THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY This is not a solicitation for a contract or a grant award. This RFI is for information purposes only. It is not a request for proposal, and does not obligate the Government in any way. The Government will not reimburse anyone for any costs associated with responding to this request. Purpose The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office is seeking to exchange information with industry in order to understand industry's capabilities in performance of fuel supply contracts during the entire procurement cycle (i.e. proposal preparation through contract performance). The intent of the RFI is to allow potential vendors to determine whether or how they can satisfy this requirement and to permit NOAA to obtain the highest quality of fuel supply services at a reasonable price while meeting the agency's established goals. NOAA encourages communication and a robust dialogue on this RFI. Background Since 1997, Fisheries Resource Analysis and Monitoring Division has historically conducted bottom trawl surveys off the coast of the continental United States from the Canadian Border to the Mexican Border in depths ranging from 30 to 700 fathoms (55 to 1280 meters). The trawl survey is conducted in 2 passes: the first pass occurs from May to July and the second pass is conducted from August to October. Two chartered fishing vessels are used during each pass (four passes total each year). The survey provides stock assessment managers with critical data required for the management of biologically and economically important fish stocks located in these waters. Collection of this data is vital to maintain continuity of historical time series. The Government is seeking market and vendor capability information for providing the diesel fuel required for these chartered fishing vessels. Requirement A capable vendor is one who is able to refuel chartered fishing vessels with marine diesel fuel (combustible liquid NA 1993) in varying quantities within a minimum of 48 hours' notice to one, or more, of the following ports of call: PORT OF NEWPORT PORT OF COOS BAY PORT OF BROOKINGS PORT OF EUREKA PORT OF SAN FRANCISCO MORRO BAY HARBOR The minimum delivery of fuel that would be required at a port is approximately: 900 gallons The maximum delivery of fuel that would be required at a port is approximately: 7,500 gallons Information Requested All potential sources are invited and encouraged to submit a response to RFI. The vendor's response to the RFI should reflect an understanding of the NOAA requirements and the mission of the Agency without divulging proprietary information, if possible. If proprietary information is provided in a response, it should be clearly identified. All information submitted by respondents to this RFI, including appropriately marked proprietary information will be safeguarded and protected from unauthorized disclosure. The Government reserves the right to conduct additional one-to-one communications with respondents in order to fully understand their recommendations/feedback. Potential offerors and other interested parties should provide comments and or recommendations with the following subject areas in mind: Small Business Participation 1. [required] Interested parties should respond with the number of employees currently employed by the party and if the party is owned and operated in the United States. 2. [optional] It is the goal of Agency to maintain or increase the current level of Small Business participation while seeking the best solutions/results from all available sources. How can NOAA structure the solicitation to advance this goal? How can NOAA encourage Large Business / Small Business teaming arrangements? Multiple Small Businesses teaming arrangements? 3. [optional] How should the solicitation be structured to allow firms to differentiate themselves and their capabilities? Please address what requirements should be stated in the solicitation to allow NOAA to identify those firms that have the most expertise to help NOAA meet mission requirements? 4. [optional] What is an adequate length of time from when a solicitation is posted to the time receipt of proposals is required in order for potential offerors to sufficiently prepare their proposals? What is an adequate response time for receipt of proposals in order for potential offerors to seek/consummate teaming arrangements? Fuel Supply 1. [required] Interested parties should state if they have capabilities to support the requirement as defined above. 2. [required] Interested parties should indicate if they anticipate any difficulties meeting the 48 hour advance notice requirement for delivery. 3. [required] Interested parties should specify which ports of call they are capable of delivering to. 4. [optional] What would you consider an effective technical and price evaluation approach for establishing prime contractors under this program? Additional Information The response should include addressing the above questions/comments as well as a description of their capabilities and experience as it relates to fuel supply services. Please include information regarding the type of business, (i.e. large, small, Woman-owned, Veteran or Disadvantaged business concern). The North American Industry Classification system (NAICS) code for this RFI is 454310 (Fuel Dealers) with a size standard of 50 employees, however, the final request for proposal and resultant contract(s) may be assigned the NAICS code of 424720 (Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (except Bulk Stations and Terminals)) with a size standard of 100 employees or a different NAICS code. All firms responding should state their status for the appropriate NAICS codes. The NAICS codes cited in the RFI are for internal business size stratification purposes only. Vendor responses should identify a point of contact including the representative's name, company, email address, mailing address and telephone number both in an email and within the body of the submitted document. Please limit your response to this RFI to three (3) pages or less. Submission Submission of Response should be directed to the following email address not later than 20-Feb-14 at 2:00 PM PST to Benjamin Wolk, Contract Specialist, via
[email protected]. Please do not call regarding this notice. Any questions or responses regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via e-mail to the above e-mail address. Firms that are interested in sub-contracting opportunities related to this project should contact interested prime contractors directly, not the contract specialist. ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFI WILL BE USED FOR INFORMATIONAL AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. ALL INFORMATION SUBMITTED IS RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS VOLUNTARY. THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WILL NOT PAY FOR INFORMATION REQUESTED NOR WILL IT COMPENSATE ANY RESPONDENT FOR ANY COST INCURRED IN DEVELOPING INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. For Additional Information For additional information please contact: Benjamin Wolk, Contract Specialist
[email protected] U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Western Acquisition Division 7600 Sandpoint Way NE SOU6 Bldg. 1 Seattle, WA 98115