65--Online Marketplace for Micro-Purchases

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY QUALIFIED VENDORS WITH AN ONLINE BUSINESS MARKETPLACE THAT DESIRE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THEIR ONLINE BUSINESS MARKETPLACE BACKGROUND: The following is a Request for Information (RFI). This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) annually spends around $4 billion using its government purchase card program for purchases below the micro-purchase level. VA is seeking responses from vendors with an existing online business marketplace to determine whether they have their own user agreements. In addition, VA is looking for qualified vendors to provide VA micro-purchase buyers access to the vendor s online business marketplace utilizing an agreement between the VA and vendor(s). This RFI is being issued to facilitate exchanges of information to improve industry s understanding of Government requirements, enhance the Government s ability to obtain quality supplies and services at reasonable prices while increasing efficiency as part of a continuous process of sharing the latest information on VA s processes and procedures. DISCLAIMER: This notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract or enter into any agreements, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this notice. This RFI is part of a continuous process for obtaining the latest information on the commercial status of the industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for, or award, a competitive contract or to enter into any user agreements. It is emphasized that this is a notice solely for planning and informational purposes. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: VA needs to assess the universe of User Agreements existing in the online marketplace. VA plans to establish a new User Agreement that will ensure adherence to any applicable Federal and VA policies. VA is gauging interest from Industry to provide VA micro-purchase buyers access to a vendor s online business marketplace, which supports the following requirements: Ability to place orders below the micro-purchase threshold for a wide range of supplies Capabilities which facilitate micro-purchasing and administration of micro-purchases at a department wide level Adherence to applicable Federal and VA regulations (priorities for use of mandatory sources, exclusion of unauthorized product and merchant categories, tax exemption, warranty etc.) Data analytics covering both spend and category management (small business, etc.) Free shipping Discounted pricing/purchases Ideas and partnership in tackling other Department-wide administration initiatives regarding micro-purchases. COMMENT/RESPONSE PROCESS: Companies are encouraged to respond if they have the existing capability and capacity to provide the desired services. However, be advised that generic capability statements are not sufficient for effective analysis of respondents' capacity and capability to provide the desired services. If your firm has an interest in responding to the requirements described above, please provide the following: Corporate Capability Statement Information: Corporate Capability Statement; demonstrates capabilities, knowledge and experience providing an existing online business marketplace and tools as described above. Responses shall be: 1. Identified with the RFI number (36C10G18Q9057); and include: Company s name mailing address, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers, website address (if available), and the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to clarify responses with Government representatives. 2. Interested parties shall submit a Corporate Capability Statement, detailing your same or similar services available, not exceeding two single-sided, type-written pages using 12-point font or larger. 3. The page limit does not apply to any comments and feedback and advertising material such as company brochures and catalogs. If there is any information you deem proprietary, please mark accordingly. COMMENT/RESPONSES ARE DUE: Has been extended to March 2, 2018, by 5:00PM, Eastern Standard Time (EST). All responses under this RFI must be emailed to [email protected]. Do not send any material that requires a non-disclosure agreement. Only identify information that is business sensitive. If you have any questions concerning this opportunity please contact, [email protected].