The Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA) intends to award a sole source contract to the Caterpillar Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center (EDLC), Edwards, IL. The statutory authority permitting the acquisition of this requirement by other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), FAR Subpart 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." This requirement is for equipment operator training designed for cemetery operations and cemetery equipment. The 3-day training will be held from June 24 through June 26, 2014. 1. Classroom Training Module: Operators can learn about each piece of equipment (such as safety devices, features, controls, attachments, functions, etc.) prior to operation. 2. First Interment Training Module: Two (2) Loaders, Backhoe, Wheel, 90 - 95 H.P. Diesel Engine, 1.25 yd3 Front Bucket and 14 Foot Depth or approved equal with concrete vault (243.84 cm X 91.44 cm X 76.2 cm) installation/removal within a defined area. 3. Pre-Placed Crypt and Re-Opener Training Module: Two (2) Excavators, Hydraulic, Mini, Rubber Track, Turf-Type, 35 - 45 H.P. Engine and 10 - 12.5 Foot Depth or approved equal. There will be concrete vault/crypt lids concealed below grade with simulated headstones placed within a defined area for digging operation. 4. Material Handling and Ground Maintenance Training Module: Two (2) Loaders, Multi-Terrain, Rubber Track, Turf-Type and 80 - 95 H.P. Engine with work tools/attachments or approved equal. 5. Two (2) Loaders, Skid Steer, Wheel and 80 - 95 H.P. Engine with work tools/attachments or approved equal. 6. Material Loading, Handling and Dump Truck Safety: One (1) Loader, Front End, Wheel, 50 - 75 H.P. Engine and .75 - 1.15 yd3 Bucket or approved equal. One (1) Truck, Dump, Hydraulic, Gas/Diesel Engine, Light - Medium Duty, 1 - 3 Ton and 3 - 5 Yard Dump, Chevrolet/Dodge/Ford/GMC or approved equal. 7. Material Loading, Handling and Dump Truck Safety: One (1) Excavator, Hydraulic, Wheel, 145 - 165 H.P. Engine, 1.45 - 1.80 yd3 Bucket and 19 - 21 Foot Depth or approved equal. Two (2) Excavators, Hydraulic, Track-Type, 85 - 145 H.P. Engine, 1.80 - 2.6 yd3 and 19 - 25 Foot Depth or approved equal. The program will be under the direct supervision of person(s) who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators. Training shall consist of a combination of formal instruction, written exam, and practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercise performed by the trainee). The program will provide the knowledge of Safe Operation requirements and Pre-Operational Safety and Maintenance Inspections (safety checks) for each piece of equipment. The program will include an operator's written exam, a copy of each exam and findings provided to the NCA Equipment Operator Training Coordinator. The training program coordinator will provide written verification (certificate of completion) that operators have been trained on and successfully operated each piece of equipment. Course material will be provided for each attendee (equipment operator handbook with special emphasis on safety and operation). The training duration will be three (3) days with a minimum of thirty-four (34) attendees. This is a sole source notice published for informational purposes and is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a Request for Proposal (RFP). No solicitation documents exist for this requirement and this notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation. However, all responsible parties interested in responding to this notice are invited to submit a capability statement, including costs that provide sufficient details for consideration by the Government. Responses must be received by Friday, March 7, 2014, 2:00 PM ET. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice and telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Responses received will be considered; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Where to send responses: Department of Veteran Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Service (43C1) ATTN: David Dixon 75 Barrett Heights Road, Suite 309 Stafford, VA 22556 Email:
[email protected]