Notice of Intent to Sole Source - USAPT Pyro Gerb Sticks
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The United States Army Parachute Team (USAPT), operating under the Department of the Army, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the procurement of Pyro Gerb Sticks. This requirement is for a firm fixed-price requirements contract to acquire specialized pyrotechnics for the USAPT "Golden Knights" nighttime aerial demonstrations. The acquisition is justified as a sole-source procurement, with Garden State Fireworks, Inc. identified as the only capable manufacturer.
Scope of Requirement
This opportunity seeks 3,500 "Silver Droppy" Gerbs with specific characteristics:
- Effect: 6" x 0.9" rolled paper tube emitting hundreds of silver sparks for 28-32 seconds.
- Ignition: Electric 72-inch straight matchstick (not attached or coiled), including the gerb cap.
- Throw: Approximately 15’ wide x 20’ long from the end of the tube.
- Purpose: Used during nighttime aerial jumps by the USAPT "Golden Knights" to provide crucial visual cues for parachutists, aiding formation, enhancing situational awareness to prevent mid-air collisions, and ensuring safe landings.
- Place of Performance: Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price Requirements Contract (Sole Source)
- Estimated Value: Not expected to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.
- NAICS: 325998 (All Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing) with a 650-employee size standard.
- Product Service Code: 1370 (Pyrotechnics).
- Delivery: Requested by April 25, 2026, with final delivery on or before May 1, 2026.
Set-Aside & Justification
This is a sole-source acquisition to Garden State Fireworks, Inc. The justification highlights the unique capabilities and safety features of their pyrotechnics, which are compatible with parachutist uniforms, pose no burn-through risk, offer enhanced visibility, and have a proven reliability record over eight years. Market research conducted on April 9, 2026, confirmed that Garden State Fireworks, Inc. is the only source capable of meeting these specific requirements. The anticipated price will be determined fair and reasonable based on previous purchases.
Response & Deadline
This is a notice of intent, not a request for proposals. Interested parties who believe they can meet the stated requirements must submit comments via email to Mr. Kelly Tipple (kelly.m.tipple.civ@army.mil) and Ms. Meagan S. Clavel (meagan.s.clavel.civ@army.mil). Comments must include "PANMCC25P0000042393" in the subject line and identify the firm's name, point of contact, title, address, and telephone number.
Comments are due no later than 10:00 AM ET, Fort Knox local time, on April 16, 2026.