Introduction: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the US Army Combat Feeding Directorate (CF), intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: HARRIS MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC, SMYRNA, DE THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE. INQUIRIES WILL BE USED FOR FUTURE ACQUISITIONS ONLY 1. Nature and description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs: There is a need to provide a cost effective optimized alternative to the 5-gallon water can that is drop survivable and provides additional space for weapons and ammunitions. Load survivability rates on current 5-gallon water cans are low creating a draw on air assets and placing Warfighters in near critical situations due to shortages of potable water. 2. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only source available to provide these services or goods (i.e. unique qualifications, proprietary rights, etc.): These items are transported through a combination of ground vehicles and rotary winged aircraft. 20 HSCWB, developed by Harris Manufacturing, were shipped to theater and the initial feedback in meeting the short fall in water capabilities has been good. There has been a request to procure 200 more of these HSCWB to meet the water demands in austere locations. Harris Manufacturing, Trenton , is the only company that has been able to design these bags that meet the following customer requirements: (1) RF/Heat welded seams to exhibit cohesive failure no less than 700 pounds (2) Seam Tape seams to exhibit cohesive failure no less than 700 pounds (3) Survive 25 drops from 35 feet with full water load (+5 gallons) (4) Survive Static load test of up to 1000 pounds (5) No adverse affect on water potability inside the bags (6) Product meets the Taber Test method for abrasion tests (7) Product can withstand environments as low as -20 F and as high 120 F (8) The overall holding strength of primary front center and top HSCWB straps is no less than 462 pounds (9) The fabric to withstand 2,000 cycles under 1,000 grams per wheel in accordance with ASTM 03389-05 3. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason a market research was not conducted: While Market research shows other company's manufacture water bags an extensive test report and videos are available that document the HSCWB, developed by Harris Manufacturing Inc, were the only bags that have been able to meet the customer requirements, specifically the 35-50 feet air drop requirements 4. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: It has been indentified the lack of water distribution capability for the Small Combat Units in austere locations is straining sustainment of small outposts and placing Soldiers in near critical situations due to shortages of potable water. The current HSCWB, developed by Harris Manufacturing Inc., meets the requirements of the Warfighter and in its current form and has received Safety Confirmation from Aberdeen Test and Evaluation Center, for In-Theater user evaluation. If we go full and open, then we risk the potential of starting a new R&D effort, which will require a new Safety Confirmation. Given the urgent nature of the need for water capability, this will seriously delay the Warfighter's ability to get airmobile Solutions for the Delivery of Potable Water to Remote Locations. 5. 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: None 6. 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 1:00 PM (EST) September 5, 2011. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCAP-NA, Natick Contracting Division Kansas Street, Building 1 Natick, MA 01760-5011