J--NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT TO SEAARK MARINE, INC. FOR RESTORATION SERVICES TO REPAIR AND REFUBISH ONE SEAARK LITTLE GIANT WORKBOAT

This is a notice of intent to award a sole source contract to SeaArk Marine, Inc. of Monticello, AR for restoration services to repair and refurbish one SeaArk Little Giant Work Boat (NP 220) owned and operated by the Nashville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This procurement has been approved for other than full and open competition under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The manufacturing process of the cathedral hull design of the Little Giant boat is unique to SeaArk. The cathedral hull is considered a variable-degree dead-rise hull, with the V-shaped angle that is more prominent at the bow and gradually flattens further aft. The restoration services cannot be performed without removal of the interior framework. When removed, the hull will lose its shape. Reshaping of the hull to the original form will require techniques and materials unique to SeaArk. During reassembly, custom jigs must be used. SeaArk owns these jigs. As the hull framework is reconnected, maximum strength will be ensured only by using SeaArk's fabricated frameworks designed specifically to be mated to the Little Giant hull. Refurbishment by SeaArk will also maintain continuity for all major structural components of this boat. Also, any design improvements that have resulted from the 20 plus years of SeaArk operation will be incorporated into the restoration process. If this procurement was competed and work performed by any other source, substantial duplication of costs would be incurred by requiring the expenditure of approximately $26,960 of Government labor for the development of performance specifications and to ensure quality and safety standards are satisfied for work being performed on the structural components of this boat. This amount has been estimated by assuming two technical representatives (GS-12) direct charge a rate of $125/hour spend 80 hours ($20,000) on the development of performance specifications and drawings, attendance of site visits (pre-award and Quality Assurance), addressing technical matters, and the oversight of quality assurance during contract performance, one contract specialist (GS-9) direct charges at a rate of $58/hour spends 120 hours ($6,960) on contracting oversight and the development of a competitive solicitation. It is expected these efforts would not be required if these services were obtained by SeaArk. These costs are not expected to be recovered through competition. In addition, some data required to develop performance specifications may not be available since it is proprietary to SeaArk. If another entity performs the refurbishment it may become difficult in the future to obtain a critical, structural repair from the original manufacturer due to work performed by another vendor. In addition to performance, safety of the vessel for her crew is vital. Logically, the proven performance of the original manufacturer bolsters safety credentials. With the above rationale, there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the Nashville District USACE's minimum needs can only be satisfied by the unique capabilities of SeaArk Marine, Inc. The Federal Acquisition Regulations allow for the submission of capability statements from prospective offerors to show interest which shall be considered by the Nashville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is not a request for capability statements, proposals, bids, or quotations. However, the Nashville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will consider any capability statements, proposals, bids, or quotations submitted by all responsible sources. Depending on the evaluation result of the capability statements, the Contracting Officer will determine if this sole source action is justified or if a solicitation must be issued to interested firms. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No requests for capability briefings will be honored as a result of this notice. Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. If you choose to submit information, please provide past performance and references regarding your ability to provide this supply and service along with your statement of capability. The Government will not award a contract based on the information received, nor reimburse participants for information they provide. Information provided is strictly voluntary. Please email capability statements or proposals to contact@example.gov. Telephonic inquiries will not be honored. The closing date for submission of capability statements or proposals is May 9, 2011 at 7:00 AM Central Standard Time.