TABLET PC REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS TABLET PC REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Participation in this RFI is optional and not required in order to respond to any subsequent procurement this Contracting Agency may take. A. INTRODUCTION The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employs Tablet PC computers as the mobile computer solution for conducting data collection activities for the Computer Assisted Data Collection (CADC) operation of the BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current model Tablet PC used for CADC activities has been in use since 2005. In recognition of the ongoing evolutionary improvement in computer equipment performance, capacity, and features, the BLS is giving consideration to advancing its Tablet PC fleet of approximately 700 computers and required accessories. The BLS is developing its requirement for the next model of Tablet PCs for conducting CPI CADC activities. B. BACKGROUND The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics. The BLS is an independent national statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to the American public, the U.S. Congress, other Federal agencies, state and local governments, business, and labor interests. The BLS also serves as a statistical resource to the Department of Labor (DOL). The BLS is the principle agency within the Department of Labor responsible for fulfillment of the Department's mission "To foster and promote the welfare of the job seekers, wage earners, and retirees of the United States by tracking changes in employment, prices, and other national economic measurements." C. PURPOSE OF REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to assist the BLS as it conducts a market research of Tablet PC and associated accessories. This RFI provides Tablet PC manufacturers an opportunity to educate the BLS on their tablet products and other innovations which meet or exceed the minimum BLS requirements as defined in Attachment 1. The BLS is also interested in product demonstration of recommended systems. Through this process, the BLS is intending to refine its acquisition requirements upon learning of new and relevant innovations and product roadmaps. The BLS intends to purchase approximately 700 systems and required accessories to provide the computing capabilities for data collection, systems development, training, and support inventory for the Computer Assisted Data Collection (CADC) activities of the BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI). D. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The BLS National and six (6) Regional Offices will utilize the Tablet PC. The BLS CPI CADC activities are performed nationwide in the United States. The Tablet PC employed for these activities shall support this geographical scope of usage. E. PRICING: Please provide pricing on the recommended system(s) that will meet or exceed our minimum requirements as defined in Attachment 1. The price shall include the Tablet PC computer (with operating system, ac power adapter, battery, battery charger, specified ports, audio, and communications features), the warranty (for a minimum 3-year performance period), and the accessories listed below for two styles of Tablet PC computers. - Convertible style Tablet PC: 1. Mouse 2. Docking station 3. CDRW/DVD 4. Auto Adapter 5. Harsh environment case - Slate style Tablet PC: 1. Mouse 2. Docking station 3. CDRW/DVD 4. Auto Adapter 5. Keyboard 6. Harsh environment case F. DELIVERY: The actual purchase of these units may occur in fiscal years 2009 and 2010. The actual Purchase will be on a three or four phase basis that will be defined later in the acquisition process. The delivery will probably begin in October 2009 and extend beyond January 2010. Question to Participants: What is the delivery time on the recommended system(s)? G. ASSEMBLY OF INFORMATION REQUESTED: Your response shall be limited to no more than 4 pages per recommended system. Include cover letter, cover page, and table of contents in your submission. Also, please submit 10 copies of your presentation to the Contract Specialist listed below. Presentations can be sent via email or delivered to the address below by the 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday, November 10, 2008. Text shall be in US English with font size no less than 12 pt. Each submission shall address the BLS minimum Requirements for Tablet PCs (Attachment 1). BLS will use the information provided as recommended input that will lead the Government to develop a comprehensive procurement strategy and to develop a resulting solicitation. Any information used will be on a non-attribution basis. Restrictions that would limit the Government's ability to use the information for these purposes are of limited value to the Government and are discouraged. All responses shall be submitted to Colieen Thompkins at Thompkins.colieen@bls.gov. Inquiries For questions and further information please contact: Colieen Thompkins, Contract Specialist Bureau of Labor Statistics 2 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Room 1830 Washington DC 20212 (202) 691-6074 Email: Thompkins.colieen@bls.gov Or Judy Bowie Bureau of Labor Statistics 2 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Room 1830 Washington DC 20212 (202) 691-6090 Email: Bowie.Judy@bls.gov There is no commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, to make an award or awards, or to be responsible for any monies expended by any interested parties in support of any effort in response to this RFI. Any information submitted in response to this RFI is strictly voluntary. This RFI is strictly for information planning purposes and the Government will not pay or otherwise reimburse respondents for information submitted. It is the responsibility of interested sources to monitor this site for the release of any follow-on information. All documentation shall become the property of the Government. Unless otherwise stated herein, no additional information is available. Requests for same, or to communicate, or meet with technical representatives, will be disregarded.