79 -- U.S. COMMERCIAL COMPANY SOUGHT FOR PARTNERSHIP TO PRODUCE MICROFIBER FLAT MOPS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A SELECTED NONPROFIT AGENCY PARTICIPATING IN THE ABILITYONE PROGRAM

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (Committee), the Federal agency that oversees the AbilityOne formerly Javits-Wagner-.O Day (JWOD) Program, is seeking a U.S. commercial company to provide microfiber flat mop cleaning system / product line in conjunction with a selected nonprofit agency to furnish such products to the Federal Government under the AbilityOne (JWOD) Program. The products described must meet and/or exceed the FAR and other published Federal standards, including Executive Orders and applicable agency-unique requirements. To be considered for this commercial partner opportunity, the following criteria, at a minimum, must be met: 1) Possession of a nationally known brand name that can be demonstrated to have significant appeal through evidence of substantial sales. 2) Willingness to enter into a multi-year agreement, which includes technical assistance, with a nonprofit agency that meets the criteria of the AbilityOne Program to manufacture (in whole or in part), package, and distribute the products in question thereby creating employment for people who are blind or severely disabled. 3) Commitment to working with the AbilityOne team to market the products to Government customers under the AbilityOne Program. 4) Willingness to work with the nonprofit agency, NIB and the Committee to ensure that the products' price to end-users is a fair and reasonable price. Additionally, the partnership shall meet the following project specific criteria (appear in order of importance; proposals should address each criteria): 1. Willingness to establish a collaborative manufacturing process which allows for value added tasks to be performed by individuals who are blind or visually impaired through the AbilityOne Program. Ability to provide branded raw materials whereby selected nonprofit agency produces finished products ? meeting suitability criteria for the AbilityOne Program with manufacturing processes such as cutting, stitching operations, assembly, packaging and labeling of products. 2. In addition to microfiber flat mops, the microfiber flat mopping system offering shall include a cleaning solution dispensing unit within handheld hardware. Flat mop products will be chlorine bleach safe for laundering purposes and withstand multiple washings. 3. Additionally, a willingness to offer national sales and training support as well as technical expertise as needed within the federal government marketplace, with special focus on the unique needs of the VA hospitals or healthcare industry. 4. Performance history during the past 24 months (commercial and Government). Past performance is defined as the manufacturer?s record of conforming to standards of good workmanship; adherence to delivery schedules; reputation for reasonable and cooperative behavior; commitment to customer satisfaction; and an overall business-like concern for the interests of the customer. Past performance will be used to determine whether the manufacturer has consistently demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction and to timely delivery of quality goods at fair and reasonable prices. 5. Past experience with a same or similar co-branding partnership. Proposals should include description of partnership; timeframe; partner diversity (small business, minority owned business, etc.); and results. 6. Past experience in Government sales of the microfiber mops and tools line. 7. Geographical location(s) 8. The deadline for response is November 23, 2007.