A--Notice of intent to sole source to AlphaMicron, Inc for testing of Fast-Tint Protective Eyewear (FTPE) in support of Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE).

The Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), MD 21005 intends to award a firm-fixed price contract utilizing Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The Government intends to issue a purchase order, on a sole source basis, to AlphaMicron, Inc, 1950 State Route 59, Kent, OH 44240 under the statutory authority permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This proposed acquisition with AlphaMicron, Inc consists of the testing of a new LCD-based technology as part of their e-tint technology, a proprietary process, known as Fast-Tint Protective Eyewear (FTPE); it is designed to automatically adjust from dark to clear in half a second. Spectacles, Item #ANS310, and FTPE goggles, Item #ANG310, will consist of variable transmission lenses (light to dark/clear to gray) with ballistics fragmentation protection in support of Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE). These products will be utilized for Army application use by the Soldier in various environments. These glasses meet the American National Standards Institute's ballistic impact safety requirements. The items anticipated in this requirement are: 20 ea FTPE Spectacles, Item #ANS310 and 10 ea FTPE Goggles, Item #ANG310. Competition in this instance is inapplicable, as these particular types of glasses, FTPE, are newly developed by AlphaMicron, Inc. The Office of Naval Research for the Naval Special Warfare has been working with AlphaMicron to develop this e-tint technology. It is PM SPE's intention to purchase glasses developed for the Navy for Army application through extensive testing. Market research indicates that other commercially available sources who manufacture variable transmission lenses with ballistics fragmentation protection were not found during a web search. Responsible parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement, no later than 3 May 2011. The POC for this action is Deborah Windle, phone: 410-278-0856, email: [email protected].