Dept of Justice, Fed Prison Industries, 320 1st Street NW -- Material Mgt Branch, Washington, DC 20534-0001

Q -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON OPTICAL SERVICES DUE 091898 POC Marla Pope, Contracting Officer (202) 305-7312 E-MAIL: click here to learn more about our mission, www.unicor.gov. This is a request for information (RFI) only. This synopsis is for planning purposes only, and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals or Request for Quotes. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also known by it trade name UNICOR, is seeking eye wear services surrounding the making of prescription eyewear manufactured by FPI. Market research is currently being conducted to determine whether there are commercial sources available to meet the agency's requirements. Agency requirements include fitting and/or dispensing, conducting eye examinations,(refraction) and maintenance of prescription eyewear manufactured by FPI. These services will be limited to Federal agencies and Department of Defense military bases where Federal employees, military personnel, Veterans Affairs patients, and Indian reservation individuals require safety and dress prescription glasses. Currently UNICOR manufactures about 50,000 prescription frames annually. UNICOR is seeking to expand its business by providing more services to its customers. It is the desire of UNICOR to enter into a contract with a national optical chain/chains who will be equipped to supply these services. UNICOR is requesting information and interest from the commercial optical industry who provide the services described. Specific information requested includes 1) approach to this potential requirement 2) industry standards for these types of services 3) commercial terms 4) potential for services to be provided on a national basis 5) operational structure for national optical chain operations to include but not limited information on payment methods, pricing methods, contracting methods (does each store enter into separate contracts or national contracts with other vendors) 6) identify any trade periodicals or journals which would be reviewed by industry 7) samples of existing commercial contracts and/or statements of work for the above services in the commercial market place. Respondents to this RFI should identify whether they are a large or small business along with their company's name, address telephone number and a POC. Any proprietary information submitted should be identified as such. Please provide the requested information not later than COB September 18, 1998. Facsimile (202) 305-7363 or e-mail (mpope@central.unicor.gov) responses are acceptable or may be mailed to: UNICOR, Federal Prison Industries 320 first St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20534 ATTN: Marla Pope, Contracting Officer UNICOR, Material Management Branch. The Government does not reimburse respondents for any cost associated with submission of the information being requested or reimburse expenses incurred to interested parties for responses to this RFI. Contractors may visit UNICOR's website for more information about our Agency. Posted 08/28/98 (W-SN243107). (0240)

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