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

A -- RETURN MERCHANDISE SYSTEM (RMS) SOL NA DUE 060100 POC Robert D'Orso, C.P.M., A.P.P., Contracting Officer, (703) 280-7836, Fax (703) 280-8428 WEB: Click HERE for USPS home page., www.USPS.gov. E-MAIL: Click HERE to send an e-mail., rdorso@email.usps.gov. The USPS is seeking sources to provide a single prototype Return Merchandise System (RMS) including USPS field site installation and test. A noncompetitive award is anticipated, to be made in accordance with USPS Purchasing Manual Section 3.5.5.d.2(6). This is due to the nature of this requirement and available funding. Description: The objective of this requirement is to design, test, and deliver a prototype Return Merchandise System (RMS). The objectives of the RMS are to improve service for USPS customers and employees by automating the process currently in use for processing postage due returned mail. All parcels are currently worked manually by mail clerks. It is a time-consuming process of examining each mail item to determine whether any further processing is required. The average return volume contains parcels that require additional handling. Typical handling includes the separation of the delivery confirmation items, scanning accountable labels, and weighing merchandise returns to calculatepostage due. Part of the volume can be sorted and shipped straight to the customers. The mail items are processed by manually sorting them to an identified container for final delivery. A manifest detailing data collected during processing is compiled, printed and attached to processed mail. The customer uses this manifest to verify the amount of postage owed to the USPS. Scope: A supplier is needed to design, fabricate, integrate, test, deliver, document, and support an operational RMS for a field pilot test in Roanoke, Virginia PD&C Priority Mail Annex. This effort includes, but is not necessarily limited to: creating a detailed equipment specification, performing a site survey, adapting the equipment design, fabricating and assembling prototype system, first article testing at the supplier's facility, installation at Roanoke for field pilot testing, training of USPS operations and maintenance personnel, field support during an eight week field pilot test, and preparation of operator and maintenance manuals. Instructions to Suppliers: Interested suppliers are invited to request a copy of the Statement of Work (SOW) for this requirement at the address provided in this announcement, or by downloading it from the USPS web site at www.usps.com (see under the Business tab -- Get Info/Doing Business With Us/Market Opportunities/Business Opportunity Bulletins). Suppliers must then provide a Technical Approach Document addressing each section of the SOW in the order listed. Supplier capability and past performance must be addressed as outlined below. No cost or pricing information should be submitted with the Technical Approach Document. Since a noncompetitive award is contemplated, price negotiations will be conducted with the selected supplier only. Suppliers are to submit one original (marked as original), and five copies of its submission. Supplier Capability: To be deemed capable, the supplier must: (1) Have, or have the ability to develop, a sound quality control program that complies with solicitation requirements. (2) Be able to meet the required or proposed delivery schedule, considering all existing commitments, including awards pending. (3) Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, technical skills, and production and property controls. (4) Have, or have the ability to obtain, the necessary production, construction, and technical equipment and facilities. (5) Have, or have the ability to obtain, resources (financial, technical, etc.) adequate to perform the work. (6) Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations. (7) Have a sound record of integrity and business ethics. Past Performance: So that the USPS can evaluate past performance, the supplier must address: (1) timeliness -- consistent on-time delivery and adherence to contract schedules including the administrative aspects of performance (include references). (2) quality -- documented quality system, demonstrated quality initiatives, conformance to contract requirements, and standards of good workmanship; reliability through goods or services that perform well throughout their anticipated service life. (3) cost control -- a record of forecasting and containing costs. (4) supply chain management -- the management of total materiel flow from all levels of subcontractors. (5) business relations -- a history of being reasonable and cooperative with customers; commitment to customer satisfaction; integrity and ethics. Subsequent Actions: Should this proof of concept prototype and test prove successful, the USPS would anticipate that any subsequent acquisition would be made on a competitive basis. This announcement does not in any way commit the USPS to the test of any equipment, or create an obligation to provide for any procurement award. The above described acquisition is contingent upon USPS funding approval. Interested suppliers may send the required information to Robert D'Orso, Contracting Officer, Automation Purchasing, 8403 Lee Hwy -- Dewey Bldg., Merrifield, VA 22082-8150, no later than June 1, 2000. Supplier submissions must be in sufficient detail to adequately address the SOW in the order listed, and not exceed 100 pages. Company brochures and promotional material are permissible but not required. Elaborate submissions are neither desired nor encouraged. Posted 05/12/00 (W-SN454461). (0133)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0009 20000516\A-0009.SOL)