Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mt. Weather Emergency Assistance Center, 19844 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont, VA 20135

58 -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR A WIRELESS TELEPHONE AND LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) EQUIPMENT POC Mrs. Sandi Nixon, Contract Specialist, 540/542-2303 E-MAIL: RFI for Wireless Telephone & LAN Equipment, sandi.nixon@fema.gov. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mt. Weather Emergency Assistance Center (MWEAC), Bluemont, VA, is seeking information from industry on wireless telephone system and wireless local area network (LAN) technology that can be used in a temporary office environment. FEMA operates approximately 50 disaster field offices per year in locations near declared disasters. The size of the offices range from less than 12 people to in excess of 600 people. The duration of the operation can range from one month to several years. FEMA is considering the use of wireless technology as a possible alternative to installing wired systems in these offices. Information collected from industry through this Request for Information (RFI) will be used in developing a business case for the transition from conventional wired systems to a wireless environment. FEMA is seeking information on the availability of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment that are potential solutions, technical information on this COTS equipment, and a cost-benefit comparison comparing the use of wireless technology to the typical wired system. A detailed document containing specific instructions, description of the problem and specific areas industry is requested to address may be obtained by submitting a mailed written request to the address shown above, ATTN: Mrs. Sandi Nixon/Bldg. 413, or faxed written request to 540/542-2632/ATTN: Mrs. Sandi Nixon, or E-mail request to sandi.nixon@fema.gov. This document is also available on the world wide web site http://www.fema.gov/ofm/bidinfo.htm to allow industry direct access. Industry responses to this RFI should be submitted no later than 45 calendar days following publication of this notice in the CBD. This RFI is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a request for proposal (RFP) or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or otherwise pay for the informationsolicited. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of responses to this RFI and the Government's use of such information. Respondents of this RFI may be requested to provide additional information/details based on their initial submittals. (0103)

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