Synopsis:

The Aerospace Fuels Laboratory (AFPET/PTPLE) has a requirement for one automatic ASTM D86 Distillation instrument and one ASTM D7345 micro distillation instrument. This is a requirement to support the launch mission of Vandenberg Space Force Base. Vandenberg’s mission supports West Coast launch activities for the Air Force, Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, national programs, and various private industry contractors. Vandenberg supports the processing and launch of a variety of expendable vehicles including Atlas V, Delta IV, Pegasus, Minotaur, and Falcon 9. The rocket vehicles use rocket propellant called RP-1. There is a requirement per the engine manufacturers to test the product to MIL-DTL-25576. Both D86 and D7345 may be used per MIL-DTL-25576, and both are required due to the shortened run time of instruments conforming to D7345 and the time constraints for launch product testing.

The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). This proposed procurement will be a Sole Source under North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing. Business size standard: 1,000 employees.

The proposed source is PETROLEUM ANALYZER COMPANY L.P. (PAC). A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract regardless of responses that may be received to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, quotation or exception to the intent to purchase on a sole source basis, which shall be considered by the Government if received by 2:00 pm EST on Monday, 07 August 2023.In order to comply with FAR 5.207(c)(15), the reason for lack of competition is as follows: This procurement will be awarded on a sole source basis to PAC, which is a large business. Market Research was conducted and it was determined that no other sources can provide the Automatic Distillation Instruments that can meet the full list of the Aerospace Fuels Laboratory requirements. This acquisition will not be a small business set aside since two or more small businesses cannot provide this requirement.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has determined the System for Award Management (SAM) to be the single DOD registration for contractors who conduct business or who are interested in conducting business with the DOD. Contractors must be registered in SAM prior to award for solicitations issued after 29 May 2012. You may contact SAM by telephone at 866-606-8220 or online at https://www.sam.gov. The contact for this acquisition is Mr. Joaquin Perez Jr and SSgt. Brendan Harrah and can be reached at 937-522-4525 and 937-522-4617. Any information shall be e-mailed to joaquin.perez@us.af.mil and brendan.harrah@us.af.mil NO LATER THAN 2:00 pm EST on Monday, 07 August 2023. Only inquiries/information received by this date will be considered.

Be advised that all correspondence sent via e-mail shall contain a subject line that reads “FA8601-23-Q-0088, Automatic Distillation Instrument” Note that e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB are designed to filter e-mails without subject lines or with suspicious subject lines or contents (i.e., .exe, or .zip files). Therefore, if this subject line is not included, the e-mail may not be received. Also be advised that .zip or .exe files are not allowable attachments and may be deleted by the e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB. If sending attachments with e-mail ensure only .PDF, .docx, or .xlsx documents are sent. The e-mail filter may delete any other form of attachments.