Sources Sought for Co-Brand Agreement for Padded Envelopes (Cushioned)

On behalf of The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (Committee), the independent Federal agency that administers the AbilityOne Program, National Industries for the Blind (NIB), a designated central nonprofit agency, is pursuing potential partnerships with U.S. commercial manufacturers of Padded Envelopes (Cushioned), for the purpose of providing employment for people who are blind or severely disabled. If successful, the result will be a co-brand agreement between the manufacturer and the AbilityOne Program, and its registered brands. The ultimate expectation is that the co-branded product will be placed on the Committee's Procurement List (PL).

The Padded Envelopes (Cushioned) must meet and/or exceed FAR and other Federal Government published standards, Executive Orders and Federal Agency requirements.

At a minimum, the following criteria must be met:

1. Possession of a nationally known brand name that can be demonstrated to have significant appeal through evidence of substantial sales.
2. The manufacturer will provide bubble and macerated paper lined envelopes in various required sizes in double walled golden kraft paper.
3. Paper must be at least 15% post-consumer waste. Adhesives must be environmentally benign. Packaging must at minimum meet the CPG on packaging. Linings must be 100% post-consumer waste.
4. The chosen manufacturer must be willing to set a high priority for delivering bulk materials to the non-profit agency in order to assure the agency of on-time deliveries to the federal government customer(s).
5. All products must be manufactured and lab tested, certified and customer tested to be effective according to their purpose, have current Material Safety Data sheets, if necessary, and meet certifications with corresponding documentation designated by customers.
6. A willingness to enter into a multi-year agreement which includes on-going technical and production assistance and the necessary factory trained technical field support while enabling the non-profit agency to meet the criteria of the AbilityOne Program to convert material, label, assemble and package the products thereby creating employment for people who are blind or severely disabled.
7. Commitment to working independently with the AbilityOne to market products to the Government customers under the AbilityOne Program. It is preferred that the chosen manufacturer has a dedicated team for Federal Government sales and marketing.
8. Willingness to work with the non-profit agency, (NIB or NISH) and the Committee to ensure that the price to the end-users is a fair and reasonable price.
9. Manufacturers' submissions must demonstrate that proposed products meet the various criteria, as well as indicate what functions the nonprofit agency's employees would perform.

The deadline for response is October 13, 2010.

Responses should be directed to the contact listed in this Notice.

Questions should be directed to Stephanie Hood at 703-310-0505.