GENERAL INFORMATION This Sources Sought Notice is issued to identify U.S. small business concerns having an interest in and capability to provide the products and services described below. Responses will be considered in selecting the acquisition strategy, to include determining the appropriateness of setting aside this acquisition for any one of the small business programs described in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19. All information contained in this notice is preliminary in nature and is subject to change. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Quotations (RFQ), Invitation for Bids (IFB), or a commitment on the part of the government to conduct a solicitation in the future. All information provided is strictly voluntary and no reimbursement will be made by the Government for any costs associated with providing a response to this notice or otherwise participating in market research activities. Further, the US Department of State offers no assurance that a solicitation will result from this notice. Any information submitted will become the property of the Government and will not be returned. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and must be clearly marked. REQUIRED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES The U.S. Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Overseas Buildings operations (OBO) is seeking U.S. Small Businesses who produce and supply high quality lead-free crystal and glass tabletop ware under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 327212 (Other Pressed and Blown Glass and Glassware Manufacturing). Do not respond to this announcement if your firm is not considered a small business by SBA standards under NAICS code 327212. Current size standard is 750 employees or less, refer to http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf . The Contractor shall produce lead free glass and crystal tabletop ware with clarity and free of any imperfections, which means, the tabletop ware shall not have any blemishes, bubbles or cloudy discolorations. Etching shall be distinct and defined. The crystal tabletop ware shall have a sharp high-pitched resonant sound when tapped with a metal object, such as a fork or spoon. Contractor must meet the following specifications: a. 100% U. S. manufactured lead-free crystal tabletop ware. b. Lead-free glass and crystal. Lead-free crystal relates to fine glass crystal prepared essentially, in weight percent, of TBL SiO 2 54-64 BaO 8-13 Li 2 O 0-3 SrO 8-13 Na 2 O 0-6.5 ZnO 5.5-9 K 2 O 0-7 BaO + SrO + ZnO 22-33 Li 2 O + Na 2 O + K 2 O 8-15 wherein at least two of Li 2 O, Na 2 O, and K 2 O are present and are present in essentially equimolar ratios. The Government will test for compliance. c. Industry standard for Sizes/Capacity Standards for fine dining crystal tabletop ware. d. Etching of the U. S. Department of State Seal on the crested tabletop ware. Contractor shall use sandblasted etching or current etching technology. e. Exclusive tabletop ware pattern for the U. S. Department of State. “DOS” etched logo on stemware base. f. Hand-blown glass and crystal. g. Pulled stem with attached foot. RESPONSES Responses should be limited to 10 pages or less and be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document or Portable Document Format (PDF). Font must be Times New Roman, 12 point font, with margins of 1 inch all around. No responses shall be accepted via US Mail or FAX. Responses are only being solicited from Small Business concerns. Firms should provide the following information: - Contractor's statement of interest and capabilities statement. - Relevant experience to include experience in performing efforts of similar value, size, and scope within the last five years including contract number, indication of whether your firm acted as a prime or subcontractor, contract value, Government/Agency point of contact and current telephone number, and a brief description of how the contract relates to the technical requirements described herein. Submissions should include responses to the following categories: - Company Profile, to include name, POC, email address and phone number: - DUNS Number - Cage Code - Number of Employees - Office Location - Small Business Designation/Status Claimed - Annual Revenue - SAM Registration Individual feedback or evaluations will not be provided to prospective offerors regarding their submissions. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted nor acknowledged. Questions, if any, must be directed in writing to
[email protected]. Prospective offerors interested in responding to this notice should submit information electronically to
[email protected] no later than 2:00 P.M. E.T. on 20 June, 2018.