1. Introduction: Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR Subpart 6.302-1, the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security, intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: Wolverine Worldwide, Inc., a large business located in Rockford, MI 49351. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. No solicitation document is available. 2. Nature and description of services or supplies required to meet agency needs: The Government requires 108 Bates ICS 8 Gore-Tex Boots for a Limited User Evaluation (LUE) as part of the development of the Advanced Personal Protection System (APPS) for the Department of Homeland Security. 3. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only responsible source available to provide these services or supplies: Contractor has designed and patented a unique footwear concept that allows the user to tailor the ergonomic support for the boots based on their individual needs using a custom insert manufactured by the proposed contractor. 4. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted: On 04 March 2009 a Sources Sought notice was issued via Fed Biz Opps (W911QY09SS0002) for the APPS SWAT Program. In addition, an Industry Day was held on 30 April 2009 where products were exhibited to the APPS Integrated Product Team (IPT) and the Bates Boot was selected for further evaluation. 5. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: These products are being procured as limited quantities of test articles for the planned APPS SWAT operational evaluations. Should these items be determined to be operationally suitable and effective, they will be placed on the APPS SWAT authorized procurement list. Any future procurement from the APPS SWAT authorized procurement list will be made by state and local agencies under their respective local procurement regulations. 6. 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: There are no barriers to competition. No further Federal acquisition involvement will be required as this program terminates at the conclusion of testing. Any subsequent acquisition of this equipment will be conducted at the state and local level and is subject to state and local acquisition rules and regulations. 7. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement to the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division via e-mail to:
[email protected] no later than 10 December 2009. 8. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCRD-NA-SU, Natick Contracting Division Building 1, Kansas Street Natick, MA 01760-5011 9. Point of Contact: Kevin Parker, Contract Specialist (508)233-5937