On behalf of the U.S. AbilityOne Commission (Commission), National Industries for the Blind (NIB), a designated central nonprofit agency, is pursuing potential partnerships with U.S. commercial manufacturers who offer a line of disposable scrubbing wipe products to include one or more, but not limited to, the product outlined below. If successful, the result will be a co-brand agreement between the manufacturer and its registered brands and the AbilityOne Program. The expectation is that the co-branded product(s) expand the AbilityOne product offering to create jobs for people who are blind or severely disabled. At a minimum, the following criteria for the products and the chosen manufacturer must be met. PRODUCT Scrubbing Wipes: Dual textured, extra-large wet towels for heavy-duty cleaning. No water is needed with scrubbing side for removing tough soils and a smooth side for quick dirt absorption. Fresh scent. Innovative dispenser virtually eliminates roping by providing one wipe every time and features re-wetting design to help ensure consistent towel saturation - eliminating dry wipes. Effective on oil, grease, paint, adhesives, tar, and asphalt. Meet and/or exceed FAR and other Federal Government published standards, Executive Orders and Federal Agency requirements. Meet industry performance specifications and standards for construction, performance, sustainability and reliability. Be manufactured and lab tested, certified and customer tested to be effective according to their purpose, have current Material Safety Data sheets if necessary, and meet certifications with corresponding documentation designated by customers. MANUFACTURER Be in possession of a nationally known brand name that can be demonstrated to have significant appeal through evidence of substantial sales. Demonstrate how it will help the NIB nonprofit agency (NPA) expand its product line of disposable wipes, thus increasing blind work hours, while keeping expansion costs to the NPA at a minimum. Be willing to set a high priority for delivering bulk materials to the non-profit agency in order to assure the agency of on-time deliveries to the federal government customer(s). Be willing to enter into a multi-year agreement which includes on-going technical and production assistance and the necessary factory trained technical field support while enabling the non-profit agency to meet the criteria of the AbilityOne Program to convert material, fill containers, label, assemble and package the products thereby creating employment for people who are blind or severely disabled. Demonstrate a commitment to working independently with the AbilityOne to market product(s) to the Government customers under the AbilityOne Program. It is preferred that the chosen manufacturer has a dedicated team for Federal Government sales and marketing. Be willing to work with the NPA, NIB, and AbilityOne to ensure that the price to the end-users is a fair and reasonable price. Manufacturers’ submissions must demonstrate that that the manufacturer and its proposed product(s) meet the criteria listed above as well as indicate what functions the NPA’s employees would perform. The deadline for response is March 13, 2020 The WRITTEN, ELECTRONIC, response should be directed to the contact listed in this Notice. Responses should address each of the product and manufacturer criteria specified above. Questions should be directed, in writing, to Richard Hill,
[email protected] . Mr. Hill can also be reached at 703-310-0370 NOTE: The e-mail’s subject line should begin with ‘Question: Sources Sought CP-02-13-2020-01 Product Name/Category ’