Responsible Sources Sought for Ceremonial Sword.

This notice is not a solicitation. This announcement serves as a source sought notice for the upcoming acquisition for United States Air Force Academy, for the following:  Ceremonial Swords.  Interested firms must reference their 8(a), HUBZone, Woman Owned or Service Disabled Veteran-Owned status and must be signed by a company official with authority to bind the company.  All potential offerors are reminded, in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS) 252.204-7004, Required Central Contractor Registration, lack of registration in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) will make an offeror ineligible for contract award.  This Sources Sought Notice is also issued for the purpose of market research in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10.  All businesses capable of providing these Ceremonial Swords items are invited to respond.  Any information provided by industry to the Government as a result of this sources sought synopsis is voluntary.  The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this sources sought synopsis.    

The 10th Contracting Squadron/LGCB is seeking potential sources who can manufacture Ceremonial Swords.  The applicable NAICS Code is 332211 and the small business size is 500.  We anticipate the proposed contract will be a firm fixed priced commercial Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a base period and four one-year option periods. 

Estimated yearly quantities and estimated Delivery Date: 

Estimated Quantity:                                        Estimated Delivery Date:

Ceremonial Swords:    1,100 ea                       1 May 2011     

Exact quantities and sizes will be identified on individual delivery orders. 

Specification/Description of requirements:  USAFA CU 945-05 will be made available at a later date.

1. Resale (Category A); USAF Cadet Type I, Class 3, Medium, Blade Length 762 mm (30"), Overall Length 887 mm (35") IAW USAFA CU 945-05 - 980 Each. 

2. Replacement (Category B); USAF Cadet Type I, Class 1, Extra Short, Blade Length 660 mm (26"), Overall Length 785 mm (31") IAW USAFA CU 945-05 - 30 Each. 

3. Replacement (Category B); USAF Cadet Type I, Class 2, Short, Blade Length 771 mm (28"), Overall Length 836 mm (33") IAW USAFA CU 945-05 - 30 Each. 

4. Replacement (Category B); USAF Cadet Type I, Class 4, Long Blade Length 813 mm (32"), Overall Length 938 mm (37") IAW USAFA CU 945-05 - 60 Each. 

All items and components must be made and manufactured in accordance with DFARS 252-225-7001, Buy American Act and Balance of Payments Program and DFARS 252-225-7012, 

A first article will be required in accordance with FAR 52.209-4 Alt 1. 

All Contractors interested in supplying this requirement may indicate their interest in this proposed acquisition by sending an email to include your name, contact information, company name, business size, your level of interest in this proposed acquisition, CAGE code, and answers to the following questions:  

1.      How long have you been in business?

2.      What size business is your company?  How many employees do you have?

3. How big is your facility?

4.      Have you manufactured swords/sabers or similar type of items?

5.      What are your payment terms?

6.      What is your business arrangement in the commercial industry? 

7.      Are you a manufacturer, or do you subcontract the work?

8.      Have you ever performed government contracts?

9.      What is your lead-time for manufacturing?  What is the lead time for metal/machining/forging?  What are the longest lead times for components?

10.   What are your commercial terms and conditions?

Only responsible suppliers need respond. NOTE: ** No telephone responses, please** This sources sought is for planning purposes only and does not commit the government to pay for the information requested.  If you are not interested in supplying these items, no response is necessary. 

The Government is considering utilizing the Economic Price Adjustment Clause (FAR 52.216-2, Economic Price Adjustment - Standard Supplies) and would like industry comments/feedback.  Will contractors be able to price out a base year with four options or would it be more beneficial/reasonable to request less than a base plus four options? 

This notice is designed to locate responsible sources who have an interest, and have the ability to supply the items described herein. Responsible vendors who are interested may contact Jon Wilczynski, USAFA Contracting Specialist, via email  [email protected] or Diana South, Contracting Officer, [email protected] by 2:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, 21 May 2010.