The Solicitation Number has changed to VA-243-R-0358 This is a SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. Responses to this sources sought must be in writing. The purpose of this Sources Sought Announcement is for Market Research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of potential qualified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Veteran Owned Small Businesses, 8(a), HubZone and other Small Business interested and capable of performing the work. Documentation of technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses the necessary functional area expertise and experience to compete for this acquisition. Responses to this notice shall include the following: (a) Company Name (b) address (c) Point of Contact (d) Phone, Fax, and email address (e) DUNS Number (F) Cage Code (G) Tax ID Number (H) Type of Small Business, i.e. 8(a), HUBzone, Woman Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business and (i) must provide a capability statement that address the organizations qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor for the work described below. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES It is the intent of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide hourly childcare services to the Veterans during their VA appointment in an effort to help relieve the difficulty Veterans have in making their VA medical appointments when they are responsible for providing care to young children. Children, both infants and school-age can be dropped off at the VA Childcare Center for the duration of the Veteran's scheduled appointment, at no charge to the Veteran. The contractor shall provide all supervision, labor resources, supplies, and applicable licenses and permits necessary to provide hourly drop in child care services. The VA Pilot Childcare Program provides hourly childcare for children ages six (6) weeks through twelve (12) years of age from the hours of 7:00am to 4:30pm on the grounds of the VA Medical Center. The Program consists of temporary care (generally, up to 3 hours) that offers children a variety of activities, quiet and active play, indoor and outdoor activities, large and small muscle activities, private/individual time, large group and small group times. The current maximum capacity of VA Northport is 30 children; however, the daily operational capacity is determined by the age of the children, teacher/child ratios, and Veteran's needs. VA Northport expects the contractor to provide the highest standard of child care as identified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. The contractor shall provide all the manpower, resources, and services necessary to meet the following objectives: a) Direct support of the VA Childcare Pilot Program b) Safe, developmentally appropriate environments and quality care for young children, with strict adherence to health, sanitation, safety, fire, nutrition, and risk management requirements. c) Qualified and experienced management, support and child development staff who communicate positively and professionally with children and parents. d) Provide environments that positively contribute to children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. The following location is covered under this acquisition, the space located at VA Medical Center, 1st Floor of Building 20, 79 Middleville Road, Northport, NY 11768. Important Information: The Government is not obligated to nor will it pay for or reimburse any costs associated with responding to this sources sought synopsis request. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will in no way be bound to this information if any solicitation is issued. Currently, a total set-aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business firms is anticipated. However, if response by Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business proves inadequate an alternate set-aside or full and open competition may be determined. No sub-contracting opportunity is anticipated. The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 624410 ($7 Million) Notice to Potential Offers: Respondents should clearly describe their capabilities to include management, experience, equipment and personnel or the ability to obtain them keeping to not more than three (3) pages. Furthermore, interested sources must also meet all requirements of Federal and State and Local Municipal Codes regarding operations of this type of service. All Offerors who provide goods or services to the United States Federal Government must be registered in Systems for Award Management (SAMS). It is desirable that any Offeror has completed their Online Representations and Certifications application (ORCA). Additionally, all Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses or Veteran Owned Businesses who respond to a solicitation on this project must be registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Veterans Enterprise at VetBiz Registry located at http://vip.vetbiz.gov. All interested offerors should submit information by email to
[email protected] no later than February 8, 2016 at 3:00pm, Eastern Standard Time.