Notice of Intent to Sole Source 20mm Rifled Gun Barrel with 1 in 20” Rifling and Surface Hardened Bore

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) intends to issue a sole source award to Physics Applications Inc.  (CAGE: 2T434) to procure 20mm (96” long) Rifled Gun Barrel with 1 in 20” Rifling and Surface Hardened Bore in the areas of Fragment Simulation Laboratory (FSL) research. FSL is responsible for conducting materials characterization development and testing of novel protection against a large envelope of impacting threats. The FSL currently uses the IBPG system in which this requirement is a component.

The requirement necessitates original OEM parts to the existing system that FSL utilizes.  The requirement must seamlessly interface and interchange with the existing IBPG infrastructure.

The delivery shall be within 18 weeks after award.

The unique requirements detailed are critical to the continuation of the GSL’s mission and continued research in the Fragment Simulation Laboratory (FSL).

The selected source is the sole manufacturer and designer of the IBPG system in which the component will be used. This familiarity is necessary to provide the supply needed that will integrate with the specific system and its specialized features to accurately simulate and withstand testing without degrading test integrity. Any dimensional deviation would render the component useless and compromise testing safety.

As such Physics Applications Inc.  is the only company capable of completing this requirement.

Since alternative methods will not be deemed acceptable, it is determined that Physics Applications Inc.  (CAGE: 2T434) is the only vendor that can provide the 20mm (96” long) Rifled Gun Barrel with 1 in 20” Rifling and Surface Hardened Bore that can meet the government’s exact specifications.

Therefore, the Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed price contract to Physics Applications Inc. in accordance with Authority 41 U.S.C. 1901 RFO FAR 12.201-1. Physics Applications Inc.  (CAGE: 2T434) is a large business concern under the applicable NAICS code 334519- Other Measuring and Controlling Device with a size standard of 600 employees.

This notice of intent is for information purposes only. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals. A solicitation will not be issued. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. The information submitted must be provided in sufficient detail to demonstrate the vendor’s ability to fulfill this requirement. The contractor must also provide a description of their past experience in fulfilling requirements which are the same or similar to this requirement and references for each. 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 this requirement on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Responses to this requirement may be submitted to Tam Coronel at Tam.M.Coronel@usace.army.mil and Sonia Boyd at Sonia.J.Boyd@usace.army.mil no later than 3:00PM CST Wednesday, 02 September 2026.