J -- SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF PROPULSION AND NON PROPULSION SYSTEM USCGC MACKINAW WLBB-30

The US Coast Guard intends to enter into negotiations with ABB for maintaining the Propulsion and Non Propulsion Systems on board the USCGC MACKINW (WLBB-30). The maintenance and support the US Coast Guard requires includes: Annual on site grooms; annual participation in dockside and underway performance test, evaluation and validation; technical consultation for troubleshooting; technical representatives on site visits; hardware, software and technical documentation configuration management tools. The core components of the system are: Propulsion Transformers, Pre Magnetization Units, Propulsion Drives, Variable Frequency Drives, Azipod, Azipod Units, Azipod Hydraulic Power Units (HPU),Propulsion Control Stations, Disconnect Switches, Breaking Resistors, Shore side spares including Rotor Line Assembly, winding Kits, Propellers and Bearings. ABB is the OEM of the equipment and system. A one-year contract with up to 1 additional twelve (12) month period exercised as the government's discretion is contemplated. Under the authority of 10 USC 2304 (a) (1), FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements the US Coast Guard intends to procure the requirements ABB. ABB is the only current supplier of ice strengthened azimuthing electric propulsion units (Icebreaker classed by the major certification societies, ABS, DNV and Lloyds Register), only ABB holds the information and expertise regarding troubleshooting and repair tolerances for maintenance of the icebreaking strengthened propulsion units. The Government DOES NOT possess the technical documentation or software needed to conduct a competitive procurement. There were no responses to the sources sought notice posted in FEDBIZOPPS on March 11, 2005. All responsible sources are encouraged to identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. Interested parties must submit a capability statement that sufficiently demonstrates qualification capabilities and previous experience relevant to fulfilling the above requirements. Capability statement shall include evidence that the company has access or will have access to ABB's proprietary components. I.e.; signed agreement with ABB, licensing agreement, etc). This is a notice that a solicitation is available. It is not sufficient for a company to merely state that they are interested. The company must submit the data stated above for evaluation by the US Coast Guard. Responses are due no later than 10 days from the publication of this synopsis. In the absence of responses from firms that believe they have the capability to perform this requirement, the US Coast Guard intends to negotiate with ABB for the requirements. No further notice will be published until award is made. The period of performance is anticipated to be January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 with an option for one additional year to be exercised at the Government's discretion. This solicitation is open to both large and small business concerns. Address all correspondence to: USCG, Maintenance and Logistics Command, Atlantic, Naval Engineering Division, vpl-1 300 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 Attn: Vanessa A. Nemara, Contracting Officer.OMBUDSMAN NOTICE - NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS - It is the policy of the US Coast Guard to issue solicitations and make contract awards in a fair and timely manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to investigate agency protest issues and resolve them without expensive and time-consuming litigation. OPAP is an independent reviewing authority that is empowered to grant a prevailing protester essentially the same relief as the General Accounting Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to seek resolution of their concerns within the US Coast Guard as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forum, rather than filing a protest with the GAO or some external forum. Interested parties may seek resolution of their concerns informally or opt to file a formal agency protest with the contracting officer or Ombudsman. Informal forum with the Ombudsman. Interested parties who believe that US Coast Guard procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the cognizant contracting officer. If the contracting officer is unable to satisfy the concerns the interested party is encouraged to contact the US Coast Guard Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Use of an informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a protest with the agency or other forum. In order to ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman; solicitation/contract number, contracting office, contracting officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable). Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman. Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the contracting officer through open and frank discussions. If the protester's concerns are unresolved, an independent review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest to either the contracting officer or as an alternative to that, the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract award or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless contract award or performance is justified in wiring, for urgent and compelling reasons or is determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government. The agency's goal is to resolve protests in less than 35 calendar days from the date of filing. Protests shall include the information set forth at FAR 33.103(d)(2). If the protest fails to submit the required information, resolution of the protest may be delayed or the protest may be dismissed. This will not preclude refilling of the protest to meet the requirement. To be timely, protests must be filed within the period specified in FAR 33.103(e). Formal protests filed under the OPAP program should be forwarded to the address: Commandant (CG-85), 2100 2nd street, SW, Room 2606, Washington, DC 20593. Telephone +1 (555) 000-0000, FAX +1 (555) 000-0000, ATTENTION: OMBUDSMAN