The Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground intends to negotiate the award of a sole source contract to Avon Protection Systems, Cadillac, MI for the development and subsequent testing of a modification kit for the M53 Chemical-Biological Protective Mask under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."

The requirement will be for the modification of the current M53 to add a new valve cassette assembly with pressure compensation capability and the inclusion of a valsalva device. The modified M53 shall be capable of demonstrating pressure breathing for altitude capability up to 42,000 feet and operational competence under extreme conditions such as aircraft cabin decompressions. Specifically the effort will involve completion of the modification kit design, validation testing of the design, and updating of production tooling as necessary. The Government intends to procure 250 Modified M53 Masks for system level testing that will be completed under the proposed contract. The contract will contain an option provision for additional logistics support products. The Government does not possess a competitive Technical Data Package or Performance Specification that would allow for full and open competition of the Modified M53. Avon Protection Systems owns the technical data and is therefore the only source capable of producing the modified M53 mask. The total period of performance for this effort will be 24 months.

This is not a request for proposal. Responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.

Bid Protests Not Available