The purpose of this solicitation is to answer the following questions:

1. These are to be blackout, and designed to block light infiltration to allow for daytime sleepers. Is it safe to assume that the rods will be mounted several inches above each window, and extend outward several inches at each side to provide that light control? A 60" rod would allow for that, as well as give exactly 1.5 times fullness to the drapes.

 A 60" rod should be fine

2. Do we have a specified finished length?

 No

 3. The solicitation specifies that there be no visible seams in the drapes. In order to achieve the coverage asked for, two widths of fabric per window will be required. This can be accomplished two ways: a) by seaming the two widths together and making a single-panel drape that will draw to one side to open, or b) provide one PAIR of drapes for each window, one width each, which will open from the center, with each panel stacking to the outside edges of the poles when opened. (Benefits to specifying a Pair of panels per window include no seams in the body of the panels and a sturdier installation, as a center support bracket could be used

 One Pair of drapes for each window.

4. Is there a specified number of grommets per window? Standard is one grommet every 6-8 inches (approx. 8 grommets per fabric width would provide the best coverage)

 one grommet every 6-8 inches will be fine

5. Where can I find the Mil Spec MILG16491 to make sure our grommets meet specifications?

 a "metal, oblong grommet with a raised washer". This is not meant to be an exact specification. The information is only to be used as a starting point and provide a general idea of what is required.

 6. Is there a specific diameter size for the rods? (A ¾" rod with #10 grommets would work well for this application)

 A ¾" rod with #10 grommets is fine.

 7. What about finials? A simple ball finial would look good, but a rounded return with no finial would provide the best light control.

 A rounded return for best light control.

 8. Navy, poly-cotton blend fabric is specified. Is there a particular shade of navy desired? Is there a particular fabric/supplier specified? Any specific weight? Are there other fabrics in the room we will need to coordinate with (ie: bedding, upholstery, etc.)? If so, how can we obtain a sample of them to be sure our choice works well?

 No shade is desired, no supplier is specified, no specific weight, no need to coordinate.

 9. What type hardware is currently existing in the rooms? Has it ever been painted over?

 All old hardware will be removed and the wall will be refinished.

 10. What is the mounting surface made of? Drywall? Cinderblock? Steel Beams?

 Drywall and wall studs metal and steel.

 11. Will the new drapes be hung in the same place as the old ones, or will the hardware be mounted in a different place?

 The drapes should be mounted for ample light control. The walls will be resurfaced prior to installation.

 Question on the black rod with the finial ball type end. Would you consider the standard rod system, due to the fact that these are blackout, with the decorative type it will allow light to penetrate. Also are these drapes single draw?

We would like the standard type, our goal is for it to be as dark as possible in the rooms.