V-22 Mission Auxiliary Tanks (MATS)

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275) intends to negotiate and issue a commercial contract to the Robertson Fuel Systems, LLC, 800 W Carver Rd, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85284-5264 on a sole-source basis for: Non-recurring and recurring engineering to procure the MATS for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) MV-22 aircraft, United States Navy (USN) CMV-22 and the United States Air Force (USAF) CV-22 aircraft. Additionally, MATS may be procured for Foreign Military Sales configured V-22 aircraft. Additionally, this procurement will allow for variations, improvements and upgrades to the MATS system to increase reliability, maintainability and sustainability through future Engineering Change Proposals (ECP). Depending on the V-22 variant and the unique mission requirements, the MATS is a fuel system mission kit that consists of a series of one, two, or three 430 Guardian US gallon self-sealing tanks. The MATS includes the electrical cabling, hoses, and tubing necessary to be fully integrated into the primary fuel system. The MATS is also capable of providing rapid ground fueling to other type, model, series aircraft and ground vehicles. NAVAIR intends to award a contract on a sole source basis to Robertson Fuel Systems, LLC in accordance with the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition under Title 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR Part 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." Since 15 September 2006, the Guardian 430 Gallon MATS and related components have been fully qualified for installation ad use on the V-22 aircraft. Robertson Fuel Systems, LLC (formerly Robertson Aviation, Inc.) is the original equipment manufacturer and most recently manufactured and delivered MATS and related components in support of the V-22 aircraft under Contracts N00019-06-C-0122, N00019-08-D-0009 and N00019-12-C-0097. No other company currently possess a ballistically self-sealing and fully crashworthy auxiliary fuel tank system that is flight qualified and ready for installation in the V-22 aircraft. In accordance with FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(A), using full and open competition to solicit this requirement would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition. Specifically, based on an analysis by PMA-275 technical representatives and an independent analysis by AIR 4.2 Cost Department, the Government anticipates that it would cost approximately $27.2M to plan, compete, execute a new design, and perform developmental and operational testing necessary to qualify a new auxiliary fuel tank. There would also be logistical life cycle costs associated with having a relative small set of auxiliary fuel tanks in a different configuration as the current MATS install on the V-22. Overall, Robertson Fuel Systems is deemed to be the only source available because an award to other than the OEM for the balistically self-sealing and crashworthy fuel tank system would result in a substantial duplication of costs which would not be recovered through competition. Market research conducted by PMA 275 shows that there is no other company in the market that processes the technology or the manufacturing engineering expertise to fulfill the Government's MATS requirements. Pursuant to FAR 10.001(a)(2)(ii), a sources sought was posted on 10 April 2018 to determine if commercial and/or non-commercial items suitable to meet the agency's needs are available and to identify whether other sources capable of satisfying the agency's requirements exist. No responses were received. The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, any capability statements received within fifteen days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. For possible subcontracting opportunities, please contact Robertson Fuel Systems LLC at 480-337-7050