X -- KATRINA RELIEF - Possible Effort To Establish A Distribution Facility in Mississippi

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking sources to provide a fully functioning distribution facility in Mississippi. 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, is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Interested vendors are encouraged to provide information regarding capabilities to meet this requirement. Please provide information not later than 1500 EST on 21 September 2005. This distribution facility will provide support to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Its function will be to receive, store, and issue all donation items targeted for Katrina relief efforts and may also include receipt of returned items found to be not required. The period of performance for this effort is projected to be eight to twelve months. The total scope would include the following minimum requirements: OPTION 1: 1.Facility Requirements: a.Close proximity to major highways b.300,000 to 400,000 square feet indoor storage space, capable of being configured for rack, bin and open storage. c.500,000 square feet (paved or gravel), adjacent outdoor storage space. 2.Physical security (fencing) 3.Material Handling Equipment (MHE), (forklifts, pallet jacks, container handlers, etc). 4.Office space (desks) for 5 to 10 US Government personnel within warehouse complex. OPTION 2 - Includes Items 1-4 Above Plus: 5.Personnel, consisting of: a.Site Manager and Alternate Site Manager, with minimum qualifications to include that each possess a Bachelors Degree and a minimum of five years experience in a leadership capacity in a comprehensive distribution environment, to include functions such as receiving, storage, inventory and shipping. In lieu of a Bachelors Degree, the Site Manager and Alternate Site Manager may substitute five to ten years of progressive experience in a comprehensive distribution environment. b.Six Distribution Supervisors, with minimum qualifications to include 5 years experience in distribution operations, capability of operating MHE, and obtaining required license(s) and/or certification(s). c.Approximately Twelve Equipment Operators, capable of operating MHE and obtaining required license(s) and/or certification(s). d.Approximately 50 Warehouse Laborers, capable of storing and retrieving items and lifting up to 50 pounds. DLA will explore two options to fulfill this requirement. Option 1 is for offerors to provide just the facility requirements addressed in one through four above. Option 2 is for offerors to provide all requirements (1 - 5). All interested Offerors should provide a brief capability statement of how you will provide the requirements addressed in Option 1. If the Offeror is interested and capable of providing Option 2, a separate capability statement shall be submitted in addition to their Option 1 capability statement. The capability statement should include contractor's business size and socioeconomic status, the location of the facility and an estimate of how much lead time would be required to obtain MHE. If exploring Option 2, the capability statement must address the lead time associated with personnel requirements. If DLA releases a solicitation it plans on doing so pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) or 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (2), - Unusual and Compelling Urgency. 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. This sources sought notice does not obligate the Government. Point of Contact is Brian Rose, telephone 717-770-4673; e-mail brian.rose@dla.mil.