AIS- L3 Protect-M Firmware

The U.S. Coast Guard plans to award a sole source contract to L3 Henschel, the original equipment manufacturer, for the purchase of 2,000 units of L3 Protect-M Firmware, which is used on their cutters and small boats. This is a firm-fixed price contract under NAICS code 334511, with performance starting upon award and continuing through final delivery. The acquisition will not be set aside for small businesses due to the determination that only one responsible source can fulfill the requirement, and the contract will be awarded based on the authority allowing sole source procurement when no other supplies or services will satisfy agency needs. Although only L3 Henschel is qualified, other responsible sources may submit capability statements or proposals if they meet the strict criteria of being the OEM or a licensed distributor authorized for U.S. sales. The anticipated award date is around September 30, 2017. The notice also emphasizes the Coast Guard’s adherence to fair procurement procedures and introduces the Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) as a means for interested parties to resolve concerns regarding the procurement process internally before resorting to formal protests with the Government Accountability Office or external forums. The program encourages open communication with the Contracting Officer and provides an informal and formal protest option through the Ombudsman, with the goal of resolving disputes in a timely manner while maintaining the integrity and efficiency of contract awards.