--Intent to negotiate sole source award for fabrication and testing of various materials to be used in fragment protection face shields

The U.S. Army Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center, intends to negotiate and award a sole source purchase order to Paulson Manufacturing Corporation located in Temecula, California. This contract is a continuation of ongoing research focused on transparent protective armor and face shields, specifically involving the fabrication and testing of various materials aimed at fragment protection for face shields and goggles. The procurement follows the guidelines under FAR 15, with the government reserving the right to proceed without competition based on responses received. This notice is not a formal request for proposals but serves as a means to gauge interest and capability from other parties. Responses will be reviewed solely to decide whether a competitive procurement is necessary. Interested entities must express their interest by contacting the specified government representative before the closing deadline of January 9, 2006, at 5 PM Eastern Standard Time. Telephone inquiries are not accepted, and the primary point of contact is provided via email. The activity falls under NAICS code 541330, relating to engineering services, and is conducted within the Department of Defense at the Natick facility in Massachusetts.