U.S. Department of State
Charlotte Cameron
CameronCR@state.gov
Request for Information ONLY
U.S. Department of State-Sources Sought for Overseas Systems Furniture
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Sources Sought Notice is issued to identify U.S. small business concerns having an interest in and capability to provide the products and services described below. Responses will be considered in selecting the acquisition strategy, to include determining the appropriateness of setting aside this acquisition for any one of the small business programs described in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19.
All information contained in this notice is preliminary in nature and is subject to change. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Quotations (RFQ), Invitation for Bids (IFB), or a commitment on the part of the government to conduct a solicitation in the future. All information provided is strictly voluntary and no reimbursement will be made by the Government for any costs associated with providing a response to this notice or otherwise participating in market research activities. Further, the US Department of State offers no assurance that a solicitation will result from this notice.
Any information submitted will become the property of the Government and will not be returned. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and must be clearly marked.
REQUIRED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The U.S. Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Overseas Buildings operations (OBO) is seeking U.S. Small Businesses who can produce and supply System Furniture with 110, 220, 240 – 250 volt capability under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 337214 (Office Furniture (except wood) Manufacturing) (SIN 71 under GSA). Do not respond to this announcement if your firm is not considered a small business by SBA standards under NAICS code 337214. Current size standard is 1,000 employees or less, refer to http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf.
The Contractor shall provide high quality, low maintenance systems furniture that can adapt, with minimal effort, as the facility evolves. Individual components and all assemblies shall break down for ease of inspection. Furniture shall have a modern appearance, with finish options at various grade levels. It shall include both panel based and freestanding furniture systems. Systems furniture shall utilize a spine wall for power and telecommunications distribution and include integrated lighting, storage and technology support, as well as ergonomic and adjustable height features. All electrical and telecommunications components and infrastructure shall be integrated and flush with the spine wall and panels.
INDUSTRY STANDARDS & TESTING
Must meet full UL 1286 rating at 250V/50Hz and 125V/60Hz. See Below for details of Draft SOW as furniture is to be used overseas at our Post and Embassies.
RESPONSES
Responses should be limited to 10 pages or less and be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document or Portable Document Format (PDF). Font must be Times New Roman, 12 point font, with margins of 1 inch all around. No responses shall be accepted via US Mail or FAX.
Responses are only being solicited from Small Business concerns. Firms should provide the following information:
- Contractor's statement of interest and capabilities statement.
- Relevant experience to include experience in performing efforts of similar value, size, and scope within the last five years including contract number, indication of whether your firm acted as a prime or subcontractor, contract value, Government/Agency point of contact and current telephone number, and a brief description of how the contract relates to the technical requirements described herein.
Submissions should include responses to the following categories:
- Company Profile, to include name, POC, email address and phone number:
- DUNS Number
- Cage Code
- Number of Employees
- Office Location
- Small Business Designation/Status Claimed
- Annual Revenue
- SAM Registration
- Please state if you are certified under HUBZone Program, Woman-Owned Small Business Program, Service-
Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, and Small Disadvantaged Business Program,
Individual feedback or evaluations will not be provided to prospective offerors regarding their submissions. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted nor acknowledged. Questions, if any, must be directed in writing to Charlotte Cameron at CameronCR@state.gov
Prospective offerors interested in responding to this notice should submit information electronically to CameronCR@state.gov no later than 5:00 P.M. E.T. on January 11, 2024.
DRAFT STATEMENT OF WORK as of January 4th 2024
WORKSTATIONS
Must have the ability to provide both systems furniture, utilizing a fixed spine wall, and freestanding furniture
Panels
- Panels shall have the ability to accept structural stacking elements.
- Heights shall start at 42” and shall have stacking capability to increase height.
- Tile finish options shall include paint, tackable or acoustical, wood, vinyl, marker board, safety/plexi-glass and pass through. All glass products or alternate glass products must be shatterproof.
- Fixed central spine must be self-supporting, without requiring perpendicular panel supports for a minimum run of 24’-0”.
