Social Security Administration, Office of Acquisition and Grants, 1710 Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, Md. 21207-0696

75 -- ACQUISITION OF THERMAL TRANSFER LABELS SOL SSA-RFQ-96-2684 DUE 070896 POC Christine Nagengast Tel: (410) 965-9520 A.- INTRODUCTION: The Social Security Administration (SSA) is interested in receiving quotes on the thermal transfer labels described below. This is a combined synopsis/request for quotation for commercial items prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This is the only announcement; quotations are being requested and a written request for quotation will not be issued. This is a simplified acquisition, 100% small business set-aside, issued as a request for quotation (RFQ), number SSA-RFQ-96-2684. Quotes submitted from other than small business will be rejected. The standard industrial classification (SIC) code for this acquisition is 5112. The small business size standard is 100 employees. This request for quotation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 90-37. Quotations in response to this RFQ shall be submitted by July 8, 1996, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, addressed to the Social Security Administration, Office of Acquisition and Grants, Attn: Christine Nagengast, 1710 Gywnn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21207; Telephone: 410/965-9520. B.--REQUIREMENT: Thermal transfer labels, 4 7/16'' w x 3/4'' h, capable of producing bar coded labels printed by a NEC Model 45 Thermal Printer. The surface of the labels must be such that the labels do not create debris when being scanned by open-ended scanning wands or laser guns during frequent scanning. The labels must be of a level of brightness to provide contrast with barcode printer ink to ensure first-scan scannability of the labels and must be resistant to smudge from the ink. The labels must be capable of adhering to manila folders without drying or peeling off and must be scannable during the life of the folder which may be 15 to 20 years. The labels must have a shelf life of least two years. Labels must be of continuous form and be of paper composite that is recyclable. Labels must be die-cut. Labels must be perforated between each label and separated 1/8 inch. Quantity Required: 166 cases (2500 labels per roll, ten rolls per case). Each case of 10 rolls and each shipping carton must be labelled, ''SSA Thermal Labels for PCACS Project'' in addition to the purchase order number. All quotes will have an acceptance period in which the offeror agrees to hold the price of its quote firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers. The total quantity is to be made on an FOB Destination basis to the following locations: Jamaica, NY 11432 (12 cases); Philadelphia, PA 19123 (17 cases); Birmingham, AL 35285 (21 cases); Chicago, IL 60606 (17 cases); Richmond, CA 94801 (15 cases); Kansas City, MO 64106 (19 cases); Baltimore, MD 21235 (65 cases). Full delivery addresses will be supplied at the time of award. There will be a zero percent permissible variation in quantity. The following (tailored) provisions at FAR 52.212-1, Instruction to Offerors--Commercial, (tailored) apply to this acquisition: (b)(1) - (b)(9), (b)(11), (c), (d) and (g). There are no addendums to these provisions. The provisions at FAR Part 52.212-2, Evaluation--Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. The Government will award a contract resulting from this request for quotation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the quotation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offerors in descending order of importance: lowest price and technical acceptance. Offerors submitting ''brand name or equal'' ribbons are required to submit product samples during the Government's evaluation process as a mechanism for determining technical acceptance. Product samples must be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. These samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing. Conformance with all of the specifications listed above is required in order to be considered technically acceptable. Evaluation of quantities exceeding the Government's stated minimum quantity of 166 cases will not obligate the Government to acquire these additional quantities. A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. Offerors are advised to include a completed copy of the provision at FAR Part 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications--Commercial Items, with their offer. The provisions at FAR Part 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Condition--Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. There are no addendums to these provisions. The following (tailored) provisions at FAR Part 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders--Commercial Items (tailored) apply to this acquisition: (a)(1), (a)(2), and (b)(6) through (b)(11). (0172)

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