kational Institute of Standards & Technology, Acquisition & Assistance Division, Bldg. 301, Rm. B117, Gaithersburg, MD

B -- NIJ'S BODY ARMOR PROGRAM SOL 52SBNB6C9244 DUE 090396 POC Debra A. Hoffman 301-975-4648/Pauline E. Mallgrave, Contracting Officer, 301-975-6330 The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to enter into a Sole-Source contract with National Technical Systems (NTS) for a two phase effort in support of the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ) body armor program. The first phase is a series of four (4) tasks consisting of evaluating new threat levels, level II .357 magnum velocity requirements, and replacements for obsolete ammunition. The second phase consists of developing recommendation and testing requirements. The period of performance is sixteen months after award of the contract. The authority of this sole-source action is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1)--Only one responsible source. NTS is able, through their expertise and years of experience, familiarity with the NIJ standard, contacts in the field, and facilities to perform the testing necessary to address the recommended changes. NTS is a nationally recognized independent test and engineering company. NTS does not manufacture or produce any resale product, particularly the materials or products in question, ensuring the objectivity and unbiased technical expertise necessary to evaluate potential changes to NIJ Standard 0101.03. Additionally, since the testing flows from one item to another and also builds on the findings from a particular test, it is necessary to have a single organization responsible for these evaluations and therefore, NTS is the only source capable of meeting the agency's requirements. This notice is to give potential sources the ability to submit a capability statement to be received within forty-five (45) days after the date of publication of the synopsis. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses 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. See Numbered Note 22. (0204)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0015 19960723\B-0008.SOL)