- Fixed central spine must have the ability to accommodate electrical and telecommunication requirements detailed in section 15 of this, RFP, maximum 8 workstation capacity.
- Panels shall allow for a full range of panel mounted components at varying heights.
- Trim, filler components and all exposed panel ends shall be covered with hard surface finished trim. All hardware to be included.
- Panels shall accommodate hanging components on either side of panel frame, without requiring load balancing.
- Tool/accessory rail option to be flush mounted in panel frame with option for paper trays, vertical organizers, shelves, pencil tray, binder bins and divisional sorters.
Worksurfaces
- Work surface lengths shall align with panel widths and span 60” unsupported.
- Work surface thickness shall not exceed 1 ¾”.
- Privacy screens in full and partial height shall be removable and interchangeable in the field.
- All work surface components shall be non-handed, finished on all sides and shall accept a modesty panel. Modesty panel shall be removable in the field.
- Finish options shall include at a minimum, wood veneer and plastic laminate and paint. For plastic laminate finish, manufacturers must disclose construction type (i.e., HPL or LPL/Melamine). All edges shall be finished with square edges. Edge banding or solid veneer edge shall be fully integrated and match worksurface finish.
- Integrated height adjustable work surface located at (or perpendicular to) spine wall with extended height range adjustability 27”- 48”. 220V and 110V power options, UL listed and NEMA 6-20R or 5-20R plug. No converters or pneumatic cylinders accepted.
Storage
- Storage components at a minimum must include: wardrobe, adjustable shelving, open and enclosed cabinet with adjustable shelving, credenza, and file pedestal.
- Shelving and storage units must be fully accessible from a seated position.
- Finish options shall include, at a minimum, wood veneer, plastic laminate, and paint.
Pedestals
- Mobile, fixed and freestanding, file pedestal options shall be available as box/box/file and file/ file. Freestanding file pedestals shall have full extension drawers and counter balance weights.
- Finishes shall include, at a minimum, wood veneer, plastic laminate, and paint and include an option for an upholstered seat.
- Pedestals shall be available in various depths to align with work surface depths.
- Drawers shall have anti-rebound safety mechanism and leveling glides.
- Drawers shall accommodate letter and legal filing capabilities and all required accessories included.
- Pencil drawer shall be provided.
Keying
- Individual components (wardrobe, files pedestals for each workstation shall be keyed alike, with master keys provided.
Ergonomic Capability
- Articulating Keyboard Tray with pneumatic assist and rotation
Single and dual monitor arm (options of triple monitor) support with grommet and clamp mounted options
PRIVATE OFFICE
Private Office Casegoods with the following key attributes: modular work wall unit featuring a height adjustable desk, storage and a freestanding meeting table.
Work Wall
- Wall panels, wood veneer finish with vertical or horizontal wood grain.
- Mounted shelf, wood veneer finish with horizontal wood grain, square edge, integrated linear LED light.
- Wall mounted tack boards, wrapped fabric.
Height Adjustable Desk
- Wood veneer with solid wood edge Extended height range adjustability 27”- 48”. 220V and 110V power options, UL listed and NEMA 6-20R or 5-20R plug. No converters or pneumatic cylinders accepted.
- Concealed table legs within the base pedestal box file units.
- Standard dimensions 30”D x 78”W x 1.5”Thick, with other dimensions available.
Storage
- Storage components must include: wardrobe, adjustable shelving and file pedestal.
- Pedestals shall be available in various depths to align with work surface depths.
- Drawers shall have anti-rebound safety mechanism and leveling glides.
- Drawers shall accommodate letter and legal filing capabilities and all required accessories included.
- Wood veneer with solid wood edge.
Freestanding Table
- Oval or rectangular table with 4 star base and lockable casters
- Standard dimensions 30”W x 48”L x 28.7”H x 1.5”Thick, with other dimensions available.
