Intent to award a contract on a sole source basis to Black Diamond Equipment.

Under the authority of FAR Subpart 13.5, the United States Army Research, Development & Engineering Command (RDECOM) Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, MA 01760 5011, on behalf of Product Manager Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-CIE), intends to negotiate and award a contract on a sole source basis with Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of 2084 East 3900 St. South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, to provide 1230 Black Diamond Speed Vario Seat Harnesses. They will be deployed to be engaged in combat operations. This equipment is part of mountaineering kits that have already undergone research, development, test and evaluation. This equipment was down selected from multiple similar items and received limited-user approval from an IBCT trained in mountain warfare. Black Diamond is the only known supplier of this one-size-fits-all harness, which was selected to meet Soldier needs and to be compatible with the rest of the proposed High Angle Mountaineering Kit. Black Diamond has a patented buckle system that prevents the accidental incorrect use of the waist belt and leg loops. Black Diamond has current production on this item and can meet delivery needs. Nothing herein should be misconstrued as a request for proposal. No solicitation document is available. Any questions concerning this acquisition may be addressed to the above address, Attention: Mr. John Conlin, or by email to: [email protected]. This synopsis expires 23 March 2009 aT 2:00pm EST.