R -- Provide and operate contractor owned, contractor operated distribution depot in Kuwait

Sources SoughtDistribution Center, Kuwait The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking sources to provide a fully functioning distribution depot in Kuwait. This request is for information prior to drafting and releasing any resultant solicitation. The information contained in this notice is based on the best and most current information available to date, and is subject to change and is not binding. Interested parties are encouraged to provide information requested herein regarding capabilities to meet this requirement. Please provide information prior to close of business on 1 October 2004. The requirement is to provide facilities and services in support of a Contractor-Owned/Contractor Operated distribution depot in Kuwait. If DLA releases a solicitation it plans on doing so utilizing full and open competition. This distribution depot shall provide support to all operations within the CENTCOM AOR. The period of performance for this effort is projected to be a two year base period with three (3) one (1) year options. The scope of this effort shall include: providing facilities (inclusive of collocated indoor and outdoor storage space, to be 1 Million SQFT each), infrastructure (IT network, MHE), storage aids, supplies (Preservation, Packing, Packaging, and Marking materials), physical security for the facility (fencing around the entire facility, guards, etc), and manpower to process approximately 810,000 receipt and issue transactions per year during the period of performance and manage the storage of inventory. The operating system that will be used to run this distribution center will be a government system, Distribution Standard System (DSS); or a commercial Warehouse Management System (WMS), provided by the contractor. DSS has stringent security requirements IAW DoD Directive 5200.28 in authorizing access to this system and will limit the contractor in selecting employees. All personnel who will have DSS access must be US Citizens, and must have a National Agency Check (NAC) initiated prior to requesting access to DSS. The WMS will consist of all IT equipment (computers, printers, and all necessary peripherals), software programs for WMS functionality, and maintenance of IT equipment/software required to process orders placed through the Department of Defense (DoD) Military Standards Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP), Military Standard Transaction Reporting and Accounting Procedures (MILSTRAP), and the DLMS X-12 equivalent to MILSTRIP/MILSTRAP formatting. Transactions must be processed on a daily,real-time basis for delivery to CONUS and OCONUS destinations. The Government will determine which mamagement software (DSS or WMS) will be utilized for this requirement prior to posting the solicitation. The solicitation will include all requirements. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this sources sought announcement alone or otherwise pay for the information solicited. The DDC is seeking information to determine if commercial sources in Kuwait can provide the government's minimum requirements as shown below: 1. 1,000,000 square feet indoor storage space, capable of being configured for rack, bin and open storage. 2. 1,000,000 square feet (paved or gravel), adjacent outdoor storage space with lighting and drainage. 3. Physical security (walls, fencing, barriers, guards, etc). 4. Material Handling Equipment (MHE), (forklifts, pallet jacks, container handlers, etc). 5. Personnel, consisting of: a. Site Manager, with minimum qualifications: i. Fluency in speaking, reading and writing the English language. ii. 10 years experience in distribution operations, with at least 5 years management experience. iii. Thorough knowledge in Host Country infrastructure, labor availability, labor regulations, environmental laws and standards. b. Alternate Site Manager, with minimum qualifications: i. Fluency in speaking, reading and writing the English language. ii. 5 years experience in distribution operations, with at least 2 years management experience. iii. Thorough knowledge in Host Country infrastructure, labor availability, labor regulations, environmental laws and standards. c. Distribution Supervisors, (one of whom may be the Alternate Site Manager) with minimum qualifications: i. Fluency in speaking, reading and writing the English language. ii. 5 years experience in distribution operations. iii. Capable of operating MHE, and obtain required license(s) and/or certification(s). d. DSS Systems Operators, capable of: i. Fluency in speaking, reading and writing the English language. ii. Experience in DSS or commercial warehouse management system operation. iii. Citizen of USA. iv. National Agency Check (NAC) initiated. e. WMS Systems Operators, capable of: i. Fluency in speaking, reading and writing the English language. ii. Experience in commercial warehouse management system operation or DSS equivalent. f. Equipment Operators, capable of: i. Operating MHE, and obtain required license(s) and/or certification(s). ii. Fluency in speaking and reading the English language. g. Warehouse Labor, capable of: i. Storing and retrieving items. ii. Lift 50 pounds. iii. Fluency in speaking and reading the English language. h. Guard Personnel, capable of: i. Fluency in speaking and reading the English language. ii. Experience in physical security operations. 6. The following Information Technology (IT) infrastructure is required to support the warehouse operation system: a. 10/100 LAN with 10 base T CAT 6 wiring and RJ45 connectors b. Separate and distinct network and cabling below the router/offsite connect (dual network) to support the RF requirement c. Two T-1 broadband connections or equivalent (e.g. E1) for all inter-site communications requirements and internet access. d. WMS Software and Hardware with all required peripherals and cabling. NOTE: DDC will provide the warehouse operation system hardware and software (DSS) from CONUS if that system is determined to be in the Governments interest. 7. Office space (desks) for 10 US Government personnel within warehouse complex. 8. Force Protection Security for the facility. 9. Transportation services to pick up or deliver material, within Kuwait from/to US DoD facilities and units, or ports of arrival/departure. Interested Offerors shall provide a brief capability statement addressing the above required capabilities, including location of facility and an estimate of how much total lead time would be required to provide a complete operational facility after award. This lead time should include the total requirement to build and configure the warehouse, obtain MHE, install Information Technology infrastructure, etc; in order to provide a complete operational facility. If necessary, provide two timelines to reflect lead times for both DSS software and WMS software. Please provide capability statements by e-mail no later than 4:00 EST, 01 October 2004 to: ollen.burnette@dla.mil For additional information or questions please contact: Ollen Burnette Contract Specialist Defense Distribution Center Command Support Services (717) 770-6081