Testing of Barnacle Dispersal Unit

The U.S. Maritime Administration intends to enter into a contract with Lions Beard Marine, LLC, on a sole source basis pursuant to FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(i) as a means of evaluating a unique and innovative approach developed by the company to reduce the build-up of marine infestation on vessel hulls that typically requires costly, periodic scamping and or drydocking to remove. The agency has completed a favorable comprehensive evaluation of an unsolicited proposal and believes (1) the approach proposed is not available from another source, (2) the methodology does not closely resemble a pending competitive acquisition, (3) the intended results relate directly the the agency's mission of economically maintaining deep-sea vessels that are primarily in long-term lay-up, and (4) the proposed method has reasonable potential as an innovative and unique approach for mitigating the adverse effects of marine infestation on vessel hulls. The agency considers that the specific services proposed by Lions Beard Marine are only available from one source inasmuch as the company submitted its proposal as an unsolicited research proposal to demonstrate the concept in a practical environment. The concept, described in some detail on the firm's website at http://www.lionsbeard.com/, uses different baskets of frequencies to induce barnacles not to adhere to a vessel's hull. All responsible sources that feel they should be considered qualified to provide the foregoing product may submit a response to this notice within fifteen (15) days of synopsis publication to Ms. Monique R. Leake at [email protected]. All information received within fifteen (15) calendar days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in its solicitation for the described supplies or services. Information furnished shall include enough detailed documentation to allow the government to perform a proper evaluation. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. A SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED.