Introduction This is a Sources Sought notice only. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. There is currently no solicitation or additional information available. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to identify qualified business concerns that are interested in and capable of performing the work described herein. This sources sought notice is posted as a market research tool only. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) The availability and capability of qualified sources; (2) the size classification and socioeconomic status (HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; small disadvantaged businesses; or large business), relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition - NAICS 311119 - Other Animal Food Manufacturing; and (3) feedback for the Statement of Work - interested vendors are asked to pay special attention to the highlighted areas in the SOW and provide feedback, as appropriate regarding concerns, clarity, cost impacts, or any other suggestions. The Government will utilize this information in determining an acquisition strategy, including whether a set-aside is possible. The provided information will also serve as a feedback mechanism, in an effort to strengthen the Statement of Work in the resulting solicitation package. Background U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) seeks a contractor to furnish laboratory rodent feed, in accordance with NIH specifications, as described in the Statement of Work. Capability Statement Vendors that believe they possess the capabilities necessary to undertake this work should submit complete documentation of their capabilities to the Contracting Officer. Submitted capability statements should address the following: 1) Company Name, Address, Point of Contact; 2) DUNS number ; 3) Business Size and Socioeconomic Status; 4) Service Capability Statement, outlining previous requirements that are similar to the animal feed requirement in which the organization and proposed personnel have participated; 5) Statement of Work (SOW) suggestions, concerns, cost impact of highlighted areas, questions, and any other pertinent feedback; 6) Examples of similar facilities for which the services have been provided; 7) Proof of applicable certification; and 8) Any other information considered relevant to this requirement. The capability statement may not exceed 10 single-sided pages in length and must be submitted using a 12-point font size minimum. Interested vendors are required to identify their size standards in accordance with the Small Business Administration. The Government intends to negotiate a single-award, Indefinite Quantity Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ) award utilizing FAR Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures, FAR Subpart 13.5-Test Program for Certain Commercial Items, FAR 16.5-Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, and FAR Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items. The government intends on awarding on a Firm, Fixed Price basis, for a period of five years, with an approximate award date of April 1, 2016. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in the response. Prospective contractors are reminded that, in accordance with FAR 4.11, registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is required prior to award of any resulting contract or agreement. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in response to this notice. 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 organization's 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 review of the responses received, a combined synopsis/solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. The solicitation release date is pending. Capability statements must include the name and telephone numbers of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss responses with Government representatives. Capability statements in response to this market survey that do not provide sufficient information for evaluation will be considered non-responsive. When submitting the requested information, please reference the solicitation notice number. All capability statements sent in response to this Sources Sought Notice must be submitted to the contracting officer via e-mail at Nicole.Humphrey@nih.gov. All responses must be received by the specified due date and time in order to be considered. Telephonic inquiries will not be accepted.
