SOLE SOURCE EAST PENN FORKLIFT BATTERY

The contract is a sole-source procurement under FAR 12.102(a) for one East Penn Manufacturing IST6H51 forklift battery, model 18-G75-27 EE, to be delivered onboard Military Sealift Command vessels in San Diego, California. This procurement is justified because the battery is a critical safety item classified as Category 15 mission equipment under COMSCINST 4490.1C, requiring exact OEM form, fit, and function compatibility to ensure safe and regulatory-compliant operation of onboard forklifts. Only the original manufacturer can meet these requirements, eliminating the possibility of alternative sources or substitutions. The contracting office is located in Bremerton, Washington, under the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Puget Sound, with primary point of contact Nicole Eygnor and secondary contact Brittany Tavassoli. The solicitation number is N0040626P0146, posted on May 22, 2026, with no competitive process permitted due to the unique technical and safety constraints. While the contract value is not disclosed, delivery is tied to the vessel’s operational schedule, and acceptance will occur at the point of installation. No packaging, marking, bar-coding, or shipping terms are specified beyond the requirement for OEM-conforming delivery. The offeror must certify that the provided information is complete and correct, and that this procurement represents the minimum government requirement. No socioeconomic status, CAGE code, unique entity ID, or contract type is detailed, and no evaluation factors, payment terms, contracting officer, or COR information are provided, reflecting a streamlined commercial acquisition based entirely on technical necessity.