Combi Tripods with Accessories

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION 1. The Office of Acquisition Management is conducting this acquisition for Combi Tripods with Accessories on behalf of Department of State, Mobile Security Division. 2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved: The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Office of Acquisitions Management (AQM) intends to award a sole source contract to Vingtech, LLC, 15 Morin Street, Biddeford, ME, 04005 for the procurement of Combi Tripods and accessories. 3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the Department's needs. The Combi Tripod system consist of the following individual components: Combi tripods with ballast bag, M240/M249 buffer mounts with ammunition can holder, MK19/M2 Machinegun Soft mounts. The specifications for each items is as follows: Tripod w/Ballast Bag - Made of high strength aluminum alloy, shaped by forging process, telescopic legs, interface with a standard pintle to accommodate different weapon systems ranging from 5.56mm to 40mm AGL. Tripod Accessories - T &E Bar- straight, clips to one leg in transport position, T & E Bar - curved, Ballast Bag, Detachable front leg. Buffer Mount - Low weight (less than 3.0kg/7lbs), can be utilized with all types of ammunition boxes, Elevation locks allow the weapon to be secured at any elevation. Buffer Mount Accessories - Cartridge collection bag, Sight Bracket, Adjustable lower elevation stop, Picatinny rail. Soft mount - Elevation Friction Knob, Elevation for .50 caliber -20 to 62.5 degrees, Elevation 40mm -20 to 72.5 degrees, Weight 31lbs. Soft Mount Accessories - Ammunition can holder that either 44mm or .50 caliber ammunition, cartridge collector system (chute and bag), Laser Pointer, High luminous intensity light, Reflex sight, Light weight tripod, Fire Control System and Duel handles for left or right handed shooters. 4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. 41 USC 253(c) (1), FAR 6.302-1Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. 5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited. Vingtech, LLC is the only manufacturer who manufactures a tripod that can be adjusted to a Flat position or a full upright standing position for weaponry. 6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable. An internet search and GSA search was conducted to determine if any other vendor could provide tripods that met the specifications. Also a sources sought notice was posted as referenced in paragraph 8 below. 7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. There are currently no other mounts and tripods currently on the market that meet the specifications as stated. Based on the current prices for mounts and tripods and including the cost of the new development in alloy metals the cost appears to be fair and reasonable. 8. A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted. A sources sought was conducted in FEDBIZOPS from 9/12/2013 to 9/16/2013 resulting in one vendor showing interest. The interested vendor stated they do NOT have a commercial off the shelf solution available in the market. Any solution would have to be researched and designed. No other firms responded with a commercial off the shelf solution. Vingtech, LLC is the only manufacturer with a commercial solution available in the market for weaponry that is versatile and adjustable to a Flat position or a full upright standing position. 9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. The tripods and accessories are manufactured our of a light weight high strength aluminum alloy which provides for an increased strength in the tripod and allows for the tripod to be light as compared to traditional tripods. 10. A listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. Vingtech, LLC, 15 Morin Street, Biddeford, ME, 04005 11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required. There is only currently one commercial solution available in the market that meets these specifications. Competition will be possible when more companies provide a similar commercial product in the industry or if the DS requirements changes.