36--Procurement of Friction Stir welding/processing system.

Under the statutory authority provided by 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR subpart 6.302-1 - Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) intends to issue sole source solicitation to Friction Stir Link Inc. (FSL) of Brookfield, WI. A firm fixed price contract is anticipated for the purchase of a robotic Friction Stir welding/processing system. The proposed acquisition will be conducted in accordance with FAR 13.5 - Test Program for the Acquisition of Certain Commercial Items. FSL is the original manufacturer of the 6-axis RoboStir friction stir system currently being used to repair Navy propellers. FSL is the only company that can provide a compatible system to the RoboStir. The system uses a proprietary source code and software that exclusively communicates the required execution commands to the robotic articulating arm and the custom built Friction Stir welding spindle. Interested parties may express their interests and submit their capabilities by contacting the point contact listed in this synopsis. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement, and will be solely within the discretion of the Government.(see numbered note 22)