Consultative Services for the Ergonomics Program at the Food and Drug Administration (Nationwide)

This is not a solicitation announcement. This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) only. This SSN is issued solely for market research and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Quotations (RFQ) or a promise to issue an RFQ in the future. Further, the SSN does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The FDA is not seeking proposals and will not accept any unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this SSN; all costs associated with responding to this SSN will be solely at the expense of the interested respondents. Not responding to this SSN does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if issued. The purpose of this sources sought synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential qualified vendors to include large business sources, small business sources and their size classifications (i.e., HUBZone 8(a), 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-owned, Veteran-Owned, Women-Owned Small Business, and Small Disadvantaged Business) relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice will be used by the Government to make appropriate determinations about potential sources. Project Title: Consultative Services for the Ergonomics Program at the Food and Drug Administration Background/Overview: The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires employers to furnish to each of their employees a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm. At the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Center for Employee Safety and Occupational Health (ESOH) provides a comprehensive ergonomics program with focus on a proactive approach to increase productivity, through the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), while reducing the Agency's liability for worker's compensation related costs. ESOH has embarked on an enterprise-wide modernization of the current ergonomics program processes and support methodologies. Coupled with the increased organization office moves, hiring of new FDA employees and laboratory assessment needs, ESOH has requirements that are exceeding the capabilities of the current work force. Purpose: The purpose of this acquisition is to obtain NATIONWIDE contractor support to assist the FDA's, Office of Employee Safety and Occupational Health (ESOH) in facilitating a safe and healthy work environment for FDA employees through ergonomic consultative services. The FDA seeks a certified ergonomist to provide a wide range of ergonomic services. Services are to include, but not be limited to; ergonomic assistance in office workstations, ergonomic equipment handling, laboratory, vivarium, and support space ergonomic consultations. Additionally, the contractor shall provide the FDA with ergonomists to provide: 1) ergonomic education presentations, trainings, and participation at ESOH sponsored health fairs or similar events held periodically, 2) ergonomic consultation regarding the selection of furniture and equipment as needed; and 3) staffing for the Ergonomics Resource Center (ERC) located at the Federal Research Center White Oak located in Silver Spring, Maryland. However, the location for these efforts is nationwide, across the US, in both a virtual assessments and in person assessments to FDA customers. Instructions for Responses: Your responses to the questions provided below will assist the Government in selecting the appropriate acquisition method. Page limit: Maximum 15 pages (font size Times New Roman 11 or larger). In addition to responses to the below questions, each vendor responding to this SSN shall also fill out and provide responses to the Vendor Feedback Form, Attachment B, to this SSN. The Vendor Feedback Form is not included in the 15-page limit. A copy of the company capability statement will also be accepted (but not in place of the responses to the below questions or the Vendor Feedback Form). The anticipated period of performance is a 5-year ordering period. After review of the responses received, a formal solicitation may be published on SAM.gov. Responses to this notice must include company name, address, point of contact, size of business pursuant to the NAICS code, and must respond to the following questions: Is your business a small business under the NAICS code? Does your firm qualify as a Small Disadvantaged Business? If disadvantaged, specify if your firm is certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act? Are you considered a certified HUBZone firm? Are you considered Woman-Owned or operated business? Are you a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned or Veteran-Owned business? Included is a draft Statement of Work that is inclusive of the anticipated Task Areas (Attachment A). All interested parties can provide written opinions/questions on the draft Statement of Work. All opinions/questions expressed should focus on strengthening the draft Statement of Work Tasks to ensure industry understands and comprehends the government's requirements. Responses to this notice shall be submitted via e-mail to Nicholas Bisher, Contracting Officer (Nicholas.bisher@fda.hhs.gov), and Melinda Kim, Contract Specialist (melinda.kim@fda.hhs.gov), by March 25, 2024, at 2:00 pm EST. After a review of the received responses, a formal solicitation may be published on SAM.gov. No solicitation is currently available. This is not a request for proposals and in no way obligates the Government to award any contract. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice will not be considered adequate responses to the solicitation, a request to be added to a prospective offerors list, or a request to receive a copy of the solicitation. Ref. No. 75F40124Q00161 Attachments: Attachment A: Draft Statement of Work Attachment B: Vendor Feedback Form