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 Warfighter Science, Technology and Applied Research Directorate (WARSTAR), intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: Faro Technologies, Inc., Lake Mary, FL 32746. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. RESPONSES WILL BE RECEIVED FOR FUTURE REQUIREMENT CONSIDERATION ONLY. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE. 1. Nature and description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs: Team at NSRDEC is in need of a high-quality computer aided measurement system that will calculate basic geometric and GD& T measurements and compare complex geometry, surfaces, and feature positions to nominal data with consistent results and reporting functionality using a measurement arm. The Biomechanics Team is currently using a Faro Technology Advantage Arm measurement arm that has been on short term loan from Right Patterson AFB. The Biomechanics Team has already purchased and completed training on the Faro CAM2 Q Software (Faro Technology, Inc.) to run this equipment. In order to continue and complete the current work as required for the Heads-Up ATO the biomechanics team will need to purchase the FaroArm Platinum measurement arm and required attachments that are compatible with the Faro CAM2 Q software to replace the on-loan equipment that is being returned to Patterson AFB. Faro Technologies Inc. located in Lake Mary, FL produces the FaroArm measuring equipment. FaroArm models offer 6 or 7 axes of rotation, the FaroArm is as accurate as large, expensive fixed-bed CMMs, but it is portable and much easier to use. The flexibility of the FaroArm enables it to tackle multiple applications under one roof, allowing for quality improvements across all processes resulting in time and production costs savings. The FaroArm Platinum's high accuracy renders traditional CMMs, hand tools and other portable inspection equipment obsolete. The FaroArm allows for inspection, reverse engineering or performing CAD-to-Part-analysis on parts, fixtures and assemblies with extremely high precision (Specifications: Accuracy O.029mm, 7-Axis, 6-Degrees-of-Freedom Probe, Adaptable 3D Measurement Technology Composite Material Construction). In addition, the FaroArm system is lightweight and portable, enabling users to collect data from Soldiers equipment off-site. A large support network exists for FaroArm users. This network includes online forums hosted by Faro Technology and administrated by their employees. 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.): Faro Technology is the sole developer and US distributor of the FaroArm and Faro CAM2 Q software. Faro Technology Inc. is a preferred source among researchers for precise measurement of equipment and is an industry leader. Faro Technology Inc. offers users high- quality, low-cost, user- friendly, and widely-supported hardware and software for academia and industrial uses. Faro Technology Inc. personnel have experience with working with USAF researchers at Wright Patterson Air Force base and have developed customized software and hardware applications that NSRDEC engineers and scientists will be using. This results in a user support network that understands the user's research needs and intentions for FaroArm devices. 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: Online and phone-based research determined that Faro Technology Inc. is the sole provider of the FaroArm hardware system and CAM2 Q software for domestic customers. If NSRDEC were to purchase the FaroArm hardware system the only purchasing option would be Faro Technologies Inc. Other portable lab based measurement systems were ruled out as alternatives to the FaroArm system due to the CAM2 Q Software compatibility that NSRDEC currently owns and uses. The application, expandability, and portability of the FaroArm measurement device integrates' optimally with the NSRDEC Biomechanics Lab center of mass and moment of inertial equipment and requirements currently being implemented in Soldier research. 4. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: Additionally, future planning for research using the 3-D Scanning attachment is currently underway. Faro Technologies Inc. has a wide array of equipment attachments that will fulfill future requirements and research needs. This Faro Technology equipment will allow the NSRDEC Biomechanics lab to be the leading center within the US Army for human mechanical measurements and equipment interface measurements for the Warfighter. 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 5:00 PM (EST) on February 21, 2011. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCRD-NA-SU, Natick Contracting Division Kansas Street, Building 1 Natick, MA 01760-5011 Point of Contact: Steven Streeter, Contract Specialist (508) 233-6180
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