Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, intends to negotiate a sole source Firm-Fixed Price contract for hardware/software maintenance for Gerber Technology pattern grading system in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 15.2, as supplemented with additional information in this notice. The contract will be awarded to Gerber Technology, Tolland, CT. Market research was previously conducted and it has been determined that this is a sole source requirement IAW FAR 6.302-1. This is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation is available. All interested sources must respond in writing with clear and convincing evidence to support their ability to provide timely and effective services within two (2) days of this publication. A determination by the Government not to compete this action based on responses received is solely within the discretion of the Government. Authority: 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), Justification: Supplies required are available from only one or a limited number of responsible source and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Market research was conducted with only one respondent able to meet the government's needs due to the information being proprietary: Gerber Technology. Ms. Jill Willingham, AFLCMC/AQP, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, 45433, has been appointed as Ombudsman to hear concerns from offerors, or potential offerors, during the proposal development. The purpose of the Ombudsman is to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. Existence of the Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program director or the contracting officer. Accordingly, the Ombudsman does not participate in the preparation of solicitations, the evaluation of proposals or the source selection process and, therefore, for routine matters on individual solicitations, please contact the buyer at the telephone number listed herein. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. Any questions regarding this acquisition should be directed to the Contract Negotiator, Abby Morris at (937) 255-3374 or e-mail: Abby.Morris@wpafb.af.mil. Should you desire to contact the Ombudsman, Ms. Jill Willingham can be reached at (937) 255-5472, e-mail: jill.willingham@wpafb.af.mil.
