Bio-Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (BSPK) Production

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT FOR the Bio-Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (BSPK) Production Project. This is a pre-solicitation synopsis which is not a request for competitive proposals. The purpose of this project is to expand the U.S. domestic industrial base capability in the production of bio-mass derived fuel (bio-fuel) products. The DPA Title III Program Office intends to award a contract or a Technology Investment Agreement, as appropriate, on the basis of less than full and open competition for this requirement to UOP, LLC., 50 E. Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60017. 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 modify an existing bio-fuel conversion facility in order to establish, expand and optimize a dedicated, feedstock flexible bio-fuel manufacturing process. The conversion facility to be modified must be able to demonstrate a minimum current capacity of 2,000 gallons of BSPK production per day with an infrastructure capable of expanding BSPK production levels to a minimum of 5,000 gallons per day after the modification is complete. A dedicated production process is one specifically designed for the production of bio-mass derived fuel products as opposed to a process where bio-fuel products are manufactured as a bi-product of diesel fuel production. Feedstock flexible is a process capability which allows for easy interchange of different raw material sources and allows for drop-in substitutions without risk of loss production time, increased cost, or significant equipment and/or process changes. The period of performance for this project is anticipated to be 18 months. In order to meet the Government's cost and schedule requirements, this project requires an integrated design authority who possesses significant bio-fuel intellectual property as well as demonstrated experience in design, development, process implementation, inspection, testing and validation of the bio-fuel manufacturing processes and product lines. Additionally, the selected contractor must have: demonstrated leadership in the bio-fuel industry; existing merchant-oriented bio-fuel production; demonstrated acceptance and credibility among bio-fuel producers and demonstrated business viability. Key tasks will include: development and implementation of production capacity expansion plans addressing cost reductions, quality, production volumes and other process metrics; continued support to the DoD customer product specifications and qualifications; and development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic business plan and a marketing plan that addresses both Government and commercial bio-fuel need and applications. 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 offeror's area of expertise and experience. It shall identify the offeror's current production capabilities and capacities for production of bio-fuel. Documentation shall include a listing of products and services currently offered along with market share. The documentation shall identify relevant production experience, and a listing of both DoD and commercial customers that currently utilize the offeror's bio-fuel 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.*****