10--MICH TC-2001 Combat Helmets, Tan in color with #6 padding

Under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering (RDEC) Acquisition Center, Natick Contracting Division (NDC), Kansas Street, Natick, MA on behalf of the U. S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, MA intends to negotiate and award a Contract on a sole source basis with MSA Inc, 3880 Meadowbrook Rd, Murrysville, PA 15668 for 141 MICH TC-2001 Combat Helmets, Tan in color with #6 padding. These helmets will also be pre-drilled with the Three-Hole T-Bracket pattern. The Ballistic Helmet formulated by Mine Safety Appliance (MSA) is the only ballistic helmet with a USSOCOM approved Fielding and Deployment Release. It is the only configuration that has undergone ballistic testing by USSOCOM and has been validated and approved to meet USSOCOM performance requirements and Advanced Combat Helmet Performance Specifications. MSA is the only contractor able to produce these items and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy USSOCOM requirements. This helmet is compatible with the legacy night vision goggles, NVG helmet mounts and accessories, O2 mask, and specific communications equipment. The MICH TC 2001 is lightweight and comes with an approved quality assurance plan. Additionally, it would not be feasible for the Government to test and evaluate their products for USSOCOM approval in time to meet the required delivery date. It would take as much as 12 months and additional Government expense to conduct testing of another company's helmets and at this time USSOCOM has an immediate requirement to field the helmets listed above. Delays to the fielding of these helmets, which would occur during full and open competition process, will increase the likelihood of a SOF operator being injured by ballistic projectile otherwise defeated by the MSA TC 2001 Helmet. Any firm that believes it can meet this requirement may give written notification to the Contracting Officer within 5 days from the date of publication of this announcement. Supporting evidence must be in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the requirements, yet must be limited to 2 pages. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government to compete the proposed procurement based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no responses are received, NCD will proceed with awarding a firm fixed price purchase order to MSA Inc. 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. Nate Jordan or by email to: [email protected]. This synopsis expires July 20th, 2009 at 10:00am.