- Wood veneer with solid wood edge
ELECTRICAL & TELECOMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS – SYSTEMS FURNITURE
Electrical and Telecommunications with international electrical capability
System shall include the following capabilities:
- Accommodate both 250V/50Hz and 125V/60Hz
- Maintain separate distribution for electrical and telecommunications cables, at 60% max fill ratio
- Accessible cable trays and raceways for both freestanding and panel based workstations
- Pathways capable of accommodating up to 4 telecom cables per work station
- Integrated wire management system below and above work surface
- Flush mounted power receptacles and data faceplates in the following configurations:
(2) duplex electrical receptacles above the work surface
(2) duplex electrical receptacles below the work surface located along the base
(2) telecom faceplates below the work surface
(2) telecom faceplates above the work surface
Telecommunications – Pathways & Connections
- Pathway within furniture supporting both electrical and telecommunications cabling must be minimally sized as 2” wide by 7” high and include a ferrous barrier to separate power and telecommunications cables. Base telecom cable raceway must include a minimum of 2.5” of pathway height and 2” of pathway width to comply with cable bend radius requirements.
- “Whip” conduits are utilized to connect telecom cables from the wall to systems furniture. A one inch (1”) conduit pathway connecting to system furniture will support a maximum of eight (8) telecom cables.
- Two (2) recessed, integrated telecommunication faceplates shall be required for each workstation. Faceplates located on each side of a single panel or spine shall be offset from one another.
- One (1) telecom faceplate configured with four (4) CAT 6 jacks in compliance with the ANSI/TIA/EIA T-568A wiring scheme
- One (1) telecom quad faceplate configured with four (4) CAT 6 jacks in compliance with the ANSI/TIA/EIA T-568A wiring scheme and two (2) 50/125 SC fiber connectors
Electrical – Raceway & Wiring Configuration
Design Reference E0803-C01.01: Refer to E090402 Building Electrical Distribution for electrical distribution associated with modular furniture.)
- Electrical cable raceway requires a minimum of 2.5 inches of pathway height and 2.0 inches of pathway width to comply with cabling requirements.
- Receptacle configuration for all furniture must be provided with host country utilization voltages.
- For 220/230/240V/50Hz installations receptacles shall utilize NEMA 6-20R receptacles, UL rated at 250V/50Hz.
- For 110/120V/60Hz installations receptacles shall utilize NEMA 5-20R receptacles, UL rated at 125V/60Hz.
- Electrical configuration shall utilize a 4+4+2 wiring:
Four (4) 20-AMP circuits, non-directional 10 wire configuration: four hots, four neutrals (12 AWG), two grounds.
- An alternate 4+2+2 wiring configuration may be considered for specific projects: Four (4)20-AMP circuits, non-directional 8 wire configuration: four hots, two neutrals (10 AWG, 35A rated), two grounds.
- Power must be factory assembled UL rated wiring harness (in-feed or whip) to connect the power.
INDUSTRY STANDARDS & TESTING
Must meet full UL 1286 rating at 250V/50Hz and 125V/60Hz.
REFERENCES
Manufacturer shall submit a history of similar production quantities with on time results and with 220V/50Hz product supplied for overseas installation. Provide performance evaluations, references and contact information for at least three (3) projects with 220V/50Hz product supplied for installation overseas within the last three (3) years (attachment A).
DEALER DESIGNATION
Manufacturer shall designate a local dealer for furniture specification and project management support. Provide the following information on designated dealer:
- Dealer team members and their respective resumes, to include a Team Leader, Systems Furniture Specialist and all other professionals who will perform work on Department of State projects.
- Dealer technical capability, capacity and flexibility to perform on multiple simultaneous projects.
- Dealer facility and team member clearance levels, issue date and expiration date, issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
- Dealers without active security clearances will not be disqualified if they meet or exceed all other requirements however, if designated dealer does not obtain required clearances by the end of the first contract year, they will not be considered for awards.
- Dealer’s history of similar project work with on time results and multiple simultaneous projects. Provide performance evaluations, references and contact information for at least three (3) projects in the past five (5) years with a minimum of 50 workstations and at least one project with over 200 workstations.
