16--Canopy DC-7 Parachutes and MT-1S Reserve Parachutes

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 DC-7 parachutes and 3 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 these items. A justification for other than full and open competition has been prepared in support of this acquisition. The following specification applies to the DC-7 parachute requirement: The parachute canopy shall be 375 square feet to accommodate a payload ranging from 220-300 pounds and be capable of reaching at least 20 miles per hour forward speed. The parachute shall be capable of achieving descent rates of 0-10 feet per second in no wind conditions using a static deep brake setting. Slotted stabilizer bars are required for good slow speed performance and stability. A span wise constructed seam is required in order to fit a canopy of this size into the required development bags and containers. The color scheme shall be as follows: (a) Top Skin: 1st span of fabric shall be fire red, the second span of fabric shall be white, the third span of fabric shall be royal blue, the 4th span of fabric shall be royal blue; (b) Bottom Skin: 1st span of fabric shall be fire red, the 2nd span of fabric shall be fire red, the 3rd span of fabric shall be white, the 4th span of fabric shall be royal blue, the 5th span of fabric shall be royal blue; (c) End cells shall be fire red; (d) Ribs shall be fire red; (e) Stabilizers shall be fire red; (f) Slider shall be fire red. The MT-1S reserve parachute is 280 square feet and has a pack volume of 745 cubic inches. This parachute is the only ram-air reserve chute meeting the BLM requirements for fitting the reserve container and meeting all testing requirements of the BLM Smokejumper program. The estimated value of this simplified acquisition is less than $50,000.00. 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 unrestricted and the NAICS code 314999 and SIC code 2399 apply. 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 #RAQ052008. However, they must provide supporting evidence they can furnish the requested items at a cost that will not exceed the total estimated transaction cost including R&D requirements and full technical certifications and testing. All responses will be fully considered. If no affirmative responses are received by January 20, 2005 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 Patrick Lorton at 208-387-5717 or faxed to 208-387-5574.