Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

**QUESTION AND ANSWER POSTED IN ATTACHMENTS AS OF 7/12/2020** **QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS POSTED IN ATTACHMENTS AS OF 7/8/2020** This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared In A... **QUESTION AND ANSWER POSTED IN ATTACHMENTS AS OF 7/12/2020** **QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS POSTED IN ATTACHMENTS AS OF 7/8/2020** This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared In Accordance With (IAW) the format in FAR Subpart 12.6 and Part 15, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number 70Z03820RE0000004 is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2020-06-1 effective 05 June 2020. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 335311. The small business size standard is 1,250 employees. This is a small business set aside. Only small businesses may submit a proposal. It is anticipated that one (1) Firm Fixed Price, Requirements type contract consisting of one (1) one-year base period and, if exercised, four (4) one-year option periods will be awarded on a brand name or equal basis for the items listed in the schedule. If not proposing the brand name MEPP in the schedule of supplies, a description of the required specifications for a MEPP is attached to the solicitation as Attachment 4 – Technical Specifications. If offerors are proposing the brand name item requested in the solicitation, the item must have clear traceability to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) ITW GSE Inc. (cage code 0SMN2). If proposing an "or equal" item, traceability to the OEM shall be provided. Traceability means a clear, complete, documented, and auditable paper trail which traces each step from an OEM or distributor to its current location. Concerns having the expertise and required capabilities to provide these items or an equal alternative are invited to submit offers in accordance with the requirements stipulated in this solicitation. All items shall be NEW approved items. The following documents are attached: Attachment 1: Schedule of Supplies Attachment 2: Statement of Work Attachment 3: Terms and Conditions Attachment 4: Technical Specifications NOTE: NO DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS OR SCHEMATICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS AGENCY. Closing date and time for receipt of offers is 13 July 2020 at 4:00pm EST. Anticipated award date is on or about 12 August 2020. E-mail proposals are preferred and may be sent to Kathrine.R.Leach@uscg.mil Please indicate 70Z03820RE0000004 in the subject line. Proposals may also be mailed to the following address: USCG, ALC 1664 Weeksville Road ESD, BLDG 78, 70Z03820RE0000004 Attn: Katie Leach Elizabeth City, NC 27909 NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS United States Coast Guard Ombudsman Program It is the policy of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to issue solicitations and make contract awards in a fair and timely manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to investigate agency protest issues and resolve them without expensive and time- consuming litigation. OPAP is an independent reviewing authority that is empowered to grant a prevailing protester essentially the same relief as the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to seek resolution of their concerns within the USCG as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forum rather than filing a protest with the GAO or some external forum. Interested parties may seek resolution of their concerns informally or opt to file a formal agency protest with the Contracting Officer or Ombudsman. Informal Forum with the Ombudsman. Interested parties who believe a specific USCG procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer. If the Contracting Officer is unable to satisfy their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the U.S. Coast Guard Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Use of an informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a protest with the agency or other forum. In order to ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable). Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman. Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions. If the protester’s concerns are unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest to either the Contracting Officer or as an alternative to that, the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract award or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless contract award or performance is justified, in writing, for urgent and compelling reasons or is determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government. The agency’s goal is to resolve protests in less than 35 calendar days from the date of filing. Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.103(d) (2). If the protester fails to submit the required information, resolution of the protest may be delayed or the protest may be dismissed. To be timely protests must be filed within the period specified in FAR 33.103(e). Formal protests filed under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to OPAP@uscg.mil and the Contracting Officer or by hand delivery to the Contracting Officer. Election of Forum. After an interested party protests a Coast Guard procurement to the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman, and while the protest is pending, the protester agrees not to file a protest with the GAO or other external forum. If the protest is filed with an external forum, the agency protest will be dismissed. The Ombudsman Hotline telephone number is 202.372.3695.