Custom Upright Double Bass

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for one (1) Custom Upright Double Bass, manufactured by Joey Naeger. The procurement is being conducted under FAR Part 12 procedures.

• Item: Custom Upright Double Bass (CLIN 0001)

• Manufacturer: Joey Naeger

• Salient Characteristics:

  • Handmade, unique, serial number 14.
  • Made of highest quality materials for optimal sound and projection.
  • Specific wood types: slab cut mahogany for back, laminated mahogany and cross grain Paulownia for sides, slab cut mahogany grafted to flamed maple neck, spruce top.
  • Removable bolt for neck attachment for travel and maintenance.
  • Carbon fiber stiffener in neck to prevent warping.
  • Must blend well with other instruments in a large ensemble, chamber music, jazz, latin, and big band settings.
  • Professional-level quality, capable of withstanding standard string tension (250-300 lbs).
  • Must withstand reasonable temperature/humidity changes without cracking or warping.
  • Glue applied cleanly and strongly.
  • Balanced resonance across the spectrum without dead zones.
  • Quality projection with clarity and volume at long distances.
  • Sound quality consistent across the playable note range.
  • Strong fundamental first harmonic and rich higher harmonic brightness without harshness.
  • Sound equally full and balanced from lowest to highest note.
  • Evaluation of instrument quality is subjective, considering musicality and blend with the United States Marine Band.

• Country of Origin: Must be manufactured in the U.S.A. or compliant with DFARS clause 252.225-7036.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: Delivery required by September 1, 2026.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be a single award.

• Submission Method: Electronic submission via email to Sergeant Jacob Espinosa (jacob.m.espinosa.mil@usmc.mil).

• Submission Deadline: May 22, 2026, 11:00 AM EST.

• Evaluation Factors:

  1. Technical: Minimum specifications (Acceptable/Unacceptable based on salient characteristics).
  2. Price: Contractor's Best Pricing; price analysis for fairness and reasonableness.
  3. Past Performance: Assessed via SPRS, CPARS, and submitted examples.

• Award Basis: Most advantageous quotation based on technical, price, and past performance.

• Set Aside: 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• NAICS Code: 339992 (Musical Instrument Manufacturing).

• Size Standard: 1000 employees.

• Vendors must be actively registered in SAM.gov.

• Only one quote per vendor is permitted.

• Monthly invoicing is acceptable; no other contract financing is permitted.

• Offerors are cautioned to submit their best terms initially, as the government may award without discussions or revisions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for a custom upright double bass, likely intended as a requirement for a solicitation or contract.

• Item: Custom Upright Double Bass (CLI N 0001)
• Quantity: 1
• Unit: Each (ea)
• Origin: Must be manufactured in the U.S.A. or compliant with DFARS clause 252.225-7036.
• Delivery Date: Required by September 1, 2026.
• Location: United States Marine Band, 912 Charles Poor Street, SE, Washington, D.C. 20391.

This document details specific, high-level requirements for the instrument. Bidders must ensure their proposed product meets these characteristics, including:

• Handmade, unique, serial number 14.
• Highest quality materials for optimal sound and projection.
• Specific wood types for back, sides, neck, and top.
• Removable bolt for neck attachment for travel and maintenance.
• Carbon fiber neck reinforcement.
• Sound and projection must blend with other instruments and allow for playing without strain.
• Suitable for various music genres (classical, chamber, jazz, latin, big band).
• Professional-level quality, handmade (not factory-made).
• Ability to withstand standard string tension (250-300 lbs.) without structural issues.
• Durability against temperature/humidity changes and minor bumps.
• Quality glue application.
• Balanced resonance and clear projection at long distances.
• Consistent sound quality across dynamic ranges.
• Strong fundamental harmonic and rich higher harmonics without harshness.
• Subjective evaluation by musicians and the Director of the Marine Band is a key factor.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Justification and Approval (J&A) for a Sole Source or Brand Name purchase for custom upright double basses for the United States Marine Band (USMB). It outlines the agency's rationale for procuring this specific instrument from Joey Naeger.

This document indicates a brand name justification for custom upright double basses. Bidders interested in providing similar high-quality instruments for specialized musical ensembles may find this useful for understanding the specific performance, quality, and durability requirements that led to a sole-source determination. It details the unique characteristics of Joey Naeger's basses that meet the USMB's elite mission performance standards and occupational health considerations for musicians. The document also lists other manufacturers considered during market research and outlines the government's strategy for seeking future competition.