Introduction: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the US Army WARPAD directorate, intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: Niche, Inc., 84 Gifford Street, New Bedford, MA 02744. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE. RESPONSES WILL BE USED FOR FUTURE ACQUISITIONS ONLY. 1. Nature and description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs: 200 Custom Parachute Release Clip Prototypes Each device is a prototype to be utilized for Test and Evaluation purposes. Niche, Inc. has applied for the Patent License rights for this prototype device, they are established in the manufacturing process and acquired the required tooling, jigs and expertise to manufacture the device by the specifications of the government furnished drawings. Niche, Inc. is to manufacture, machine, heat treat and coat in accordance with the drawing package provided from the government. The device is a prototype Low Cost Parachute Release being procured as a USMC specific item in which limited quantities may be tested and evaluated within the current operational missions of the USMC in support of Operation Enduring Freedom requiring, expedient production of the device. 2. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only source available to provide these services or goods (i.e. unique qualifications, proprietary rights, etc.): Niche, Inc. has applied for the Patent License rights for this prototype device, is established in the manufacturing process and has fabricated and established the manufacturing process with limited quantities produced for NSRDEC previously with required tooling, and jigs to manufacture the device in accordance with the specifications of the government furnished drawings. Delays for manufacture and procurement of the tooling and jigs required will have an adverse affect on the TIE schedule. For the limited quantity and proof load testing, with multiple contractors would be impractical given the degree government oversight and quality assurance required for this particular device. 3. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason a market research was not conducted: The vendor has demonstrated quality and expertise through the manufacturing of limited quantities of the device previously for NSRDEC, and the ability to meet the schedule for delivery as required. They are the only source established in the manufacturing process of this device and have the required tooling, jigs and fixtures to manufacture the device by the specifications of the government furnished drawings. 4. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: A failure of the delivery schedule of January 31, 2011 will have an adverse affect on USMC testing. 5. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required: Once prototyping is complete and a demand for the item is established, fielding the item may be produced with open competition. 6. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement to the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division via e-mail to:
[email protected] no later than 12:00 Noon (EST) on December 7, 2010. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCRD-NA-SY, Natick Contracting Division Kansas Street, Building 1 Natick, MA 01760-5011 Point of Contact: Jeffrey Bernard, Contract Specialist (508)-233-6105
[email protected]