Please read the ENTIRE synopsis before submitting any response. The 10th Mission Support Group, Directorate of Contracting, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Colorado has a Brand Name Only requirement for the purchase of Hewlett-Packard (HP) Printers. The specific models of HP Printers that are needed are as follows: Small Black & White (HP P3015dn); Medium Black & White (HP P4015x); Large - Medium Black & White (HP P4515x); Large Black & White (HP 9040dn); Extra Large Black & White (HP 9050dn); Medium Color (HP CP4525dn); Multifunction Printer - Color (Print, Copy, Scan, Fax; Digital Sending Capability; CAC Enabled) - (HP CM 3530fs); Card Reader - USB; Memory for P3015dn, P4015dn, P4515dn - Lifetime 256MB - Memory - 256MB - DDR2; and Memory for 9040dn, 9050dn - Lifetime 256MG - DIMM 100pin - DDR - 266 MHz/PC2100 - Unbuffered - nonECC. This notice document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-40, 23 March 2010. The North American Industry Classification System Code [NAICS] is 423430 and the size standard is 100 employees. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 39 requires Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPV6) capable IT equipment. Through experience and testing other brands, HP has demonstrated over the past 13 years to be the only Brand Name that has experienced printer life cycle of 6 or more years. HP has demonstrated the high-speed volume capability and robust life cycle standards required for the heavy use by USAFA customers. Although other printers meet the technical needs of USAFA, only HP has proven to have an extended life cycle. Therefore, HP Printers provide a more cost effective solution for USAFA's printing needs. The Government has been mandated to consider factors that will lead to not only savings, but significant cost savings. Analysis shows a longer life cycle will result in significant savings to the USAFA. An extended life cycle results in better management of USAFA's limited funding resources and equipment allocation. Delivery is to be made to IT Accountability, 5136 Community Center Dr East Loading Dock at the U.S. Air Force Academy. FOB: Destination. This synopsis is for notification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT SUBMIT A QUOTE AT THIS TIME. Any offerors believing they can provide an equal product that meets all of the features and functionality of the HP Printers may provide evidence for consideration. Evidence must support the offeror's claim they can provide an equal product. It is the offerors responsibility to prove their product is an equal by demonstrating their product, at a minimum, has the same features and functionality of the brand name product, and life cycle longevity. Providing brochures, specifications and/or quotes alone is not enough for the Government to make a decision. The offeror should provide an understandable comparison between the two products. The Government is not responsible for developing the comparison from insufficient information provided. All qualified sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by this agency. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a brand name or equal procurement can be conducted. A determination that equal products exist based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses must be received by 12:00 pm NOON Mountain Time on 21 April 2010. Responses received after this will be considered late IAW FAR 52.212-1(f) and will not be evaluated. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this synopsis. Contractors must have a current registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov and with Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://orca.bpn.gov. Questions should be addressed to the Primary POC Karen Jackson, Contract Specialist, (719) 333-4060 or sent via e-mail to
[email protected]. Alternate POC is Leslie Ryan, Contracting Officer, (719) 333-3961,
[email protected]. 5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (AUG 2005) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the USAF Academy Ombudsmen, Kelly Snyder 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-2074 FAX 719-333-9018 email:
[email protected] Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer. (End of clause)