Xenon Thruster Test System - Sole Source

The Naval Research Lab (NRL) intends to award a firm-fixed-price contract to Leybold USA Inc. in accordance with FAR 13.501(a), for the Xenon Thruster Test System Phase V addition to the existing NRL Large Plasma Test Facility (LPTF).

The Phase V Xenon Thruster Test System being purchased provides new capabilities to the LPTF including: increasing the pumping speed for the existing individual antechambers on the LPTF by adding cryogenic pumps to each of the antechambers, separating those new pumps from the antechambers by isolating valves, designing and installing an internal shroud on one end of the chamber, and providing a new revision of the control software for the entire integrated LPTF to maintain its end-to-end turnkey functionality.

The procured parts are available only from Leybold, USA due to the highly specialized nature of the required test system, and the use of proprietary information in the previously purchased Phase I-IV efforts. An award to any other source would result in a substantial duplication of cost to the government that is not expected to be recovered through competition. Additionally, an award to another vendor would result in an unacceptable schedule and substantial technical risk to the larger LPTF investment.

Interested companies may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and does not constitute a solicitation. However, all capability statements received prior to the closing date shall be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action 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 in the future. If your organization has the capability of performing these services NRL asks that interested parties, at a minimum, supply the below information. Submissions not containing all of the below information will not be considered.

Business name and address; Name of company representative, business title and email; Telephone number, address, and e-mail address of POC; Large or Small Business Size and Type of Small Business (if applicable); Cage Code; UEID Number; A brief capabilities statement package (no more than five pages) demonstrating their ability to perform the services required under this posting. Demonstrated past performance providing similar services should be detailed, if applicable.

A detailed analysis of how your firm will successfully remove the sole source barriers listed above. All information and data received in response to this posting marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be protected as such. Please include this notice number on all documents and email correspondence. Classified Material shall not be submitted. Please transmit responses by e-mail to Graham Irby, Contract Specialist, at Graham.d.irby.civ@us.navy.mil in either Microsoft Office or .pdf format. All responses must be received on or before the time specified in the announcement.