(i) This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for a commercial item prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement and its addendum constitute the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) This combined synopsis/solicitation number 05000-12-0001 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ).

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 05-53. Provisions and clauses incorporated by reference have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text.
 
(iv) The NAICS code is 921190 "Other General Government Support"; a business size standard is not established for this sector. This combined synopsis/solicitation request for quote (RFQ), is issued unrestricted.

(v) This combined synopsis/solicitation contains five (5) contract line item numbers (CLINS):

0001: Transit Subsidies to include processing fees and shipping & handling
1001: Transit Subsidies to include processing fees and shipping & handling
2001: Transit Subsidies to include processing fees and shipping & handling
3001: Transit Subsidies to include processing fees and shipping & handling
4001: Transit Subsidies to include processing fees and shipping & handling

(vi) This requirement is for the procurement of Transit Checks for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)-bus and rail system, Metra-commuter rail, and Pace-suburban bus service in the Chicago, IL area.

(vii) The resulting award is for one base period from 23 Dec 2011 through 22 Dec 2012 and four (4) one-year option periods.
FOB: 175 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60604.

(viii) The Government anticipates award of a Requirements contract. The Government intends to award one contract as a result of this solicitation; however, the Government reserves the right to award no contract at all, depending on the quality of offers submitted.

(ix) The FAR provisions and clauses are attached and those incorporated by reference can be found in full text at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffara.htm

(xi) Interested parties responding to this announcement shall submit their quote in accordance with FAR 52.212-1 and the attached pricing schedule.

(x) FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. The following evaluation factor shall be used to evaluate offers: Price is the only evaluation factor.

(xi). It is the vendor's responsibility to be familiar with all applicable clauses and provisions. All Offerors must submit representations and certifications in accordance with the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications --Commercial Items, with their offer. FAR 52.212-3 can be downloaded from the internet: http://farsite.hill.af.mil/ or from http://orca.bpn.gov, if registered in ORCA (On-line Representations and Certifications Application). Offerors that fail to furnish the required representation information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation, may be excluded from consideration. All FAR Clauses and provisions incorporated by reference may be viewed in full text via the Internet at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/ or http://www.arnet.gov/far/.

(xii) FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items applies to this acquisition.

(xiii) FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, and its Deviation apply to this acquisition. The following, additional FAR clauses cited in the clause are applicable to this acquisition: 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government Alternate I; 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment; 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies; 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-21 -- Prohibition of Segregated Facilities; 52.222-36 - Affirmative Action for Workers With Disabilities; 52.232-33 - Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer--Central Contractor;

(xiv) The following additional FAR clauses are applicable to this acquisition: FAR 52.203-3 - Gratuities; 52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration; 52.216-18 -- Ordering; 52.216-19 -- Order Limitations; 52.216-21 -- Requirements; 52.223-18 - Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving; 52.225-13 -- Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases, and 52.252-6, Authorized Deviations in Clauses.

(xv). Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating are not applicable to this requirement.

(xvi) Award will be made in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures established in FAR Part 13, to the responsive entity whose evaluated offer or quote conforms to the combined synopsis/solicitation. The Government intends to make award (offer) to the responsive firms without discussions; however, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions. The Government reserves the right to enter into an agreement with other than the lowest priced offeror. The Government intends to enter into an agreement without discussions, nevertheless, the Government may communicate with an offeror in order to clarify or verify information submitted in their offer. The Government reserves the right to eliminate from further considerations, those quotes which are considered unacceptable and not capable of demonstrating acceptability without major quote rewrite or revision.

(xvii). Quotes shall be submitted no later than 12:00 PM EST on November 22, 2011. Quotes shall be sent by electronic mail to the attention of Ms. Anke Taylor at [email protected] and Carnell Mosley at [email protected]. Questions with regard to this quote are due by 12:00 PM, EST on November 14, 2011 and must be sent by electronic mail to [email protected] and [email protected].

Pricing Schedule:

See Attachment

Notes:
1. The SEC expects 242 participants for the base and option period I, 244 for option period II, 246 for option period III, and 248 for option period IV.
2. Orders are placed approximately every other month.
3. Please provide processing fee per check (1 EA).
4. Please provide shipping & handling fee per order (1 EA).
5. The total estimated value of this contract shall not exceed $5 million.