COASTSYSTA Dahlgren Division, NSWC, 6703 West Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32407-7001

42 -- ATMOSPHERIC DIVE SYSTEM SOL N61331-98-R-0010 DUE 021198 POC Mary Kitchen, Contract Specialist, (850)235-5389 Carol A. Dreger, Contracting Officer, (850)234-4863. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Coastal Systems Station, Panama City, Florida, intends to award a sole-source contract to International Hardsuits Inc. for the acquisition of one Atmospheric Dive Systems (NS2000) and associated support equipment. The NS2000 is a highly specialized state of the art atmospheric dive systems (ADS) with flexible joints. The NS2000 is a non-developmental item (NDI) which has been developed and modifi ed for military applications. Current Government policy dictates that the Navy shall purchase as many NDI items as possible to accomplish its mission. By using an NDI, the Government will save literally millions of dollars in developmental costs. The NS2000 allows movement at the knee, hip, and shoulder joints which greatly increases flexibility. The Navy requires an Atmospheric Dive System to support submarine rescue operations. If a submarine is disabled, typically the crew must be rescued within forty-eight (48) hours or there will be loss of life. Therefore the ADS must be readily transportable. In addition, the ADS must meet stringent Navy certification and operational requirements. For the past three (3) years, Navy experts have conducted numerous literature searches and attended many trade shows and seminars to find an ADS which will meet these requirements. The results of the market search concluded that only International Hardsuits Inc. currently manufactures an atmospheric dive system with flexible leg movement. Additionally, The NS2000 is readily transportable and was designed to meet Navy certification and operational requirements. NAVSEA and COASTSYSTA has extensive operational and technical expertise in this field and have determined that International Hardsuits is the only capable source to provide the required equipment. This acquisition is for the continued development and certification of the NS2000 for fleet use. All hardware and support documentation shall be delivered to the COASTSYSTA, Panama City, Florida. The point of contact for this acquisition is Mary Kitchen, extension (850)235-5389. Note 22 applies. (0356)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0181 19971224\42-0003.SOL)