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

39 -- FLAT MAIL CART DUE 081399 POC Robert D'Orso, C.P.M., (703) 280-7836 E-MAIL: Click here to contact the purchasing specialist via, rdorso@email.usps.gov. The U.S. Postal Service is conducting market research into the commercial availability of a Flat Mail Cart for use with the new Automated Flat Sorting Machine (AFSM) 100. This cart is needed for preparing and transporting flat mail (large envelopes, catalogs, magazines, and other periodicals, some of which may be poly-wrapped). The initial quantity that may be purchased is approximately 1,000 units, with options for up to 6,000 more. Purpose -- The cart will receive prepared flat size mail for temporary staging and transport within a processing facility. Mail may come from containers such as trays, hampers, or palletized bundles. Once loaded, the cart will be transported to the AFSM 100 and positioned in such a manner as to allow for the unloading and transfer of mail to the feed table at a height of 33". The processing capacity of each of the three feeders is approximately 6,000 pieces per hour. Mail is placed on the feed tables vertically with the bound edge down. Function -- The cart should accept and present mail at ergonomic heights and reaches. This may include an adjustable or self-adjusting system as an integral part of the cart. The cart must retain the flat mail in the proper orientation during intra-facility transport. Capacity -Minimum target, 24' of flat mail (cumulative thickness). Minimum weight capacity of 840 lb. @ 24' of flat mail. Calculated at 35 lb./ft, not including any safety factor. Dimensions -- The target loading/unloading acceptance area of the cart should be in the range of 30" to 48" above finished floor (AFF). Maximum height dimension of 69" AFF. Maximum target footprint dimensions of 42" x 48". Flat Mail Specifications -- Length 6" minimum/15" maximum; Height 5" minimum/12" maximum; Thickness .009" minimum/.75" maximum; Weight .01 lb. minimum/16 oz. maximum. General -- Frame mounted casters, minimum size 5" x 2" (minimum of four), in such an arrangement that when fully loaded, the unit is easily maneuverable. These casters should be of a design that minimizes sound output on tile and concrete surfaces (i.e. Colson Performa). One caster must have a brake or locking mechanism, within easy reach of the control end of the cart. Maximum push force necessary to move a fully loaded cart from inertial rest 45 lb.; Maximum force required to keep a fully loaded cart in motion 25 lb.; Human handhold device/area with protection for fingers from internal load and external collisions. Horizontal handle height is preferred between 40" and 44" AFF; Vertical handles should span between 35" and 50" AFF and have a spread of 26-28". Preferred grip diameter of the horizontal or vertical handle should be between 1.25" and 1.5". The design of the equipment should allow the operator an unobstructed view of travel path while manipulating or transporting the loaded equipment. Multi-point tow connections and serial chaining capability for transport by powered equipment. Interested suppliers should submit product literature describing the cart, including a picture. Suppliers may be requested to provide a sample cart for testing. If testing is conducted, the cart will either be returned to the supplier or purchased, at the option of the Postal Service. All expenses incurred in providing a sample cart for Postal Service testing will be the responsibility of the supplier. The Postal Service will be responsible for testing costs (i.e.- preparation of test decks, testing personnel, etc.). Posted 07/29/99 (W-SN360626). (0210)

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