Eielson security design bid requires Honeywell training, no small-business set-aside

Alaska firms bidding on a security-system design job at Eielson Air Force Base will need Honeywell Vindicator manufacturer training credentials and staff with active security clearances for the site survey.

The 354th Contracting Squadron issued the request for proposals, numbered FA500426RA001, with proposals due Aug. 25 at 1 p.m. AKDT.

The work covers a project management plan, a site survey and inventory report, and design plans and statements of work at the 30, 60, 90 and 100 percent stages, plus proof of experience producing military-compliant Installation Design Plans and engineering blueprints.

The squadron is running the job as full and open competition with an approved brand-name justification, and no set-asides will be used, even though the classification code carries a $25 million small-business size standard. Federal rules restrict such justifications. "Brand-name specifications shall not be used unless the particular brand-name, product, or feature is essential to the Government's requirements," the Federal Acquisition Regulation says. The FAR also requires market research showing alternatives cannot meet the need. The justification must be posted publicly, and it is listed among the solicitation's attachments.

Offers will be evaluated on two factors: price reasonableness and technical acceptability. Price will be judged through a price analysis comparing each proposal with the government's Independent Government Cost Estimate and past contracts. A government technical team will separately review whether each proposal meets the performance requirements. Bidders must also meet cybersecurity certification requirements. The Air Force intends to award based on initial offers without discussions, though discussions may occur if necessary, and the government reserves the right to accept other than the lowest offer.