Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source - Basic Electronics Maintenance Trainer II Tech Refresh

Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source

Product Service Code: K069 - Modification of Equipment- Training Aids and Devices

North American Industry Classification Code: 541519 - Other Computing Related Service

Title: Basic Electronics Maintenance Training (BEMT) II Technical Refresh

Contract Vehicle: Single Award C-Type

Closing Date: 20 October 2023

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Orlando (ACC-Orlando) is issuing this Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source on behalf of the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), Assistant Program Manager (APM), Basic Electronics Maintenance Trainer II (BEMT-II) who has a requirement for a Technical Refresh to bring the BEMT-II System to 100% capacity. The focus is placed on the three key training components: Student Training Console (Nida 130ST), Experiment Cards (EC), and Test, Measurement, and Diagnostics Equipment (TMDE) for delivering basic electronics training to U.S. Army Soldiers across all three components (Active, National Guard and Reserve) in the years 2024 through 2028.

The BEMT II system is configured with a combination of Commercial-Off-The­ Shelf (COTS) equipment, consisting of computer workstations, proprietary computer aided instructional devices (CAI), and proprietary software, which has the capability for computer-based instruction, traditional text-based learning, and hands-on practical exercise training.

BEMT II provides a COTS, hands-on, live basic electronics training capability. Primarily, BEMT-II provides realistic training using scenarios which require the student to perform basic electronic tasks in a classroom environment including tests, diagnosis, and repair. It enables the students interface with a hands-on training station, which replicates electronic components, to ensure competent skills have been achieved.

Focus for the next 5 years, the technical refresh will include all required Experimental circuit cards to work with the existing Nida 130ST console; all required TMDE, (multimeters, Oscilloscopes, Function Generators, Logic Probes), and a Nida 130ST (1132 Count) serviceability refresh that will repair, align, or replace any assembly or component that would restrict or reduce the Nida 130ST from operating at 100% capacity.

Name of Intended Contractor is Nida Corporation (Nida), 300 S John Rodes Blvd, Melbourne FL, 32826.  Nida is the original developer of the BEMT-II and currently holds all of the current developmental tools, licenses, and agreements (intellectual property and software licensing).

The contract will be issued on a sole source basis in accordance with FAR 6.302-1. Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The Period of Performance (POP) for this effort is 60 months after contract award. The effort will be funded on an annual basis beginning in FY24 and will utilize multi-year FY24-FY28 Procurement funds that will expire after three years.

ACQUISITION APPROACH:

These requirements will result in a Firm Fixed Price (FFP), sole‐source contract to Nida Corporation. This action will be awarded in accordance with 10 U.S.C.3204(b)(B), as implemented by FAR 6.302‐1(a)(2)(iii) only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. FAR 52.217-8 - “Option to Extend Services” may also be included.

ESTIMATED DOLLAR VALUE:

The total contract value for this effort is estimated at $9,300,000.00.

NOTICE: A Sources Sought Notice was posted on 21 August 2023 where an alternative virtual solution was received; however, the Government has determined that a virtual training solution will not provide the necessary physical interaction and fidelity (i.e. use of fine motor skills required for electronic component handling and repair) that the BEMT-II provides.

The BEMT II Tech Refresh requirement is to refresh the serviceability of the Nida 130ST, replace TMDE, and replace Experiment Cards (EC) for the Nida 130ST. The virtual solution does not meet the SSN requirements as it will not refresh the existing Nida 130ST test consoles, will not meet the hands-on requirement for TMDE and hands-on testing on experimental cards, and is not compatible with the existing system. The virtual solution for the technical refreshment requirement would necessitate the Government to change how BEMT II is utilized today. An award to any source other than Nida will result in both substantial duplication of costs to the Government, as well as unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s tech refresh requirements. 

This notice of intent to award sole source is being provided to verify that no other sources can meet this requirement given only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements given the proprietary technical requirements, expedited timeline and substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition. Contractors are advised that a determination by the Government not to compete this effort based on any responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government IAW FAR Part 6.302-1.

Responses: Responses to this strategy may identify their ability to meet the requirement and submit their response no later than 12:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 20 October 2023. Please address to usarmy.orlando.peo-stri.mbx.acc-orl-vts-it-branch@army.mil.

DISCLAIMER:

THIS NOTICE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN INVITATION FOR BIDS OR A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) AND IS NOT A COMMITMENT BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE SUBJECT PRODUCTS. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO ACCOUNT FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS NOTIFICATION. THE U.S. GOVERNMENT WILL USE THE INFORMATION RECEIVED TO DETERMINE WHETHER OTHER SOURCES ARE AVAILABLE THAT ARE CAPABLE TO SATISFY THIS REQUIREMENT.