Nickel - DLA SP8000

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a request for quote (RFQ), invitation for bid (IFB), or an obligation to acquire supplies or services. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Strategic Materials Directorate is seeking information for the potential acquisition of 3,500 MT of Nickel metal for addition into the National Defense Stockpile.

Vendors are requested to provide a capability statement including:

General Data:

• Company name, GSA/other government contract numbers, socioeconomic status, CAGE code, UEI number, business size, mailing address, and primary point of contact.
• Examples of direct experience as a prime or non-prime contractor, including contract number, agency, scope/value, length, functions performed, and company role.
• Identification of relevant regulations, certifications, or equipment.
• Intentions regarding teaming or subcontracting, and percentage of work capability.
• Assessment of ability to manage as a prime if previously a subcontractor.
• Financial resources to support the effort, including credit line information.

Material Information:

• Grades, forms, and specifications of Class I Nickel provided.
• Common grades/forms for aerospace, defense, superalloy production, nickel alloy production, electroplating, and battery production.
• Identification of a baseline grade/purity for other Nickel products.
• Information on impurities, their adverse effects, industry limits, testing methods, locations, frequency, and internal/external laboratory testing capabilities.

Supply Information:

• Source location(s) of Class I Nickel and percentage from each.
• Supply chain details, including instances where material is not located in CONUS.
• Annual production/throughput/consumption.
• Estimated time to complete production/acquisition.
• Involvement in recycling processes.
• Material pricing methods and current market prices.

Delivery Information:

• Typical order-to-delivery time.
• Typical delivery quantities.
• Use of subcontractors.
• Origin locations for deliveries.
• Annual delivery capacity.
• Estimated time to complete deliveries.
• Additional production/delivery capacity.
• Lot/batch quantity definition.
• Spot delivery capabilities.
• Discount offerings for long-term or large volume orders.
• Preferred delivery and packaging methods, including any specific requirements.
• Safety concerns with packing/transporting and industry standards.

Storage Information:

• Common storage conditions for Class I Nickel.
• Typical storage duration prior to use.
• Information on shelf life, environmental impact, regulations, material rotation requirements, and recommendations for long-term storage.
• Safety and environmental controls for storage and handling.

Market Information:

• Frequency of market price changes and how they are addressed.
• Impact of time of year on availability/production.
• Anticipated manufacturing process changes, technology development, or shifts in end-user requirements in the next 2-5 years.
• Anticipated material substitutions affecting demand in the next 2-5 years.
• Customer market sectors purchasing the material.

Additional Information:

• Provisions for agreements longer than one year.

• Active Wide Area Workflow account status.

• Willingness to provide sales data.

• Agreement to FAR clause 52.216-2 (Economic Price Adjustment—Standard Supplies).

• SAM registration status.

• CAGE code.

• Lessons learned from current/previous contract awards.

• Hammond Depot, IN

• Hawthorne Depot, NV

• Scotia Depot, NY

• Columbus Depot, OH

• Responses are strictly voluntary and will not be returned. No entitlements to payment for costs incurred will arise.

• Information may be used for acquisition strategy development and a future RFQ.

• Response limit: 20 pages, single-sided, Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF, 12-point font, 8.5 x 11 page, 1" margins.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

• Submit questions and responses via email to Felicia London (Felicia.London@dla.mil) and Alicia Barrowman (Alicia.Barrowman@dla.mil) with "RFI – Class I Nickel" in the subject line.

• Responses must be received by Thursday, March 19th at 3:00 PM EST.

• Verbal questions/responses will not be accepted.

• This RFI is for planning purposes only.

• All costs associated with responding are at the vendor's expense.

• Information provided is subject to change and not binding on the government.

• All submissions become government property and will not be returned.