US Postal Service, Headquarters Automation Purchasing, 8403 Lee Highway, Merrifield, Virginia 22082-8150

B -- SPECIAL STUDIES AND ANALYSIS -- NOT R&D --,BULK MAIL CENTER NETWORK DESIGN DUE 090198 POC Helen Clark, 703-280-7382 The U.S. Postal Service Engineering center in Merrifield, VA intends to award a contract for Engineering services in bulk mail network analysis and design. The twenty-one locations of the existing bulk mail facilities are geographically dispersed within the continental US (48 contiguous states). These Bulk Mail Center (BMC) facilities presently serve as mail distribution and processing nodes for individual parcels, and unit loads (e.g., trays, sacks, pallets and wheeled containers) of letters, flats, periodicals and parcels. USPS Engineering is presently investigating the redesign of these facilities with substantial infusion of state-of-the-art material handling technologies. The network design and analysis task will investigate both existing and proposed bulk mail network designs. Required qualifications include: (1) extensive experience in physical distribution network analysis and design; (2) proven track record in the collection of the necessary data to perform such analysis and design; (3) considerable experience in one or more methodologies to best design the network; (4) demonstrated ability to develop simulations of network designs; (5) ability to deliver the product to the Postal Service within six months. Current knowledge of USPS mail processing and distribution operations (bulk mail or other), retail and delivery operations, interface with major mailers, and/or previous, related contracting experience with the USPS is desirable, but not required. In fulfilling or meeting the requirements, joint ventures or partnering with companies which have the specific, Postal-related knowledge and/or experience desired will be viewed as a strength. Requests for solicitation must be in writing and received not later than September 1, 1998. The request should be mailed to U.S. Postal Service, Attn: Helen Clark, Automation Purchasing, 8403 Lee Highway, Signal Building, Merrifield VA 22082-8150 or requested by FAX at 703-280-8424. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. Posted 07/30/98 (W-SN230336). (0211)

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