Purchase of Kirby Morgan 57 dive helmets and accessories

The Department of Defense, through the US Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, issued solicitation W911WN09T0001 for the procurement of Kirby Morgan 57 dive helmets, connectors, and air control systems. This acquisition was designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 451110. Due to critical safety requirements and the necessity for equipment standardization for divers operating in contaminated waters, the government utilized a brand-name justification under FAR 6.302-1 to ensure diver safety and operational consistency. Because of limited vendor availability and lengthy manufacturer back orders, the government awarded three separate contracts to fulfill the requirement. In addition to the primary award, contract W911WN-09-P-0018 was awarded to ADS in Virginia Beach for three dive helmets at a cost of 16,517.40 dollars on December 11, 2008. Contract W911WN-09-P-0019 was awarded to Ocean Enterprises in San Diego for two dive helmets at a cost of 11,727.72 dollars on December 17, 2008. The procurement included multiple contract line items with delivery dates set for early December 2008 and incorporated standard FAR and DFARS clauses for commercial items.