--Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) Plates

Under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, the U.S. Army RDECOM - Natick Contracting Division, Kansas Street, Natick, MA on behalf of the United States Army  Soldier System Center, Natick, MA intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a sole source basis with Cercom Inc., 991 Park Center Drive, Vista, CA 92081-7933. This effort is to provide the Government with a total quantity of 20 large enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) plates and 40 durable, large enhanced Small Arms Protective Inse rt (ESAPI) plates. Cercom is currently producing ESAPI plates under an Army contract. The Government has a need to obtain an additional, one time sampling of these insert plates in order to test and evaluate production methods and techniques used in their manufacture. The test results will allow for future improvements in the cost efficiency and durability of the plates. Because the Government is specifically testing the production methods and techniques used in the manufacture of Cercoms ESAPI plates, Cercom is the only available source to secure the required sampling. Therefore, the contract must be awarded to the proposed contractor. Questions concerning this acquisition may be addressed to the above address, Attention: Mr. Richard R. Alves, Jr. (AMSRD-ACC-NS) or by E -mail at [email protected]. This announcement expires at 8:00 a.m. EST Wednesday May 11, 2005.