Special Notice - Notice of Intent to Sole Source, Bilateral Modification to Existing Contract, Enhanced Combat Helmet

The Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) Quantico, VA intends to award a sole source modification to existing contract M67854-09-D-3060 with Ceradyne, Inc., 3169 Red Hill Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 for the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH), under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). The modification will provide for a period of performance extension to the current contract not to exceed 48 months; incorporate an additional contract line item number (CLIN) into the existing contract for the inclusion of the U.S. Navy’s basic ECH requirement; increase the contract maximum ceiling by 38,500 ECH systems, including spares, to accommodate an increase to the existing Marine Corps’ requirement; increase quantities specifically allocated to be consumed during lot acceptance testing to address increases in test events and the addition of component level testing; incorporate an additional CLIN into the contract to accommodate a separate bolt kit spares requirement for the U.S. Army; and add a requirement for component level testing for existing repair kits. As a result of these additions, the total contract maximum ceiling is increased by 48,766 total ECH systems. Ceradyne is the only responsible source for the modification to extend the current contract and procure the additional ECH systems, bolt kits, and component level testing. The ECH program was initiated in response to an Urgent Statement of Need (USON) and is still considered a USON requirement. Although various contracts were competitively awarded intially, only Ceradyne’s ECH design has met all technical requirements and proceeded to production. The execution of this modification will allow the program to proceed. The additional ECHs being sought under this proposed modification are of the exact same design as currently approved for production under the existing contract. The bolt kits are of the same type as being provided as part of the existing repair kit on the contract and component level testing is for testing of items provided as part of the existing repair kit. The component level testing is an integral part of the production process, thus Ceradyne is the logical choice to conduct this level of testing. Ceradyne already has testing/approval processes in place to ensure continuity in testing procedures, testing facility and testing materials. The extension of the contract period of performance accounts for various unanticipated program delays experienced and enables the continued ordering of ECH systems under the existing contract. The applicable NAICS code remains 339113, Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing, with a size standard of 500. This is a notice of intent to issue a modification under the current contract and is not a request for competitive proposals; no solicitation is forthcoming. The determination not to compete this proposed contract action is solely within the discretion of the Government. However, interested parties may provide evidence of their capability to fulfill this requirement by July 2, 2012, 2:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, to via e-mail to the Contracting Officer at contact@example.gov. Information received through responses to this notice must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government and is feasible. MCSC will not be responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this notice. Any questions or concerns with regard to the Government's intent to sole source this modification shall be e-mailed to contact@example.gov no later than June 29, 2012, 2:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. Questions or concerns may also be emailed to the provided e-mail address.