P02 RFI_Sources Sought_Autobags.docx

NOTICE: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT

DISCLAIMER:

This RFI/sources sought is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI/sources sought that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI/sources sought.

The submission of pricing, capabilities for planning purposes, and other market information is highly encouraged and allowed under this RFI In Accordance With (IAW) FAR Part 15.201(e).

DESCRIPTION:

This is NOT a solicitation announcement. This is a RFI/sources sought only. The purpose of this RFI/sources sought is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification relative to NAICS 326111 (Plastic Bag and Pouch Manufacturing). Responses to this RFI/sources sought will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After review of the responses to this RFI/sources sought, a solicitation announcement may be published. Responses to this RFI/sources sought synopsis are not considered adequate responses for a solicitation announcement.

The following VAAR policies and clauses will be applicable to this requirement if an SDVOSB/VOSB entity is interested and qualified in this requirement:

1) Limitations on Subcontracting Requirements set forth in 15 U.S.C. § 657s and in VAAR 852.219-73 and 852.219-74);

2) 852.219-76, VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Supplies and Products;

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VISN 15 Network Contracting Office, is seeking sources that can provide the following:

Fanfold Auto-Bags for the Consolidated Mail Order Pharmacy (CMOP) located in Ladson, South Carolina.

It is the responsibility of the interested source to demonstrate to the government that the interested parties can provide the supplies that fulfill the requirement.

If you are interested in and can provide the sought out supplies, please provide the requested information as well as the information indicated below. Response to this notice shall include company name, address, point of contact, and size of business pursuant to the following questions:

Please indicate the size status and representations of your business, such as, but not limited to: Service- Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), HUBZone, Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Large Business, etc.)

Is your company considered small under the NAICS code identified under this RFI/sources sought?

Are you the manufacturer, distributor, or an equivalent solution to the items being referenced above?

If you are a small business and you are an authorized distributor/reseller for the item(s) identified above or an equivalent solution, do you alter, assemble, and/or modify the item(s) requested in any way? If so, state how and what is altered, assembled, modified.

Does your company have an FSS contract with GSA, VA NAC, NASA SEWP, or any other federal contract that can be utilized to procure the requirement listed above? If so, please provide the contract number.

Please submit your capabilities that show clear, compelling, and convincing evidence that you can meet the requirement described in the attached Statement of Requirement (SOR).

Please provide your Unique Entity ID (UEI) number.

Responses to this notice shall be submitted via email to Renee Kreutzer at renee.kreutzer@va.gov. Telephone responses shall not be accepted. Responses must be received no later than Monday, February 12th, 2024, 5:00PM CST. If a solicitation is issued, it shall be announced later and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from the responses to this RFI/sources sought. Responses to this RFI/sources sought notice are not a request to be added to a prospective bidders list or to receive a copy of the solicitation. Thank you.

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENT

FOR

AUTOBAGS

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS – VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

CONSOLIDATED MAIL OUTPATIENT PHARMACY

1. INTRODUCTION

This solicitation is to provide the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) located in Ladson, SC with Auto-Bags as described below.

2. BACKGROUND

The Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy located at 4136 Carolina Commerce Parkway, Ladson, SC 29456 is a 98,000 square foot facility which is a provider of outpatient pharmaceutical services for 22 VA Medical Centers and associated community clinics. This CMOP dispenses approximately 160,000 prescriptions daily to patients. This CMOP operates two shifts, five days per week with some over-time and employs 330 staff members. The auto-bags required in this statement of requirement will be utilized for specialized prescription auto-bagger equipment.

3. SCOPE

The contractor shall provide 9,360 cases (1,500 per case) of Auto-Bags to the Southwest CMOP in Ladson, SC in accordance with the following requirements.

4. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (shall meet or exceed)

· External bag dimensions: 12.25in width x 12.375in includes 3/8in tail.

· Internal bag dimensions: 12in width x 12in length

· Bag shall have a thickness of 2.5mil.

· Film: White exterior, silver interior co-extruded (3-layer). Exterior must be matte finish with no sheen at all so sensors do not reject.

· Auto-bag film should contain at least 50% recycled material.

· Finishing: Bags must have .125in thick side seams for durability. Heat seal above the skirt and horizontal perforation between bags to assist with separation during packing.

· Vent holes: 1/4in round punched thru vent holes to allow air to escape in bottom corner of bags.

· Corner notches: Notches in the side seams to help break perforation as shown in bag diagram.

· Packaging: Bags must be fan folded in case, 1500 bags/case to eliminate changing out cases so often which improves our quantity of prescriptions we mail out to veterans daily

· Opacity is >85 (Lacking transparency)

· Technical Support: Tech support must be available (at no additional cost) to ensure film will run smoothly on various auto-bagging equipment during testing phase.

5. DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

· Deliver 90 cases every Monday

· Deliver 90 cases every Thursday

· Shall be arranged 18 cases per pallet

· All cases must be palletized on a standard pallet and be shrink wrapped tightly to avoid shifting within the truck’s trailer.

· Shall allow the CMOP to stop shipments during weeks of incurring system issues

· Shall deliver before 2:00pm EST/EDT

· All deliveries must be accompanied by a packing slip that must contain the following information below as a minimum:

· Name of contractor

· Contract number

· Purchase order number (Very important)

· Model or part number

· Date of purchase

· Quantity of cases, unit price and extension of the item

· Date of shipment.

· Delivery location:

· Charleston CMOP 766A 4136 Carolina Commerce Parkway Ladson, SC 29456

6. CONTRACT DURATION

· Base + 2 Options

1. Base – 9,360 total cases (One year duration)

2. Option 1 – 9,360 total cases (One year duration)

3. Option 2 – 9,360 total cases (One year duration)