J--Store, Retrofit, and Assist on Production Runs of Government Owned Fiber-Spinning Machines

NA The U.S. Army Robert Morris Acquisition Center Natick Contracting Division intends to conduct negotiations with Hills Incorporated, 7785 Ellis Road, West Melbourne, FL on a basis of other than full and open competition in anticipation of a contract award a s described herein. The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSC) has a requirement to retrofit a fiber-spinning machine purchased from Hills Inc. in October 2001. Also, Hills will be storing at their facilities in FL a second government owned fiber- spinning machine while the government waits for the appropriate space to be set up for the machines eventual location at the NSC in Natick, MA. While the machine is housed at Hills, the contractor shall assist in and provide support to the government for production runs. In addition, Hills will provide miscellaneous expendable parts and accessories for both machines on an as needed basis. The total duration for this contract is estimated to be between nine (9) and twelve (12) months. This acquisition is being done on a basis of other than full and open competition under the authority shown in FAR Subpart 6.302-1--only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Hills Incorporated manufactured and supplied t o the government both fiber-spinning machines and they possess proprietary technology on various parts of the machines. They are the only qualified company to assist the government with production runs and the only company that will be able to supply the government with required spare parts/accessories. The North American Industry Classification System code for this procurement is 333298. The small business size standard is 500 employees. Interested parties may contact Ms. Tammy Taylor, Contracting Offi cer, via email at contact@example.gov. Businesses will not be reimbursed for any costs associated with information submitted in response to this announcement. Reference note 22 for further information.