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The United States (US) Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) Combat Feeding Division (CFD) is seeking information to provide an experienced technician to support da... The United States (US) Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) Combat Feeding Division (CFD) is seeking information to provide an experienced technician to support day to day operations of the Food Pilot Plant and Navy Laboratory. This is not a Solicitation (i.e., Request for Proposal, Request for Quotation, or Invitation for Bids) or an indication that the Army Contracting Command (ACC) will contract for the services contained in the Sources Sought. This Sources Sought is part of a Government market research effort to determine the scope of industry experience, capabilities and interest and will be treated as information only. This market survey is for planning purposes only. The NAICS for this requirement is 811310 with a size standard of $11,000,000.00. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responses to this Sources Sought are strictly voluntary and no reimbursement will be made by the Government to respondents for information provided in response to this Sources Sought. Responses to this Sources Sought will not be returned and respondents will not be notified of the result of the review. If a Solicitation is issued, it will be announced on the Federal Business Opportunities website https://sam.gov/ at a later date, and all interested parties must respond to that Solicitation announcement separately from any response to this announcement. This Sources Sought does not restrict the Government's acquisition approach on a future Solicitation. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS/BACKGROUND: The US Army is soliciting information from industry to provide an experienced technician to support day to day operations of the Combat Feeding Division’s (CFD) Food Pilot Plant and Navy Laboratory. Research and development of fresh, frozen and shelf-stable ration components requires a clean, sanitary workplace to effectively and safely conduct mission critical work and reliable operation of mission unique equipment is essential to meeting program objectives. The primary responsibilities being sought are maintenance and sanitation of pilot plant and navy lab infrastructure and equipment to ensure optimal functionality and food safety are maintained. Additionally, working knowledge of cleaning and sanitation procedures and techniques for food contact and non-food contact surfaces as outlined in the 2017 FDA Food Code and 2017 FDA Food Code Supplement is required to ensure a safe food production environment is maintained. A working knowledge and experience in the following areas are sought to meet programmatic goals: standard food safety practices, maintenance and sanitation protocols for food contact and non-food contact surfaces, maintenance and assembly/disassembly of pilot scale research and development food production equipment and proper food handling protocols. Certification from an accredited food service agency is a requirement (i.e., ServSafe Certification: Sponsored by The National Restaurant Association). Additional requirements include assisting food technologists with various food production runs by setting up equipment, batching ingredients, hands-on assistance, and breakdown and cleaning/sanitation of all equipment. DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES/TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Please provide a brief capabilities statement package (no more than 5 pages in length, single spaced, 10 point minimum font) demonstrating your ability to meet the following requirements: (1) Ensure food processing assets in CFD’s Pilot Plant and Navy Lab production areas are clean and sanitary and in top working condition on a daily basis. (2) Assist food technologists with setup and breakdown of food processing equipment and product development workstations. (3) Breakdown, clean and reassemble food processing equipment in accordance with equipment manuals and standard operating procedures to ensure proper sanitation, functionality and aesthetics are maintained. (4) Assist equipment specialists with daily and/or weekly maintenance schedule for mission critical equipment assets: environmental chambers, refrigeration, freezer, HVAC systems, high pressure steam and compressed air lines. (5) Compile/generate inventory lists for pilot plant chemicals, paper goods and various consumables and maintain compliance with safety data sheet (SDS) requirements and supply inventory lists to lab manager in a timely manner. (6) Monitor temperature-controlled storage boxes on a daily basis, troubleshoot problems and report all issues/concern to identified equipment specialist and lab manager in a timely manner. (7) Check eye wash and hazard waste stations once per week. Report deficiencies to lab manager. (8) Assist with setup, operation and breakdown of food processing and packaging equipment and workstation preparation in the batching, filling and sealing operations of ration prototypes and food items in flexible pre-formed pouches (ambient and vacuum packaging) and trays. (9) Have experience operating food production equipment to include (but not limiting) single and co-extruding bar formers, piston and auger fillers, transport pumps, steam-jacketed kettles, mixers, dough sheeters, grinders, comminutors and well versed in set-up/break-down and sanitation/maintenance of all equipment. (10) Have a working knowledge of pipe fitting and basic electrical wiring. (11) Assist as needed with maintenance and sanitation needs within production, processing and storage areas. (12) Maintain a valid food handler’s certification from an accredited institution for the length of service (i.e., ServSafe). ADMINISTRATIVE: The Government is conducting this market research to identify potential manufacturers/vendors, and acquire information on the types and sizes of businesses that will be able to compete on future contracting actions, potential costs, and delivery capabilities. Any relevant company background/experience, business category, costs, and other information that the company believes demonstrates their value/ability to meet the aforementioned requirements, should be included. All information and evaluation results will be Controlled Unclassified Information (formerly referred to as For Official Use Only) and used for Government purposes only. Proprietary/Competition Sensitive information (appropriately marked) will be protected from disclosure to the greatest extent practical, however it is preferred that respondents do not provide proprietary or otherwise restricted responses. Technical capability statements and any questions shall be submitted to Mr. Timothy Konetzny at timothy.m.konetzny.civ@army.mil by 1700 on 17 June 2022. Absolutely no requests for extensions will be honored. Late responses will not be considered. This notice is for information only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. No solicitation document exists for this action. The results of this Sources Sought will be used to determine the method of soliciting this requirement, i.e., 100% set-aside for Small Business, Sole Source, or on an Unrestricted basis. After review of the submitted Sources Sought, ACC-APG, Natick Contracting Command will release a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation to Industry regarding the acquisition strategy/decision (i.e. Unrestricted, Small, Small Disadvantaged, 8(a), Women-Owned, HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Set Aside, Sole Source). It is anticipated that the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation will be posted in July 2022. The resulting Contract will use Firm Fixed Price (FFP) provisions. *Required Please identify: Company Name * Company Size * CAGE Code* Contact Person’s First & Last Name * Contact Person’s Email * Contact Person’s Telephone *