NOAA, NEFOP Freezer/Chiller Unit and Stand-Alone Freezer Unit

This Request of Information (RFI) and Sources Sought is for Planning Purposes.

The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this sources sought notice or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. Your response to this RFI will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a quote.

This request is issued for the purpose of exchanging information to improve the understanding of industry capabilities, thereby allowing potential offerors to judge whether or how they can satisfy the Government's requirements, and enhancing the Government's ability to obtain services, at reasonable cost and price, and increase efficiency in proposal preparation, proposal evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.

The Eastern Region Acquisition Division (ERAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting information, on behalf of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Observer Program for one (1) Freezer/Chiller and one (1) Freezer Unit to collects marine mammal, sea turtle, seabird, fish and shark species for scientific research. Observers collect specimens at sea while observing aboard commercial fishing vessels from Maine to North Carolina, USA. Samples are stored at the facility in Falmouth Technology Park. Freezing and chilling facilities are an integral component in our training and research program. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement 423740. This RFI will be used solely for market research and does not constitute a solicitation.

The DOC/NOAA is seeking the following information:

Potential Respondents shall describe how they would propose to successfully deliver these supplies, assuming that all supplies provided by Respondent would be accomplished in accordance with all applicable U.S. laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Potential Respondents supplies shall be comparable to the deliverables described herein. Potential Respondents shall respond to this RFI with a price sheet and a description of the supplies that may be provided. Respondents shall not be obligated to provide the services described herein and it is understood by the United States Government that the cost estimates provided as a result of this request are "best" estimates only. See attached Specifications.

NOTE: This RFI is being issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP), a Request for Quotations (RFQ) or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice. All information received in response to this notice that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice will not be returned. In submitting a response, you are solely responsible and accountable for all of the expenses associated with your response. Responses to this RFI are due no later than April 7, 2015, 12:00PM, EST. Responses shall be sent via e-mail in to Amy.L.McLiverty@noaa.gov. The electronic copy of your response must be in ".pdf format" and readable by the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Questions pertaining to this notice may be emailed to the Amy.L.McLiverty or Andrew.Hildebrandt@noaa.gov.