35--U-Grip Zipper Machine

The US Army Contracting Center at Natick plans to award a sole source purchase order to Illinois Tool Works, Inc., located in Somerset, New Jersey, for the acquisition of a UX282T-CPE U-Grip Zipper Machine. This machine is essential for producing a gas-tight zipper closure used in the Contaminated Human Remains Pouch (CHRP) test and evaluation process. The purchase aligns with the Federal Acquisition Regulation authority FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), allowing solicitation from a single source due to the specialized nature of the equipment required. The procurement supports the manufacturing of CHRP assets needed for rigorous testing, under the North American Industry Classification System code 326199. Interested and responsible sources are invited to submit capability statements, proposals, or quotations, which will be considered alongside the sole source determination. All inquiries must be directed in writing via email to MAJ Terry K. Kirkwood by 11:00 pm on September 3, 2013. The purchase order will be awarded to a large business entity, and the contracting activity is based at the Department of Defense’s office in Natick, Massachusetts. This transaction is connected with FedBizOpps Special Notice 0010386303 and aims to secure the necessary equipment for mission-critical testing processes involving contaminated human remains.