The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) single source award to Patriot Armored Systems, LLC (CAGE 6JPY0) for Multi-Layered Laminated Window Glazing. GSL is conducting research and development for the High-Rate Failure Modes of Glazing Systems subjected to Close-in Airblasts Program. The objective of the program is to understand the limit states that form in multi-layered laminated windows when subjected to strong shocks stemming from charges at close-in ranges. This basic research will serve as the foundation for future experiments aiming to better protect against emerging blast threats.

GSL is performing follow-on blast and forced entry testing of multi-layered laminated glazing windows originally purchased from Patriot Armored Systems, LLC, a small business entity, at ERDC Vicksburg, MS and at Fort Johnson, LA. Failure in windows is reliant upon inherent flaws that result from things other than properties of the glass and interlayers. The manufacturing process is critical to the performance of the window. This is different from other materials (e.g., steel, aluminum, concrete) that send specs with the material. Instead, the flaws that arise during manufacturing control failure. Therefore, while other places can manufacture these windows with the same materials and properties, their process may be slightly different, and their quality control may not be the same as that of Patriot Armored Systems, LLC.

The award will be issued in accordance with FAR 13.106(b)(1)(i). The applicable North American Industrial Classification System Code (NAICS) code is 327215, Glass Product Manufacturing Made of Purchased Glass, with a size standard of 1,000 employees. This notice of intent is for information purposes only.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals. A solicitation will not be issued. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. The information submitted must be provided in sufficient detail to demonstrate the vendor’s ability to fulfill this requirement. The contractor must also provide a description of their past experience in fulfilling requirements which are the same or similar to this requirement and references for each.

Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Responses to this requirement may be submitted to Allison Hudson at Allison.B.Hudson@usace.army.mil AND Jon-Vincent Holden at Jon-Vincent.S.Holden@usace.army.mil. The solicitation number shall be included in the subject line of the e-mail submission. Responses must be received no later than 1:00PM CST November 13th, 2023.