DPA Title III Terahertz (THz) Spectrometer Project

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT FOR the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Terahertz (THz) Spectrometer Project. This is a pre-solicitation synopsis which is not a request for competitive proposals. 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.). This project will leverage prior work performed in conjunction with the Army Research Laboratory in the development of a THz Spectrometer, capable of detecting hazardous materials; specifically explosives, chemical agents, and biological agents. The intent of this project is to reduce the size and weight of the current unit; ruggedize it, and develop the necessary production processes and procedures to increase the manufacturing readiness and affordability of the unit. At the conclusion of this project, the THz Spectrometer will be portable, ruggedized, capable of autonomous operation, and will be suited to operating in field (non-laboratory) environments. The offeror shall develop the necessary manufacturing capacity, processes and procedures to increase yield, reduce unit cost, and improve the reliability of the existing THz Spectrometers. This project will ultimately provide an improved explosives and chemical/biological agent detection capability for the U.S. Government. The offeror shall document its current hazardous materials detection capabilities, and maintain and expand an existing signature database of these materials as new system capabilities are established. The DPA Title III Program Office intends to award a Technology Investment Agreement (TIA) on the basis of less than full and open competition for this requirement to Goodrich ISR Systems, 100 Wooster Heights Road, Danbury, CT 06810. Per DPA Title III law, the offeror must possess domestic development and production capabilities. The offeror must demonstrate it possesses marketing and customer sales experience in the production and sales of THz Spectrometers to the Government. The period of performance for the procurement is anticipated to be 24 months. Key tasks will include: development and implementation of production improvement plans addressing unit cost, quality, yields, and delivery; continued support to Government customers regarding their unique product specifications and necessary unit qualifications; analysis of the explosives and chemical/biological detection community marketplace; and development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic business plan and a marketing plan that addresses both Government and commercial applications for this technology. 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 THz Spectrometers that are capable of detecting hazardous materials such as explosives, chemical agents and biological agents. The offer shall provide documentation that it possesses sufficient company infrastructure to support the production of THz Spectrometers. 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 THz Spectrometer products for detection of explosives as well as chemical and biological agents. 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.*****