Notice of Intent to Sole Source - SERE Underwater Egress Trainer (UET) Lease

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE TO: Survival Systems USA, Inc. (DUNS: 159852698)

The government has a requirement to provide the 22d Training Squadron (TRS) with an over-water parachute landing simulator and Modular Egress Training Simulator (METS) at Fairchild AFB, WA. The 22 TRS is home to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) School. The parachute landing simulator and METS provide aircrew members with a realistic training simulation of the difficulties inherent to egressing an aircraft while over open water. Training requirements mandate training encompass egress during simulated adverse weather to provide the most realistic training possible. The parachute landing simulator and METS provide aircrew members with a realistic training simulation of the difficulties inherent to egressing an aircraft while over open water. Training requirements mandate training encompass egress during simulated adverse weather to provide the most realistic training possible.

Under the proposed follow-on requirement, the vendor shall provide the parachute landing simulator and METS equipment for lease to the government. The vendor shall perform maintenance as necessary to keep the leased equipment operational and will provide operational use and minor maintenance training for 22 TRS personnel responsible for operating the system. The system is made up of two major components to accomplish the training course: 1) parachute drag trainer; and 2) a 12 passenger METS capable of simulating CV-22, H-60, H-1, and C-130 airframes. The METS also includes a lift system, rescue hoist system, and environmental effects that simulate a water environment during inclement weather. The METS works with the associated environmental simulator to provide students with a realistic simulation of an open-water landing in extreme conditions. These conditions included rain, darkness, sound and light effects, and 3 foot waves, all initiated and controlled through a proprietary Survival Systems, USA Inc. (SSUSA) control center.

Market research concluded that SSUSA, the incumbent contractor, is the only vendor capable of meeting the requirement. SSUSA owns the proprietary data and rights for the technical specifications of the equipment. Additionally, the currently leased equipment is incorporated into the existing pool and building structure. Replacing the existing equipment will result in costly and harmful delays to SERE training. It is not in the government's best interest to pursue competition until a standalone SERE aquatics facility is constructed. At that time, the sole source environment will dissolve and alternative egress simulation equipment will be researched through additional market research.

THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the government. Vendors that believe they can provide the lease listed above are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the government to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the government.

Period of Performance:

Base Period 1 Jan 27 - 31 Dec 28

Option Year 1 1 Jan 28 - 31 Dec 29

Option Period 2 1 Jan 29 - 31 Dec 30

Option Period 3 1 Jan 30 - 31 Dec 31

Option Period 4 1 Jan 31 - 31 Dec 32