RFI CT2394-26.Filters.Marketing.pdf

U. S. Department of Justice

UNICOR

Federal Prison Industries, Inc.

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE and

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

FPI-RFI-CT2394-26 September 1, 2026

Title: Sources Sought Notice and Request for Information for Comprehensive Support Requirements for Filter Manufacturing.

BACKGROUND:

Federal Prison Industries, Inc., (“UNICOR”), is a wholly owned, self-sustaining Government corporation established by Executive Order 6917 in 1934 to provide meaningful work experience and vocational training for federal inmates. Operating within the Department of Justice, UNICOR offers a diverse portfolio of high-quality products and services—ranging from office furniture and apparel to electronics manufacturing and administrative services—primarily to federal agencies. As a mandatory source of supply for federal procurement under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 8.3, UNICOR utilizes this market research to identify qualified commercial partners and evaluate industry capabilities to support its manufacturing and service operations.

UNICOR, manufactures and supplies a variety of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) filters for distribution to federal agencies nationwide.

The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice (Notice) and Request for Information (RFI) is to obtain market research from qualified filter manufacturers and government contractors regarding their capabilities and support offerings. The information will establish a foundation for government requirements, clarify expectations, and guide the development of a formal solicitation for filter manufacturing solutions tailored to governmental needs. The responses will also assist UNICOR staff in developing an acquisition plan and exploring opportunities to expand product offerings within U.S. federal agencies.

This Notice and RFI are issued solely for market research and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or a commitment to award a contract. This RFI is being issued to identify qualified firms interested and capable of providing sales and marketing support for our product line within U.S. federal agencies.

SCOPE:

UNICOR intends to award a contract to a qualified vendor for a one-year base period, with the option to extend for up to four additional one-year terms. The selected contractor must deliver comprehensive support across marketing, sales, customer relations, and technical guidance. The scope further includes assistance with product development, manufacturing processes, regulatory compliance, and ongoing customer service. All support should address both pre-sales and post-sales activities.

INTERESTED FIRMS SHOULD PROVIDE INFORMATION ADDRESSING THE

FOLLOWING TO ASSIST UNICOR IN EVALUATING MARKET CAPABILITY AND

PLANNING FUTURE PROCUREMENT ACTIONS:

CONTRACTOR NAME:____________________________________

CONTACT INFORMATION:________________________________

1. Company Information

Companies must provide the following detailed information.

Legal name and address Years in business, organizational structure, and key contacts.

What is your company’s socioeconomic classification (e.g., Large Business, Small Business, HUBZone, etc.)?

Does your company currently hold any GSA Scheduled contracts?

Respondents must describe relevant experience, core competencies, past performance, and current manufacturing capabilities.

2. Marketing Support

Requirements include supplying product literature, participating in trade shows, and conducting outreach campaigns. Respondents should describe their marketing strategies and the resources they can commit to supporting government sales efforts. Additionally, respondents must provide examples of comparable marketing programs they have successfully executed.

3.Technical Support

Respondents must provide both pre-sales and post-sales technical support, including guidance on product selection, testing procedures, and troubleshooting. They should also include documentation demonstrating their technical expertise and expected response times.

4. Product Development

The RFI will seek information on emerging technologies, custom design capabilities, and methods for continuous improvement. Respondents should describe their innovation processes and demonstrate how they can adapt to evolving government requirements.

5.Manufacturing Support

This section will require detailed descriptions of process guidance, material selection practices, and methods used to achieve production efficiencies. Respondents should also explain how they support scale-up efforts and maintain quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process.

6. Certification and Compliance

Respondents must demonstrate compliance with industry standards, environmental regulations, and applicable federal specifications. They should provide relevant certifications—such as ISO, UL, or EPA—and include documentation verifying their compliance.

7. Customer Service

Respondents should describe their customer service infrastructure, escalation procedures, and performance monitoring practices. They must also provide examples of the customer service performance metrics they use.

8. Sales Objectives

Requirements will include annual sales targets, performance metrics, strategies for sustaining operations, and plans for market expansion. Respondents should provide historical sales data along with projected growth estimates. If the respondent intends to set finished-goods pricing, they must describe the model used to deliver these services and explain the rationale behind the proposed approach. An example of a proposed pricing structure should be included.

Respondents should outline their business model and strategy for delivering marketing and sales services, detailing the methods, resources, personnel, distribution channels, customer engagement approaches, and other capabilities that will be used to achieve sales objectives. They should also explain the rationale for the proposed model and identify anticipated benefits, underlying assumptions, potential risks, and factors that could affect successful implementation.

Respondents may propose a pricing methodology for finished goods and must provide an illustrative example showing how finished-goods prices would be established. The explanation should identify the factors considered in developing the pricing structure, such as market conditions, customer segments, competitive pricing, anticipated sales volume, distribution costs, applicable fees or commissions, and other relevant commercial considerations.

Respondents should also describe any proposed pricing adjustments or mechanisms to address changes in market conditions or other influencing factors over the life of the agreement.

UNICOR/FPI intends to review and concur with the proposed finished-goods pricing methodology and pricing structure prior to implementation or finalization. Respondents should therefore identify the information, data, and supporting analysis they would provide to enable UNICOR/FPI to evaluate and approve the proposed pricing.

9. Compensation Structure

Respondents will be asked to provide industry input on compensation models, incentive structures, and performance metrics. This information will help inform the government’s approach to designing contract terms and reward mechanisms. Respondents should address key elements such as:

• How commissions are calculated—whether based on sales volume, revenue, profit, milestones, or other performance criteria.

• Whether reimbursable expenses are included, such as travel or other support-related costs.

• Applicable payment terms.

• Whether compensation would vary across option years or adjust in response to increased or decreased sales volume.

10. Contractor Qualifications

Respondents must demonstrate relevant experience in HVAC filtration, federal sales, consulting, product development, and procurement. Qualifications should include references, case studies, and evidence of successful partnerships with government entities. If all required services will not be delivered under a single contract, respondents should identify any subcontracting opportunities or arrangements that would be used to fulfill the requirements.

11. Additional Information Requested:

Respondents should address the following considerations:

• The maximum annual volume they are capable of supporting.

• Any one-time or upfront costs associated with providing the required services.

• The timeframe in which they can begin meeting the government’s requirements.

• The activities necessary during the start-up phase.

• Whether they currently track performance metrics and, if so, provide examples related to:

– Sales

– Customer satisfaction

– Response times

– Product development

– Technical support

PROPOSALS OFFERING COST SAVINGS WITHOUT AFFECTING THE QUALITY

AND PERFORMANCE ARE WELCOMED.

RESPONSE DEADLINE: FOR PLANNING PURPOSES AND TO ENSURE BEING

INCLUDED IN OUR MARKET RESEARCH FOR THIS SERVICE, RESPONSES MUST

BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 2:00 PM (EST) ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21,

2026.

RESPONSES SHALL BE SENT VIA EMAIL ONLY TO RENEE STANCIL AT

Renee.Stancil@usdoj.gov