US Department of State

Representational Flatware

GENERAL INFORMATION

This “Market Research and Source” announcement is issued to determine industry interest, capabilities and qualification to manufacture sterling flatware for the US Department of State. The information obtained from this announcement shall be used for preliminary acquisition planning purpose only, and should not be construed as commitment of any kind to away a contract. This announcement is neither a solicitation nor a request for proposal and in no way commits the Government to award a contract. Respondents will not be compensated for responding to this announcement, nor will the Respondents be notifies of the results of this Market Research. The U.S. Department of State reserves the right to terminate this Market Research and/or change its requirement or timeline line anytime. Responding to this Market Research does not guarantee participation in future procurements by the Department of State.

BACKGROUND

The Department of State provides representational Sterling Silver Flatware to United States Embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide and in doing so the Department of State furthers U.S. Diplomatic interests. The purpose of this Market Survey is to determine if there are any U.S. owned/or controlled flatware manufacturers in the United State that have the technology and resource to provide high-end fine dining retail Sterling Silver flatware that is cost effective to the Department of State. The United States international relations, national interest and success are, in part, built upon the ability of our ambassadors to entertain host country nationals in our embassies and residences abroad.  In this regard, furniture, art and tableware that are provided by the Department of State to our embassies and residencies abroad represent U.S. cultural and manufacturing excellence to our host country guests. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUIREMENT

The procurement of Sterling Silver Flatware falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 

33912 (Silverware and Hollowware Manufacturing). The Government is seeking to identify, experienced and reliable companies capable of providing the following requirements:

a) DESIGN: The design will consist of high-end, fine retail quality, traditional American, American Décor flatware for the Department of State (DOS). The requirement/specification include:

1. High quality of sterling silver available as prescribed by law (.925) please DO NOT respond IF YOU ONLY CAN DO SILVER PLATED

2. Spoons and forks be free of sharp edges

3. Pieces finish be “bright butler”

b) PRODUCTION: All of the manufacturing processes must be performed in the United State. Foreign sources will not be considered

c) MOLDS: Manufacture of the tools and dyes that would become the sole property of the US Government.

**** Responses****

-Please send a capabilities statement including your vendor name, vendor DUNS Number, if you are a small/large business, if your .925 silverware is manufactured in the US (provide production site address), if your flatware is available on GSA (please provide GSA number), and any past experience.

If you do not send a capabilities statement with the items mentioned above addressed as requested you will not be considered.

-Please email capabilities statement to [email protected] & [email protected] no later than December 22nd 5pm EST.