Exception to fair opportunity memo - N5523625F2019/N00024-22D-4469

The Department of the Navy Naval Sea Systems Command has published a Special Notice regarding an Exception to Fair Opportunity for order N5523625F2019/N00024-22D-4469. This notice fulfills the requirement under FAR 16.505(b)(2) to publicly post redacted documentation when an exception to fair opportunity is granted for a Multiple Award Contract order exceeding $3,500. The exception pertains to emergency repairs needed for the Starboard Rudder Stock Upper Bearing on the USS MAKIN ISLAND, with an estimated contract value of $1,467,296.50. The work is scheduled to be performed between August and September 2025. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center issued the justification due to the critical nature of the rudder bearing failure, which poses significant operational and safety risks to the vessel.

The primary purpose of this Special Notice is to provide public transparency regarding the Navy's decision to award this specialized repair contract to a single contractor without competitive bidding. The exception was granted because only Propulsion Controls Engineering (PCE) possesses the highly specialized technical skills, tools, and qualifications necessary to perform the complex waterborne rudder bearing replacement. The repair has been classified as an emergent C4 CASREP requirement, indicating urgent operational necessity that could result in catastrophic damage if not addressed immediately. This is not an opportunity for contractors to submit proposals, as the contract has already been justified for award to the sole capable contractor. The notice serves purely as a public disclosure of the government's procurement decision and rationale, with no participation requirements or eligibility criteria for other contractors.