Request for Information: Marine Photovoltaic Modules (Solar Panels)

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION NOTICE PURSUANT TO FAR 15.201(e) This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. A solicitation is not being issued at this time and this notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Responses to this RFI will not be returned. Respondents will not be notified of the result of the review. The preferred response method to this RFI is email. Email responses may be sent to Ms. Sandra (Sharkie) Burgert at sandra.m.burgert@uscg.mil, no later than March 9, 2011, 9AM EST. Introduction The Coast Guard Surface Forces Logistics Center, located in Curtis Bay, Baltimore, Maryland, seeks information from potential sources as to their interest and capability in providing marine photo-voltaic modules, as discussed below. Objectives This RFI is being published to identify both interest and industry capabilities of qualified sources to supply 12vdc 10 watt, 20 watt and 40 watt solar photo-voltaic power generating modules. A single module consists of solar cells, blocking diode, metal backing plate, a glass cover, a junction box, and a service cord. The modules will be installed on remote, unmanned stations and buoys in coastal or river environments to serve as the primary power supply for marine aids to navigation (AtoN). Long-term reliable operation of the equipment at these locations is essential. Photovoltaic modules will be used to charge lead-acid batteries connected in 12 volt banks of 100 ampere-hour (AH) and larger. The specification, SFLC number P-422-0250 Rev B, is attached. Detailed module requirements are contained in subsequent sections of this specification. The North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code proposed for the requirement is 334413, Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing, specifically solar cell manufacturing. The size standard for NAICS 334413 is 500 employees. Comments on this NAICS and suggestions for alternatives must include supporting rationale. Proposed Contract Type and Term The U.S. Coast Guard is considering a requirements-type contract for one (1) base year and four (4) option years. Individual delivery orders, when required, would be issued under the contract and would contain the types and quantity of items needed and a delivery due date. Submissions Responses to this notice shall include the following: (1) Company name (2) Address (3) Point of contact (4) Phone, fax, and email (5) DUNS number (6) Business size (7) Small business type (e.g. services disabled veteran owned small business, veteran-owned small business, woman-owned business, Hubzone or 8(a) etc.) (8) A capability statement that addresses the organizations qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor to supply the items described herein (9) Evidence, if any, of experience doing the same or similar type of work (10) Alternative methods, if any (i.e. commercial items, or commercial items with minor modifications), that the company can offer that could potentially meet the needs of the government (11) Any comments related to the proposed NAICS code Submissions are limited to a maximum of 15 pages (single sided). All responses must be submitted to sandra.m.burgert@uscg.mil no later than 9AM EST, March 9, 2011. Point of Contact Sandra (Sharkie) Burgert Contract Specialist Surface Forces Logistics Center 2401 Hawkins Point Road Baltimore, MD 21226-5000 Email: sandra.m.burgert@uscg.mil Phone: 410-762-6546