The Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. The Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicles Division (DEAV) provides worldwide support to posts with supplies directly supporting the DS mission. With ongoing world events, DEAV continues to evolve with the mission and subsequent requirements, and often has a fluctuating need for products depending on external and unforeseeable events.

The Office of Acquisition Management (AQM) is conducting this Sources Sought on behalf of DEAV to identify contractors who possess the capabilities, availability, and adequacy to provide an “equal” to the brand name Point Blank Enterprises Hilite AXIIIA Soft armor, concealable, with (2) White Carriers, and Extra Carrier, black.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

As permitted by FAR Part 10, this is a market research tool being utilized for informational and planning purposes. Your responses will assist the Government in the development of its acquisition strategy for a possible Request for Quote (RFQ), to be issued at a later date, and in determining whether there are “equal” products with the specifications listed in Attachment 1. 

This notice shall not be construed as a RFQ or as any commitment or obligation on the part of the Government to issue a solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this request, so quotes will not be considered. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this synopsis or any follow-up information requests.

Response is strictly voluntary - it is not mandatory to submit a response to this notice to participate in any formal RFQ process that may take place in the future. However, it should be noted that information gathered through this notice may significantly influence our acquisition strategy. All interested parties will be required to respond separately to any solicitations posted as a result of this sources sought notice.

Responses via email are due on or before COB March 4, 2020 to Katherine L. Vultaggio at [email protected] and must include the information requested below. Responses greater than 20 single-sided pages (including all attachments) will not be considered. Late responses will not be accepted. This is strictly market research and the Government will not entertain any questions.

Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. We appreciate your interest and thank you in advance for responding to the Sources Sought.

Qualified firms shall submit a statement of interest on company letterhead demonstrating the firm’s qualifications to provide “Equal” products.  Responses must be complete and sufficiently detailed to address the specific information. The documentation shall address, at a minimum, the following:

(1) Complete and submit Attachment 1 along with product description/ specifications and testing reports that clearly demonstrates that is an equivalent product. Request specifications be included (i.e. no yes/no answers only)

(2) Company Profile and Product Pricing Information

a. Company name and address;

b. Affiliate information: parent company, joint venture partners, and potential teaming partners;

c. Two points of contact (names, titles, phone numbers and email addresses);

d. DUNS number and CAGE Code, as registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at http://www.Beta.sam.gov/:

e. GSA Federal Supply Schedule and Price List.

f. Small Business designation/status (must correlate with SAM registration):

_____ Small business                               

_____ WOSB

_____ 8(a)                                                    

_____ VOSB

_____ SDVOSB                                          

_____ HUBZone

_____ Small Disadvantaged Business   

_____ OTHER