16--Reserve parachute canopy

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) intends to negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) to acquire 20 each MT-1S reserve parachutes. The Government believes that the only responsible source capable of satisfying the agency requirement is Para-Flite, Inc., 5800 Magnolia Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08109 who owns the patent rights to the item. A justification for other than full and open competition has been prepared in support of this acquisition. The following specification applies to the MT-1S reserve parachute requirement: The reserve parachute shall be a 270 square feet, 5-cell ram-air (wing) parachute built using span wise construction with direct suspension line attachment. The wing span is 21.5 feet, wing chord is 12.75 feet, wing area is 270 square feet, suspended weights are 100-300 pounds, canopy materials is 101 oz ripstop nylon calendered 0-5 cubic feet per minute porosity (F1-11), and the line test strength is 550 pounds. The estimated value of this simplified acquisition is less than $100,000.00. No Request for Quotation (RFQ) will be issued and no response will be made to letters or telephone requests for a copy of the solicitation. This is not a request for competitive quotes, but serves as a procurement notice to fulfill public posting requirements in accordance with FAR 5.101(a)(1). This requirement is unrestriced and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 314999 applies. Responsible firms believing they can provide the required items are encouraged to identify themselves and give written notification to the Contracting Officer referencing action item #RAQ032320. However, they must provide supporting evidence they can furnish the requested items at a cost that will not exceed the total estimated transaction cost. All responses will be fully considered. If no affirmative responses are received by September 5, 2003 to the effect that a comparable source exists, an order will be placed with Para-Flite, Inc. for the requirements stated here. Questions concerning this acquisition may be directed to Kay Ryan at 208-387-5717 or faxed to 208-387-5574.