Sole Source Notice of Intent for GDELS Bridge Coupler for ERDC GSL

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) has a need to purchase one General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB)-M3 Connector to allow dissimilar bridge types, such as British and German versions, to connect together with the American IRB float bridge to achieve the crossing of wider rivers and wet gaps than could be accomplished if using only a single bridge type. To support these needs, the Government intends to award a firm fixed price award to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. (CAGE Code: 1VPW8 / UEI: SMNWM6HN79X5) on a sole source basis.

The coupling device being purchased must be able to connect the existing IRB to the existing M3 ABV, which are both manufactured by General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.  The coupling device must allow each bridge to be interoperable during full closures of all bridge systems, must transfer suitable loads to maintain the Military Load Classification (MLC) of the lowest rated bridge, and must not damage either bridge system.  Additionally, the coupling device must be able to be positioned, constructed, and/or erected using the organic equipment of units with an IRB and/or an M3 ABV.

General Dynamics is the only known manufacturer with a device capable of connecting the IRB to the M3.  They are also the only known company with a license to manufacture the required connector.  No other similar devices exist on the open market that are compatible with General Dynamics bridge systems.  Additionally, this requirement is part of a DASA (DE&C) funded FCT to specifically evaluate these connectors.  Should other companies make a similar device, evaluating them would be outside the scope of this FCT.  As a result, the connectors must be procured from General Dynamics.

The award will be issued in accordance with FAR 13.501(a). The applicable North American Industrial Classification System Code (NAICS) code is 36992 – Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing, with a small business standard of 1,500 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 Allison Hudson at allison.b.hudson@usace.army.mil AND Angie Stokes at angela.m.stokes@usace.army.mil.  The solicitation number shall be included in the subject line of the e-mail submission.  Responses must be received no later than 1:00PM CST 7 August 2023.