Purpose: The Coast Guard Exchange System (CGES), a Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI), of the Coast Guard Community Services Command (CSC) in Chesapeake, Virginia intends to negotiate/award a sole source contract with USAA Federal Savings Bank, 9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78288 to co-sponsor a Rewards Military Affinity Credit Card in accordance with Chapter 9 of the NAFI manual and FAR 13.501(a)(2)(i). USAA Federal Savings Bank is the only source capable of fulfilling CGES's need at this time because of its unique positioning and affiliations within both the military environment and the commercial marketplace. This action will result in an affinity group agreement with a base period of performance of five (5) years from August 1, 2014 through July 31, 2019 and one (1) five-year option period. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement in writing. Responsible sources may submit a written narrative statement of capability, including a detailed compensation package and other literature demonstrating the ability to meet all of the requirements below. The preferred strategy is to execute this requirement as a sole source procurement. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that additional competition would be advantageous to the CGES. A determination not to compete this proposed requirement upon receipt of responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the CGES. The CGES will not reimburse participants for any information they provide. Description of Requirement: The CGES seeks to acquire a Coast Guard Exchange ("CGX") co-branded credit card that will increase the visibility of its brand while providing all of its eligible patrons with the opportunity to save money via competitive rates and reduced fees as well as providing them with the opportunity to earn rewards. At the same time, the CGES has a need to increase and maximize the benefit that it provides to support the Morale, Well-Being, and Recreation (MWR) services for the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. As a retail organization that serves the military, substantive tangible benefits that are geared towards alleviating unique circumstances encountered by service members (CGES patrons) are critical to CGES's ability to demonstrably represent its motto of "Serving Those Who Protect and Defend the Homeland." It is therefore vital that CGES cultivates ties with a financial institution that offers services under a credit card affinity program reflective of the fact that the financial interests and needs of CGES's patrons have the highest priority. It is extremely important to associate with a financial institution that not only comprehends the missions of the United States Coast Guard and the CGES but one that designs a program that helps the organization to best meet its mission. It is also important that a financial institution possesses a viable public image of credibility derived from an association with the military in order to alleviate any potential credibility issues associated with CGES's participation in a credit card affinity program. USAA Federal Savings Bank has an affinity card program that provides incentives designed exclusively to foster the growth of CGES's business model including the incorporation of incentives not provided to any other affinity group for CGES patrons. Submission Requirements: This Notice of Intent (NOI) is not a request for proposals or quotations. No solicitation document exists and no telephone inquiries will be accepted. No contract award will be made on the basis of proposals or quotations received in response to this notice; however, any firm possessing capabilities to provide this requirement may forward written notification to the Contracting Officer, Teresa Watson, at
[email protected]. All responses must be received not later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Thursday, May 08, 2014 to be considered. Please note that a determination by the CGES not to compete this proposed requirement as a result of the responses received from this notice is solely within the discretion of the CGES.