SOURCES SOUGHT
B -- RFI for USPS Retail Outlets in Commercial Retail Stores
- Notice Date
- 5/13/2005
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 491110
— Postal Service
- Contracting Office
- United States Postal Service, Supplies and Services Purchasing, Travel, Retail, & Temporary Services CMC, 3300 S Parker Rd Ste 400, Aurora, CO, 80014-3500
- ZIP Code
- 80014-3500
- Solicitation Number
- RFI-POE
- Response Due
- 6/27/2005
- Archive Date
- 7/9/2005
- Description
- United States Postal Service Request for Information U.S. Postal Service Retail Outlets in Commercial Retail Stores 1. Introduction The United States Postal Service? is exploring the concept of expanding customer access to mailing services by placing U.S. Postal Service retail outlets in large commercial retail venues. This request for information attempts to determine (1) the level of interest among national or regional retail chains in hosting U.S. Postal Service-operated retail outlets within selected stores; and (2) the retailers? expectation for a mutually beneficial business arrangement. Any other ideas to further and promote the concept beyond the description provided below are highly welcome. 2. Description The U.S. Postal Service outlets would be staffed and operated entirely by postal employees. Customers would be able to obtain most of the products and services available at any post office, including postage stamps, Express Mail, Priority Mail, First Class Mail, Parcel Post, Delivery Confirmation, and Certified Mail. All prices will be the same as those charged at post offices. The U.S. Postal Service outlets would maintain hours of operation appropriate for the host store?s environment and customer base, including counter service on weekends and in the evenings. Host retailers will be asked to work jointly with the U.S. Postal Service to select participating host stores as well as choosing optimum in-store placement. The outlets are expected to be between 450 square feet and 650 square feet. Host retailers will also be expected to work with the USPS to co-market and co-promote availability at retail locations. The U.S. Postal Service is especially interested in speaking with potential partners that operate a chain or chains in multiple markets or regions. Stores should be open seven days per week, and at least 14 hours each day. Large, high-customer traffic supermarket locations are preferred, especially those serving rapidly growing communities. Host stores should have customer traffic of at least 18,000 customers per week. 3. Mutual Responsibilities of the U.S. Postal Service and Host Retailer The U.S. Postal Service would: a. Develop and build U.S. Postal Service outlet within the selected location; b. Provide and install all necessary fixtures, equipment, and signage; c. Provide U.S. Postal Service employees to work inside retail store; d. Perform on-site hardware maintenance and service and providing consumable items. e. Pay telecommunications costs associated with the outlet?s operation. The Host Retailer would: f. Provide customer access to the USPS retail store during all store operating hours; g. Provide a secure, well-lighted environment for the retail store; h. Provide electrical and phone connections as agreed to by both parties; and i. Provide site repair should the USPS retail store be removed by mutual agreement. j. Provide a clear and convenient path for the removal of outgoing mail. 4. Responding to this Request for Information Retailers interested in discussing this opportunity are asked to provide the following information: a. A description of your company management structure, operating divisions, and ownership (an annual report, 10K or equivalent is sufficient for this purpose). b. A description of your company?s regional and market coverage including average foot traffic. c. An estimate of the number of your company?s stores that would have adequate space available for a U.S. Postal Service retail outlet based on the description provided earlier. d. A description of your expectations for a mutually beneficial business arrangement with the U.S. Postal Service. Your response to this request should not exceed ten (10) pages, not including annual reports or other supporting materials. Responses should include name, title, business phone, fax, e-mail and mailing address for all future correspondence. All information will be kept strictly confidential. 5. Decision Process The U.S. Postal Service?s decision to pursue discussions with respondents to this request for information will be based upon a judgment of those companies that offer the best business opportunity. The U.S. Postal Service may engage in discussions with multiple respondents. All companies will receive written acknowledgement of their response to this request for information. However, by submitting a response to this request for information, companies agree that the U.S. Postal Service will not provide its rationale for the selection or non-selection of companies for further discussion. Decisions will be based upon all information provided by respondents to this request. This request for information does not reflect a contractual agreement to pursue a business arrangement. Nor does it represent U.S. Postal Service Purchasing Manual procurement and will not be governed by the provisions of the U.S. Postal Service Purchasing Manual. The U.S. Postal Service is not obligated to enter into any agreements or contracts as a result of this request. The U.S. Postal Service will not pay for the information solicited under this request. Issuance of this RFI does not indicate that the U.S. Postal service is planning on implementing these retail units now or in the near future. This is merely a request for information in order to develop business strategies for future retail initiatives. 6. Where to Send Your Response Responses should be sent on or before close of business on June 27, via U.S. mail, to: Bretta Kievit United States Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W., Suite 7540 Washington, D.C. 20260 Questions will be addressed, VIA EMAIL ONLY, to bretta.g.kievit@usps.gov. NO TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL BE ENTERTAINED.
- Record
- SN00807914-W 20050515/050513213418 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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