74 -- American Embassy Kinshasa Standardization of Copiers

The American Embassy Kinshasa located in the Democratic Republic of Congo in equatorial Africa intends to standardize on Kyocera Mita copiers in support of post operations. The goal is to implement and apply commonality, standardization, and interoperability amongst all copiers at post. In addition, standardization reduces maintenance and overhead costs. The Government believes that only one responsible manufacturer can provide the supplies/services that will satisfy the Agency Standardization Program requirements under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Environmental conditions and power fluctuations create a continuing need to repair and/or replace copiers that become unserviceable or uneconomical to maintain or operate. Replacing electronic components in a timely manner is difficult as local companies do not consistently and reliably stock replacement parts from other manufacturers. Standardization provides a cost effective solution and reduces maintenance and overhead costs by reducing excessive and unnecessary costs that are involved in stocking parts, tools and equipment necessary to service various copiers from multiple manufacturers. Keeping an adequate inventory of spare parts for numerous manufacturers is very difficult and expensive. Cannibalization and interchangeability of parts of the same manufacturer minimizes disruption to post operations. This announcement is for informational purposes only; it is not a request for proposals or quotations. Interested firms may send capability statements to the attention of Ms. Jan Visintainer at the email address listed below. Capability statements must be received by March 9, 2007. A determination by the Government to standardize this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.