This announcement is an amendment to a previous announcement E7482100007 and E748210A007. This amendment is to attach the J&A that did not attach to the previous/original announcement. This notice is for informational purposes only. The National Park Service, Lakewood, CO intends to solicit an action for supplies or services for which the Government intends to negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. This sole source award is for specialized underwater breathing equipment; mixed-gas, closed circuit rebreathers for utilization of a single diving system. This newly developed equipment is cutting edge for safety in diving; mixed gas CCRs provide the SRC the ability to utilize a single diving system across a broad range of diving environments spanning from shallow sites in warm water to deep cold environments requiring mixed gas capabilities to access safely and efficiently. Mixed gases represents the state of the art for occupational diving and represent a significant increase in employee health concerns developed from a career-long exposure to diving. This equipment is specific for life, health, and safety. This award will be made with the justification for restricting competition in accordance with Federal Acquisitions Regulation FAR 6.302-1. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals (features as noted). This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, any proposals received within ten days after date of publication of this notice will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract 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 future competitive procurement. All inquiries on this action can be submitted in writing by facsimile at (303)-969-2992, or email to
[email protected]. (Phone calls will not be accepted). All submissions shall be submitted no later than March 5, 2010 at 4:00 PM MT. This is NOT a request for proposals. Sentinel Expedition Closed Circuit Rebreathers Quantity: 2 JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION VR Technologies November 25, 2009 1. AGENCY AND CONTRACTING ACTIVITY: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Submerged Resources Center 12795 West Alameda Parkway Lakewood, CO 082282. NATURE OF ACTION: Requesting approval to use other than full and open competition procedures to for: VR Technologies Sentinel Expedition mixed gas closed circuit rebreather scuba diving systems (two units)3. DESCRIPTION:The Submerged Resources Center (SRC) has identified the need to acquire two mixed-gas, closed circuit rebreathers (CCRs) to assist if fulfilling its mandate of assessing, documenting and monitoring submerged sites throughout the NPS systems to support the NPS mission in park units containing submerged jurisdiction. Mixed gas CCRs provide the SRC the ability to utilize a single diving system across a broad range of diving environments spanning from shallow sites in warm water to deep cold environments requiring mixed gas capabilities to access safely and efficiently. Mixed gases represents the state of the art for occupational diving and represent a significant increase in employee health concerns developed from a career-long exposure to diving. VR Technologies Sentinel Expedition rebreathers offer the latest's, and safest suite of mechanical and electronic advancements to maximize SRC safe diving operations. Specifically, these units offer an on-board CO2 monitoring system (see #5 below) which is an industry first and available by no other manufacture worldwide.VR Technologies Sentinel Expedition: Two complete VR Technologies electronics w/vibrating HUD, CO2 monitoring system, Variable Gradient Model decompression software, off-board gas connection kit, and Intelligent Secondary display Sentenial Expdition Rebreathers. 1. AUTHORITY: 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) as stated in FAR 6.302-1 Only one responsible source, VR Technologies, and no other vendor will satisfy agency requirements.2. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR'S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS (FAR 6.303-2(a)(5)): VR Technology is the only rebreather manufacture to provide the worlds' first inrebreather CO2 sensing system, therefore increasing SRC diver safety.Sentinel rebreathers contain a sensor system to provide an additional level of confidence in monitoring CO2 absorbent usage. The absence of CO2 monitoring can cause diver blackout and subsequent death. The system has the following advantages over currently available canister monitoring techniques; 1) Predicts failures in the CO2 sealing system 2) Shows filter `bypass' as it occurs 3) Instantly shows `no filter' fitted 4) Displays current CO2 level within the breathing loop 5) Warns the diver to reduce their work rate or depth to avoid a dangerously high CO2 level occurring Rebreathers, including the models the SRC are currently diving, have always suffered from the lack of CO2 detection. The VR Technologies Sentinel Expedition provides complete confidence in the CO2 absorbent status at all times. The fact that VR Technologies is the only manufacturer to provide this level of CO2 monitoring while in the working dive environment justifies a sole source acquisition. 1. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS ARE SOLICITED FROM AS MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS PRACTICABLE (FAR 6.303-2(a)(6)): This requirement could not be solicited to any other vendors as the requirement is for CO2 monitoring systems within the rebreather diving system which no other manufacturer offers. No other vendor is available to solicit for CO2 monitoring as stated above. A notice of intent to award sole source will be publicized as required by FAR 5.207(a)(14).2. ANTICIPATED COSTS TO THE GOVERNMENT/ FAIR AND REASONABLENESS (FAR 6.303-2(a)(7)): A separate determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.3. MARKET RESEARCH (FAR 6.303-2(2)(8)): Extensive research was accomplished which no other feasible sources were found. VR Technologies was found to be the exclusive source for the requirement. 4. OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (FAR 6.303-2(a)(9)): VR Technologies is the only available source for this requirement.5. ACTION, IF ANY, BEING TAKEN TO REMOVE AND OVERCOME BARRIERS TO COMPETITION BEFORE ANY SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITIONS FOR THE SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED (FAR 6.303-2(A)(11)): Additional market research and sources sought wilLbe_conducted-if-subsequent-acquisitions-for_supplies-or-services-are-r-equir-ed.6. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION (FAR 6.3032(b)): I hereby certify that this justification and approval for other than full and open competition is made in good faith, that the supporting data and information are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I would not be making this request if it were feasible to fully compete this requirement. I further certify that this request is not the result of lack of advanced planning or a desire to expend funds while those funds are still available. Brett Seymour PRINTED NAME/s/ Brett Seymour 12. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION (FAR 6.303-2(a)(12)): I hereby certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. PAMELA R. VOLMERCO/UT MABO LEADContracting Officer /s/ Pamela Volmer