16--VA-DIV OF MIG BIRDS MGMT-AVIATION HELMET

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AND IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Joint Administrative Operations, Acquisition & Property Operations. JAO intends to award a firm fixed price sole source contract under the authority of (FAR) Part 13.106-1(b) for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000 to: Paraclete Aviation Life Support LLC. 1760 Jardco DR Clarksville, TN 37040-6772 The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 339113, Helmets (except athletic), safety (e.g., motorized vehicle crash helmets, space helmets), manufacturing. The object of this sole source award to Paraclete Aviation Life Support is the only source of Paraclete aviation helmets in the US. The need is to continue to upgrade and modernize flight helmets used by the Branch of Migratory Bird Surveys pilots and aerial observers during low-level aerial wildlife surveys. Helmets acquired will be used by many aerial observers so a wide range of DOI Helmet Standard approved sizes as well as effective systems for fine-tuning individual helmet fitment are necessary. The DOI/USFS Aviation Helmets Standard Specification 4.3 provides an avenue to allow non-military helmets to be considered for acquisition within agencies. Manufacturers and distributors can test their helmets using an ISO certified laboratory to the DOI/USFS Aviation Helmet Standard. Those meeting or exceeding these standards can be issued a certificate of compliance by the laboratory. This standard specifies minimum requirements only. While other vendors and helmets are approved to DOI/USFS 4.3 the Paraclete helmet options best meet mission requirements and now are the only source of helmets with the proprietary Kairos Retention Assembly with Dial Closure System. This system supports fine-tuning of helmet fitment to a wide array of head sizes and shapes and was found to offer superior flexibility in fitment that is important in managing the Branch helmet inventory for a wide variety of pilots and aerial observers. Additionally, based on these considerations, the Branch has previously replaced half of its helmet inventory with the Paraclete Apsida-D helmet. Adding additional helmet makes/models to the Branch inventory is inconsistent with the overarching goal of safety as these helmets would not incorporate the Kairos Retention Assembly with Dial Closure System, and they would necessitate that the Branch manage different maintenance and inspection processes and train observers on different helmet fitment systems and features. This is inconsistent with DOI/FWS efforts to standardize aviation equipment, procedures, and training to improve safety. This synopsis does not constitute a solicitation; however, if any interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities must be submitted in writing and must contain clear and convincing evidence that competition of this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. If parties choose to respond, any cost associated with preparation and submission of data or any other cost incurred in response to this announcement are the sole responsibility of the respondent and will not be reimbursed by the Government. Capability statements shall be submitted by e-mail ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to the following address: jeremy_tyler@fws.gov. NO TELEPHONE REQUESTS/OFFERS WILL BE HONORED