Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Hydrogen Chloride Detectors

Description

The Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) intends to award a sole source, firm-fixed-price contract to RKI Instruments, Inc. for the procurement of the RKI Instruments Model GD-70D-HCL-15E Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) Gas Detection System. This requirement is for the procurement, delivery, and documentation of approximately 86 brand-name HCl gas detection systems to be used in Missile Alert Facilities (MAFs) across three Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) wings: 90th Missile Wing (F.E. Warren AFB, WY), 341st Missile Wing (Malmstrom AFB, MT), and 91st Missile Wing (Minot AFB, ND). These detectors provide critical, real-time monitoring to protect personnel and sensitive Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) equipment from HCl gas exposure. This acquisition is being conducted on a sole-source basis in accordance with the authority at FAR 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." This specific brand and model are required for the following reasons: Interoperability and Configuration Control: The RKI Instruments GD-70D HCL 15E is the only system that is fully compatible with the existing facility infrastructure, including annunciator panels, monitoring systems, wiring harnesses, and power supply interfaces currently fielded in AFGSC missile wings. Utilizing any other system would break the required configuration control mandated under the Air Force Nuclear Surety Program. Nuclear Certification: The existing RKI detectors are part of a certified system baseline for nuclear environments. Introducing a different brand would necessitate a complete and costly recertification process, including extensive environmental, safety, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing, which would introduce unacceptable operational risk and delays. Standardization: Procuring the same brand-name detectors ensures consistency in performance, calibration, and maintenance procedures across all three missile wings. This standardization is critical for operational efficiency, reduces the training burden for missile combat crews and maintenance personnel, and simplifies logistics through common spare parts management. The contractor shall procure and deliver new, fully functional RKI Instruments GD-70D-HCL-15E detection systems, along with all associated manuals, warranty documentation, calibration kits, and consumables, to the three specified Air Force Bases. Government personnel will be responsible for installation. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.