66 -- Intent to Award Sole Source

It is the intent of this agency to award a sole source contract under statutory authority 10 USC 2304(c)(1), set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This agency intends to award to Ashbury International Group, 3305 Lobban PL, Charlottesville VA 22903. This is not a request for competitive proposals. The Leica Vector IV is the only laser range finder has been evaluated and approved for use by the Air Force Laser System Safety Board for use by tactical combat weather teams in operational environments in accordance with the Air Force Occupational Safety and Health Standard (AFOSHSTD) 48-139, Laser Radiation Protection Program, Chapter 5. The requested Leica Vector IV is a USAF-approved eye-safe laser range finder system. The Leica measures distance, azimuth, and elevation to targets up to 4000 meters. The system can also display horizontal distance, height difference, and azimuth between two remote objects. The Leica Vector is utilized by SOCCENT weather forces to accurately observe/measure cloud heights and to determine visibility marker distances. The binoculars may be used at fixed airfield locations but the primary use is in field-type conditions. The laser is a designated Class 1 laser. It is non-hazardous and does not require the use of laser safety eyewear (has built-in ocular laser radiation protection), therefore the military-only Leica Vector IV is required. SOCCENT weather forces will utilize the Leica Vector IV to train Special Operations Weather Teams to take surface weather observations in deployed and fixed locations. The training must use the same equipment as currently used by gaining AFSOC weather units. In the field observations will be used for mission planning, execution, and post mission operations. The Leica Vector IV is currently being used by all SOCCENT weather forces. Continued use of this model will preclude costly and time consuming training lesson plan and unit equipment operating procedure rewrites. Market research was conducted and comparable products were either not approved through policy outlined in AFOSHSTD 48-139 or not compatible with current training provided to deployed individuals. This signifies the only notice for resulting award which will be made upon closing pending any responses received.