Contractor Operated Civil Engineer Supply Store (COCESS) RFI

Barksdale AFB, Louisiana -- 2d Contracting Squadron is seeking industry feedback for assistance in drafting a solicitation for a Contractor Operated Civil Engineer Supply Store (COCESS) serivice/commodities contract. In accordance with FAR 16.203, and prescribed in clause 52.216-2, an economic price adjustment (EPA) will be incorporated when the contracting officer determines it is necessary either to protect the contractor and the Government against significant fluctuations in labor or material costs or to provide for contract price adjustment in the event of changes in the contractor�s established prices. EPA will be based on established prices and contractors have an affirmative responsibility to request equitable adjustments for price inflation as well as deflation. This REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) is being issued to help determine which commodities (on attached list) would most likely be subject to price fluctuations as a result of economic factors and require an EPA on a periodic basis. Additionally, we�re looking for industry feedback on what the frequency should be with performing EPAs. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP), NOR IS IT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ). It is not to be construed as a commitment by the requesting party to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals nor quotes. No award will be made as a result of this RFI. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this RFI. This FedBizOps sources sought notice is strictly for market research. Acknowledgment of receipt of response will not be made, nor will respondents be notified of Government's evaluation of the information received. As a result of this RFI, the Government may issue a RFP; however, should such requirements materialize, no basis for claims against the Government shall arise as a result of a response to the RFI (e.g. use of such information as either part of its evaluation process or in developing specifications for any subsequent requirement). All respondents are requested to identify their firm's size and type of business (e.g large business, small business, service disabled, HUB zone, 8(a), etc.) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 332510, size standard 500 employees. Please respond by 1600 CST, 14 March 2011. Please provide: 1. Recommendations on which commodities should be subject to an EPA. 2. Brief explanation of why recommended commodities should be subject to an EPA. (ex. rising/decreasing costs in market, supply shortages, etc.) 3. Recommended frequency to conduct an EPA. 4. Business size and type. 5. Recommendation of what the aggregate of increases in contract unit price should be. (ex. 10 percent)