A -- REACTIVE PLASTIC CO2 ABSORBENT PRODUCTION INITIATIVE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT FOR REACTIVE PLASTIC CO2 ABSORBENT PRODUCTION INITIATIVE. This is a pre-solicitation synopsis which is not a request for competitive proposals. The work will involve a reactive plastic CO2 (carbon dioxide) absorbent production initiative to expand production capacity, to ensure government product requirements are met, and qualifications are achieved. The DPA Title III Program Office intends to award a contract or assistance instrument as appropriate, on the basis of other than full and open competition for this requirement to Micropore Inc., 350-F Pencader Drive, Newark, DE 19702. 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 expand production capacity at a U.S. owned, domestic, merchant reactive plastic CO2 absorbent supplier. Additionally, qualification work with Government agencies will be required to ensure government product requirements are met. Reactive Plastic CO2 absorbent material is an innovative improvement over CO2 absorbent granules (end users hand-pack loose granules in a canister) in terms of safety and performance. Reactive plastic CO2 absorbent is a polymer matrix bond between plastic and CaOH, thus securing the absorbent material. Benefits of reactive plastic over packing of loose granules include: shock and vibration resistance; cleaner air; more consistent air flow paths; less labored breathing; moister air, more immune to caustic cocktails from water leakage, more consistent dive times, controlled production processes, and quick reload between dives. Note: For this program, the offeror must be able to satisfy the requirements of a demonstrated production capacity of at least 50,000 lbs with high utilization and significant marketing/customer sales experience with a reactive plastic CO2 absorbent product. The period of performance for the procurement is anticipated to be 2-3 years. A description of key tasks include: Expand production capacity of reactive plastic CO2 absorbent material and self-contained cartridges, which house the reactive plastic CO2 absorbent material. Provide a plan for operation efficiency improvements, product enhancements, and quality improvements to meet government user needs. In order to address economic viability, provide an analysis of the reactive plastic CO2 absorbent marketplace, develop customer product qualification plans, and create a marketing communications program for both Government and commercial applications including, but not limited to scuba, submarines, space and terrestrial shelters. The offerer's ability to demonstrate production capability of the reactive plastic CO2 absorbent material and to accomplish the goals of this program will be assessed based on the offeror's demonstrated leadership in this product category and ability to effectively address challenges facing future developments in the rebreathing industry. The government intends to issue an award for these requirements on a Sole Source basis per FAR 6.302-1(a)(1), - Only One Responsible Source or - DoD Grant and Agreement Regulations 37.400 (b), based on the afore-mentioned requirements, as well as an assessment of technical and programmatic risk to the Government. Offerors who are capable of meeting the requirements 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 identify the offeror's current production capacity and current utilization of reactive plastic CO2 absorbent material, design and packaging details of the marketable product, and the specific applications where the product is currently used. 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 production experience, and a listing of both commercial and government customers that currently utilize the offeror's reactive plastic CO2 absorbent product. 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. See Numbered Note 22.