Under the authority of FAR 13.106-1 (b)(1), in conjunction FAR 13, the United States Army Research, Development & Engineering Command (RDECOM) Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, MA 01760, on behalf of the WARSTAR Directorate, intends to negotiate and award a contract to Tex Shield, Inc located at 2300 M ST NW STE 800, Washington, DC 07446-1221. To provide the following materials: 270 yards of Tex Shield Monopack (100243) 300 yards of Tex Shield Stretch (101126). The intent is to award 1 contract to procure the above mentioned materials on the basis of Other than Full and Open Competition. The purpose is to procure both materials to develop garment prototypes. NATURE AND DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET AGENCY NEEDS: Material is requested in the amount of 270 yards of Tex Shield Monopack (100243); and 300 yards of Tex Shield Stretch (101126). These materials were previously purchased, and are being made into the project's Phase II garment prototypes. As the swatch sample tests (that included textile characteristics tests and chemical warfare agent tests) were completed, the material yielded test data in line with the project's needs. As a result, these materials were then selected to make the final, Phase III garment prototypes. DEMONSTRATION THAT CONTRACTOR IS THE ONLY SOURCE AVAILABLE: The candidate Tex Shield is the sole manufacturer of these materials as well as the technologies incorporated in the materials. The initial test data reveals this innovative material used in innovative garment designs that reduces the thermal burden imposed on the Warfighter when compared to current CB protective systems. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH THAT WAS CONDUCTED AND THE RESULTS OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASON 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 material was reviewed by SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) and selected as the more innovative submission compared to other material technologies. 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 THAT AN INTERESTED PARTY MAY TAKE TO REMOVE OR OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS TO COMPETITION BEFORE ANY SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITION FOR THE SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED: Information received will only be considered for future acquisitions. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this acquisition to the US Army RDECOM Acquisition Center, Natick Contracting Division, via email to:
[email protected]. All responses must be received prior to the expiration of this synopsis on 21 January 2010 at 11:00 am EST. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Acquisition Center - Natick, ATTN: AMSRD-ACC-N, Natick Contracting Division (R and BaseOPS), Building 1, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5011 Point of Contact: Michael Griffin, 508-233-5969