Description
The USDA, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), intends to issue a non-restricted Request for Proposals (RFP) on or about July 7, 2011. This pre-solicitation notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation nor is this notice a request for proposal. The RFP will be issued in accordance with the policies and procedures of FAR Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items, in conjunction with FAR Part 15-Contracting by Negotiation.This is a new requirement currently being performed at the Government's facility. The FNS is using the "SevenSteps to Performance-Based Acquisition" methodology for this acquisition. The RFP will be released as performance-based for the purpose of contracting in accordance with FAR 15.202, Advisory Multi-Step Process. In utilizing the "SevenSteps to Performance-Based Acquisition" methodology, the purpose of FNS is to identify viable vendors to provide call center and printing support services for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formally Food Stamp Program). Prior to developing this solicitation, FNS conducted extensive market research as Step 2 of the Seven Steps process. Such research (1) educated FNS on industry capabilities, best practices, and experiences of other organizations on similar endeavors, as well as acquisition approaches utilized, and (2) assisted in developing the solicitation and acquisition strategy (Step 3 of the Seven Steps). Potential sources for market research were identified through several means: (1) keyword search on internet and SBA database, and (2) company names provided by government and industry contacts, suitable for acquiring the required services from small, medium or large businesses. Written responses to the market research questionnaire were reviewed and assessed on the basis of overall assessment of proposed solutions to meet the stated objectives and experience of respondents in supporting requirements similar in nature, scope and complexity for as those envisioned for this requirement. One-on-one conference sessions were subsequently conducted to allow further exchanges in greater depth between industry and FNS for the call centerand printing services approach. Based on the information FNS received from all submissions and conference sessions, as well as the evaluation of viable sources, FNS determined an "unrestricted" acquisition strategyis best suited to support this requirement. Please be advised that FNS will request proposals from a select group of companies that were deemed to be viable competitors and are qualified and able to provide these services, collectively the "competitive pool" (Step 4 of the Seven Steps process). When the RFP is released, other firmsmay also submit a proposal,provided they meet the requirements of the RFP. The term of the awardand anticipated contract type will be provided in the solicitation announcement. Tentative Acquisition Schedule: Release RFP - FedBizOpps 7/07/11 Vendor Questions Due to Contracting Officer 7/12/11 Response to Vendors' Questions - FedBizOpps 7/18/11 Proposals Due 8/01/11 Projected Contract Award 9/12/11 Interested firms can review the attached documents used in the Government's market research: (1) Questionnaire, and (2) draft Statement of Objectives. When released, the RFP will not be mailed. Instead, interested firms must add their name to the Interested Vendors list of this announcement to receive a copy of the solicitation or review FedBizOpps daily to obtain a copy of the solicitation.