U.S. Army Materiel Command, Natick Contracting Division, Attn: AMSSB-ACN, Natick, MA 01760-5011

A -- DUAL-USE OPPORTUNITIES POC Mr. Len Dube, (508) 233-4289 E-MAIL: Click here to contact the POC, ldube@natick-amed02.army.mil. The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center (SSC or "the Army") at Natick, Massachusetts has been an important Research and Development facility for the nation's armed forces since opening in 1953. Although the name has changed frequently over the years, the "Natick Labs" have always been devoted to study of the American warfighter in a tactical environment, with the objective of developing and delivering the food, equipment, personal protection and shelter that would enable soldiers to survive and win in combat anywhere in the world. The SSC includes a world class workforce with R&D facilities and equipment that have produced innumerable innovative developments in the fields of food, textiles, clothing, tents, airdrop equipment, organizational field equipment and a multitude of beneficial spinoff products for industry and consumers throughout the world. Under this announcement the Army solicits innovative suggestions and proposals from all interested parties in order to leverage the intellectual and physical capital at the SSC, and so maintain technological superiority of the U.S. fighting forces in a constrained budget environment. Proposals should be built around preservation of the SSC as a federal installation and an essential piece of the nation's military infrastructure, and should serve to increase recognition of SSC's mission as critical to National Defense and Domestic Preparedness. The Army is not soliciting proposals to "privatize" the Natick installation or mission, but desires to increase or develop new "dual-use" facilities, technologies, services, and programs at that site, consistent with the SSC's military mission. (In this context, dual-use means "having potential application to both the commercial and military customer). The following national policies will also be considered in evaluating any submissions: Provide state of the art facilities for the Army; Insure Army access to cutting edge commercially developed technologies; Employ best commercial practices in project management and installation operations; Maintain positive relations with the surrounding communities and abutters; and Continue sound environmental stewardship of the property. This notice is not intended to be a traditional presolicitation notice or procurement synopsis under the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Any decision by the Army to pursue a particular proposal or suggestion submitted in response to this notice will be subject to applicable federal laws and regulations. Proposals may include the formation of collaborative relationships or Public-Private Partnerships in a variety of ways, including formal contracting arrangements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements IAW 15 U.S.C. Section 3710a, Grants, Cooperative Agreements, or "Other Transactions" IAW 10 U.S.C. 2358 or 10 U.S.C. 2371, lease of non-excess property IAW 10 U.S.C. 2667, or any other legally acceptable manner which may be suggested. This is an open announcement, without a deadline for submissions. Interested parties are invited to attend an informational briefing at the SSC on November 16, 1999, where an overview of SSC facilities and capabilities will be provided. Submit proposals, suggestions, or questions to: Mr. Len Dube, Director, Resource Management, U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center, Building 1, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760. Posted 09/21/99 (W-SN382647). (0264)

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