A -- TERMINAL LABEL COLLECTOR (TLC)

Notice Date

March 13, 2001

Contracting Office

US Postal Service, Headquarters Automation Purchasing, 8403 Lee Highway, Merrifield, Virginia 22082-8150

ZIP Code

22082-8150

Solicitation Number

N/A

Response Due

April 6, 2001

Point of Contact

Pauline McTeer, Purchasing Specialist, 703-2890-7804

E-Mail Address

click here to contact the Purchasing Specialist via (pmcteer@email.usps.gov)

Description

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is seeking information on existing products and sources that can provide products that function to the general specifications described in this notice. This is a request for information ONLY, this is NOT a solicitation to purchase equipment or services. The Terminal Label Collector is a barcode collection/scanning system component consisting of label/tag scanning hardware that will allow barcoded label/tag data to be captured at the last point of label/tag use. Barcoded labels/tags will be inserted through a slot or guide into the device. A mechanism will automatically detect, transport and scan barcoded labels/tags, regardless of orientation (barcode side up or down). The device should utilize commercial off the shelf (COTS) barcode scanner technology to decode the 10-digit USS Interleaved 2 of 5 and the 24-digit USS code 128c barcode label/tag. Upon successful scanning of the label/tag, the label/tag will be defaced and deposited in a label collection container attached to the device. The captured data should be accessible through a serial or Ethernet port. The following describes expanded features and functions that are desirable but not necessarily required at this time. The unit should provide: transaction specific information including date, time and ID, in addition to the captured data for each transaction; the ability to return/reject unreadable barcodes and invalid/unassigned codes; a hopper, bulk feeder device or mechanism; an acceptance indicator (such as small green light) activated upon a successful scan; a failure indicator (such as small red light AND an audible tone) activated upon a failed scan or rejected scan (differentiation required); a small touch screen user interface capable of basic data entry; the ability to perform basic computer terminal functions (pc/pc104); the ability to connect to the Postal Intranet via wireless IEEE 802.11 / 802.11b technology; a durable industrial quality enclosure with mounting capability; the capability of accommodating barcode verifier hardware internal to the housing; a power failure tolerant design and non-volatile data storage configuration; a design that is upgradeable to emerging data acquisition technologies (i.e. RFID). The objective of this request for information is to gather product information from both current vendors of the aforementioned technology and vendors with the capability of developing this technology. Interested parties are to submit a total of three copies (one original and two duplicate copies) and one soft copy (if available) of any company promotional handouts, brochures, catalogs and operations manuals of equipment that meets or exceeds the general specifications and requirements, to the address provided above. Overly elaborate responses are neither expected nor required. Brochures or company promotional handouts are requested, but not required. Responses are due on or before COB Friday, April 6, 2001.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010315/ASOL009.HTM (W-072 SN50G0H4)