Notice of Intent The 10 th Mission Support Group, Directorate of Contracting, United States Air Force Academy Colorado, intends to purchase, on a Brand Name Only/Sole Source basis SmartCells AntiFatigue Platforms manufactured by SATECH, Inc based on the following justification. The USAFA requires anti-fatigue platforms that enable workers to stand and walk comfortably for long periods while minimizing fatigue and pain associated with such work made from durable material capable of providing secure, stable footing. Material must be durable enough not to stretch, overly compress, or bottom out with extended usage, but have rapid rebound capability. Platforms must fit together and transition smoothly to prevent tripping hazards. Platforms must have the capability to be installed to fit the specified areas. They must be easy to clean, prevent absorbtion of moisture and meet sanitary standards expected in a healthcare environment. SmartCells AntiFatigue Platforms have been determined to be the only product meeting all the requirements of the USAFA. A long term warranty of five years or more is required. Products must be provided FOB Destination. No used or refurbished products are authorized. The North America Industry Classification System Code [NAICS] is 326299 and the size standard is 500. Any company believing they can provide either the brand name product or an equal product meeting the functionality as identified above must submit their technical data (2 pages or less) to support their claim no later than 12:00 P.M. Mountain Standard Time, 16 April 2009. Responses received after this will be considered late IAW FAR 52.212-1(f) and may not be evaluated. Information can be provided via fax (719-333-9103), mail (8110 Industrial Drive, Suite 200, USAF Academy, Colorado, 80840), or e-mail to Mara Strobel. This synopsis is a Request for Information only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT PROVIDE QUOTES at this time. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive and/or brand name or equal procurement. A determination not to compete this proposed procurement based on response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this synopsis. Contractors must have a current registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov and with Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://orca.bpn.gov . Point of Contact is Mara Strobel, Contract Specialist, (719) 333-4899 email: (
[email protected]). 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 USAF Academy Ombudsmen, Kelly Snyder 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-3907 FAX 719-333-4747 Email:
[email protected] 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. (End of clause)