Multi Mission Aviation Support

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION ANNOUNCEMENT. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS ISSUED ONLY TO CONDUCT A MARKET RESEARCH STUDY FOR AN ANTICIPATED REQUIREMENT. PARTICIPATION IN THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION IS VOLUNTARY. NO COMPENSATION WILL BE PROVIDED.1.      PURPOSEThis is a Department of State (DOS) Sources Sought only.  Contractors are requested to read and respond to the below accordingly. The responses from this notice may be used as market research to determine an acquisition strategy for an imminent anticipated competitive acquisition. The purpose of this Source Sought notice is to survey the vendor community for potential sources who can support a total package approach to multi-mission aviation services in a manner that is flexible and rapidly deployable, allowing the Department to transport personnel and equipment, and retrieve eligible persons and critically ill patients safely, swiftly, and securely to and from locations anywhere in the

world in the most expeditious manner. The integration of an approved biocontainment capability meeting the specifications described in the draft Performance Work Statement is a critical and unseverable part of the Department’s requirement.  DOS seeks to acquire the services of an air transportation company with access to a wide variety of airplanes of varying sizes and capabilities that will provide movement anywhere in the world on short notice, tailored in size and configuration to the specific facts and circumstances of a particular mission, and flying as commercial aviation services in compliance with FAA regulations.  Specifically, the DOS wishes to determine whether there may be small business interest that could provide services and supplies meeting the Department’s requirements. The responses received (or lack thereof) in response to this notice may be used as a partial basis for the Contracting Officer’s determination as to the appropriateness or inappropriateness of a small business or other socio-economic set-aside under the subsequent solicitation (RFP). ALL RESPONSES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING VIA EMAIL TO Kershnerk@STATE.GOV. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ANY RESPONDENT CONTACT ANY OTHER DEPARTMENT OF STATE PERSONNEL REGARDING THIS NOTICE.THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY; NO QUESTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFI. NO AWARD WILL BE MADE ON THE BASIS OF RESPONSES RECEIVED TO THIS NOTICE. 2.       RESPONSE CONTENTThe respondent should identify technical capabilities they could deploy to fulfill the requirement if a solicitation were to be issued. Responses should be concise, yet detailed, and include the Contractor’s statement of interest and capabilities statement that clearly outlines demonstrated ability in accordance with the requirements outlined in the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS).  Unproven and aspirational technical capabilities that lack appropriate certification shall not be considered to meet the Government’s requirement. The respondent should also provide their business description to include the information necessary (Millions or number of employees) to confirm your business size, and identify any small business certifications (socio-economic program) you company presently holds.   3.      OTHER INSTRUCTIONSThe anticipated North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code assigned to this procurement is 481211 (Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation). Interested firms must demonstrate in their qualifications statement that they are qualified to perform the work outlined in the notice under this NAICS code. 4.      SUBMISSION DETAILSInterested businesses shall submit electronic responses; responses must be received by kershnerk@state.gov no later than 1530 Eastern Standard Time on February 25, 2019.Please submit all responses electronically to kershnerk@state.gov at Department of State Office of Acquisition Management prior to submittal date. No phone or email solicitation with regards to the status of the RFP will be accepted prior to its release.Responses must be submitted electronically, formatted in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel (any version). Margins must be 1” on all sides, to print on 8 ½” x 11” paper. Typeface must be Times New Roman, 12 point font. Responses should be specific to the Bill of Materials and the attached specifications. The page limitation shall be thirty (30) pages, but respondents are cautioned to keep marketing materials and non-specific information to a minimum. No responses shall be accepted via US Mail or Fax.All responses shall include the company name, address, DUNS Number, and size/socio-economic status under NAICS 481211. The response shall also include the point-of-contract (POC) including name, phone number and e-mail address. Information and materials submitted in response to this request WILL NOT be returned.