A -- Rare Earth Magnet Production

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT FOR RARE EARTH MAGNET PRODUCTION. This is a Pre-Solicitation Synopsis; not a request for competitive proposals. The purpose of this program is to investigate the current and potential market for the entire rare earth magnet manufacturing value chain to include the mining, processing and production of rare earth raw materials to be used as feedstock in the development and manufacture of rare earth magnets. The Title III Program Office, Air Force Research Laboratory, Manufacturing Technology Division (AFRL/MLM) intends to award an Assistance Instrument or a contract, as appropriate, on the basis of less than full and open competition for this requirement to Molycorp, Inc., 67750 Bailey Rd, Mountain Pass, CA 92366. Under the authority of Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA) (50 U.S.C. App. Section 2061 et seq.), the Title III Program Office is contemplating this procurement to determine the market requirements for the entire domestic rare earth magnet manufacturing value chain and to determine what action, if any, will be required to meet future rare earth magnet requirements for critical defense applications and technologies. The period of performance for the procurement is anticipated to be 6 to 9 months. A description of the task is as follows: Develop a detailed strategic business plan that 1) formally assesses and verifies the military and commercial demand for the entire rare earth magnet manufacturing value chain and 2) documents a formal plan to establish and expand domestic capabilities for rare earth ore mining and refinement, coupled with production of high-performance rare earth magnets. The ability of the offeror to conduct this technical analysis and study and accomplish the goals of the program will be assessed based upon the offeror?s demonstrated leadership in the industry and the offeror?s capability to provide all key aspects (mining, refining, magnet production) of the entire rare earth magnet value chain. In addition, the offeror shall demonstrate an ability and willingness to meet the challenges of successfully developing production for evolving DoD requirements. These challenges include (a) identification, analysis and evaluation of the enabling technologies and (b) reduction of cycle-time and costs for rare earth ore mining and high-performance magnet production. Additional phases to establish, maintain, or expand a domestic rare earth magnet manufacturing capability may be awarded, and will be based on defense requirements, anticipated demand, and availability of funding. The government intends to issue an award for these requirements on a Sole Source basis per FAR6.302-1(a)(1), ?Only One Responsible Source? or ?DoD Grant and Agreement Regulations 37.400(b),? based upon their domestic R&D activity and on their experience as a merchant industrial supplier providing leading edge technology, as well as an assessment of the program risk to the Government. Offerors who are capable of providing the services stated above shall fully identify their interest and submit, in writing, information documenting their qualifications and capabilities to meet the requirements stated above within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. This documentation shall specify the offeror?s area of expertise and experience. It shall include a demonstrated capability to manufacture the entire rare earth magnet value chain. In addition, the documentation shall include a listing of products and services currently offered as a merchant industrial supplier along with market share in each area. The documentation shall identify relevant past, present and future research along with information on research budgets, personnel, and facilities. The offeror shall document their experience in transitioning product from R&D to production. Responses received after 15 days or without the required information will be considered non-responsive to the synopsis, and will not be considered. Direct all questions pertaining to this acquisition to the contracting point of contacts listed above in this announcement. Only one responsible source per capability of interest and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements as per the authority under 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). All responsible sources may submit information, which shall be considered by the agency. Any information received for this Notice of Contract Action will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. See Numbered Note 22.