Notice of Intent to Solicit and Award a Sole Source Contract to WESMAR Co Inc.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, intends to award a sole source contract to WESMAR Co Inc., 6108 A100, Arlington, WA 98223, to provide (2) WESMAR Vortex 26 Series Bow Thruster Propellers and (2) Install kits, to include (2) Stainless Steel 4-Blade Kaplan Propellers (Diameter 26“ x 20” Pitch).  The Contractor shall also provide (2) TH26 Series – Bow Thruster Tunnel Weld Install Kits, (Grade 1018 Steel). This action will result in a firm fixed price contract.

This Notice of Intent to award a sole source contract is not a request for competitive proposals. There is no solicitation document. No RFP will be available for competitive proposals. Phone calls will not be accepted.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 332999 – All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing. This acquisition will be processed in accordance with the acquisition of commercial items prescribed in FAR Part 12 in conjunction with the policies and procedures for solicitation, evaluation and award prescribed in FAR part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The small business size standard is 750 employees.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C 1901 or the authority of 41 U.S.C 1903 as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13.106-1(b). Soliciting from a single source provides that: For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, the contracting officer may solicit from one source IF the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name OR industrial mobilization). Contracts awarded using FAR Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures are exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6—Competition Requirements.

This shall be a Brand Name justification because these bow thruster propellers and install kits are proprietary, and no other company can manufacture them.  The WESMAR bow thrusters were recommended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Marine Design Center for the Dredge Murden, based on the unconventional split-hull design, and the need for a small light weight bow thruster system.  The WESMAR bow thruster propellers are the only commercial grade stainless steel bow thruster propellers available.  The WESMAR bow thrusters are also in use on the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) “Brandy Station” and they are being installed on the Dredge “Currituck”.  The engineer repair yard personnel are familiar with working on the WESMAR bow thruster systems and can install, repair, and test all of these bow thruster systems.  The use of unauthorized parts or rebuild techniques may decrease the equipment’s useful life and/or cause damage to the vessel. The other companies researched that make bow thruster systems and propellers, make them for smaller boats and pleasure yachts, not dredges and larger work vessels. The other companies’ systems add too much weight to the bow of the vessels, making them unstable (unsafe) and would also require modifications to the vessels structure, which would add additional down time and cost to the government.  The bow thruster system provides steerage for the vessels bow, which allows it to safely maneuver to and from dock, and in and out of restricted depths encountered during dredging operations. Spare bow thruster propellers and install kits greatly reduce the amount of downtime when repairs are required and help to ensure the safety of the crew and the vessel.

The period of performance is 01 June 2023.

The point of contact for this action is Contracting Specialist, Terri Adams, who can be reached at [email protected] and Contracting Officer, Rosalind Shoemaker, who can be reached at [email protected]. Interested parties may express their interest and provide a capabilities statement NLT 27 April 2023 at 4:00 PM EST. A determination not to compete this proposed contract upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.