--Notice of Intent to Award Phase II of Sole Source Contract to Tufpak, Inc. of Ossipee, NH

The US Army Natick Soldier Center (NSC) intends to award a Sole Source contract to Tufpak, Inc., Ossipee, NH, for specific adaptations to commercial machinery that is used to manufacture anhydride ration heater bags for Meals, Ready-To-Eat (MREs). T he adaptations will involve improving manufacturability and operational usability and are intended to lead to a more economically produced product that can be manufactured commercially by multiple vendors. This is the second phase of this effort. The firs t phase was worth $141,000; the proposed second (and final phase) will cost approximately $70,000 over four months and focus on heater bag width and stiffness and strength. The rationale for other than full and open competition is that Tufpak, Inc. is the only vendor currently capable of integrating the Hydrogen-Free Ration Heater (HRH) with the uniquely manufactured heater bag that that meets all military requirements. Tufpak currently owns both the proprietary formulation of the film currently used in th e HRH heater bag and the unique film extrusion manufacturing capability that is necessary to make the HRH heater bag. This unique material and manufacturing capability is required to make a product that meets military requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all comments received within five days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Please refer to numbered note 25. The North A merican Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 326111. Any inquiries about this announcement should be directed to Mr. David Mark via e-mail at [email protected] or by facsimile, 508-233-5286. Inquiries shall be made no later than 09:0 0 PM EST on 10 March 2007.