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

DESCRIPTION: This is a Request for Information (RFI) as outlined in FAR 15.201(c)(7). The purpose of this RFI is to gather market research data, pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 1... DESCRIPTION: This is a Request for Information (RFI) as outlined in FAR 15.201(c)(7). The purpose of this RFI is to gather market research data, pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10, and to identify small businesses capable of performing the functions described herein. The Government is requesting information from service providers to support the requirements as described in the RFI. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment on the part of the Government to conduct a solicitation for the below-listed services in the future. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for information submitted in response to this RFI, nor will it compensate respondents for any costs incurred in the development/furnishing of a response. Please note that a decision not to submit a response to this RFI will not preclude a vendor from participating in any future solicitation. NO PHONE CALLS, COMMUNICATION WILL BE VIA EMAIL ONLY. BACKGROUND AND STATEMENT OF NEED: The Foreign Emergency Support Team (FEST) Unit is chartered to coordinate worldwide deployments to advise and assist Chiefs of Mission (COM) and host nation governments with rapid response to terrorism incidents and significant threats, including those incidents involving weapons of mass destruction, and with situations that require incident management or foreign consequence management. Additionally, the FEST engages in national level, overseas counterterrorism exercises to support FEST planning and readiness. The purpose of this RFP is to provide the Department of State (DOS) with contractor personnel necessary to support the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), High Threat Programs Directorate (DS/HTP) in the Office of Special Programs (DS/HTP/SP). The Contractor shall provide a synchronized effort between the State Department, and other USG agencies, in response to terrorism incidents, significant threats, and situations requiring the management of pre- and post-incident consequences. DS will manage, provide guidance, and lead the FEST; which is an “on-call” team in order to advise and assist COMs to (a) prepare for a developing event; (b) counter threats and mitigate risks arising during an ongoing event, or (c) manage consequences and recovery in the aftermath of an event. The services of the “on call” team (hereinafter referred to as FEST) are to be provided by the contractor and will remain in compliance with all USG laws and regulations governing organizations that contract with the USG. The contractor must specialize in providing services to USG official organizations operating under the auspices of a US diplomatic mission and COM authority. The team, depending on the nature and scope of the emergency event, will comprise direct-hire team members from the Department and other USG agencies and contractor personnel as required. The FEST can forward deploy personnel and secure communications equipment to incident sites away from Post (such as an airport, seaport or catastrophe zone) to insure rapid, accurate information flow between the incident site and Post.