Notice of Intent to Sole Source- MIRA 6000

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) intends to issue a sole source award to Germann Instruments (CAGE Code: 3W4K4) to procure (1) MIRA 6000 in the areas of Airfields and Pavement (APB) research for use in the evaluation of rural airfield pavements. Standard airfield pavement evaluations require the determination of in-situ pavement structural profile, layer thickness, and pavement structural capacity. The structural capacity of airfield pavements is routinely determined using falling weight deflectometers regardless of the pavement type. However, the determination of pavement layer thicknesses is more complex, and the type of NDT equipment depends on the surface of the pavement structure.

For years, the APB airfield inspection team has required the use of ultrasound tomographer technology, which has proven effective for concrete pavement structures. This ultrasound tomographer device determines the thickness of concrete layers through the analysis of wave propagations transmitted by the device when seated on the surface of the concrete pavement. Therefore, the testing mechanism of the ultrasound tomographer is nondestructive and effective for field evaluation of airfield concrete pavements.

Thus, MIRA 6000 must be procured. The unique characteristics detailed are critical to the continuation of the GSL’s mission and continued research in the Airfields and Pavement Branch. Since alternative methods of field-testing technique will not be deemed acceptable, it is determined that Germann Instruments Inc. is the only vendor that can provide the MIRA 6000 that can meet the government’s exact specifications.

Therefore, the Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed price contract to Germann Instruments Inc. in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). Germann Instruments is not a small business concern under the applicable NAICS code 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing) with a size standard of 600 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 Tam Coronel at Tam.M.Coronel@usace.army.mil no later than 1:00PM CST Friday, 16 May 2025.