L--Radiographic Technique Development for Armor Parts

Introduction: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the US Army Warfighter Science, Technology and Applied Research Directorate (WARSTAR), intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: RNDT, Inc. Nondestructive Testing & Research Services, Johntown, PA 15901. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. RESPONSES WILL BE RECEIVED FOR FUTURE REQUIREMENT CONSIDERATION ONLY. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE. 1. Nature and description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs: This procurement action is for the production of radiographic images as a means of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) for US Government supplied test samples. Development of techniques for imaging may also be required for specialized armor parts that are of interest to the NSRDEC. This NDE is required to evaluate/interrogate base materials as well as systems for armor development to determine the integrity of the materials prior to and after ballistic testing. 2. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only source available to provide these services or goods (i.e. unique qualifications, proprietary rights, etc.): Other vendors have been evaluated for these types of NDE efforts and the proposed vendor is the only one that successfully completed the assessments with adequate data at the level of detail required. The proposed vendor has specialized skills for interrogating the types of samples that will be supplied and has successfully identified flaws in materials where other vendors could not. 3. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason a market research was not conducted: The NSRDEC Subject Matter Expert conducted a search of Thomas Register and inquired with other subject matter experts in armor industry. Several companies were contacted and provided samples of their capability. None were able to produce radiographs of ceramic components with the level of resolution observed in the RNDT radiographic analysis. The NSRDEC Subject Matter Expert remains abreast of latest technologies and research related to ballistic protection; and is familiar with work conducted by academia and industry that involves radiographic analysis. A formal market research effort was not conducted. Over the years, various vendors have been tried and proven to be less than successful. The project officer continues to monitor via the internet and through known professionals in the armor industry to identify other potential candidates to complete this work. 4. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: RNDT has performed radiographic analysis for NSRDEC in the past (W911 QY-09-P0573, which was competitively awarded), and their performance has been satisfactory. The vendor has proven that the capability exists within their organization to develop the necessary techniques for NSRDEC's unique samples. 5. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required: The project officer will continue to assess capabilities of other companies as they are identified. If qualified vendors are found that can satisfy requirements, full and open competition will be sought. 6. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement to the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division via e-mail to: contact@example.gov no later than 5:00 PM (EST) on September 8, 2010. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCRD-NA-SU, Natick Contracting Division Kansas Street, Building 1 Natick, MA 01760-5011 Point of Contact: Steven Streeter, Contract Specialist +1 (555) 000-0000 contact@example.gov