Sole_Source_Notice_of_Intent.doc

General Information Document Type: Sole Source Notice of Intent Solicitation Number: 75A50119Q00036 Posted Date: September 13, 2019 Response Date: September 17, 2018 Classification Code: 81 NAICS Code: 561910 Contracting Office Address Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Division of Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS), 200 Independence Ave SW, Rm 640,Washington, DC 20201 Description

This is a NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT (as prescribed in FAR 6.302-1(a)(2). This notice of intent is for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Division of Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS), intends to award a sole source contract to Sonoco Protective Solutions, 3930 Ventura Drive, Suite 450, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 for the acquisition of Sonoco Thermo-Safe Endurotherms and Refrigerants Insulated Temperature Shipping Containers.

The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as set forth in FAR Part 6.302-1 - only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirement. The NAICS Code for this procurement is 561910, Packaging and Labeling Services. The period of performance is 12 months.

The logistics unit for the DSNS is responsible for maintaining temperature control of the vaccine assets contained within Cold Chain Management Shippers that will be used for daily customers’ shipments and deployed during an Anthrax event, Smallpox Post Event or other special events. The logistics unit wishes to make an informed decision regarding the acquisition and implementation of Cold-Chain Management Shippers, to establish an acceptable shipping container that meets or exceeds our specific expectations.

The purpose of this requirement is to provide DSNS a vehicle to ship temperature controlled products using preconditioned shipping containers in order to support “emergency responses” and daily customer shipments. DSNS has a need for significant quantities of Preconditioned Controlled Temperature Shipping Containers that does not require the use of Dry-Ice.

The following technical specifications are necessary to fulfill our requirements:

· Temperature controlled packing validated to maintain contained product at a temperature range of 2°C and 8°C for at least 72 hours with preconditioning

· Maintain a temperature range of 2°C and 8°C during transit regardless of external temperatures experienced during transit to any populated location.

· The use of Dry Ice to maintain temperature requirements is not acceptable.

· Up to three sizes of boxes are expected to use for shipping vaccine type items.

· ISTA-3A Drop Test and ISTA 7D Winter and Summer Protocol will be followed and documented to ensure that the container can maintain the set standards mentioned.

· Information must be reviewed and approved by SNS QC Team.

· The refrigerants will have a minimum shelf life of 2-4 years while in storage and not used for CCM shipments (longer shelf live is preferred).

· The shipping/insulated box will have a minimum shelf life of 4 years while in storage and not used for CCM shipments (longer shelf live is preferred).

· Manufacture date, manufacturer item/model number and manufacture name will be printed on the container in a visible location when the product is stored in warehouse racking.

· Contractor shall provide end user operation packaging protocol instructions for each model purchased

· Contractor shall provide web site and phone contact information for end user to contact for help assistance.

· Contractor shall include statement on end user directions for safe disposal and any associated material risks by end user.

· Contractor shall describe their QA/QC Validation Approach.

· Contractor shall describe their General Qualification Acceptance Criteria.

· Contractor shall describe their testing philosophy approach and methodology (Software and Hardware, Factory Acceptance Testing).

· Contractor shall provide Qualification verification letter for all units sold.

· Contractor shall define how future upgrades affect other listed requirements.

· Passive temperature maintenance is required to activate (Non-electrical).

· The ability to be store by means of stacking or palletizing in ambient temperature between 17°C and 25°C (63°F and 77°F) is preferred to maintaining the container in full, ready-to-use.

Sonoco Protective Solutions is the only vendor uniquely qualified to provide the ASPR/DSNS with access to real-time Cold-Chain Management Shippers. Sonoco Protective Solutions specially designed the cold chain shipper based on the vaccines and ancillaries in our inventory. Sonoco Protective Solutions has a quick turn-around time for orders placed by the DSNS and are able to fill the orders in an expedited manner.

As a result of this Notice of Intent, no competitive solicitation will be posted on FedBizOpps. We will issue only one solicitation to Sonoco Protective Solutions. However, all responsible sources that believe they can meet these requirements may submit their capabilities/qualifications statement.

All capabilities/qualification statements must be received NO LATER THAN September 17, 2019 at 2:00PM EST and sent to Demetrius Kittrell via email ONLY at Demetrius.Kittrell@hhs.gov with the solicitation number #75A50119Q00036 referenced in the subject line. TELEPHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action will be based on responses to this notice and are solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.