Austinite 15 and Detonation Cord Master BPA for ERDC GSL

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) has the regular, recurring need to purchase Austinite 15 explosive and detonation cord. To support these needs, the Government intends to award a Master Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with a five-year ordering period to Austin Powder Company (CAGE: 79985 / UEI: E5A7LPK3MLU6) on a sole source basis.

The ERDC GSL develops innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges that address some of the world’s toughest Civil Works and Military Engineering challenges. As part of its research efforts, the GSL’s Survivability Engineering Branch (SvEB) conducts field experiments using explosives to simulate threats against GSL-developed protective technologies. The GSL has the regular, recurring need to purchase explosive material for conducting these experiments and therefore requires a purchasing mechanism to acquire the subject explosive material. The subject explosive material, Austinite 15 explosive and 50 grain detonation cord is manufactured exclusively by Austin Powder Company and there are no third-party resellers. The Austinite 15 explosive and 50 grain detonation cord is the only commercial product capable of meeting the governments unique requirement. There are no existing contracts nor is this product available from mandatory sources. The unique characteristics listed are necessary to the successful completion of the governments mission and cannot be overcome by alternative solutions. There is only one know company, Austin Powder Company, a large business, capable of manufacturing and providing the required Austinite 15 explosive and detonation cord. Therefore, it is recommended that a sole source award be made to Austin Powder Company.

The award will be issued in accordance with FAR 13.303. The applicable North American Industrial Classification System Code (NAICS) code is 325920, Explosives Manufacturing, with a size standard of 750 employees. This notice of intent is for information purposes only.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals. A solicitation will not be issued. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. The information submitted must be provided in sufficient detail to demonstrate the vendor’s ability to fulfill this requirement. The contractor must also provide a description of their past experience in fulfilling requirements which are the same or similar to this requirement and references for each.

Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Responses to this requirement may be submitted to Angie Stokes at angela.m.stokes@usace.army.mil and David Ammermann at david.g.ammermann@usace.army.mil. The solicitation number shall be included in the subject line of the e-mail submission. Responses must be received no later than 1:00 PM CST on 07 May 2024.