Unigroup NW/WT, Places NW/WT, Kinetics
Tempo
Moveable Walls
NEO
Lifespace
Flooring
Nexus
TecCrete
Technology
PowerWeb
Lighting
ECHO, Huron, Mimic, Under Cabinet Fixed Task
Group Lacasse
United Chair
Nvision
Pan Gram
70 Series
400e
Concept III
Lacasse Steel
Avenue
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Confidential and Proprietary I
HAWORTH
9.5 Products
U.S. COMMUNITIES
B.Provide a description of all services to be provided BY your company, including, but not
limited to shipment tracking, return item process, design, asset management, installation
and any other services you may offer.
Haworth and its dealers help our customers focus their resources on their organization’s core by leveraging
Haworth’s facility and furniture management expertise. Haworth has long been a leader in providing and
supporting quality facility management solutions for customers, both directly and through strategically-allied
outsource partners. Some services are on a fee basis, while others are included with our US Communities contract.
Haworth can help US Communities agencies by acting as an information or education resource, facilities
consultant, service coordinator or operational partner -- in a wide range of real estate and facilities-related
functions. Our programs help Facilities Managers become more effective and provide a higher level of
operational services to their organizations.
This process-oriented approach provides a new level of quality and consistency in work environments and
work processes, while creating a greater return-on-investment from facilities, furniture and people. Haworth can
become the single provider for most or all of the furniture and facility-related services.
Standard Haworth Services:
Haworth includes the following services with the purchase of our products:
•Quick ship •Information Reporting •Lifetime Warranty
Additional Services Available:
•Technical Consulting
•Certified Installation
Facilities Management Assessing Facilities Performance Planning Facilities Strategies Managing Facilities Processes
Supporting Facilities Operations
Facilities Performance
Work Process Analysis
Alternative Office Needs Assessment
Ergonomic Audit
ADA Evaluation (Americans w/Disabilities Act)
Environmental Audit
Facilities Strategies
Telecommuting Consulting Strategic Real Estate Planning CAD/Space Planning
Leasing
Facilities Processes
Asset Management
Equipment Management
Facilities Outsourcing
Move Management
Warehousing/Inventory Management
CAFM (Computer Aided Facilities Mgmt)
Facilities Operations
Refurbishment
Furniture Rental Trade-In
Maintenance
Reconfiguration
Service Parts
Leasing
Confidential and Proprietary Information
20
9.5 Products
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
C.Describe any special programs that your company offers that will improve customers’
ability to access Products, such as ship-from-stock availability, on-time delivery or other
innovative strategies.
At Haworth, we believe that business performance is directly related to satisfied employees. That’s why we
created Ideation - a group of professionals dedicated to identifying what makes your space, employees, and
ultimately your whole organization perform better.
Ideation represents a unique balance of design and science. We provide data to guide and support design
choices that will further an organization’s objectives for its space. Our team works closely with designers,
contractors, real-estate professionals and business executives to promote a collaborative, creative and seamless
design process.
The result? Greater business performance through better performing facilities, employees and the organization
as a whole.
D. State backorder policy. Do you require an Agency to reorder if item is backordered?
Haworth takes pride in shipping orders on-time and complete. Should circumstances arise creating the need for
a back order, Haworth will ship the products that are complete, and place the remaining product on backorder.
Agencies are not required to reorder an item that is backordered. Backorders typically ship within two days of
the original order.
E.Describe the capacity of your company to broaden and keep the product offerings
current and ensure that latest equipment, standards and technology for Office
Furniture are available.
Haworth will make a good faith effort to maintain product compatibility within our various generations of
product platforms to provide US Communities customers with spaces that adapt to change. Haworth’s non-obsolescence policy provides US Communities customers with products of comparable function or operational
characteristics for a term equal to the warranty period. Haworth fabrics and finishes must be updated periodically to maintain the market appeal of our products and respond to the demands and changing preferences of
our customers. As a result, some fabrics and finishes are periodically discontinued.
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Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.5 Products
Haworth collects information from our customers, members and business partners regarding work environments
and specific products required to do a job efficiently and effectively. We continually develop new and innovative
products to meet and exceed changing environmental standards. Below is a list of products introduced over the
past three years.
2003:
2004:
• Moxie system
• Hello guest/lounge seating
• Improv Tag and SE Series Seating
•X99 seminar chair
• Neo walls
• Metallic paints
• New seating fabrics (7)
• TecCrete flooring
• Numerous product enhancements to existing lines
• UniGroup Too system
•York casegoods
• Pre-terminated zone cabling
•X-Series storage (peds and files)
• Dozens of product enhancements to existing lines
• Look side/lounge seating
2005:
• Compose System
• Enclose walls
•Zody task seating
• V-Series storage (peds and files)
• A-con tables
• Haworth + fabric alliances (Carnegie, Luna, Maharam)
• Textured paints, low-gloss double cut veneers
• Dozens of product enhancements to existing lines
2006:
•Zody Side Chair
• Patterns
• Endeavor
• TecBase
• Powerweb
• Spool Stool
• New “Green” Fabrics
As new products come to market, they will be available to US Communities agencies through this contract.
