Introduction: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the Shelters Technology, Engineering & Fabrication Directorate (STEFD), intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: Powerfilm, Inc., Ames, IA 50014.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.

RESPONSES WILL BE USE FOR REFERENCE ON FUTURE SOLICIATIONS ONLY.

NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE.

1. Nature and description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs:

Two (2) kilowatt photo voltaic module integrated solar shade system (i.e. PowerShade) with three (3) balance of system (BOS) units. Items are used together as a system to convert solar irradiation (i.e. sunlight) into electrical power while providing - 80% solar blocking (i.e. shade).

2. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only source available to provide these services or goods (i.e. unique qualifications, proprietary rights, etc.):

Intent is to evaluate improvements to the PowerFilm photovoltaic (PV) modules under an American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) effort. These PV modules are used as an integral component in the manufacture of the 2KW PowerShade. The PowerShade was developed under SBIR Phase I and II efforts, and is only manufactured and distributed by PowerFilm. The solar modules used in the build of the PowerShade are manufactured by Powerfilm as well. Additionally, improvements to the photovoltaic (PV) modules under a American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) effort which are used in the manufacture of the 2KW PowerShade and which will be evaluated by procurement and use of this item, where performed and implemented on machinery at PowerFilm. Further, the PowerShade System is intended for field use by military users, and has already been issued a Limited Safety Confirmation for such use.

3. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason a market research was not conducted:

No market research was conducted. Mr. Tucker is the Natick subject matter expert (SME) on shelter integrated flexible PV, and was the COR on the both the PowerFilm ARRA effort that developed improvements to the solar modules, as well as the SBIR efforts that developed the PowerShade system itself. While other similar efforts have been undertaken by other companies (FTL with the PowerMod, and HDT with a PV solar fly) neither item offers the features / benefits / functionality desired that the PowerShade offers.

4. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

No other vendor offers the PowerShade (Le. sole source item through PowerFilm), and improvements funded under the Natick ARRA were directed towards the PowerFilm modules.

5. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

Currently lack of a formal requirements document through TRADOC limits the desire for additional vendors to offer suitable replacements for the PowerShade to the military. Additionally, lack of demand and funding into highly flexible photovoltaic (PV) modules will continue to limit the availability of this technology for military use. HOWEVER, it is expected as the price of fossil fuels continues to rise, coupled with advances in PV conversion efficiency and the high cost in dollars and human lives to deliver fuel to outlying military posts, together they will combine to provide a beneficial ROI in alternative energy for military use.

6. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement to the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division via e-mail to: [email protected] no later than 8:00 AM (EST) on August 31, 2010.


Contracting Office Address:
RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick
CCRD-NA-SU, Natick Contracting Division
Kansas Street, Building 1
Natick, MA 01760-5011

Point of Contact:
Steven Streeter, Contract Specialist (508) 233-6180
[email protected]

Bid Protests Not Available