--METHANOL FUEL CELL POWER SYSTEMS

The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center, Natick Contracting Division, representing the United States Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick, MA, plans to negotiate and award a sole source purchase order to SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG in Germany for three direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) power systems, Model C20-BW. Each unit will come equipped with three fuel bottles, totaling nine bottles across the order. The delivery date for the systems is set for March 31, 2006, and the procurement is conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, allowing for non-competitive negotiation in this case. This announcement is not a request for proposal, but any interested parties may express their interest and capabilities by February 1, 2006, via email to a designated contact at the Natick Army facility, though telephone inquiries will not be accepted. The contract is associated with NAICS code 334413 and is managed by a Department of Defense office located in Natick, Massachusetts. The purpose of soliciting information is solely for the government to decide whether a competitive procurement is necessary, but the final decision rests solely with the government. The procurement involves advanced methanol fuel cell technology intended to support Army operations, highlighting an emphasis on innovative power solutions. The contract details emphasize the exclusivity of the source and an expedited acquisition timeline, reflective of the specialized nature of the product and the immediate operational need.