5-Axis Vertical Machine Sources Sought Synopsis THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. REQUESTS FOR A SOLICITATION WILL NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. The Ogden Air Logistics Center Contracting Directorate is conducting market research to determine the existence of potential sources to provide a 5-axis universal milling machine. The information in this notice is based on the best and most current information available to date. This information is subject to change and is not binding to the Government. Updated information will be provided in future announcements and posted electronically on the Federal Business Opportunities homepage at www.fbo.gov. The Government shall not reimburse the costs of preparing responses to this request for information. The Ogden Air Logistics Center Contracting Directorate (AFMC), Hill Air Force Base (AFB), Utah intends to issue a formal Request for Purchase (RFP) in fiscal year 2012 for the acquisition of a 5-axis universal milling machine. The required 5-axis universal milling machine is to be installed in Building 507 at Hill AFB. The purchase specifications are a separate document attached to this notice. The information provided is for the Air Force's market research and is given understanding the AF has no obligation to pay for the information. The information may be used developing a request for proposals (RFP) but does not obligate the AF to issue an RFP or contract. Any proprietary information submitted may be used as a general concept but specific information will be safeguarded as proprietary, if so marked. Please submit responses to the questions on the attached capability questionnaire. Send responses to Michelle Esquivel by e-mail, michelle,
[email protected] or Cameron Korth by email,
[email protected]. Responses may also be submitted to Ogden Air Logistics Center Contracting Directorate (OO-ALC/PKEAC), 6038 Aspen Ave / Bldg 1289 Upstairs, Hill AFB, UT, 84056-5805 ATTN Michelle Esquivel and/or Cameron Korth. Please offer a reply by close of business Monday, October 24, 2011. AFFARS 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 Center/MAJCOM ombudsmen, Mr. Kevin Flinders, by email at
[email protected] or 801-777-6549. 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.