Compostable / Biodegradable trash bags, cutlery / flatware / utensils, and cups

Requesting Agency Minnesota Army National Guard This is a Sources Sought Synopsis for the purpose of conducting market research, and obtaining industry information ONLY. The information will be used for identifying potential sources interested and having the capability of providing biodegradable/compostable trash bags, forks, knives, spoons, and hot beverage cups. This is not a solicitation announcement for quotations, proposals or bids and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. No proposals are being requested, nor accepted at this time. The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of interest from Small Business concerns including 8(a), Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). The USPFO for Minnesota will use this information to develop an acquisition strategy for the upcoming biodegradable/compostable requirement. If you respond to this notice, you may be invited to one or more future solicitations in regards to the referenced requirement. We will announce and post any future solicitations separately. No reimbursement will be made for any cost associated with providing information in response to this announcement and/or any follow-up information request. Scope: Supply contract to provide an environmentally friendly solution for trash bags, cutlery and beverage cups for the MN Army National Guard (MN ARNG). The details of the requirements are as follows: A. Biodegradable/Compostable forks, knives, and spoons: Estimated annual use is 5 million forks, 5 million knives, 5 million spoons B. Biodegradable/Compostable 45 gallon Trash Bags (prefer 1 mil bag thickness): Estimated annual use is 1.1 million bags C. Biodegradable/Compostable Hot Beverage Cup: 8 oz to 12 oz, approximately 200,000 cups Vendor must be capable of invoicing through Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF), with payment to one location. Payments cannot be made to multiple locations. All interested small business concerns will provide this office the following: (1) A statement of positive intent to submit a quote; (2) Company Name, address, point of contact, telephone number, email address and Website address; (3) DUNS and/or CAGE number (4) Small Business status, to include 8a, HUBZone, SBD, SDVOSB, large / small business etc. Status of 8(a) or HUBzone contractors will be verified by the Small Business Administration (SBA); (5) A brief outline of resources that would be used to accomplish the requirement. In the event sufficient small business contractors are not available for adequate competition for this requirement, it will be advertised as unrestricted. Submissions should be sent via email to scott.p.beeman.mil@mail.mil no later than 27 June 2016. The Government anticipates making an award before the end of the FY 16 fiscal year, which ends on 30 Sep 16. The proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), code for these requirements will be 424990. The small business size standard will be 500.