Description
This is a request for information for a commercial item in accordance with the FAR 12.6 and 6.302-2 Unusual and Compelling urgency. No proposals are requested by this announcement all responses shall be solely in the form of information and materials.The Government is under no obligation to issue a solicitation or to award any contract on the basis of this request for information. Objective: The United States Department of Commerce seeks to acquire more information related to products that would be used as respiratory protection during a chemical or biological agent exposure. Specifically, there exists an interest in Escape Respiratory Protection that would be used for personnel that will be acting as floor monitors in order to assist employees from the building during an evacuation. Monitors must be able to communicate with both the employees they are directing and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The second group would be children from the DOC Child Care Center. Children do not need to communicate, however the respiratory protection product must be able to accommodate infants through pre-schoolers. As a baseline, the contemplated product must allow greater levels of protection that are equal to or better than NIOSH or SBCCOM certification (if one exists). EOC Respiratory Protection for personnel who provide command and control though-out the facility for extended periods (up to full shift usage) during a chemical or biological agent exposure. These individuals use telephones and radios to communicate so any respiratory protection equipment provided must have a minimal impact on communication. This equipment must accommodate one size fits all and not require a fit test, or a medical evaluation for use. As a baseline, the respiratory protection equipment must provide levels of protection that are equal to or better than NIOSH or SBCCOM certification. Technical/Functional Requirements: Provided below are some of the salient features of the respiratory protection product for floor monitors: Not interfere with the ability to wear eyeglasses and does not require the wearer to be clean-shaven or interfere with oral communication. Escape protection must be readily adaptable to children. Provide protection against common organic compounds and particles that could result from a Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN), fire or natural event. Products for both groups must provide short duration protection for building escape or evacuation. Have NIOSH, SBCCOM, or equivalent certification or approval. Have training units available. Emergency Operations Center respiratory protection will: Have minor impact on communication, allowing wearer to use telephones and radios. Provide protection against common organic compounds and particles that could result from a CBRN, fire, or natural event. Provide extended use, i.e. up to full shift usage. Have the fewest requirements for use, i.e., fit testing, medical evaluation, and one size fits all is preferred. Have NIOSH, SBCOMM, or equivalent certification or approval. Instructions to Offerors: This request for information is issued solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to a contract. Further, the Department of Commerce is not seeking proposals, and will not accept unsolicited proposals or any cost or pricing data. Industry organizations are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be the sole responsibility of the industry organization. All submissions will be treated as business confidential materials, become Government property, and will not be returned. Further, within your capability statement please include your business status i.e., whether your company is a small or large business and if your company holds a GSA schedule. Responses should be 2-10 pages, 10, or 12 fonts. Responses are requested by 2-25-2005.