- Dealer Cage code and DUNS number.
U.S. Department of State
Charlotte Cameron
CameronCR@state.gov
Request for Information ONLY
U.S. Department of State-Sources Sought for Overseas Systems Furniture
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Sources Sought Notice is issued to identify U.S. small business concerns having an interest in and capability to provide the products and services described below. Responses will be considered in selecting the acquisition strategy, to include determining the appropriateness of setting aside this acquisition for any one of the small business programs described in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19.
All information contained in this notice is preliminary in nature and is subject to change. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Quotations (RFQ), Invitation for Bids (IFB), or a commitment on the part of the government to conduct a solicitation in the future. All information provided is strictly voluntary and no reimbursement will be made by the Government for any costs associated with providing a response to this notice or otherwise participating in market research activities. Further, the US Department of State offers no assurance that a solicitation will result from this notice.
Any information submitted will become the property of the Government and will not be returned. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and must be clearly marked.
REQUIRED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The U.S. Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Overseas Buildings operations (OBO) is seeking U.S. Small Businesses who can produce and supply System Furniture with 110, 220, 240 – 250 volt capability under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 337214 (Office Furniture (except wood) Manufacturing) (SIN 71 under GSA). Do not respond to this announcement if your firm is not considered a small business by SBA standards under NAICS code 337214. Current size standard is 1,000 employees or less, refer to http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf.
The Contractor shall provide high quality, low maintenance systems furniture that can adapt, with minimal effort, as the facility evolves. Individual components and all assemblies shall break down for ease of inspection. Furniture shall have a modern appearance, with finish options at various grade levels. It shall include both panel based and freestanding furniture systems. Systems furniture shall utilize a spine wall for power and telecommunications distribution and include integrated lighting, storage and technology support, as well as ergonomic and adjustable height features. All electrical and telecommunications components and infrastructure shall be integrated and flush with the spine wall and panels.
INDUSTRY STANDARDS & TESTING
Must meet full UL 1286 rating at 250V/50Hz and 125V/60Hz.
See Below for details of Draft SOW as furniture is to be used overseas at our Post and Embassies.
RESPONSES
Responses should be limited to 10 pages or less and be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document or Portable Document Format (PDF). Font must be Times New Roman, 12 point font, with margins of 1 inch all around. No responses shall be accepted via US Mail or FAX.
Responses are only being solicited from Small Business concerns. Firms should provide the following information:
- Contractor's statement of interest and capabilities statement.
- Relevant experience to include experience in performing efforts of similar value, size, and scope within the last five years including contract number, indication of whether your firm acted as a prime or subcontractor, contract value, Government/Agency point of contact and current telephone number, and a brief description of how the contract relates to the technical requirements described herein.
Submissions should include responses to the following categories:
- Company Profile, to include name, POC, email address and phone number:
- DUNS Number
- Cage Code
- Number of Employees
- Office Location
- Small Business Designation/Status Claimed
- Annual Revenue
- SAM Registration
- Please state if you are certified under HUBZone Program, Woman-Owned Small Business Program, Service-
Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, and Small Disadvantaged Business Program,
Individual feedback or evaluations will not be provided to prospective offerors regarding their submissions. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted nor acknowledged. Questions, if any, must be directed in writing to Charlotte Cameron at CameronCR@state.gov
Prospective offerors interested in responding to this notice should submit information electronically to CameronCR@state.gov no later than 5:00 P.M. E.T. on January 11, 2024.
DRAFT STATEMENT OF WORK as of January 4th 2024
WORKSTATIONS
Must have the ability to provide both systems furniture, utilizing a fixed spine wall, and freestanding furniture
Panels
- Panels shall have the ability to accept structural stacking elements.
- Heights shall start at 42” and shall have stacking capability to increase height.
- Tile finish options shall include paint, tackable or acoustical, wood, vinyl, marker board, safety/plexi-glass and pass through. All glass products or alternate glass products must be shatterproof.
