Request for Information - Third Party Logistics (3PL) for Global Pharmaceutical Supply and Shipment

This request is for market research and informational purposes only. The Department of State (DOS), Office of Acquisition Management, on behalf of the Office of Logistics Operations, and the Office of Medical Services, desires to establish a Third Party Logistics (3PL) logistical support contract to provide global pharmaceutical and medical supply support services to over 200 U.S. Embassies and Consulates (also referred to in this document as "posts") around the world. The contractor would ideally provide end to end support from order placement by the post to receipt by post. This RFI describes the Government's basic requirement, and requests input on how the pharmaceutical/medical supply industry may provide better support than we have been able to achieve in house. The Department of State solicits comments which address: the feasibility of such a contract, the extent to which industry can meet the Government's requirements, the suggested contract type and line item structure, the acquisition approach, strategies for implementation, potential problems, program management, pricing strategies, potential costs, process maps, etc. Perhaps you have great examples of how you support civilian industry or Non-Governmental Organizations overseas. This RFI is being issued in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e). The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of responses to this RFI and the Government's use of such information. If any information is proprietary please mark it as such but we would like as much information as possible to be usable in a request for proposal to be issued to the public. Respondents are encouraged to be as specific as possible in providing suggestions for alternative approaches and solutions. Feedback of a general or non-specific nature is less useful and will have limited utility in refining the acquisition strategy and the content of any future Request for Proposal (RFP). Interested parties may respond to this RFI in accordance with the instructions provided elsewhere in this package. The scope is that we procure about $3M in various pharmaceuticals each year that have to be shipped to about 267 posts around the world all with their own customs requirements, some very onerous. We have provided the list of the top 400 used products but require industry to provide any item we require or a interchangeable product acceptable to the medical professionals at post. Services required to be provided include, but are not limited to: - Receiving orders for pharmaceuticals and other medical products from post customers electronically; - Possible electronic data interface with Department of State procurement systems. - Establishing and maintaining a 24-hour/7 day per week customer order support service; - Purchasing the required items at best possible prices; - Receipt, storage, warehousing, and inventory management of those products prior to shipment; - Packaging and shipment preparation to include medical controlled substances, cold-chain, and HAZMAT products; - Preparing all shipping and Customs paperwork, and obtaining Customs approvals; - Preparing the paperwork and obtaining any applicable national Health Ministry approvals; - Providing international Freight Forwarding services; - Tracking of shipments from point of origin to customer receipt; - Providing quality assurance, quality control, and regular performance information, statistics, and feedback to both the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and to the customers; - Supporting medical contingency and special project initiatives. Bottom line is that we require industry input on how our posts can obtain the drugs and other medical supplies required by our posts in a fast and efficient manner that is not going to cost a fortune in new infrastructure. Please send your information by email to our medical procurement improvement team. Please use all the following email addresses: HalprinandreottaC@state.gov; WaltersJM@state.gov; boufordrw@state.gov; FrankfurtRPSO@state.gov. In order to move this project ahead in a timely manner, please provide you suggestions, company information, and other input not later than May 4, 2011. We would also appreciate you sending a short email by April 20, 2011 indicating that you are interested in helping us and will be making submittal. Based on input received we may ask you some follow on questions. Your assistance in this vital project to potentially improve the health of our employees is greatly appreciated.