Sources Sought-Intent to Award Sole Source.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS

THIS IS A Sources Sought Notice ONLY. The U.S. Government currently intends to award a contract for procurement of specialized physics laboratory hardware to support the existing physics and engineering curriculum on a SOLE SOURCE basis but is seeking vendors that may be able to perform this requirement in order to support a competitive procurement. Accordingly, the U.S. Government highly encourages all interested businesses (large and small) to respond to this sources sought synopsis. In addition, small businesses, in all socioeconomic categories (including, 8(a) Business Development Program, Small Disadvantage Business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Women-Owned Small Business concerns), must describe their identifying capabilities in meeting the requirements at a fair market price, i.e., information which may help support a set-aside.

The proposed sole source Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract to PASCO Scientific specialized laboratory equipment and associated components. The statutory authority for the sole source procurement is FAR 13.106-1(b). The required optics hardware must meet stringent mechanical and digital integration standards to satisfy the mission of the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (PANE). Specifically, the Polarization Analyzer (OS-8533A) must feature a proprietary mounting bracket that allows for direct, secure physical coupling with the existing PASCO Rotary Motion Sensors currently in the Department's inventory. This interface is critical for the simultaneous measurement of angular position and light intensity, requiring high-resolution data synchronization to meet the rigorous academic standards of the PANE curriculum. Furthermore, the Optics System (OS-8515D) and associated carriages must utilize a "snap-on" alignment feature to ensure the optical axis remains consistent across all experiments, which is essential for maintaining accuracy during the high-volume throughput of Cadet laboratory sections.

Beyond mechanical specifications, the hardware must function seamlessly within the Department’s established digital infrastructure. All components must be natively recognized by PASCO Capstone and SPARKvue software via "Plug-and-Play" drivers to minimize laboratory setup time and maximize Cadet instructional hours. While various commercial optics solutions are available globally, they lack the specific mounting interfaces and software required to communicate with the Department's existing sensor suite. Because these are standard Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) items, no military-unique modifications are required; however, the technical necessity for integration with PANE’s proprietary software and hardware ecosystem precludes the use of alternative brands that would require manual hardware adaptation or the development of third-party software patches.

This notice does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a promise to issue an RFQ in the future. This notice does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service. Further, the U.S. Government is not seeking quotes, bids or proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals in response to this sources sought notice. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Submittals will not be returned to the responder. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. However, if a competitive solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Governmentwide Point of Entry. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the Governmentwide Point of Entry for additional information pertaining to this requirement. The NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, 1000 Employees.; PSC code: 6650 Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories.

In response to this sources sought, please provide:

1. Identify any condition or action that may be having the effect of unnecessarily restricting competition with respect to this acquisition and identify alternatives or solution solutions. Also contact the MICC Advocate for Competition, Scott Kukes, at scott.d.kukes.civ@mail.mil or (520) 944-7373, if you believe that this action is unreasonably restricting competition. Include the subject of the acquisition, this announcement, and the MICC POC information from the Sources Sought Synopsis. Provide the specific aspects that unreasonably restrict competition and the rationale for such conclusion.

2. Name of the firm, point of contact, phone number, email address, DUNS number, CAGE code, identify business size (large business or a small business), and if applicable, a statement regarding small business status (including small business type(s)/certifications(s) such as SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) and the corresponding NAICS code.

3. Identify whether your firm is interested in competing for this requirement as a prime contractor or not. Identify subcontracting, joint ventures or teaming arrangement that will be pursued, if any.

4. Information in sufficient detail regarding previous experience (indicate whether as a prime contractor or subcontractor) on similar requirements (include size, scope, complexity, timeframe, government or commercial), pertinent certifications, etc., that will facilitate making a capability determination. [Tailor the information requested to the requirement, e.g., lead time for implementation, proposed solution, alternative solution, security clearances, bonding requirements, etc., as applicable.]

5. Information to help determine if the requirement (item or service) is commercially available, including pricing information, basis for the pricing information (e.g., market pricing, catalog pricing), delivery schedules, customary terms and conditions, warranties, etc.

6. Identify how the Army can best structure these contract requirements to facilitate competition, including competition among small business concerns.

7. Recommendations to improve the Army's approach/specifications/draft PWS/PRS to acquiring the identified items/services.