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POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE SEEKS TRACKING DEVICES

10 April 2008

 See: FedBizOpps.gov

Tracking RFI

The mission of the Postal Inspection Service is to protect the assets of the Postal Service.  To do so, it is sometimes required that IS personnel be able to track people, vehicles and packages.  As such, the IS seeks to determine the devices available in the market place that fulfill IS requirements.

The IS is interested in devices that utilize GPS, assisted GPS, cell phone, radio frequency and internet (IP) based technologies.  Several typical scenarios are described below in very general terms. 

Scenario 1 –

Vehicle Tracking- fixed installation

Under this scenario, IS will track a vehicle from 1 day to 3 week. The tracking device may be fixed to the vehicle and powered from vehicle power or battery.  All modes of tracking, i.e. GPS, DF, cellular assisted, IP and RF are of interest.  If device uses more than one method of tracking explain how this accomplished and under what conditions.  Explain how the vehicle may, or may not be constantly tracked as it moves into areas that may not have GPS, as example, coverage.  Explain how operator tracks the vehicle.

Questions Surrounding Operating Conditions:

  1. How is the device affixed to the vehicle?
  2. Can the device be powered from vehicle power?
  3. What types of batteries are used?  Are they readily available?  Are they rechargeable? 
  4. What is the battery time/operating time (in pings/responses)?
  5. Is there a sleep mode?  Can the devise be woken upon command and/or motion?
  6. What are antenna capabilities/requirements fro the target vehicle?
  7. What are antenna capabilities/requirements for the tracking vehicle?
  8. What is the mapping software?  How is it licensed?
  9. Is target information reported to a server and can it be a USPIS server?
  10. How often does the target unit report back position and how is this controlled?
  11. What is the anticipated tracking range and the assumptions/conditions for the estimate?
  12. Delineate all costs involved.

Scenario 2 –

Vehicle Tracking- temporary installation

Under this scenario, IS will track a vehicle from 1 day to 3 weeks. The device will be used in a “slap and dash mode” in which case the device must be self contained.  All modes of tracking, i.e. GPS, DF, cellular assisted, IP and RF are of interest.  If device uses more than one method of tracking explain how this accomplished and under what conditions.  Explain how the vehicle may, or may not be constantly tracked as it moves into areas that may not have GPS, as example, coverage.  Explain how operator tracks the vehicle.

Questions Surrounding Operating Conditions:

  1. How is the device affixed to the vehicle?
  2. What type of batteries are used?  Are they readily available?  Are they rechargeable? 
  3. What is the battery life/operating time (n pings/responses)?
  4. Is there a sleep mode?  Can the devise be woken upon command and/or motion?
  5. What are antenna capabilities/requirements fro the target vehicle?
  6. What are antenna capabilities/requirements fro the tracking vehicle?
  7. What is mapping software?  How is it licensed?
  8. Is target information reported to a server and can it be a USPIS server?
  9. How often does the target unit report back position and how is this controlled?
  10. What is the anticipated tracking range and the assumptions/conditions for the estimate?
  11. Delineate all costs involved.

Scenario 3 –

Data Logging

Under this scenario, IS will track the whereabouts of vehicle from 1 day to 3 week. The logging device may “slapped” to a vehicle using magnets and must be self contained.  Alternatively, it may be affixed to the vehicle and powered from vehicle power or battery.  Explain how logging intervals are set.  Explain data is retrieved.  Explain how logged data may be viewed.

Questions Surrounding Operating Conditions:

  1. How is the device affixed to the vehicle?
  2. What
  3. Type of batteries are used?  Are they readily available?  Are they rechargeable?  What is the operating time when using batteries?
  4. Is the time interval between position fixes programmable?
  5. How is data retrieved? 
  6. Is the data compatible to software? If so, what brands?
  7. Is there a sleep mode?  Can the devise be woken upon command and/or motion?
  8. What are antenna capabilities/requirements?
  9. Delineate all costs involved.

Scenario 4-

Package or letter tracking

Under this scenario USPIS seeks to track a package or letter.  Typically, the tracking is initiated by motion or a break wire and the time actively tracking is short.  It may be required to track or locate with buildings or other structures.  Explain how locations or tracking is accomplished, i.e. GPS, cellular assisted, DF or combination.  Explain what happens as device move in or out of a structure.  Explain time required for GPS synchronization. Explain if the device is approved for domestic or international air travel.

Questions Surrounding Operating Conditions:

  1. What type of batteries are used?  Are they readily available?  Are they rechargeable? 
  2. What is the life of in pings/responses?
  3. How may the device be activated?
  4. Can the device be placed in a sleep mode?
  5. Is the device approved for on aircraft?
  6. What are antenna capabilities/requirements at the tracking vehicle?
  7. What type of monitor device is used by the tracking units?
  8. Can mapping software be used? What is mapping software?  How is it licensed?
  9. Delineate all costs involved.
  10. What is the anticipated tracking range and the assumptions/conditions for the estimate?

Scenario 5-

In this scenario, USPIS seeks to follow and/or locate an individual.  The individual target would be cooperative.  This is a broad requirement and the IS would be interested to learn of any tracking devices that may be applicable.  The vendor should clearly delineate the operation and use of any equipment. 

Questions Surrounding Operating Conditions:

  1. How may the device be activated?
  2. Can the device be placed in a sleep mode?
  3. What type of monitor device is used by the tracking units?
  4. Can mapping software be used? What is mapping software?  How is it licensed?
  5. Delineate all costs involved.
  6. What is the anticipated tracking range and the assumptions/conditions for the estimate?

Instructions

Vendors are invited to describe each device that may support the scenario, the tracking technologies used and the functional operation of the device in the given scenario.  Additionally, for each device, the Questions Surrounding Operating Conditions should be answered.  Responses shall be limited to 3 pages and shall be submitted in electronic format and four hard copies.  If the vendor has more than one device that fulfills the requirements, a separate response shall be submitted for each device.  If two devices must be used in concert to support a scenario, single vendor response should be submitted. All cost factors must be completely provided.

In addition to the above response the vendor may submit product specifications, data sheets or other marketing materials.  Four hard copies are to be provided. 

The Inspection Service (IS) may at its discretion, request additional information from vendors or request product demonstrations. This RFI does not constitute intent to procure.

All questions shall be submitted to Anthony Coviello (anthony.j.coviello@usps.gov)   and Reginald Brown (reginald.brown@usps.gov) via email and responses to questions will be sent via email as well. 

Hard copies should be submitted to the following mailing address:

USPIS TSD

AJ Coviello Suite 195

22340 Dresden St.

Dulles VA 20166-9315

RFI Submission Date:  April 30, 2008

Clauses and Provisions:

Provision A-2: Solicitation for Information or Planning Purposes

 

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