Number: 3783428
Country: United States
Source: Federal Business Opportunities
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) intends to issue a solicitation for new offset plate making equipment to support the United States Currency Program (USCP) as these divisions are transitioning to a digital prepress workflow. This transition includes a change in the offset plate making whereby letterpress plates are provided with an emulsion layer called the Laser-Ablative Mask (LAMS) that is exposed by a Computer to Plate (CTP) device. The existing plate exposure and washout units cannot adequately support the processing of digitally imaged plates; therefore, they must be replaced. The Government anticipates that the resulting contract(s) will be firm fixed price with a base year. Please see the attached Statement of Work (SOW) for details. We anticipate issuing a solicitation on or about June 6, 2017. An unrestricted full and open competitive solicitation is planned for this requirement. The applicable NAICS code is 323120, Support Activities for Printing, with a small business size standard of 500 Employees.
Interested offerors are encouraged to register in FedBizOpps for electronic notification of the solicitation, amendments, and/or changes to this notice.
Inquiries are to be addressed to Ines Lopez via email at [email protected]. NO PHONE CALLS, FACSIMILES, OR OTHER TYPES OF COMMUNICATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED FOR RECEIPT OF COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS IN RESPONSE TO THIS PRE-SOLICITATION.
Please see the attached RFP and attachments.
Q1. Pricing Equipment - in reference to the rigging part of the pricing, does the BEP have certain approved subcontractors that they use? If yes, may we have a list of them or who you prefer? A1. No, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) does not have an approved list of subcontractors.
Q2. Please confirm the final submit date of June 29, 2017 as the paperwork says June 13, 2017. Can an extension be granted?A2. The original solicitation closing date is June 29, 2017 at 12pm (EST). However, the RFP is due date for offers is herein extended until July 11, 2017 at 12pm (EST). Please ensure that responses are submitted to [email protected] and [email protected].
Q3. Section L.6 - It reads that travel cost shall be in accordance with the Federal Travel regulations...what is the "Federal Travel Regulations"? A3. The Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) is the regulation contained in 41 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapters 300 through 304, that implements statutory requirements and Executive branch policies for travel by federal civilian employees and others authorized to travel at government expense. Further information regarding travel can be found at FAR 31.205-46.
Q4. Under section L.5 - is this in reference to the requested equipment or equipment and plates? A4. Section L.5 is Volume III/Factor 3, Past Performance Preparation Instructions. Offerors shall provide Past Experience on previous same or similar contracts to the requested equipment.
Q5. Can we use the Bureau of Engraving as a reference since you have purchased your equipment from us in the past...can we still use you as a reference? A5. Yes, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be used as a reference. Q6. Do you expect to use the WS 230 S and the WS 230 SD? If you are going to use 230 and 73 you will really need two separate washout units. The thicker 230 requires a modified configuration of the brushes. It would require a lot of time two switch the brushes and also a lot of recalibration each time switching back and forth between making each type of plate. If you will not be using the 230, then you don"t need the 96x120 ED equipment. A6. BEP uses both types of plates WS230S & WS73W also WS73WD. Q7. Do you require a pre-wash section for the removal of the digital mask or LAMS layer? There is no ill effect from washing them off in the same cycle. A7. Per the solicitation, BEP will require a Pre-Wash Section. The digital mask is the LAMS layer. They are not separate items.
