Expansion of N95 Respirator Production Capacity Contract Sole Source Justification

Moldex-Metric Inc., based in Culver City, California, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification, PZ0004, under contract FA8606-20-C-0020, to expand the domestic production capacity of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators. This action was taken by the Department of Defense to address critical personal protective equipment shortages caused by the national COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the unusual and compelling urgency of the emergency, the contract was awarded as a sole-source procurement without formal competition, utilizing the authority of FAR 6.302-2 and 10 USC 2304(c)(2). The specific modification definitized the face value of a previously awarded undefinitized contract action from May 8, 2020, adding an obligation change of 11,626,700 dollars. This brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to 20,100,000 dollars. The primary objective of the agreement is to increase production by 60 million N95 respirator units, with all work expected to be completed by May 8, 2021.