THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. This is a Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought notice issued in accordance with FAR 15.201(e) to conduct market research. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue a RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not, at this time, seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested vendor's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. This announcement is based upon the best information available and is subject to future modification. OVERVIEW: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15, has a requirement to obtain on-site recording, transcribing and furnishing of typed transcriptions of conferences, courtroom and/or legal proceedings, depositions, advisory board and committee meetings, personal grievance and appeal hearings and other administrative hearings at the VA Medical Center, Marion IL. It is anticipated that a base one (1) year contract with up to four (4) one (1) year option years will be awarded. The government intends to award a firm-fixed-price contract. The successful proposer must be able to: 1). Furnish qualified supervisory, administrative, journeyman and other personnel to accomplish all contract requirements. 2). Obtain and remunerate a substitute whenever he/she is unable to perform the services. The substitute must be qualified to perform the services and must adhere to the terms and conditions of this contract. 3). Obtain, at no additional cost, all necessary licenses and permits and shall conform to all laws, regulations, and ordinances applicable to performance of services specified in this contract. 4). Shall not employ the following personnel: a). Off-duty VA Human Resource personnel. b). An employee of the U. S. Government if the employment of that person would create a conflict. c). An alien who does not have a valid U.S. Immigration Alien Registration Card. 5). Provide dictation recorded by stenotype machine, steno mask, 100% shorthand, tape recording devices or any combination of the above. When dictation is recorded by tape recording devices, equipment must be of such quality as to ensure against error, misinterpretation or loss of voice. Equipment must be continuously monitored by the contractor, and proper operations shall be the responsibility of the contractor. 6). Depositions shall be taken by the duly authorized notary and no separate fee is to be charged for notary service, administering oath or affixing seal. 7). Transcript and all exhibits shall be provided electronically, in Adobe .pdf format and also may be downloadable by the VA from a Contractor provided secure internet site. 8). Transcripts shall be delivered within seven (7) calendar days after the decision in the case has been rendered. 9). All contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems: a). Successfully complete the appropriate VA privacy training and annually complete required privacy training (See below training); and b). Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system access VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM: The Dept. of Veteran s Affairs is dedicated to the Veterans First Contracting Program and encourages any certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) or Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) capable of furnishing the required services to respond. In accordance with Veterans Affair Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) sections 819.7005 and 819 7006, if a sufficient number of eligible SDVOSB or VOSB firms are identified during market research the acquisition will be set-aside for SDVOSB or VOSB participation. INFORMATION REQUESTED FROM INDUSTRY: Please submit your response (capability statement) in accordance with the following: 1). No more than 5 pages (excluding transmittal page). Include the name, email address and phone number of the appropriate representative of your company; 2). Address if your firm has the capability to perform the ambulance services listed above; 3). Address how long it would take from the date of contract award for you to commence furnishing services; 4). Indicate whether your company, subcontractors, teaming partners, joint ventures have a Federal Socio-Economic status, e.g., Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, Disadvantaged Small Business, and Hub Zone. 5). If Service- Disabled or Veteran Owned Small Business, is your company and/or partners registered in VA s VetBiz repository? 6). Mark your response as Proprietary Information if the information is considered business sensitive; 7). NO MARKETING MATERIALS ARE ALLOWED IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFI. The Government will not review any other information or attachments included, that are in excess of the 5-page limitation. Submit your response via email to
[email protected]; Submit your response by 4:00 P.M. Central Time on January 11, 2018.