Confidential and Proprietary Information
22
9.6 Administration
Administration
9.6 Administration
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
9.6 Administration
A.Describe your company’s capacity to employ EDI, telephone, facsimile, electronic, retail
and internet ordering with a specific proposal for processing orders under the Master
Agreement. State which forms of ordering allow the use of a procurement card and the
accepted banking (credit card) affiliation.
Haworth provides tools to our dealers to make the order specification process easier.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
E-Catalogs - (electronic catalogs - point and click to products and finishes)
Symbols Library - (2 and 3 dimensional symbols for our products)
Panelbuilder - (a tool to assist in ordering Premise panels and connectors)
Jumpstuff.com - (assistance in specification of Jumpstuff )
Sourcebook (encyclopedia of Haworth products)
Specification guide
Installation instructions
OrderLine is an ordering system that utilizes web-based technology which enables Haworth’s dealerships and
affiliates to submit orders/proposals in an interactive environment. OrderLine provides “near time” validation of
product and price information with minimal manual intervention.
OrderLine reduces order processing time from a minimum of 48 hours to mere minutes, and increases the ease
and speed with which errors can be identified in the order and quickly corrected on line.
There are seven main objectives:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ability to submit orders and proposals
Significantly increase incoming order quality
To increase the speed of order processing – which will ultimately get orders scheduled much quicker
Decrease in total order cycle time from order creation to order acknowledgement
Quicker / more complete notification of errors (estimated at 3 – 5 minutes)
Product and price validation against Haworth’s COMSTAR system
Reduce / eliminate, streamline the current un-enterable order notification process
SourceLine is a web based application, which provides direct access to detailed, accurate information about your
Haworth product order. SourceLine is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SourceLine provides the most
current information on:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Order acknowledgments
Active order summary
Credit information
Request for additional acknowledgements and packing lists
Lead times
Order and shipment status
Procedural information
Price agreement information
Return authorization information
Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.6 Administration
B. Describe your company’s internal management system for processing orders from point
of customer contact through delivery and billing. Please state:
1. If your internet ordering system is OBI (open buying on the internet) compatible;
2. If you use a single system or platform for all phases of the ordering, processing, delivery and billing.
Haworth’s order process requires our dealers to use electronic catalogs to specify customer projects. Once these
orders are generated, they are sent electronically to Haworth (no manual entry). An electronic acknowledgement
is sent back to the dealer to verify the products and parts on order.
As Haworth loads and ships products, the cartons are bar coded and then scanned as they are loaded on the
trailers, ensuring that the product scanned is for the order that is being loaded. Haworth continually measures
its order management processes to ensure that the acknowledged dates are met - including manufacturing
completion and scheduled departures.
C. Describe the state of e-commerce within your company and detail how Participating Public Agencies can benefit from your approach.
eOrder is Haworth’s solution for customers requiring online (business to business) ordering. It is a web-based tool
that enables order development between customers, the dealers and Haworth. This tool improves the end users
experience, provides a customer-specific catalog and speeds up the ultimate development of an order between
the customer, dealer and Haworth.
Configurable furniture is not an easy commodity to purchase online. For example, a customer may purchase
annually over 2,000 part numbers – after fabric, finish and options are added. Due to this complexity, eOrder has
multiple approaches to reach practical solutions.
For those customers who use procurement networks, like Ariba, Oracle, or Metiom, the users can “link out” to a
customer-specific catalog. These sites will be customized to the end user, by dynamically displaying the products,
pricing and services and then transferring the order back to the customer’s eProcurement system.
For customers not using a third-party procurement software, an independent site will be set up. This allows the
end user to shop, fill a cart, route it for approvals, then send it to a dealer as an order.
To handle configurable furniture, eOrder provides the functionality for a dealer to upload a proposal to the
customer’s site. This file contains all of the parts and pieces that make up a workstation(s), allowing the user to
then populate a shopping cart, assign a purchase order, and return the order to the dealer.
Confidential and Proprietary Information
24
9.6 Administration
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
D.Describe your company’s implementation and success with existing cooperative
purchasing programs, if any, and provide the entity’s name(s), contact person(s) and
contact information as reference(s).
US Communities
Haworth is honored to be one of the founding suppliers of the US Communities program. US Communities
agencies comprise the second-largest customer of Haworth products, with purchases that exceeded $25 million
in 2005 and projected purchases of $38 million in 2006. We are proud to be a US Communities supplier and look
forward to continuing our relationship with Fairfax County and US Communities.
Reference Steve Hamill, US Communities, 925-933-9229
General Services Administration (GSA)
Haworth has been supplying the federal government with workspace solutions for more then 20 years. The GSA
federal supply schedule contract is the government’s version of a national sales agreement. It is an agreement
consisting of approved products, discounts, and terms and conditions of sale that, in the form of GSA price lists,
can be presented to any United States federal government agency, department or facility in the world.
