Notice of Intent to Sole Source

Added: Aug 12, 2016 9:08 am

The U.S. Department of State, Office of Acquisition Management (AQM) intends to award a firm-fixed price purchase order for the acquisition of flatware to Lenox Corporation. The proposed purchase order is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b).

The “Embassy Scroll” pattern was chosen for its aesthetics and no other product will meet the unique style needed.  The requirement states that the desired flatware is to be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with the existing flatware currently used. This will allow the Office of Residential Design and Furnishings (RDF) to accomplish its mission objective of providing an elegant, yet graceful formal table settings that reflect American standards and products for official entertaining of foreign dignitaries.

The specific design features meet RDF’s stringent representational standards.  Specific characteristics of the sterling silver flatware limit the availability to a sole source as Lenox is the only manufacturer of sterling flatware in the United States. Lenox owns the pattern and design currently being used by the official representational residences.

However, anyone wishing to have their representational flatware considered for future use may contact OBO/OPS/RDF Mary Hawkins at (703) 875-6612 to present their product.