--NOTICE OF INTENT TO MAKE SOLE SOURCE AWARD

The Department of Defense's W072 Endist Louisville office intends to award a sole-source Purchase Order to Universal Forest Products, Inc., located in Grand Rapids, MI, under Simplified Acquisition Procedures citing FAR 6.302-1, which allows for procurement other than full and open competition. The order is for approximately 270 six-by-six 8-foot impact posts made entirely from recycled plastic composite materials and ASR, a by-product of shredded automobiles, which are themselves fully recyclable. These posts are designed to float without bending, twisting, warping, splintering, or cupping and come with a limited lifetime warranty, featuring a life expectancy of 75 to 100 years. They also offer superior nail and screw retention compared to traditional wood and plastic posts. This notice is not a solicitation for quotations, and no contract will be awarded based on responses to this notice. Interested parties may submit responses by fax to the designated contract specialist by April 9, 2003, at 4:30 PM local time, providing clear and convincing reasons why competition would benefit the government in future procurements. However, the decision to pursue competitive procurement remains solely at the government's discretion.