The GSA contract allows government customers to make a best-value purchase, often without completing the
requirement and with minimum documentation requirements.
The GSA price lists provide a simplified, more effective process for both the contractor and the customer through:
•
Easier order entry
•
Quicker order entry
•
Reduced paperwork
•
Condensed product reference
•
More effective sales/marketing
Haworth sales on this contract exceeded $90 million in 2005.
Reference Rose Hudgens, GSA Contracting Office, 703-605-9227
E.Describe the capacity of your company to report quarterly sales under the Master
Agreement by Participating Public Agency within each State.
Haworth’s sales reporting process uses high-tech database management systems. Because we are one of the
inaugural suppliers on the US Communities program, we have the processes in place to ensure timely and
accurate quarterly reporting, as well as administration fee payment.
When a new customer purchases Haworth products using the US Communities contract, the customer’s federal
ID number and agency type code are entered into the customer record in our database. For every purchase
made by the customer, the federal ID number and agency type code are captured and easily reported to US
Communities at the end of each quarter. Because the customer is identified as a US Communities customer prior
to purchasing product, our system ensures that purchases made by Public Agencies are accurately captured and
reported as well.
At the end of each quarter, sales data is collected and the administration fee is calculated. This process is audited
on a routine basis by Haworth’s financial department to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
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Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.6 Administration
Through Haworth’s technology-based systems and auditing procedures, we continually demonstrate our ability
to meet the reporting requirements of this contract.
F. Describe the capacity of your company to provide management reports, i.e. commodity
histories, procurement card histories, etc. for each Participating Public Agency.
Haworth’s high-tech collection systems allow us to provide numerous reports that our customers request. The
data can be collected and produced using a variety of methods, depending on the requests of each customer.
Examples of the many reports available are provided at the end of this section
G.Describe the capacity of your company to meet Minority and Women Business Enterprises
(MWBE) and other local purchasing preferences which will vary among Participating
Public Agencies.
It is Haworth’s policy to:
1.Ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons without discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or disabled or Vietnam era veteran status, or other protected
group status.
2.
Base decisions on employment so as to further the principles of equal employment opportunity.
3.Take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment, and otherwise treat qualified veterans of the
Vietnam era, disabled veterans, and otherwise qualified handicapped individuals without discrimination
on the basis of their disability, veteran status or handicap.
4.
Maintain for all members a working environment free from intimidation or harassment, including, but not limited to, harassment based upon sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or handicap.
Our policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all employment practices including, but not limited
to, recruitment, employment, training, compensation, and promotion. All managers share responsibility for
ensuring compliance with and support for this policy’s objectives. It is the responsibility of every supervisor,
manager and member to be alert for opportunities to support community-based organizations which may direct
qualified minorities and women to Haworth, and to offer encouragement to these individuals and members with
whom he or she has contact. Fulfillment of our commitment to equal employment requires affirmative action
throughout our organization.
Primary responsibility for the development and monitoring of our Affirmative Action Programs is assigned to
Nick Salazar, Human Resources Specialist, (616) 393-3047. Our programs are available for any member’s review.
Implementation of this policy is subject to internal monitoring and reporting procedures, including periodic
progress reports. A full report is submitted to the Chief Executive Officer at least annually.
Haworth believes that performance on affirmative action goals will provide benefits for the company through
fuller utilization and development of human resources. The CEO has instructed all members of his staff to
conduct their activities in a manner compatible with this statement of policy.
Confidential and Proprietary Information
26
9.6 Administration
U.S. COMMUNITIES
HAWORTH
H.Please provide any suggested improvements and alternatives for doing business with
your company that will make this arrangement more cost effective for your company and
Participating Public Agencies.
Haworth and the US Communities program provide a cost-effective purchasing option for Public Agencies
nationwide. To enhance the program and promote our philosophy of “easy to do business with”, we suggest the
following improvements:
27
1.Standards Program. Because workspace environments are a complex commodity, a standards
program simplifies the process for Public Agencies by giving them a set of specific options for the
products purchased.
2.Customer Satisfaction Surveys. Are Public Agencies satisfied with the US Communities program and
Haworth? What can we improve and how can we do better?
3.Workplace Environment Surveys. What do Public Agencies require or desire for their workspace
environments? Are there specific products they would like to see offered through the US
Communities program and Haworth that are not yet in our product line? What can we provide that
will make there workspaces more efficient and cost effective?
Confidential and Proprietary Information
HAWORTH
U.S. COMMUNITIES
9.6 Administration
SAMPLE BUSINESS REPORT
COMPANY WIDE
Average Leadtime - Business Days
SECTOR 4
PRODUCT MIX
DEALER RESPONSE TIME ON QUOTATIONS
Confidential and Proprietary Information
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U.S. COMMUNITIES
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U.S. COMMUNITIES
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U. S. CO M M U N I T I E S
H AW O R T H
Response for Technical Proposal 07-87857-20