A -- IMAGE INTENSIFIED LIGHTWEIGHT LENS DEVELOPMENT

This is a PRESOLICITATION is for research, analysis and development of an image intensified lightweight lens. In accordance with DFARS 226.7003, this proposed contract is 100% set-aside for Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions(Mis), as defined by the clause at 252.226-7000 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement. Interested HBCUs and MIs should provide the contracting office as early as possible, but not later than 15 days after this notice, evidence of their capability to perform the contract, and a positive statement of their eligibility as an HBCU or MI. A competitve negotiation is anticipated. At least two responsible HBCUs or MIs that can comply with the subcontracting limitations in the clause at FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting must respond. The contract will be awarded based on the factors in order of preference 1) Technical and 2) Price. If adequate response is not received from HBCUs and MIs, this notice may be amended to a 100% service disabled veteran small business set-aside.United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Headquarters Directorate of Technology requires an evaluation and analysis the feasibility of lightweight optical lenses to include the use of plastics for objective lenses in night vision systems. The analysis will provide USSOCOM a basis for further investigation into plastic element design techniques to reduce the overall weight of current fielded night vision systems. At a minimum, the contractor shall be required to 1) provide an analysis sufficient to determine if further resources should be applied to pursue and refine plastic lens development; 2) present a trade-off matrix detailing the fielded items evaluated that provides sufficient data to make trade-off?s with empirical evidence to give USSOCOM the confidence to provide additional resources toward this technology. Current systems to be evaluated should include the AN/PVS-7 series type night vision goggle and an AN/PVS -14 monocular. No facilities, property, or equipment shall be provided by the Government. The solicitation shall incorporate provisions and clauses that are in effect through Fac 2005-15, Effective 12 Feb 2007, & Class Deviation 2005-o0001 and DFARS Change Notice 20070212. The DPAS Rating for this solicitation is DO. It is the responsibility of the contractor to be familiar with the clauses and provisions. The clauses may be accessed in full text at these addresses: http://farsite.hill.af.mil and http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dfars/index.htm . The NAICS code is 541710. The small business size standard is 500 employees. Interested HBCU/MI shall submit evidence of capability to the address provided below. Submittals shall be no more than 4 pages in total. 4 pages are defined as (2 sheets front and back, paper size 81/2 by 11 inches. Emails will be accepted. Request for proposals will only be issued to those HBCU/MIs that meet the requirements defined in DFARS 252.226-7000. Interested HBCU/MIs must be registered in the CCR database to be considered for award. Registration is free and can be completed on-line at http://www.ccr.gov/ . To be considered by the agency, evidence of capability by HBCU/MIs must be received by the Contracting Officer no later than 1400 hours (Eastern Standard Time) on 15 Mar 2007. See Note 5.