The United States Air Force, 673d Contracting Squadron intends to negotiate and award a contract, on a sole source basis, to Tricom Research, Inc. for (1) 11000-00931 TCR-MPR-11: Deployable Radio Case for AN/PRC 117G w/Amplifier, w/ TCR-MBA-50v2 and TCR-SPK-DUALv2 and (2) 11000-00941-SGL-AS TCR-HHR-11: Single Handheld Mobile Comms Kit for AN/PRC-148 and AN/PRC-152 w/ TCR-MBA-50v2, w/ AC Input and Dual-Net Speaker.

This is considered a sole source because the specific research conducted by 525 Fighter Squadron in conjunction with the 673d Contracting Squadron found that the current amplification cases currently in posession by the 525 FS are not field repairable, thus a simple fuse being blown cannot be replaced by the user. These cases are not user friendly, and the inability to be repaired in the field have resulted in past loss of communications with aircraft. Tricom is the only company (based on extensive research) found to provide amplification cases that meet the requirement. Tricom has also made their case system to be field repairable in the event of a blown fuse or similar issues. Additionally, Tricom's cases comply to weight and physical size standards found in commercial airline baggage regulations. Other companies do offer amplification systems, however they have not been found to offer an amplification case that is rapidly deployable and in one unit. Other setups found during market research have been seen to be provided in two very large cases that are not be able to be shipped via commercial means and requires a two person lift based on its weight, which is not in the best interest of the government.

The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) for this acquisition is 334220.

This notice of intent is not a request for quote/proposal. Any interested party that believes it is capable of meeting the USAF’s requirement described herein may identify themselves and must provide evidence of their capability to fulfill the requirement being requested by 4:00 PM AKDT on September 11, 2023. Responses must be submitted in writing to felix.prose@us.af.mil no later than the time and date noted above. Telephone responses and requests will not be received.

A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.