99 -- Bulk Mailing Services

This is a bridge contract with United Parcel Service (UPS) for bulk mail distribution services for the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Federal Student Aid. Bulk mail will be picked up in Jessup, Maryland and shipped all over the Continental United States and some foreign provinces. An overall description of the services to be performed is as follows: pick up packages at the ED mailing warehouse, provide package status/tracking and delivery services, deliver packages to all street addresses and P.O. Boxes, obtain signatures at time of delivery, maintain and update tracking system. These tasks and requirements will be performed in accordance with the policies, procedures, and provisions for automated in the Title IV Programs and the Department of Education. The contract is slated for a 6-month extension (April 1,2004 -September 30, 2004) with an option to extend service for another 4 months until January 31, 2005. FSA plans to incorporate the UPS bulk mail distribution requirement in a pending ED solicitation/requirement (called ED PUBS) for a customer service center that includes a full range of customer-focused warehouse management, contact center, customer relationship management, product order, storage, mail distribution services, etc. The ED PUBS solicitation will be issued through the Department of Education via separate procurement and different office. Interested parties for the 6-month bridge contract and option can submit capabilities statements by 12:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time, March 3, 2004 to: U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, 830 First Street, N.E., Room 033F2, Washington, DC 20202. Attention: Carolyn Dickens.