USPS FAQ’s

What was the contract award process?

  • In 2005 the USPS released a RFQ that mandated a “Direct Vendor” relationship with the manufacturer of video equipment. Vicon was one of almost 40 companies to responded to the original RFQ
  • After a significant review by the USPS, the qualification process eliminated all but 6 approved manufacturers, which made final bids for the contract. The final six bidders included Pelco, Bosch, GE Security, Sonitrol and Checkpoint Security
  • Vicon was chosen as the sole direct vendor based on a number of factors that included pricing, experience, and support infrastructure

What are key points in the Contract?

  • The Direct Vendor contract calls for an initial two-year agreement (2005-2007) in which Vicon will supply all CCTV equipment requirements to the USPS. This covers new construction as well as additions, upgrades, and servicing needs.
  • After the initial two years, the USPS has three (3) two-year renewal options that could extend the length of the contract term to a total of (8) eight years
  • Under the terms of the contract, Vicon is required to quote and sell the product directly to the General Contractor. No product for use in a USPS facility can be sold directly to the dealer unless there is no General Contractor assigned to the project as is the case for servicing.
  • Vicon will provide a 3-Year Certified Service Program (service plan) inclusive of on-site labor and materials; annual preventative maintenance visits will be included for all facilities with the exception of retail only systems.
  • Vicon will provide Factory Project Management Services such as system inspection and certification (commissioning services); also includes end-user training. These services will be provided for all systems with the exception of retail only systems.

What are the key System Design requirements?

  • USPS specification section 13705/OTCB, last updated 12/17/07 calls for a mixture of Vicon systems including ViconNet-based Kollector Lite recorders and NOVA matrix systems. The systems also call for a mixture of Surveyor VFT domes and Roughneck cameras
  • Transmission options in the system range from UTP for short video runs to Fiber for longer transmissions; all cameras exposed to the elements (not covered by a canopy) will also include fiber.

How does all this work, that is the process for winning a job and installing it?

The process is defined explicitly by the USPS 13705/OTCB contract terms summarized:

  • The U.S. Postal Service publicly releases a solicitation.
  • General contractors bid on the USPS opportunity
  • Architectural plans and specifications are sent to Vicon by general contractors bidding a given postal project
  • Vicon’s USPS Administration Group will review the drawings & specifications to generate an equipment list take-off for the project for the general contractors
  • Vicon must provide a bill of materials, equipment pricing, and list of all certified dealers for installation services to the general contractor. The general contractor is free to contact any dealer noted on Vicon’s USPS Certified Dealer List for an installation proposal. Vicon must have available a minimum of three (3) USPS Certified Dealers able to supply competitive installation bids to the general contractors.
  • The USPS selects a general contractor for the job
  • Selected installation dealer will be required to follow strict procedures for installation, configuration and training of the USPS facility including up to 3 pre and post installation visits by Vicon. Payments to dealer are based on successful completion of installation, configuration, and training services per USPS and Vicon

*Note, Vicon does not have any involvement in the bid and selection process other than provide the equipment list to the general contractor and the list of USPS certified dealers.

What’s in it for the Dealer?

  • The benefit of Vicon being awarded the contract is our ability to enable dealers to bid USPS services business via our USPS certification program
  • Your dealers will have the opportunity to bid on the installation portion of the project based on the bid-package material provided by the general contractor

How do dealers get certified? Why do they require certification?

  • The certification process is meant to train dealers on the specific requirements of the USPS contract and is a Direct Vendor requirement. Very specific requirements are outlined in the contract and must be followed.
  • Vicon offers a 3-day training course with testing either in both NY and Vegas where dealers learn to install, test, troubleshoot, and program a complete CCTV system for the USPS. Registration and course details are not publicly posted online; dealers must contact Vicon’s USPS Administration Group for class details.

What are the minimum requirements to become a USPS Certified Dealer?

  • Dealer must demonstrate an established presence in the closed circuit television (CCTV) field.
  • Dealer must specialize in the supply and installation of CCTV systems, with a minimum of three (3) years documented experience.
  • Dealer must be in business under the current name for a minimum of one (1) full year.
  • Dealer must demonstrate sufficient credit resources to support the financial requirements of the projects.
  • Upon request, Dealer will provide up to three (3) written references from end-use customers for projects they have completed within the past six (6) months.
  • Dealer must have an acceptable record with the Chamber of Commerce and/or the Better Business Bureau in any area in which they do business.
  • Dealer must demonstrate a proficiency and proven record of performance in installing and maintaining CCTV systems
  • Dealer must demonstrate a working knowledge of the current USPS Master Specification Section 13705 / OTCB, basic PC skills, networking skills, and must demonstrate comprehension of all products required such as digital video recorders, matrix switcher, operator console, monitors, and associated video and data distribution equipment, including fiber optic equipment.

What is the Vicon US Sales Team Involvement?

This is a great contract for Vicon and can be leveraged by you in your territories. What we are asking of you is to be Vicon’s messenger and communicate the benefits of the program to your customer in a positive perspective. The way the program is communicated will determine the overall success and you’re the best way to get the message out.

We have a support staff dedicated to the USPS program but there may be times when your customers may have issues that have to do with the USPS program and we’ll ask you to help resolve the problem. That effort may range from a simple phone call to a USPS team member all the way to a possible emergency site visit.

Specific benefits for you include:

  • The postal contract gives you an opportunity to “bring something to the table” for your preferred dealers. Since only Vicon USPS Certified Dealers can install video surveillance systems in USPS facilities nationwide, encouraging your preferred dealers to become certified means more opportunities for the dealer.

VICON INDUSTRIES INC.

89 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, NY11788

TEL: 631-952-2288; FAX: 631-951-2288