Integrated Footwear System (IFS) Cuffs

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the U.S. Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, intends to award a sole source firm fixed price contract for the acquisition of Integrated Footwear System (IFS) Cuffs. This contract will be awarded under the authority of 10 USC 2304 (c)(5) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) only one source is reasonably available. The Government intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Straus Knitting Mills, Inc. operating as a Small Business located in Saint Croix Falls, WI. The IFS cuffs produced by Straus Knitting Mills, Inc. are essential to the Governments requirement as they are the only tested and approved cuff supplier for the IFS system. Straus Knitting Mills, Inc. is the only source from which the required cuffs are available. There are no other commercially available cuffs that can meet the Government requirement as test data used to approve the IFS for production includes the use of this particular cuff. Use of a different manufacture cuff would require additional testing, which is both time consuming and costly and not in the best interest of the Government at this time. The IFS provides critical protection to the users in the event they become exposed to a chemical or biological agent. Omitting the IFS leaves the warfighter vulnerable in that area. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 315110 and the Small Business Size Standard is 750 employees. This is not a Small Business Set-Aside. The Government anticipates awarding one (1) contract award. All responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. This notice is posted for ten (10) business days. No solicitation package will be available. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. If no affirmative written response is received by 3:00 pm EST, 02 March 2018, the contract will be issued without further notice. A determination by the Government not to compete this contract is based on this notice and is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any questions shall be made in writing and directed to: Ms. Yvette M Daltorio, Contract Specialist, via email at [email protected].