20 -- Mercury Marine VI Dry Sump Sterndrives

The Special Operations Forces Support Activity in Lexington, KY, plans to award a sole source contract to Mercury Marine for the procurement of Superspeed Master Dry Sump VI Sterndrives with part numbers 5815K40HH (right-hand) and 5825K40HH (left-hand), featuring a 1.50:1 final gear ratio. This contract will be awarded using simplified acquisition procedures under FAR Part 12, targeting commercial items. The sole source determination is based on the unique requirement that Mercury Marine is the exclusive manufacturer of these specific drives, which are designed to integrate seamlessly with the marine craft's existing engine, drivetrain, and hull configurations. Substituting any other sterndrive would necessitate significant re-engineering of the marine craft, which is not feasible for the agency. The contract falls under NAICS Code 336999 and is managed by the Department of Defense’s PEO-SOFSA office. The contracting office is located in Lexington, Kentucky, with Sherri D. Blakenship serving as the contract specialist and the point of contact for inquiries. The procurement is justified under FAR 6.302-1 as only one responsible source can meet the agency’s requirements, ensuring that the agency secures compatible and reliable equipment without the need for costly modifications.