A02 - Request for Information 4.2.2024.rtf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

General Information

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS: United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) - 808 Schreider Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702

Description

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY – This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. Solicitations are not available at this time. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the United States Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary; the United States Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the United States Government. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued.

USAMRAA is issuing this RFI as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support the requirement identified as follows:

Enhancing Inventory Management and Biosecurity Surveillance Using RFID The primary objective of the RFID implementation project is to revolutionize the Biological Select Agent and Toxin (BSAT) inventory management system by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and real-time traceability and physical security measures to prevent theft and loss of BSAT. The project aims to address limitations of manual counting which can lead to human error and delayed data access. This project will automate inventory counting through RFID technology, facilitating immediate visibility of stock levels and movements. Additionally, installing an RFID reader (with silent alarm) at the one Exit Control Point will alert the Physical Security Guards of potential loss or theft of BSAT. By integrating RFID technology with our existing DoD BSAT Database system and training staff on its operation, we expect to streamline operations, reduce manual errors and increase physical security measures ultimately leading to operational excellence, cost savings, and regulatory compliance.

This project encompasses the strategic implementation of RFID technology within the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) inventory management processes. Aimed at revolutionizing how we track, manage, and control inventory across USAMRIID’s high containment laboratories. The initiative seeks to replace the manual counting process with advanced RFID imbedded labels and readers. This technology will enable real-time, accurate tracking of inventory levels, movements, and locations without the need for manual counting, which significantly enhance operational efficiency and accuracy.

Other requirements:

Detailed descriptions of the hardware's capabilities, including compatibility with different tag types and environmental conditions specific to laboratory settings.

Software Specifications: Comprehensive details of the software's features, including data management, reporting capabilities, and user interface.

Tag Specifications: Detailed information on the tags, including type (passive, active, semi-passive), frequency, memory capacity, and suitability for different materials and environmental conditions (e.g., -80oC or liquid nitrogen) Compliance and Standards: Assurance that the tags meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, especially concerning biosecurity and safety in laboratory environments.

Potential awardees must possess the requisite Authority to Operate (ATO) or demonstrate compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

The information requested by this request, will be used within USAMRAA and USAMRIID to facilitate decision making and will not be disclosed outside of USAMRAA or USAMRIID. If the information provided contains propriety information, such information must be identified with appropriate disclaimer.

If your organization has the potential capacity to perform these contract services, please provide the following information:

Fill out the chart (Organization name, address, website address, size and type of ownership for the organization, Cage Code, Unity Entity ID (from SAM.gov)) and point of contact including their title, telephone number and email address;

Tailored capability statements addressing the particulars of this effort, with appropriate documentation to support claims of organizational and staff capability. If significant subcontracting or teaming is anticipated in order to deliver technical capability, organizations should address the administrative and management structure of such arrangements.

The capability statements shall address, at a minimum, the following items:

The Government will evaluate market information to ascertain potential market capacity to:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SUBMISSION DETAILS

Fill in the below table and include it with your submission:

Company Name

Company Address

Point of Contact

Phone Number

E-mail Address

Cage Code

Unique Entity ID

Company Web Page

Company Location(s)

Company is / is not a Small Business

Company is / is not System for Award Management (SAM) Registered

Other Classifications (e.g. 8(a), HUBZone, Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned)

If 8(a), date that the company graduates from the program.

Interested parties capable of providing the requirements described in this RFI are requested to submit a Capabilities Statement of no more than ten (10) pages in length in Times New Roman font of no less than 10 pitch. All submissions shall be submitted in either Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF).

Responding to this request with generic material only such as brochures, advertisements or other generic material is highly discouraged. Vendors are encouraged to provide questions regarding any ambiguities noted within the requirement description.

The Government welcomes input and will accept questions pertaining to this RFI; however, the Government reserves the right to answer or not to answer all questions received. Questions pertaining to this RFI are due by 1300 ET on 10 April 2024. Only one set of questions per vendor will be accepted. Contact with Government personnel, other than those specified in this request, by potential vendors or their employee’s regarding this requirement is not permitted.

All responses to this RFI must be provided via email no later than (NLT) 1300 Eastern Time on 17 April 2024 to Emily O’Hara via email at emily.k.ohara.civ@health.mil"emily.k.ohara.civ@health.mil and to Deborah Hagan via email at deborah.l.hagan.civ@health.mil"deborah.l.hagan.civ@health.mil. No extensions will be granted.