56--SPECIAL NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE - TANNER HEAVY EQUIPMENT COMPANY, LLC - USCS SAND W/CLAY.

Notice of Intent to Sole Source ERDC Contracting intends to solicit on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 13.106 to TANNER HEAVY EQUIPMENT CO., LLC. This procurement is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). Tanner Heavy Equipment Co. is the only known source that can provide USCS Sand w/clay and are capable of meeting the Government's needs. The US Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), requires clayey sand material for backfills in soil crater experiments being conducted at Range 19, Fort Polk, LA. The data collected from these experiments is being used to improve crater analysis curves. The solid used in each test must be consistent throughout the range of experiments conducted to ensure that quality data is obtained and comparable results are achieved. Even small changes in the soil composition or gradation can cause significant variations in the test results, thus rendering the data questionable or useless. This material is well-characterized by IEEB and meets all gradation, composition, and compaction requirements set forth by the test program. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 12:00 p.m. CST on December 19, 2012. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. No RFP will be issued based upon this Notice of Intent. Interested parties may submit any information for consideration by the Government to [email protected] with solicitation number referenced in the subject line.