NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE

The Government intends to issue a sole source award to Scan Pacific Northwest, LLC, 170 W Dayton, Suite 101, Edmonds, WA 98020 for a Rapid Entry Boarding System. The system will play an intricate part in helping complete boarding actions and tactics designed to capture vessels, to combat terrorism, and piracy and smuggling. The Rapid Entry Boarding System (REBS) has been tested and successfully employed by the U.S. Coast Guard, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and III Marine Expeditionary Force Special Operation Training Group. After many different training and real world exercises, the REBS proved that it is the fastest and safest way to enter a ship from the surface. The REBS Grapnel Hooks is tested to 2,200lbs, which allows for multiple personnel to climb the ladders simultaneously. The hook and ladder have been coated to protect against the elements and reduces noise signature upon attachment to the vessel. The rigid structure of the REBS Carbon Ladder facilitates faster boarding times for personnel, which minimizes exposure during the highly vulnerable boarding phase. Also, the rigid structure, prevents the ladder from twisting once personnel begin to climb, removes the need for a "ladder man" to provide body weight tension, and allows personnel to climb with heavier loads and equipment. Positive traction for hands and feet is provided by the grip tape attached to the ladder. The carbon ladder has grip tape, which provides positive traction for hands and feet. The carbon ladder's lightweight (5.29lbs), high strength, hardened with Kevlar, and scalable in six foot sections allows personnel to scale ship hulls from 6 to 48 feet in height at two separate points on the vessel. The carbon ladder's reinforced with divincell foam steps makes the ladder sections next to neutral in water (key for maritime operations). At the top and bottom of each section, there is a quick fitting tube that enables the sections to be quickly and easily fitted together and locked securely. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals.The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 USC 2304(c)(1) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1 (a)(2)(iii) , "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements". Determinations not to compete this proposed procurement were made because of the following: Henriksen is the original designer and own the proprietary rights to the drawings, but Scan Pacific Northwest LLC is the sole US distributor of the product. They are the only acceptable source for this requirement. This notice does not constitute a solicitation for offers and, as such, no solicitation is available. Questions should be directed to SSgt Clifford Felder in writing via email: Clifford.felder@usmc.mil; or by fax (910) 451-2331.