transportation readiness solicitation

Title: Transportation Readiness for Strategic National Stockpile Deployment Background and Need: The mission of the Division of Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS), of the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), is to ensure the availability and rapid deployment of life-saving pharmaceuticals, antidotes, other medical supplies, and equipment necessary to counter the effects of biological, chemical, radiological, natural disasters or other emerging infectious disease agents. When state, local, tribal, and territorial public health and medical systems request federal assistance to support their response efforts, DSNS ensures that the right medicines and supplies get to those who need them most during a public health emergency or pandemic event. The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is a national repository of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical supplies, and medical equipment stored in strategic locations around the nation. These assets are designed to supplement state and local public health departments in the event of a large-scale public health emergency that causes local supplies to run out. Project Objective: The purpose for this requirement is to provide: 24 hours per day 365 days per year rapid freight transportation capability. For purposes of this solicitation and proposals, rapid movement will require ground transportation assets to arrive within 120 minutes of notice or less at those locations identified in this solicitation or at an alternate location identified at time of event that will be within a 25-mile radius of the identified locations herein. Ideally, ground transportation assets should begin to arrive at the designated site within 90 minutes of notice however the offeror has 120 minutes to ensure transportation assets are on-site. Ground movement of material is not expected to exceed a radius of 450 miles from the point of pick-up to delivery. Rapid movement may require domestic air freight and for such, the prices listed in Section B above, shall be one, two- or three- day air movement. Transportation times will be further defined and provided at time of request. Rapid movement may require International/OCONUS air freight and for such, the prices listed in Section B above are the maximum amount that can be charged, including fuel. The Contractor shall book next flight out depending on ask and time of ask. Scope of Work: The contractor, as an independent organization, and not as an agent of the US Government, shall furnish all necessary personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, and supplies to provide freight services throughout the US and Internationally in support of the Division of Strategic National Stockpile mission to distribute material to various locations for response to public health emergencies or other events.