Big Top Cover

Notice Type: Notice of Contract Action (NOCA) – Big Top Manufacturing – Sunshade.

Justification, Statutory Authority: FAR 13.501(a) – 41 USC 1901- Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

Contract Award Date: TBD

Contract Award Number: TBD

Synopsis:

The United States Air Force Test Center/Directorate of Contracting (AFTC/PZZG), Edwards AFB, CA intends to issue a sole source contract to Big Top Manufacturing, 3255 US Highway 19 N, Perry, Florida 32347 for their Sunshades for use at Edwards AFB. The contract will be fulfilled by means of other than full and open competition, due to Big Top being the only capable vendor of providing the size and installation procedures needed in the Statement of Work. Big Top also has a service contract in place to maintain the stated Sunshade. Big Top manufacturing has proven to be a consistent and reliable vendor in previous acquisitions as they have many Sunshades on Edwards AFB.

Justification for Sole Source:

The authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 USC 1901 - FAR 13.501(a) Supplies may be deemed to be available only from the original source in the case of a follow-on contract for the continued development or production of a major system or highly specialized equipment, including major components thereof, when it is likely that award to any other source would result in-

(A) Substantial Duplication of Cost: Big Top Manufacturing has a significant existing presence at Edwards AFB, including numerous sunshades currently under a maintenance contract with JT4. Awarding a different vendor would necessitate a separate maintenance contract, duplicating costs and creating inefficiencies. JT4's familiarity with Big Top's products also ensures immediate commencement of preventative maintenance inspections (PMIs) upon installation completion.

(B) Unacceptable Delays: Big Top's unique installation method, allowing direct attachment to the existing apron without requiring foundations or footings, significantly reduces installation time and minimizes disruption to flight line operations. Other vendors' designs require extensive site modifications, resulting in unacceptable project delays.

Sunshade shelter will protect aircraft from harsh weather conditions. The Sunshades will need to withstand 110MPH sustained winds, seismic loads, and structure cover color and a uniform appearance in accordance with Edwards AFB Design Standards. Keeping the aircraft away from extreme temperatures or sandstorms will reduce the need for maintenance. The Sunshade shelter provides a controlled environment for maintenance and repairs. It will be beneficial for ground crews working in adverse weather conditions and will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the ground crew operations.

Big Top Manufacturing Inc. has a strong presence of sunshade shelters at Edwards AFB and has developed consistency, priority acquisition, and congruency across these sunshades. The upkeep and maintenance of all sunshade facilities are added to the JT4 contract. Given JT4’s existing experience with similar sunshades, the sunshades service contractor, JT4, possesses all the necessary documentation and PMI's readily available within their systems. This existing familiarity allows JT4 to commence conducting PMI's as soon as the new sunshades are complete, streamlining the process.

Potentially switching to a different brand of Sunshade would result in duplication of costs that are not expected to be recovered. JT4 currently has a contract in place to service the other Big Top Shelters located at Edwards AFB. Awarding to another brand or company would require another service contract to maintain the shelter. This could also potentially result in JT4 requiring different equipment or tools to perform this maintenance, which would be another cost if the award is opened for competition and to allow for a new brand.

Big Top Manufacturing's Shelters are also required to keep congruency with existing shelters. As stated previously Big Top currently has many Sunshades located on Edwards AFB. Keeping the same type of shelter allows congruency with the service contracts and with the installation processes. Congruency allows for quicker installation and maintenance as these procedures have been established and refined with the previous shelters in use with the 412th MXG, 418th and 461st. In addition, uniformity and specific install practices of the sunshades is required per DAFI 21-101.

Capability Statements:

The Government requests that initial feedback, comments, and questions be submitted no later than Five (5) calendar days from the date of this notice posted to www.beta.SAM.gov. In accordance with leeway permitted by FAR 13.501(a)(iii), all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by the agency. Please submit all questions, comments and feedback regarding this Ramp 2 Sunshade via e-mail to the following Points of Contact:

• Mr. Eric Romero, Contract Officer, Phone: 405-345-7722, Email: eric.romero.11@us.af.mil


• Ms. Cinthia Arias, Contract Specialist, Phone: 661-277-3356, Email: cinthia.arias@us.af.mil

No telephone responses will be accepted. Any information submitted by respondents to this Notice of Contract Action is strictly voluntary. To the maximum extent possible, please submit non-proprietary information. Any proprietary information submitted should be identified as such and will be properly protected from disclosure. No classified information shall be submitted. Any response submitted by respondents to this Notice of Contract Action constitutes consent for that submission to be reviewed by Government personnel.

Ombudsman:

The Air Force Test Center has appointed an Ombudsman to consider and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. Concerned parties should address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the Contracting Officer for resolution prior to consulting the Ombudsman. Additionally, Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation (AFFARS) 5352.201-9101 – Ombudsman, will be included in any potential solicitation and contract for this acquisition. The AFTC Ombudsman contact information is as follows: Air Force Test Center Vice Commander 1 South Rosamond Blvd, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-3784. Phone Number (661) 277-2810, Facsimile Number (661) 277-7593, Email: aftc.workflow@us.af.mil.

DISCLAIMER AND NOTICE: This is a courtesy Notice of Contract Action only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that AFTC/PZIOB, will take procurement action in this matter. This is NOT a request for proposals, applications, proposal abstracts, or quotation. This notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to procure.