DPA Title III Space Qualified Solar Cell Supply Chain Project

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT FOR the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Space Qualified Solar Cell Supply Chain Project. This is a pre-solicitation synopsis which is not a request for competitive proposals. The purpose of this project is to establish a qualified domestic source for the manufacture of solar cell germanium (Ge) substrates to meet National Security Space (NSS) requirements. 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 Sylarus Technologies, 4167 South River Rd., St. George, UT, 84790. The U.S. Government is contemplating this procurement under the authority of Title III of the Defense Production Act (50 U.S.C. App. Section 2061 et seq.). In accordance with the DPA statutory definition of "domestic", the offeror must perform in the US or Canada substantially all of the research and development, engineering, manufacturing, and production activities related to establishing and maintaining a domestic germanium substrate manufacturing capability. This project will leverage prior work performed in development of a domestic source for the manufacture of germanium substrates. Key tasks in this effort include developing, improving, and implementing: Ge crystal growth manufacturing processes; Ge substrate preparation processes; quality assurance, testing and inspection processes; and packaging and shipping processes. The selected contractor shall demonstrate an existing ability to manufacture Ge substrates to meet space-qualified NSS applications. A thorough and credible Producibility Improvement Plan is required to demonstrate the recipient's ability to positively affect its manufacturing yields, throughput, quality and unit costs. An Integration and Validation Plan is also required to document and track the degree to which the recipient's Ge substrate manufacturing capability is satisfying NSS requirements. Additionally, the selected contractor shall demonstrate it possesses sufficient marketing and customer sales experience to support the unique product specifications and requirements of its Government customers. Key tasks also include development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic business plan and a marketing plan to address both Government and commercial applications for this technology. The period of performance for the procurement is anticipated to be 63 months. 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 (either electronically or mail), to the POCs listed above, 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 producing germanium substrates for NSS applications. The offeror shall provide documentation that it possesses sufficient company infrastructure and resources to support the production of germanium substrates, and certify its compliance with the DPA definition of "domestic". Documentation shall also 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 Government and commercial customers that currently possess and utilize the offeror's germanium substrates. 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.*****