This is a Special Notice with justification of intent to award sole source. (1) NATURE OR DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: The proposed action is purchase Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) balls. Aerial Ignition Spheres are designed for use the Premo Mark III Aerial Ignition Device which is the only Plastic Sphere Dispenser authorized for use by USDA Forest Service. (2) DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES: The Aerial Ignition Sphere is made of high impact polystyrene, 32-mm (1.25 inches) in diameter and contains approximately 3.0 grams of potassium permanganate. The rate of chemical reaction is dependent on the particle size and concentration of the chemicals involved. Undiluted, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze is required. It provides a reliable ignition and a time delay of at least 20 seconds. The Aerial Ignition Spheres are dispensed commonly from aircraft by the Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) machine that was developed to provide a method of igniting ground fuels, in a short time, on large acreage without causing undue damage. (3) STATUTORY AUTHORITY: FAR 6.230-1: Only one responsible source and no other supplies or service will satisfy agency requirements. 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1). (4) DEMONSTRATION OF CONTRACTOR'S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS: PREMOFIRE and Aerostat Inc PSD balls both have been used by the USDA Forest Service in the past. Based on Market Research and advertising they are the only distributors of Aerial Ignition Sphere tested and authorized for use with the Premo Mark III PSD Machines.

Vanguard Plastics:

PREMO PLASTICS was established in 1969 in Victoria, BC. Over the years, PREMO established itself as a trusted, quality manufacturer specializing in forestry services and fire suppression. In 2005, Premo Plastics was acquired by Vanguard Plastics, a plastic manufacturer based in Surrey, British Columbia. PREMO is part of the VPL Enterprises Family. PremoFire manufactures and distributes the world's most popular aerial ignition system, Premo Mark III Aerial Ignition Device, along with our PremoFire Aerial Ignition Spheres. They have been supplying the global wildland fire and aerial firefighting industry for over 25 years, and have in the past had a reputation for safe, reliable operations.

Aerostat Inc:

Aerostat, Inc. is based in central Florida in the city of Leesburg. It has maintained its headquarters there since its inception more than twenty-five years ago. Some time ago Aerostat recognized problems with the quality and uninterrupted supply of aerial ignition spheres manufactured outside of the United States. In keeping with its commitment to be able to supply users of the spheres in a timely fashion it made arrangements to have the spheres manufactured in the United States. As part of this arrangement it required that the suppliers of items needed to produce the spheres also be United States domiciled companies. As a result Aerostat is the only company that distributes spheres made in the United States. In a letter dated May 15, 2009, the Interagency Helicopter Operations Steering Committee formally approved the use of the aerial ignition spheres distributed by Aerostat, Inc., after extensive testing, for use in the MK III Plastic Sphere Dispenser. The Forest Service has used Aerostat PSD balls which have worked flawlessly in the past. On March 11, 2011, Andy Smith, Business Development Manager for PREMOFIRE called and advises of a manufacturing error with the Fireballs that were supplied. PREMOFIRE thought the problem could be solved by adding reinforcing plastic around the seam to keep the balls from breaking apart. The welds were made to large causing some of the spheres not to fit through the chutes as designed. Defective seals split open causing aerial spheres to hang up in the feed chutes, creating safety hazards as well as making it difficult to clean up residue in the machines and on the sides of the helicopter. This created many safety issues for the Forest Service which is still under review. Incidents have been documented in SAFECO, the aviation safety communicator. One recorded incident documents that the operator had to pump water into a Plastic Sphere Dispenser to cool the burning plastic. On a similar incident the sphere cause machine to jam and could not be cleared causing operator to use water button with additional amounts of water from canteen into the hopper to reduce the chance of fire. When fully checked it was found that the balls had separated and attached itself to another ball making it to large to fall down feed chute and into the hopper. Aerostat Incorporated is reliable and the only other source that manufactures and distribute PSB balls for use in the Premofire Aerial Ignition Devices. (5) FEDERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (FEDBIZOPS) ANNOUNCEMENT POTENTIAL SOURCES: In previous year's solicitation were place on FEDBIZOPPS and GSA E-Buy. Quotes were requested from 21 sources and each replied with negative responses. (6) DETERMINATION OF FAIR AND REASONABLE COST: Price is determined to be fair and reasonable based on comparison of previous purchases from PREMOFIRE and Aerostat that were found to be fair and reasonable by the USDA Forest Service. (7) MARKET SURVEY: The internet, GSA E-buy, Central Contractor Repository, FEDBIZZOPPS and discussion with vendors were all used to obtain information on possible suppliers. The only other suppliers of polystyrene spheres were PyroShot and the Red Dragon Aerial Ignition which operate using SEI Industries Dragon Eggs polystyrene spheres with 3 grams of potassium permanganate crystals. Dragon Eggs can only be used on the Red Dragon and will not fit the PREMO MK II Device. (8) ADDITIONAL SUPPORTING EVIDENCE: N/A. (9). OTHER INTERESTED SOURCES: None. (10) ACTIONS TAKEN TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO COMPETITION: PREMOFIRE are taking actions to resolve their manufacturing and production issues. When Vanguard Industries can show proof that their PSB balls are safe for use in our devices we will once again consider this company for future award.

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