Commandant(G-ACS-1A/LM/5208), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001

59 -- PURCHASE MAIL PROCESSING EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND THROUGH RENTAL, PENALTY POSTAGE METERS SOL DTCG23-96-R-TPM39B POC Contact: Linda Mullen, Ph: (202)267-1512/Contracting Officer: Jerome Hensley, Ph: (202)267-6211 The Coast Guard has a requirement to acquire through purchase, mail processing equipment and supplies. Also, as a part of the overall effort, the Coast Guard will rent low-volume (entry level) penalty postage meters. These mailing systems will be placed on Coast Guard cutters. Each complete mailing system for electrical equipment shall include automatic protection against voltage fluctuations which may cause brownouts, power surges, and/or any damage to the equipment. All electrical equipment shall be in compliance with Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certified standards, or other nationally recognized testing laboratory's certified standards. The equipment for low volume (entry level), mailing system can be described as a ''desktop'' or tabletop'' system, capable of processing up to 600 pieces of letters/packages monthly. The low volume, entry level equipment shall apply postage meter tape(s) in the correct denomination, in accordance with the USPS Domestic Mail Manual, on all mail matter which the electronic scale programmed, directly onto the mail piece; interface with an electronic scale having a capacity of weighing mail, in pound weights, from 5 pounds to 70 pounds in 1/2 ounce increments up to 5 pounds; automatically produce wet, dry or pressure sensitive postage meter tapes. The electronic scale equipment shall weigh mail up to at least 70 pounds, with the weight displayed in increments of 1/2 ounce up to 5 pounds; automatically convert zip codes to USPS zones; automatically compute the correct USPS fees and automatically set the postage meter; compute USPS rates for First-Class, Priority, Third-Class, Fourth Class, Special Fourth Class, First-Class Presort, First-Class Presort ZIP + 4, and ZIP + 4 discounts, and international air and surface rates; accommodate future USPS postage rate changes; and interface with low volume, entry level mailing equipment. The rental of penalty postage meters shall allow Coast Guard cutter personnel to add (reset) postage, in any amount, to their postage meter(s) via a toll free phone call to the manufacturer. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the Agency. It is anticipated that a solicitation will be issued on or about April 26, 1996, with an approximate closing date of May 28, 1996. Receipt of offers shall be 30 days from date of issuance of solicitation. All correspondence should reference Solicitation Number DTCG23-96-R-TPM39B and be addressed to: Commandant (G-ACS-1A/LM), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW, Washington, DC 20593-0001. No telephone calls shall be honored. The contract period will include a base year and four one-year options. A firm fixed-price type contract is anticipated for award. For Minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises only: The DOT has a short term bonding program available which enables firms to obtain bid, payment, and performance bonds, up to 80 percent of the bond amount and a short term loan program to provide working capital at the prime interest rate. In addition, through the Historically Black Colleges and University Program, firms can receive comprehensive services and training designed to enhance their financial capabilities. For further information and applicable forms, please call (202) 366-2852. Signed: Jerome S. Hensley, Contracting Officer. (0087)

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