DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY (DTRA) COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION (CTR) BIOLOGICAL THREAT REDUCTION PROGRAM (BTRP) SOUTH AFRICA PHYSICAL SECURITY PROJECT

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY (DTRA) COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION (CTR) BIOLOGICAL THREAT REDUCTION PROGRAM (BTRP) SOUTH AFRICA PHYSICAL SECURITY PROJECT Synopsis: This is a Request for Information (RFI). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. This notice is for MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY, and in no way obligates the United States Government to issue a solicitation or otherwise make a contract award. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Cooperative Threat Reduction Directorate, Biological Threat Reduction Program (DTRA/CTR-BTRP) is seeking eligible performers who are qualified to conduct and accomplish the requirements specified in this RFI. Background: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) initiated BTRP to secure and consolidate Select Agents and Toxins (as identified on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture Select Agent and Toxin list); and enhance biosurveillance, biosafety, and biosecurity standards in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Guidelines. To achieve its nonproliferation mission, BTRP works collaboratively with partner nations, U.S. Government agencies, and the international community to enhance disease detection, diagnosis, surveillance, and reporting capabilities; develop human resource expertise in public and animal health; promote safe and secure laboratory working environments; and consolidate pathogens of security concern into a minimal number of safe and secure facilities in a sustainable manner. Purpose and Objectives: DTRA has engaged the Republic of South Africa (RSA) through BTRP to enhance Biosafety and Biosecurity (BS&S) and Biosurveillance (BSV) capabilities. BTRP works collaboratively with the RSA to detect, diagnose, and report emerging and re-emerging diseases of international security concern, following the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), World Health Organization for Animal Health Guidelines (OIE), and international best practices. The Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI), the flagship institution of Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is mandated with maintaining the health of South Africa's national herds and wildlife. OVI carries out this mandate by providing diagnostic services for export purposes; providing scientific support for Veterinary Services in effective risk management; delivering world-class veterinary research; conducting research activities with a focus on the development and improvement of vaccines and diagnostic tests; applying the latest molecular biological techniques; promoting animal health and welfare; and providing a wide spectrum of training programs for veterinarians and associated professions in skills development and capacity building. OVI is located on a large, multi-functional campus encompassing approximately 2,562.37 hectares (6,332 acres). Roads, houses, business, and squatters separate some portions of the campus. The ARC owns the entire campus, as well as all facilities located on the campus, and does not share any facilities with any other organizations. The implementation of physical security and emergency power measures are necessary to ensure the safe and secure operation of OVI's diagnostic laboratories. General Requirements: The following are capabilities and requirements the U.S. Government may request in order to satisfy the criteria of the scope as outlined below and subsequently may issue a Request for Proposal (RFP). Capabilities: 1. Must possess past experience in designing and building complex structures in South Africa and/or other resource constrained locations. 2. Be able to obtain licenses, certifications, and assessments that are required to operate within South Africa 3. Have working knowledge of Value Added Tax (VAT) reimbursement mechanisms, preferably within South Africa and/or other African regions. 4. Be familiar with South African construction regulations and applicable engineering laws. 5. Must have demonstrated ability to complete the requirements of this type of project within twenty (22) months, without any delay and in light of continuing impacts from COVID-19. Requirements: Assess, design, and install new physical security and emergency power features, to include but not limited to: 1. Provision and installation of a 1.5m deep concrete slab foundation into the ground on which the perimeter fence will be installed (approximate length: 7 kilometers); 2. Provision and installation of a perimeter fence (Fencing with spikes, minimum height of 3.0 meters) 3. Provision and installation of electric fencing to be installed on top and sides of the perimeter fence, with a minimum of 6 strands linked to an intruder alarm system (approximate length: 7 kilometers); 4. Provision and installation of Perimeter Intruder Detection System (PIDS) Beams, approximately 1 meter apart, to cover the length of the perimeter fence 5. Provision and installation of 400W flood light security lighting around the perimeter fence (approximately 60 lights); 6. Provision and installation of approximately 17 secure doors and access card readers, to include installation of solid wooden doors for offices with 5 lever/cylinder security locks at several locations on the campus. : 7. Provision and installation of secure windows at the security control room, to include 5 bullet proof windows and burglar bars on windows with glazing. 