84--Lightweight CB FRACU Material for evaluation

1. Introduction: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 6.302-3, the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the Warfighter Science, Technology, and Applied Research Directorate (WarSTAR) at the Natick Soldier Research, Development, & Engineering Center, intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: GENTEX Corporation, a large business located in Simpson, PA 18407. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. No solicitation document is available. 2. Nature and description of services or supplies required to meet agency needs: The Government requires 75 linear yards of Lightweight CB FRACU materials suitable for garment design. 3. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only responsible source available to provide these services or supplies: The candidate Gentex is the sole designer of these ensemble concepts as well as the technologies incorporated in the garment material. The initial test data reveals this innovative material used in the garment reduces the thermal burden imposed on the Warfighter when compared to current CB protective systems. 4. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted: Market research was conducted prior to the initiation of procurement in the form of a request for information. Test data was received and the material was reviewed by SMEs and selected as the more innovative submission compared to other material technologies. The proved to significantly reduce the thermal burden imposed on the Warfighter when compared to current CB protective systems. 5. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: None. 6. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required: Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. 7. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement to the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division via e-mail to: [email protected] no later than 9 December 2009. 8. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCRD-NA-SU, Natick Contracting Division Building 1, Kansas Street Natick, MA 01760-5011 9. Point of Contact: Steven Streeter, Contract Specialist (508)233-5704