Technical Data Package - CWU-86A/P, CWU-87A/P

The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircrew Division requires highly specialized engineering, technical, and manufacturing support to update the Government-owned Technical Data Package (TDP) for the CWU-86/P and CWU-87/P Anti-Exposure Suits to the new CWU-86A/P and CWU-87A/P designations. This technical update will incorporate critical design changes identified and tested during windblast evaluations (specifically sleeve pocket modifications and localized seam tape reinforcement).

The Government intends to procure Val/Ver CWU-86A/P and CWU-87A/P suits built strictly from the newly revised draft TDP for physical inspection and configuration audit. This requirement will be solicited as a sole source procurement to Switlik Parachute Company (CAGE Code: 78673) as a simplified acquisition. Switlik is a small business and is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the CWU-86/P and CWU-87/P flight suit platforms.

Because these suits are critical, highly specialized life-support items worn by military aircrews in extreme environments, maintaining absolute continuity in manufacturing standards, dimensional tolerances, and material specifications are critical to flight safety. Switlik possesses the proprietary manufacturing setups, historical patterns, and baseline engineering design knowledge.

Introducing a non-OEM source to manufacture these validation units would introduce unacceptable technical risk, as any alternative contractor would need to reverse-engineer Switlik’s proprietary assembly, stitching, and specialized seam-sealing techniques.

The proposed contract action is for technical data and supplies for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i): Only one source reasonably available (e.g., unique/highly specialized capabilities, proprietary technology, exclusive manufacturer). THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. Interested parties, however, may identify their interest and capability by responding to the requirement with a capability statement.

The Government will consider all information received prior to the closing date of this combined synopsis/solicitation. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No phone inquiries will be entertained.

Responses shall be made in writing via e-mail to the attention of Ms. Amy Wescott using the contact information provided in this synopsis. Companies interested in subcontracting opportunities should contact Switlik Parachute Company, LLC.