- Fixed central spine must be self-supporting, without requiring perpendicular panel supports for a minimum run of 24’-0”.
- Fixed central spine must have the ability to accommodate electrical and telecommunication requirements detailed in section 15 of this, RFP, maximum 8 workstation capacity.
- Panels shall allow for a full range of panel mounted components at varying heights.
- Trim, filler components and all exposed panel ends shall be covered with hard surface finished trim. All hardware to be included.
- Panels shall accommodate hanging components on either side of panel frame, without requiring load balancing.
- Tool/accessory rail option to be flush mounted in panel frame with option for paper trays, vertical organizers, shelves, pencil tray, binder bins and divisional sorters.
Worksurfaces
- Work surface lengths shall align with panel widths and span 60” unsupported.
- Work surface thickness shall not exceed 1 ¾”.
- Privacy screens in full and partial height shall be removable and interchangeable in the field.
- All work surface components shall be non-handed, finished on all sides and shall accept a modesty panel. Modesty panel shall be removable in the field.
- Finish options shall include wood and laminate, at a minimum. All edges shall be finished with square edges. Edge banding shall be fully integrated and matching work surface.
- Integrated height adjustable work surface located at (or perpendicular to) spine wall with extended height range adjustability 27”- 48”. 220V and 110V power options, UL listed and NEMA 6-20R or 5-20R plug. No converters or pneumatic cylinders accepted.
Storage
- Storage components at a minimum must include: wardrobe, adjustable shelving, open and enclosed cabinet with adjustable shelving, credenza, and file pedestal.
- Shelving and storage units must be fully accessible from a seated position.
- Finish options shall include, at a minimum, wood veneer, plastic laminate, and paint.
Pedestals
- Mobile, fixed and freestanding, file pedestal options shall be available as box/box/file and file/ file. Freestanding file pedestals shall have full extension drawers and counter balance weights.
- Finishes shall include, at a minimum, wood veneer, plastic laminate, and paint and include an option for an upholstered seat.
- Pedestals shall be available in various depths to align with work surface depths.
- Drawers shall have anti-rebound safety mechanism and leveling glides.
- Drawers shall accommodate letter and legal filing capabilities and all required accessories included.
- Pencil drawer shall be provided.
Keying
- Individual components (wardrobe, files pedestals for each workstation shall be keyed alike, with master keys provided.
Ergonomic Capability
- Articulating Keyboard Tray with pneumatic assist and rotation
Single and dual monitor arm (options of triple monitor) support with grommet and clamp mounted options
PRIVATE OFFICE
Private Office Casegoods with the following key attributes: modular work wall unit featuring a height adjustable desk, storage and a freestanding meeting table.
Work Wall
- Wall panels, wood veneer finish with vertical or horizontal wood grain.
- Mounted shelf, wood veneer finish with horizontal wood grain, square edge, integrated linear LED light.
- Wall mounted tack boards, wrapped fabric.
Height Adjustable Desk
- Wood veneer with solid wood edge Extended height range adjustability 27”- 48”. 220V and 110V power options, UL listed and NEMA 6-20R or 5-20R plug. No converters or pneumatic cylinders accepted.
- Concealed table legs within the base pedestal box file units.
- Standard dimensions 30”D x 78”W x 1.5”Thick, with other dimensions available.
Storage
- Storage components must include: wardrobe, adjustable shelving and file pedestal.
- Pedestals shall be available in various depths to align with work surface depths.
- Drawers shall have anti-rebound safety mechanism and leveling glides.
- Drawers shall accommodate letter and legal filing capabilities and all required accessories included.
- Wood veneer with solid wood edge.
Freestanding Table
- Oval or rectangular table with 4 star base and lockable casters
- Standard dimensions 30”W x 48”L x 28.7”H x 1.5”Thick, with other dimensions available.
