U -- Contractor Instruction, Maintenance, Operation and Training Support (CIMOTS) for the Strategic Sealift Cargo Offload and Discharge Systems (COLDS)

The Naval Air Warfare Center Training System Division intends to award a sole source follow-on contract to Defense Support Services, LLC. (DS2), for the Contractor Instruction, Maintenance, Operation and Training Support (CIMOTS) for the Strategic Sealift Cargo Offload and Discharge Systems (COLDS) in support of Logistics Over the Shore and Joint Logistics Over the Shore (LOTS/JLOTS) and requirements for other government agencies. DS2 is the only known source of maritime services with the unique capabilities and skills to execute these program requirements in a high risk environment. The government has determined that DS2 is the only capable source through extensive market research and from the sources sought synopsis posted on FEDBIZOPS website, January 17, 2008. The resulting contract will be firm fixed priced and negotiations will be conducted using other than full and open competition pursuant to the statutory authority 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The maximum length of the proposed contract will be 5 years, comprised of a one-year base with four one-year options periods to be exercised at the discretion of the Government as per FAR 52.217-9. The applicable North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 611519. Requirement Summary: The requirement is to provide CIMOTS/COLDS for the Barge Ferry System at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific (EWTGPAC) in San Diego, CA. This requirement includes instructional, maintenance, operational, and training support to produce a qualified COLDS graduate. The Contractor will be required to provide students with formal class training on-shore, followed by operation and maintenance training at sea on equipment associated with this program. The COLDS contract also supports worldwide littoral warfare contingencies for the US Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force. Presently, the Strategic Sealift Program Office (SSPO) is responsible for three Maritime Pre-positioning Shipping (MPS) squadrons, one each in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean. Each MPS squadron has enough strategic logistics to support a 17,000 Marine Expeditionary Brigade for a 30-day contingency. This strategic war and natural disaster material is comprised of rolling stock, tanks, artillery, food, water, and petroleum products. This contract is performed on both coasts for the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific San Diego, CA in actual environments using COLDS equipment. Therefore, this contract is heavily supported by the actual operating systems and material that moves Logistics Over the Shore (LOTS) for both dry and wet products from ship to shore. Because this program is mission-driven, frequently 'just-in-time' training is required. This includes classroom and open sea training. This training includes instruction for barge ferry pilots, coxswains, roll-on/roll-off discharge facility (RRDF), elevated causeway, and amphibious assault bulk fuels system, just to name a few. The government-provided equipment which now also includes Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) craft as well as the Navy Lighterage (NL) legacy craft, is used for training as well as real world operations include side-loading warping tugs, causeway ferry, conduit training barge, offshore petroleum discharge system, barge ferry simulator, and numerous other equipment. Emerging COLDS systems are continuously being fielded that require new training, operation, and maintenance. The target contract award date for the COLDS contract will be made prior to September 2008. Questions concerning this notice may be directed to the Contract Specialist, Rebecca Daniels, at 407-380-4118 or rebecca.e.daniels@navy.mil. If an interested party believes they are capable of performing the required services, please contact the contract specialist. All responses received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. This is an announcement only regarding a sole source acquisition; there is no solicitation available.