Inactive 8(a) Set-Aside (FAR 19.8)

This is a Request for Information only. Federal Emergency Management Agency, a component of Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is researching vendors capable of maintaining an existing fleet of 12... This is a Request for Information only. Federal Emergency Management Agency, a component of Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is researching vendors capable of maintaining an existing fleet of 12,000 transponders under a data plan with Sierra Wireless. These transponders are used in industry for tracking assets and shipments made from fixed facilities within the Continental United States, as well as to and from more remote locations where facility infrastructure will not be available. Technology should include various modes of transportation including over the road trucks, aircraft, shipping containers, and ships. As part of this research, FEMA is issuing this RFI to gather vendor information pertaining to availability of maintenance and data service support for 12,000 transponders that will help us meet our requirements. FEMA is reaching out to 8(a) vendors only, to identify maintenance and data services via Sierra Wireless that may support the agency in achieving its objective to modernize asset tracking capability in accordance with the attached draft PWS. 8(a) vendors capable of supplying maintenance and data services via Sierra Wireless should review the draft PWS. Vendors are requested to provide a description of their capabilities as it relates to the potential business requirements outlined in the PWS. Standard brochures and/or paraphrasing of these sections are not considered sufficient to demonstrate the capabilities of an interested party. As a formal evaluation of the responses to this RFI will not be conducted, FEMA does not anticipate providing feedback and/or evaluation information to any firm responding to this RFI. However, FEMA may request additional information or conduct open exchanges of information with RFI respondents as deemed necessary. The release of this RFI does not guarantee that the government will complete an acquisition. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids, proposals, or quotes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the government to issue a request for proposal/quote or award of a contract as a result of this request. This announcement is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a Request for Quote (RFQ). The government will not reimburse respondents for any cost associated with information submitted in response to this request. 8(a) businesses are strongly encouraged to provide responses to this RFI, in order to assist FEMA in determining the potential levels of interest, competition, and technical capability within the 8(a) Small Business community. This request for information is issued to assist the agency in performing market research to determine whether or not there are qualified and capable 8(a) businesses to provide the aforementioned service. Questions and requests for clarifications on this RFI must be received no later than 3:00 pm EST January 29, 2021. Response packages should be sent by email. Response Due Date: Responses should be submitted no later than 12:00 pm EST February 1, 2021.