84--Special Notice of Sole Source Contract Action

Under the authority of FAR 6.302-3, the U.S. Army RDECOM Acquisition Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, MA intends to award a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order on a sole source basis to GENTEX Corporation, 324 Main Street, Simpson, PA 18407-1182. Nothing herein should be misconstrued as a request for proposal. No solicitation document is available. Nature and description of services required to meet agency needs: Material is requested for (5) medium-sized system prototypes with flame resistant fabric laminated to include active membrane technology and boots and gloves, made out of a unique design concept resembling a Warfighter ensemble with a shirt. Material is also requested for five (5) medium-sized system prototypes made out of a second unique design concept resembling a reinforced Warfighter ensemble with a jacket. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only source available to provide these services or goods: The candidate Gentex is the sole designer of these ensemble concepts as well as the technologies incorporated in the garment material. The initial test data reveals this innovative material used in the garment reduces the thermal burden imposed on the Warfighter when compared to current CB protective systems. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason a market research was not conducted: Market Research was conducted prior to the initiation of procurement in the form of a request for information. Test data were received and the design concept was reviewed by SMEs and selected as the more innovative submission compared to other integrated design concept systems. The product proved to significantly reduce the thermal burden imposed on the Warfighter when compared to current CB protective systems. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: None. 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: Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement to the U.S. Army RDECOM Acquisition Center, Natick Contracting Division, via e-mail at [email protected] no later than 05 November, 12:00 pm EST.