Request for Information (RFI) - Emergency Notification System (ENS)

BACKGROUND: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is the security and law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State (DOS). DS is a world leader in international investigations, threat analysis, cyber security, counterterrorism, security technology, and protection of people, property, and information. Its primary mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. The Office of Security Technology (ST) supports the DS mission through the application and use of appropriate technical security countermeasures. In support of these responsibilities, DS uses an Emergency Notification System (ENS). ENS is a public address system used to immediately alert personnel in the event of a perceived or actual threat. To accomplish this, the ENS sends multiple pre-recorded tones and verbal instructions throughout DOS facilities. The ENS system can also be triggered by a contact closure which initiates a specific pre-recorded tone and voice instructions. The combined ENS and this other system are required to respond in the shortest possible time without additional human intervention. System response time, from stand-by to full output to the speakers, must be less than one second for any given input. Tones and automated voice announcements must be at least 15 dB sound pressure level above ambient noise and intelligible in all normally occupied areas of a building and the surrounding compound. The ENS must consist of sound generation, amplification, distribution, and control components and be able to function on a non-internet network. The system must be scalable due to diversity of worldwide DOS facilities. DS is seeking commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products for this application. While potential vendors may suggest an item that is a modification of an existing product, the requirement of any future procurement will be a COTS product that is available for sale to the U.S. government or a U.S. government contractor or sub-contractor. OBJECTIVE: This is a RFI as outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR-52.215-3, Oct 1997). The purpose is to accomplish extensive market research relating to the ENS. The government is seeking information regarding the availability and feasibility of attracting providers to support the requirements of the DOS, DS, ST, Facility Security Engineering (FSE) Division. Issuance of this notice is solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), or a commitment on the part of the government to conduct a solicitation for the below-listed products in the future. Responders are advised that the government will not pay for information submitted in response, nor will it compensate responders for any costs incurred in the development/furnishing of a response. Please note that a decision not to submit a response will not preclude a vendor from participating in any future solicitation. At this time, there is no requirement for a facility security clearance or for cleared staff under the National Industrial Security Program. However, if a respondent participates in the National Industrial Security Program and has facility and personnel clearances, that information should be provided in the response. The company must have a robust technical support group to provide user, installation, and repair documentation; technical and software updates/revisions; and training, as may be needed by the U.S. Government. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE: 1. Responses must be limited to 20 letter-size pages or less, single-spaced, in Microsoft Word or Portable Document format (PDF), using Calibri 14-point font. 2. Include your company Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, CAGE code, company point of contact (POC) and socioeconomic status under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 238320, or other relevant and appropriate NAICS codes. 3. Respondents must indicate whether their firm is a small or large business. If small, indicate the classification. 4. Respondents must indicate whether they offer the required services on ANY Federal Supply Schedules. If so, please list the schedule numbers. 5. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid DS, please segregate and clearly mark proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions become the property of the U.S. Government and will not be returned. Formatting: The responses should be in the following format/order: 1. General Business Information: Provide general information about your business, to include the information contained in this document as well as any National Industrial Security Program clearance information. 2. Requirements: Address requirements contained this document; weight and detail paragraphs and bullets, as appropriate. 3. Sample Scenario: Provide a sample bill of materials for the sample scenario and describe in detail how to lay out and configure your solution. 4. Experience: Provide experience, capabilities, contracts, and customer information, as appropriate. 5. Points of contact: List one or more points of contact for your company. 6. Summary: Provide brief concluding remarks, as appropriate. How to Respond: There will be NO compensation for responses to this Sources Sought notice. All participation is purely voluntary and shall result in no costs to the Government. Please submit your response no later than 2:00 PM Eastern Time, December 15, 2023, with electronic copies sent to the contracting officer. Please further reference the enclosed word document attachment for further information regarding the Mandatory Requirements with respect to the ENS (Emergency Notification System).