8. Provision and installation of closed circuit television (CCTV), digital video recorders (DVR), and network video recorders (NVR), including but not limited to the use of dome cameras, bullet cameras, covert cameras, and PTZ cameras with video analytics and video motion detection, including: 1. Minimum 60 cameras to be installed along the perimeter fence with approximately 170 CCTV cameras with 360 coverage at designated locations around campus. 2. Cameras must include retention period of 30 days minimum on motion only/video motion detection. 9. CCTV equipment will be integrated into the system-wide monitoring network located in the main administrative building. 10. Remove stair access to Biobank roof and provide an alternative secure means of access. 11. Remove Biobank garage door and replace with a solid wall. As part of your submittal, please provide the full spectrum of project management and integration support to satisfy the requirements and work closely with DTRA and its designated stakeholders, which may include other DTRA departments, US interagency partners, and international partners and organizations. Response Requirements: The U.S. Government invites sources that have the capability to meet these parameters and would have an interest to bid on a requirement of similar objectives to respond to this RFI. Responses shall be limited to eight (8) pages. Company information shall not exceed one (1) full page. Pages not included in the total page count are the cover page, the cover letter, and the table of contents. Any and all information submitted in response to this notice is strictly voluntary and in no way obligates the U.S. Government to a monetary compensation or otherwise to make a contract award. The U.S. Government will not return any submitted data and information. The responder may solicit input on technical aspects of the responses from non-government consultants/experts bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements. Submission Instructions: Responses shall be limited to eight (8) 8x11 pages and shall: 1. Confirm interest in meeting purpose and objectives provided 2. Demonstrate ability to meet all of the general requirements and capabilities 3. Provide past experience on information as it pertains to the following: 1. Designing and building a laboratory in a resource constrained location internationally, preferably in Africa 2. Developing and implementing highly-technical training plans. 4. Identify any aspects of the requirements and capabilities that cannot be met, any issues/concerns with the requirements as stated, and proposed solutions to address or remedy the issues/concerns identified Responses must address each of these 4 areas, with each section clearly labeled (e.g. 1 - Interest, 2 - Ability, 3 - Past Experience, and 4 - Issues/Concerns.) The submissions should provide administrative information to include the following: 1. Company Information: * Company name, CAGE Code, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). * Name, mailing address, phone number, e-mail of designated point of contact. 2. Questionnaire: * Is your company currently providing similar services under any U.S. Government contracts? * If yes, for which agency(s)? What is/are the contract number(s)? What contract type? Who is/are the Contracting Officer(s) and Administrative Contracting Officer(s)? What are their pertinent phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc.? What types of labor categories are you providing under these contracts? * How long has your company been providing these types of services? How long has your company provided this type of service to the Federal/DoD/State government? * Which NAICS codes do you perform this service under? Which code(s) do you feel best represent this requirement? * Does your company meet any of the criteria for consideration as a - small business under U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)? The responder should provide information with the subject COMPANY NAME_South Africa OVI Physical Security Project . Electronic responses are required and shall be submitted to Kadra Abdi, Contract Specialist, and copy Gage Levac at gage.n.levac.civ@mail.mil no later than March 16, 2023 at 1:00PM ET. All emails should include in the subject line the RFI number and the submitting organization's name. All documentation shall become the property of the Government. Disclaimer and Important Notes: This is a Request for Information. There is no solicitation available at this time. Requests for solicitations and inquiries related to same will not receive a response. THIS NOTICE IS PUBLISHED FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY, AND IN NO WAY OBLIGATES THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION OR OTHERWISE MAKE A CONTRACT AWARD. Any and all information submitted in response to this synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this notice and shall become the property of DTRA. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organizations qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, DTRA BTRP may issue a pre-solicitation synopsis and an RFP. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation which may be published in the future. Confidentiality: No classified or confidential information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). Any proprietary information should be clearly marked.