Chemical Cleaning Baskets

Other / Unclassified

This document details the government's decision to restrict competition and award a sole-source contract to Engineered Plastic Services, Inc. (EPSI) for the procurement of seventeen (17) specialized chemical cleaning baskets.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains the rationale behind the sole-source award. The government's decision is based on:

• Exclusive Ownership: EPSI holds proprietary design and manufacturing rights, preventing other vendors from producing identical or equivalent products.
• Proven Durability: EPSI's baskets have undergone extensive testing and refinement to meet stringent durability requirements for the chemical cleaning process.
• Unacceptable Cost and Risk of Alternatives: Sourcing from a different vendor would necessitate new product design, development, and testing, incurring significant costs and risks of failure to meet durability standards.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the purchase of 17 chemical cleaning baskets. The baskets are intended for use with aqueous alkaline cleaners and highly alkaline cleaners, and must be compatible with specific chemical formulations.

• Product: 17 Chemical Cleaning Baskets.

• Configuration: 8-chamber basket, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) & PFA (perfluoro alkoxy alkane), 1/4" thick coating.

• Support: 316 stainless steel support, 1/4" thick.

• Chamber ID: 6" x 7" internal diameter.

• Overall Dimensions: 24" length x 15" width x 24.5" height.

• Chemical Compatibility: Must be compatible with Aqueous alkaline cleaners (Cee-Bee 300LF, Cee-Bee 7x7) and Highly alkaline cleaner (Cee-Bee J84-AL) at temperatures up to 170°F.

• Coating Performance: Excellent chemical resistance to prevent degradation, warping, or contamination.

• Weld Quality: Smooth welds, free of sharp edges.

• Drainage: Efficient drainage of cleaning solutions.

• Drawing Submission: Contractors must provide a detailed drawing for approval.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Delivery on or before September 30, 2026.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but NAICS code 238990 with a size standard of $19,000,000.00 is listed.

• Offer Due Date: June 12, 2026, 05:00 PM.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical, price, and past performance.

• Payment: Via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• This acquisition is unrestricted.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4 by reference.

• DFARS clause 252.204-7017 (Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation) is included.

Other / Unclassified

This document provides information about the Ombudsman's role and contact details for an acquisition. The Ombudsman is appointed to facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors and potential offerors, maintaining confidentiality. The Ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official, nor do they participate in proposal evaluations, source selection, or protest adjudications. They may refer parties to other officials for resolution.

• Initial Contact: Before contacting the Ombudsman, interested parties must first address concerns with the contracting officer.
• Ombudsman Contact Information:
  • Primary: Ms. Susan Skaggs, Tinker AFB OK. Phone: (405) 739-2372, Email: Susan.skaggs@us.af.mil
  • Alternate: Ms. Janet Kuruvilla, Tinker AFB OK. Phone: (405) 736-2427, Email: Janet.kuruvilla@us.af.mil
• Higher Level Contact: If resolution is not achieved at the local level, concerns may be escalated to the Department of the Air Force Ombudsman. Contact information for this office is also provided.
• Limitations: The Ombudsman has no authority to render binding decisions.
• Exclusions: Bidders should not contact the Ombudsman for solicitation copies, offer due dates, or technical clarifications; these inquiries must be directed to the contracting officer.