- Wood veneer with solid wood edge
ELECTRICAL & TELECOMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS – SYSTEMS FURNITURE
Electrical and Telecommunications with international electrical capability
System shall include the following capabilities:
- Accommodate both 250V/50Hz and 125V/60Hz
- Maintain separate distribution for electrical and telecommunications cables, at 60% max fill ratio
- Accessible cable trays and raceways for both freestanding and panel based workstations
- Pathways capable of accommodating up to 4 telecom cables per work station
- Integrated wire management system below and above work surface
- Flush mounted power receptacles and data faceplates in the following configurations:
(2) duplex electrical receptacles above the work surface
(2) duplex electrical receptacles below the work surface located along the base
(2) telecom faceplates below the work surface
(2) telecom faceplates above the work surface
Telecommunications – Pathways & Connections
- Pathway within furniture supporting both electrical and telecommunications cabling must be minimally sized as 2” wide by 7” high and include a ferrous barrier to separate power and telecommunications cables. Base telecom cable raceway must include a minimum of 2.5” of pathway height and 2” of pathway width to comply with cable bend radius requirements.
- “Whip” conduits are utilized to connect telecom cables from the wall to systems furniture. A one inch (1”) conduit pathway connecting to system furniture will support a maximum of eight (8) telecom cables.
- Two (2) recessed, integrated telecommunication faceplates shall be required for each workstation. Faceplates located on each side of a single panel or spine shall be offset from one another.
- One (1) telecom faceplate configured with four (4) CAT 6 jacks in compliance with the ANSI/TIA/EIA T-568A wiring scheme
- One (1) telecom quad faceplate configured with four (4) CAT 6 jacks in compliance with the ANSI/TIA/EIA T-568A wiring scheme and two (2) 50/125 SC fiber connectors
Electrical – Raceway & Wiring Configuration
Design Reference E0803-C01.01: Refer to E090402 Building Electrical Distribution for electrical distribution associated with modular furniture.)
- Electrical cable raceway requires a minimum of 2.5 inches of pathway height and 2.0 inches of pathway width to comply with cabling requirements.
- Receptacle configuration for all furniture must be provided with host country utilization voltages.
- For 220/230/240V/50Hz installations receptacles shall utilize NEMA 6-20R receptacles, UL rated at 250V/50Hz.
- For 110/120V/60Hz installations receptacles shall utilize NEMA 5-20R receptacles, UL rated at 125V/60Hz.
- Electrical configuration shall utilize a 4+4+2 wiring:
Four (4) 20-AMP circuits, non-directional 10 wire configuration: four hots, four neutrals (12 AWG), two grounds.
- An alternate 4+2+2 wiring configuration may be considered for specific projects: Four (4)20-AMP circuits, non-directional 8 wire configuration: four hots, two neutrals (10 AWG, 35A rated), two grounds.
- Power must be factory assembled UL rated wiring harness (in-feed or whip) to connect the power.
INDUSTRY STANDARDS & TESTING
Must meet full UL 1286 rating at 250V/50Hz and 125V/60Hz.
REFERENCES
Manufacturer shall submit a history of similar production quantities with on time results and with 220V/50Hz product supplied for overseas installation. Provide performance evaluations, references and contact information for at least three (3) projects with 220V/50Hz product supplied for installation overseas within the last three (3) years (attachment A).
DEALER DESIGNATION
Manufacturer shall designate a local dealer for furniture specification and project management support. Provide the following information on designated dealer:
- Dealer team members and their respective resumes, to include a Team Leader, Systems Furniture Specialist and all other professionals who will perform work on Department of State projects.
- Dealer technical capability, capacity and flexibility to perform on multiple simultaneous projects.
- Dealer facility and team member clearance levels, issue date and expiration date, issued by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
- Dealers without active security clearances will not be disqualified if they meet or exceed all other requirements however, if designated dealer does not obtain required clearances by the end of the first contract year, they will not be considered for awards.
- Dealer’s history of similar project work with on time results and multiple simultaneous projects. Provide performance evaluations, references and contact information for at least three (3) projects in the past five (5) years with a minimum of 50 workstations and at least one project with over 200 workstations.
- Dealer Cage code and DUNS number.