--INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT TO NGRAIN CORP., FOR PURCHASE OF AN ALLISON TRANSMISSION ON-LINE COURSE.

The U.S. Army Contracting Agency at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, plans to negotiate a sole-source contract with NGrain, a company based in Vancouver, Canada, for the provision of a Virtual Task Trainer. This trainer is designed to instruct technicians on the proper assembly and disassembly of the Allison Control Valve, an essential component in transmissions. The procurement is classified under the NAICS code 541511, which pertains to custom computer programming services, with a corresponding size standard of $23 million. The notice of intent, issued on September 22, 2008, specifies that this action is not a solicitation for competitive bids but invites interested parties to express their interest in writing by September 24, 2008. This sole-source contract is pursued under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, permitting negotiation without competition when only one responsible source is available. The primary Government contact for inquiries and written expressions of interest is Irene Heitzer, Purchasing Agent. The contract aims to enhance training capabilities for transmission technicians by providing an online course tailored specifically to the Allison transmission system. The contracting office is affiliated with the Department of Defense, emphasizing the specialized nature and strategic importance of this acquisition.