This is a Sources Sought Notice ONLY. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This notice does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Army is not seeking proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice; all costs associated with responding to this notice will be solely at the interested party's expense. Submittals will not be returned to the responder. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. However, in order to validate an acquisition strategy through efficient market research, small businesses, in all socioeconomic categories, are highly encouraged to respond to identify capabilities in meeting the requirements. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Government wide Point of Entry. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the Government wide Point of Entry for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

A continuing need is anticipated for emergency tree cutting down and debris removal from Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform the cutting down and removal of said debris to the Fort Jackson mulch site located on Golden Arrow Road. Stumps must be ground down 4 inches to 6 inches below ground level. Contractor shall also preform cleanup of the affected area as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 561730, Landscaping Services. The small business size standard is $7.5 million. The anticipated contract will be an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) consisting of five ordering periods.

The purpose of this notice is to conduct market research to determine if capable, interested sources exist to assist in determining if this effort can be set-aside for Women-owned small businesses (WOSB), and to improve the Army's approach to acquiring the identified services.

The Army is committed, when conducting market research, to request no more than the minimum information necessary from potential sources. With that in mind, the Army requests the following information:

1. Please provide information sufficient to form a basis for the contracting officer to conclude there is a reasonable expectation that offers would be obtained from at least two responsible Woman-owned small businesses and that award would be made at fair market prices.

2. Personnel Qualifications: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract must have a base background check and qualify for a contractor card to gain access entry to Fort at the time of the proposal submission, and must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract.

Objectives:

• Contractor will respond within 2 hours of the emergency when notified by COR.
• The contractor will cut down damaged trees deemed by DPW COR to be an emergency.
• The contractor shall accomplish the cutting, removal, and grinding of the stump of the tree(s).
• The contractor shall remove all trees and organic debris to Fort Jackson Mulch Site located on Golden Arrow Road Fort Jackson Sc. 29207.
• Contractor will be issued a key from DPW for opening the mulch site gate and contractor shall be responsible for locking gate back up during non-working hours.
• The contractor shall be notified 2 times a year and given the appropriate amount of time set by the COR to place/replace various types of trees/palm trees when requested by the assigned COR.
• The contractor shall provide a year (12 month) warranty that will be provided for the placed/replaced tree(s). The warranty period shall begin after the last surveillance inspection has been completed by the assigned COR. This will shall be a recurring item every year for the life of the contract.
3. Experience: Selected Company should have at least three years of successful cutting down and removal of trees and debris in the Landscaping industry and must have an active profile in the System for Award Management (SAM).

4. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Responsible, qualified firms interested in supporting the subject requirement for Fort Jackson, South Carolina Tree cutting down and debris removal requirement in accordance with the attached draft PWS are to prepare a response (no more than 3 pages in length) to include the following information:

1. Company Name with Point of Contact

2. DUNS Number and CAGE Code

3. Woman-owned Small Business Certifications (if applicable)

4. A brief description of your company and its capability to fulfill this requirement. Cite any relevant experience.

This information is due no later than Monday, November 10, 2016 at 1 p.m.

5. Please be advised that the attached PWS is in draft format ans is subject to change.

5. POC is Octavio B. Palmero at [email protected]

Bid Protests Not Available