The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), MH-60 PMA-299 (AIR – 2.3.4.2), Patuxent River, MD intends to negotiate a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) delivery order under Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) N00019-21-G-0018 on a sole source basis with Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI), 22605 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871. This order is to perform a Sustaining Engineering evaluation for three (3) separate pieces of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) Specialized Test Equipment (STE) associated with the AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar. The intended start date is November 2024. The anticipated places of performance are Jacksonville, FL; North Island, CA; Atsugi, Japan; Clarksburg, MD; Brest, France; and Patuxent River, MD.

This action is being awarded on a sole source basis to TDSI under the authority of Other Than Full and Open Competition, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), as implemented in FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii), “Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.” TDSI is the U.S. based subsidiary of Thales Underwater Systems SAS (TUS), the original designer, developer, and manufacturer of the AN/AQS-22 ALFS System Weapon Replaceable Assemblies (WRAs) for the Transducer Assembly (TA), Reeling Machine (RM), Reeling Machine Interface Unit (RMIU), Reeling Machine Control Unit (RMCU) and Reel and Cable (R&C). No other firm possesses the required knowledge, experience, expertise, and proprietary technical and software data packages required to successfully fulfil this order in a timely and cost effective manner. TDSI is also the current repair facility for TAs and the only source with the domestic facilities, data, and experience to complete these efforts.

The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. The Government does not intend to fund the development or qualification of other sources for fulfilling this requirement, as the work listed requires a substantial initial investment. However, any capability statements received by the close of the synopsis may be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Questions concerning subcontracting opportunities should be directed to Ms. Nancy Lassiter at (240) 864-7000 of Thales Defense & Security, Inc.