Air Force Technical Applications Center Sound Masking Equipment

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SINGLE SOURCE.

THIS IS A SOLE SOURCE SYNOPSIS: AMIC Det 2 OL/PKA Contracting Squadron, Patrick SFB, FL contemplates awarding a single source purchase order as authorized by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) for Sound Masking M2 Generator and associated equipment to Transformational Security, LLC. In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), Transformational Security, LLC, is the only source that can provide the highly specialized product for this requirement.

This requirement requires installation of a speech masking system that will be installed in a SCIF facility, which, per Intelligence Community Directive Number 705, requires installed equipment be designed to meet Intelligence Community Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of SCIF - Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (ICD 705 Tech Specs) v1.5 Chapter 9 Acoustic Protection.

Due to proximity to classified systems and classified infrastructure, the system must be protected from emanating electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that may carry classified information and therefore Tempest" approved.

CNSSAM TEMPEST/1-13 provides the guidance for the design of facilities and the installation of equipment and systems that receive, transmit, route, switch, manipulate, graph, store, archive, calculate, generate, print, scan, or in any other manner process or transfer National Security Information (NSI). Adherence to "Tempest" guidance is a condition of being authorized to use classified systems and non-conformity will cause the revocation of that authorization and critical AFTAC mission failure.

The M2 Generator is the only unit marketed as designed to meet the IC Tech Spec and provide "Tempest" criteria. Per specs, procured equipment must be a "speech masking" product and not a PA or emergency broadcast system, as the system is specifically required for protection of spoken word. The M2 Generator is the only product marketed and designed specifically for speech protection meeting the IC technical specification.

M2's patented technology of saturating the frequencies of the human voice with variable recorded sounds (dozens of recordings of conversations played back simultaneously at different volumes) categorizes this system as "speech masking". Additionally, the Air Force Technical Applications Center currently has the same equipment installed throughout the entire facility and procurement of additional M2 generators ensure compatibility with existing systems.

The existing systems are maintained by government personnel without additional maintenance contracts and maintains warranty. Awarding to any other product would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition; and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements.

IAW FAR 5.207(c)(15), Transformational Security, LLC., is the only source capable of fulfilling the government’s requirement for a Sound Masking Generator and associated equipment.

KEY PRODUCT LISTING: - 44ea 32mm 40W Heavy Speaker Emitters - 6ea M2 Fixed Installation Sound Generator Network 8ch - Server Racks, Wire, and installation hardware/materials - Installation, configuration, project management and documentation (U.S. Top Secret Cleared) This item utilizes North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code of 334290. IAW FAR 5.207(c)(16)(ii) All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes; however, the government will consider any responses from capable sources received within 7 days after date of publication of this synopsis. Please submit responses by 4:00pm EDT, 18 July 2024. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed requirement 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. Please send responses to david.dike.2@us.af.mil. Phone calls will not be accepted. 5352.201 -9101 ACC Ombudsman (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern.

The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes.

The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution.

Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of 0MB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsman, Deputy Director of Contracting, AFICC /KC (OL-ACC), 114 Thompson Street, Bldg 586, Room 129, Langley AFB, VA 23665, telephone (757) 764-5372 (DSN 574-5372) email: acc. a7k1@us.af.mil.

Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/DRU/SMC ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAFI AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2395, facsimile number (571) 256-2431. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer. (End of clause)