Intent to sole source: kardex parts carousels

The Department of the Navy Naval Sea Systems Command has published a Special Notice announcing its intent to sole source a contract for preventative maintenance and repair services for Kardex parts carousels at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The solicitation, designated N3904025Q0115, seeks services for 11 Kardex and Kardex Remstar carousel units that store project-essential materials and require annual maintenance. The notice indicates this procurement will not use full and open competition due to the specialized nature of the equipment and proprietary software rights held by Kardex Remstar LLC. The contract is classified under NAICS code 811310 for commercial and industrial machinery repair and maintenance, with a size standard of $12.5 million. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is located in Kittery, Maine, and the carousel systems are critical to shipyard operations.

The purpose of this sole source justification is to establish a maintenance contract by August 30, 2025, to prevent negative impact on shipyard projects, as the equipment requires OEM-certified technicians to maintain warranties and avoid liability issues. The contract structure includes a base period from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, with four potential one-year option periods extending through September 14, 2030. Contractors must provide scheduled preventative maintenance, unscheduled repair services, a mandatory two-week on-site training class for up to six shipyard personnel, and detailed service reporting. Key requirements include OEM authorization, certified technicians, firm-fixed pricing for maintenance, fully burdened labor rates for repairs, and compliance with strict OPSEC protocols given the sensitive naval facility environment. Interested parties have until August 27, 2025, to respond to this intent notice, though the justification indicates Kardex Remstar LLC of Westbrook, Maine, is the anticipated sole source provider due to their exclusive factory service authorization and proprietary equipment rights.