36 -- The Social Security Administration (SSA) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the OPEX Corporation

The Social Security Administration (SSA) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the OPEX Corporation for the purchase of specialized high-volume incoming mail extracting equipment, specifically OPEX model MPE 7.5 multi-purpose mail extractors (quantity 2) with the following features/optional features included: Sort Module/ Thick Stacker/ Orienter/ Milling Cutter. This specialized mail extracting system is designed to automatically extract pre-qualified checks and documents from windowed and non-windowed envelopes for efficient document processing in high-volume environments. The SSA has previously conducted extensive market research and determined that the OPEX MPE 7.5 multi-purpose mail extractor with the aforementioned features is the only device of its type that can meet the Government's high-volume incoming mail extraction requirements, and that OPEX Corporation is the sole source for purchase of this specific equipment. Any responsible firm that sells mail extraction machines capable meeting or exceeding the following minimum performance specifications: 1) Input Feed speed capability of 7500 pieces per hour; 2) Parcel thickness detection; 3) Parcel metal detection; 4) Three-sided cutting capability with edge milling; 5) Parcel extraction and extraction verification capability; 6) Extraction & Stacking of Multi-Document Transactions; 7) Extraction & Stacking of Three-Piece Transactions; 8) Sortation capability that detects for metal and thickness for exception processing; 9) Thick Stacking capability that removes envelope contents for stacking (up to twelve differing paper thicknesses); 10) Parcel content reuniting capability; 11) Orienting capability that places checks and documents into appropriately oriented position; 12) Microsoft Windows compatibility; 13) capability to handle both windowed and non-windowed envelopes, with different lengths and heights (length: 5.5 inches to 9.38 inches, height: 2.75 inches to 4.25 inches), may respond in writing no later than September 10, 2004 with capability statements and specifications information describing in FULL DETAIL their product's capabilities to accomplish SSA's objective. Additionally, respondents should cite specific examples of their experience in providing machines of this type to other very high volume mail handling operations. Interested parties that feel they can provide these products may respond by submitting their capability statement by email to contact@example.gov by September 10, 2004. All responses shall be marked - CAPABILITY STATEMENT-High Volume Mail Extracting Equipment. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. THIS NOTICE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITION FOR OFFERS. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no responses are received by the cutoff date (September 10, 2004), the SSA will proceed with sole source negotiations with OPEX Corporation. Again, all questions and submissions in response to this notice must be submitted in writing to the e-mail address listed above. Telephone calls regarding this matter will not be accepted, nor will they be returned.