67--Small Business Event

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE TO AIR TECHNIQUES INTERNATIONAL (ATI), INC. FOR 1 MODEL 2i DIGITAL AEROSOL PHOTOMETER FOR EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER, ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD 21010-5424. The U. S. Army Contracting Command, Tenant Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD intends to negotiate solely (as prescribed in FAR 6.302-1) with Air Techniques International, Inc., 11403 Cronridge Drive, Owings Mills, MD 21117-2247. Currently, Air Techniques International (ATI) is the only manufacturer who has a photometer available that meets the customer's portability requirements, contains a digital display, is automatic zero on startup capable, and contains aerosol noise suppression capabilities. They are the only manufacturer, based on market research, that produces a photometer that is 20 pounds or less, with measurements not greater than 10.1 inches width X 13.0 inches diameter X 6.0 inches height, and contains a digital display. Due to situations arising where poor aerosol mixing is present, user settable aerosol noise suppression for both upstream and downstream sampling is required. A photometer with a digital display is required due to the volume of testing performed. This display is to enable the operator to easily view unit features. The unit must be able to display aerosol measurements, including upstream aerosol mass concentrations (in actual micrograms per liter value), and pump sampling rates. For testing requirements, ECBC use several previous photometers manufactured by ATI. Introducing a different brand type would require extensive time and effort to learn, train, and teach a different brand photometer operation to multiple personnel. It would also complicate our testing logistics if the photometer was of a different brand. Continuity of testing would also be affected if a photometer that does not contain aerosol noise suppression capabilities, for both upstream and downstream sampling, is purchased. This new capability is required for our testing purposes due to situations arising where poor challenge mixing is present. Other photometers that are manufactured either do not meet the portability requirements or do not contain a digital display. A photometer that is also auto zero on startup capable is a requirement not able to be met by some other manufacturers. While other manufacturers may meet some of these requirements, they do not meet all of the other required constraints. These requirements are not trivial. The exact design of this photometer is proprietary to Air Techniques International. Award to another contractor would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition, and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 518210 and the size standard is $32.5 million. Interested persons may identify their interest, in writing, to the Government point of contact. Responses to this notice must be received no later than 1:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time, 08 May 2015. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals or a solicitation of offers. The point of contact for this action is SSG Antoine L. Echols, Contracting Specialists, email: contact@example.gov.