The Military Sealift Command has issued a Request for Quotes (RFQ) under solicitation number N3220525Q2231 to procure a series of CRANE ChemPharma butterfly valves in various sizes. The procurement is not set aside for small businesses and follows federal acquisition regulations. A firm-fixed price purchase order is expected, with an acceptance date set for September 30, 2025. Vendors are required to submit their quotes by March 4, 2025, detailing pricing, delivery timelines, and technical specifications to ensure compliance with government standards. The evaluation will focus on technical capability and price, awarding the contract to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror. Additional clauses and provisions concerning compliance, representations, and certifications, particular to commercial products and services acquisition, are integrated into the solicitation. These include conditions related to the prohibition on certain telecommunications and procurement from specific foreign entities. Overall, this procurement aims to ensure the Military Sealift Command receives the necessary marine equipment while adhering to federal regulations and standards within a defined timeline.
The document outlines the Justification and Approval (J&A) for the Department of the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) to contract the overhaul of CRANE ChemPharma sea valves for the USNS WILLIAM MCLEAN (T-AKE 12) using a non-competitive procurement approach. The primary rationale for this decision is that CRANE ChemPharma, as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), possesses the exclusive technical knowledge and required components to ensure vessel operational readiness during an upcoming maintenance availability. The legal basis for this contracting action cites 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), which allows for brand name requirements when no alternatives can fulfill agency needs.
The MSC determined that utilizing only authorized distributors of CRANE ChemPharma will adhere to federal procurement regulations and maintain safety standards mandated by organizations like the United States Coast Guard. No competitive bid process was initiated due to historical data confirming the existence of capable authorized distributors. The MSC plans to publish a combined solicitation notice to formalize this action while affirming that no future opportunities for non-OEM parts are being pursued. Overall, the J&A emphasizes the critical nature of these components for the ship's propulsion and safety systems while ensuring compliance with federal guidelines.