Maritime Training Facility to provide Z-Drive Propulsion Training Course

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) is responsible for all fixed and floating navigation aids in the U.S. sections of the St. Lawrence River. Maintenance and service of these aids is facilitated by the use of our tug and buoy barge. The SLSDC currently has a Tundra Classed Z-Drive tug under construction and due for delivery in early Spring of 2020. The SLSDC has a requiremnt for a maritime training facility to provide in depth and extensive Z-Drive training of four(4) persons. The five(5) day course curriculum shall include ASD Tug Handling, an introduction to Z-drive propulsion, and basic operation, to include theory and practical application, hand-eye coordination, docking/undocking, ship approach and stability and hawser work. The course must be completed prior to March 20, 2020. SLSDC intends to issue a sole source contract to United States Maritime Resource Center, Inc. (USMRC) Middletown, RI, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). It has been determined that USMRC, Inc. provides the best value to the government. Sources were sought on the Government Point of entry under 6923G520RFI0001 and a Request for Information was sent directly to six(6) training facilities. The SLSDC shall acquire the services using the provisions, clauses and procedures prescribed in FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform equivalent or better training in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 1:00pm EST on February 11, 2020. Such capabilities and qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the SLSDC 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 SLSDC. Oral communications are not an acceptable response.