A -- SILICON CARBIDE POWDER PRODUCTION AND CERAMIC ARMOR MANUFACTURING

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT FOR SILICON CARBIDE POWDER PRODUCTION AND CERAMIC ARMOR MANUFACTURING. This is a pre-solicitation synopsis which is not a request for competitive proposals. The work will involve an alpha grade silicon carbide (SiC) powder production and ceramic armor manufacturing initiative to expand production capacity, to comply with government performance specifications and quality levels, and to fully qualify new or expanded production capabilities in order to satisfy growing DoD demand. 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 Superior Graphite Co., 4021 Calvin Drive, Hopkinsville, KY 42240. 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 alpha grade SiC powder production capacity at a domestic, merchant supplier of high quality alpha grade SiC powder for use in ceramic armor. Ceramic armor production capacity may also be established or expanded as part of this initiative. Additionally, qualification work with Government agencies and/or ceramic armor manufacturers will be required to ensure government product requirements are met. The type of SiC powder required for ceramic armor manufacturing is alpha grade SiC, which is hexagonal in structure, harder than other grades, and highly sinterable. Alpha grade SiC powder is the principal ingredient in ceramic body armor which is worn by troops in all branches of the military; it is also utilized for vehicle armor and naval vessel hulls. Note: For this program, the offeror must be a domestic, high volume, merchant producer of alpha grade SiC powder and must be able to demonstrate significant marketing/customer sales experience with SiC powder in the field of ceramic armor. The period of performance for the procurement is anticipated to be 2-3 years. Key tasks will include: Expand production capacity of alpha grade SiC powder in line with DoD demand; create or expand production capability for SiC based ceramic armor; provide a plan for operational efficiency improvements, product enhancements, and quality improvements to meet government user needs; provide an analysis of the SiC powder and ceramic armor marketplaces; develop and implement customer product qualification plans, and establish a comprehensive strategic business plan including a marketing communications program for both Government and commercial applications. The offerers ability to demonstrate production capability of alpha grade SiC powder and to accomplish the goals of this program will be assessed based on the offerors demonstrated leadership in this product category and ability to effectively address challenges facing future developments in the SiC powder and ceramic armor industries. 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 aforementioned 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 offerors area of expertise and experience. It shall identify the offerors current production capacity and utilization of alpha grade SiC powder and ceramic armor. Current customers and product applications will also need to be identified. 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 offerors alpha grade SiC powder and ceramic armor products. 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.