Bb Eppelsheim Contra Bass Clarinet

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Memorandum for the File justifying the determination that only one source is reasonably available for a FAR Part 13 acquisition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. It details the agency's need for a specific instrument and explains why only one brand meets the requirement.

This document indicates that the upcoming procurement for a contrabass clarinet (wide bore) pitched in Bb for the United States Marine Band will likely be a sole-source acquisition. The justification is based on the "Brand Name" reason, stating that the Epplesheim brand is the only instrument that meets the high demands of the Marine Band, offering superior responsiveness, mechanical quality, and intonation compared to other available brands like Buffet and Selmer. The estimated value of this requirement is $33,000, with a requested period of performance/delivery date of 01OCT2026. The government will continue to monitor the market for future requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for a Bb Contrabass (wide bore) Clarinet. It serves as a detailed specification for potential bidders to understand the required features and quality of the instrument being procured.

• Item: 1 x Bb Contrabass (wide bore) Clarinet
• Range: C3 - E6 (sounding Bb0-D4)
• Fingering: French fingering
• Mechanisms: Three automatic register keys and Bb mechanism
• Bore: Wide bore
• Construction: Hydraulically formed neck and bows for exact intonation
• Compatibility: Compatible with all contrabass clarinet mouthpieces
• Dimensions: Height (47 inches)
• Features: Same fingering positions as modern bass clarinets, adjustable floor peg, instrument case & mouthpiece included.
• Sound Quality: Must blend within the ensemble, sustain elite musical quality, maintain sound quality across dynamic range, and be responsive and reliable.
• Durability: Needs to withstand reasonable changes in temperature and humidity without cracking and warping.
• Country of Origin: Must be manufactured in the U.S.A. or compliant with DFARS clause 252.225-7036.

This document is critical for bidders to ensure their proposed product meets all specified technical and performance requirements. Failure to meet these salient characteristics may result in a non-compliant proposal. The Country of Origin requirement is also a key compliance point.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment extends the offer due date for the solicitation M0026426Q0018 from January 28, 2026, to February 10, 2026. This extension is due to systematical errors with ePS and a brief government shutdown.

• Response Due Date

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to February 10, 2026.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 0002) corrects provisions and clauses to align with the FAR overhaul implemented on February 1, 2026. It also extends the response due date for offers to February 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

• The "Response Due Date" has been changed from February 10, 2026, to February 13, 2026.

• Various FAR clauses have been added, deleted, or updated to reflect the FAR overhaul. Key additions include clauses related to small business set-asides, labor standards, and prohibitions on certain foreign entities. Key deletions include clauses related to apprentices and trainees, and pollution prevention.

• The proposal response due date has been extended to February 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for the procurement of one (1) Bb Eppelsheim Contrabass Clarinet (wide bore). The Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ) is issuing this RFQ under FAR Part 13, simplified acquisition procedures.

• The primary deliverable is one (1) Bb Eppelsheim Contrabass Clarinet (wide bore).

• The item must meet the "salient characteristics" of the supply as detailed in the solicitation.

• Pricing must be in US Dollars.

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price.

• Delivery Date: On or before January 25, 2027.

• The award will be a Firm-Fixed Priced purchase order.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to jacob.m.espinosa.mil@usmc.mil.

• Offer Due Date/Local Time: January 28, 2026, 10:00 AM EST.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Capability, Price, Past Performance, and Delivery.

• Award will be made to the lowest quoter after consideration of delivery date, with technical acceptability being a prerequisite.

• The Government reserves the right to reject any or all offers.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 339992, with a small business size standard of 1000 employees.

• Vendors must be actively registered in SAM.gov.

• Offerors must complete FAR provision 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, on SAM.gov or as instructed.

• Only one (1) quote is permitted per vendor.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including those related to commercial items, representations and certifications, and various prohibitions and requirements.