58--BRACKETS AND ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES

The US Army intends to procure 364 brackets, NSN 5855-01-172-1788, and the installation thereof using the Infrared optical alignment procedures for the OR-336 180-element, detector cooler dewar assemblies, the heart of the Apache Forward Looking Infr ared System (FLIR). This solicitation will be issued to limited sources that are currently qualified to perform these procedures. Currently, the only contractors qualified to compete for this procurement are DRS Technologies and Lockheed Martin. They maintain the only calibrated and operational facilities that can perform the Infrared optical alignment procedure. This procedure requires familiarity with infrared detector cooler assemblies and the Infrared /optical alignment of the assemblies for integration into the utilizing system. If the contractor has not performed this procedure within the last year, they are not considered a qualif ied or proven producer and would be required to successfully complete first article testing requirements, which could take up to one year or longer. The Government requires a delivery rate of at least 40 units monthly beginning in May 2004 to a facility l ocated in Orlando, Florida, until completion of all contracted quantities. The Government does not own the complete technical data package to detail the manufacture of the item, testing of the item or the development of the required optical table and alig nment procedures. This limited source acquisition is authorized under 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1. Point of Contact is Ellen Widelitz, +1 (555) 000-0000, E-mail address, contact@example.gov.