Intent to Sole Source Trench Rescue Simulator

Update: The NAICS noted in section 3 subsecion 2 below was corrected from the original post. The correct NAICS is 332311. 

The 812th Civil Engineering Squadron (812 CES/CEFO) at Edwards AFB, CA, has a critical requirement for a Trench Rescue Simulator System. This requirement is being procured using expiring funds, thus the Contracting Officer is issuing this Notice with condensed response times. This acquisition encompasses the manufacturing, delivery, and turnkey on-site commissioning of a commercial Trench Rescue Simulator ST – Module 2 "T"-Shaped 1-Story Premium Container Training Simulator manufactured by Symtech Fire and distributed by the sole authorized vendor L.N. Curtis & Sons.

The Government intends to solicit and negotiate a sole-source contract for this equipment under the authority of RFO 12.102(a) (restricting competition to a single source for simplified acquisitions).

The designated equipment is:

• Manufacturer: Symtech Fire
• Model: Trench Rescue Simulator ST – Module 2 "T"-Shaped 1-Story Premium Container Training Simulator
• Authorized Federal Distributor: L.N. Curtis & Sons

1. Comprehensive Technical Specifications: To satisfy the requirements of RFO 12.202(a) and ensure transparency, the technical specifications and components of the equipment being procured are detailed below:

• Structural Training Simulator Unit - Qty: 1 EA
  • Fabricated from three (3) modified 40-foot standard-height ISO new/1-way intermodal shipping containers configured in an engineered "T"-shaped trench layout.
  • High-durability marine-grade industrial protective coating (customer choice of color).
  • Heavy-duty steel framing structural support systems across all openings.
  • Industrial galvanized bar grating rooftop working deck with silver aluminized perimeter fall-protection handrails compliant with
  • OSHA/AFOSH criteria:
    • Integrated exterior metal staircase providing safe personnel access to the upper rooftop deck.
    • Dedicated skid steer access door engineered for mechanized earth/spoil placement and excavation.
    • Structural reinforcement engineered to withstand active lateral earth pressures and cyclic loading of dense soil fill material.
• System Setup & Orientation: Turnkey on-site mechanical placement verification, safety inspection, and a 1-day product orientation and operational training session conducted by factory-certified representatives.
• Freight / Direct Transportation: Direct freight logistics and FOB Destination delivery to Edwards Air Force Base Fire Department (Building 2860).
• Life-Cycle & Sustainment: The modular containerized design provides a minimum 15- to 20-year operational lifespan under demanding desert environmental conditions with minimal recurring structural maintenance.

2. Justification for Single Source:  The 812 CES Edwards Air Force Base Fire Department requires an advanced, realistic, and reusable structural training apparatus to satisfy mandatory Department of Defense (DoD), Air Force Instruction (AFI), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1006 /NFPA 1670) technical rescue certification and recurring proficiency standards for Trench Rescue Operations and Confined Space Search and Rescue. To meet these needs, the simulator must meet the following Critical Performance Requirements:

• Structural Integrity & Cyclic Loading: Reinforced container sidewalls and floor structures engineered to withstand continuous active soil loading and repeated cycles of earth placement/removal by skid steer machinery without structural deflection or fatigue.
• Realistic Geometry: Multi-container "T"-shaped trench layout simulating complex urban and industrial trench collapse scenarios.
• Fall Protection & Working Decks: Fully integrated rooftop working surfaces utilizing industrial galvanized bar grating and OSHA/AFOSH-compliant silver aluminized perimeter handrails with dedicated staircase access.
• Commercial Availability: Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) / modified commercial design proven in DoD and municipal first responder training installations.
• Lead Time / Schedule: Manufacturing, surface coating, and delivery timeline of 10 to 14 months after receipt of order (ARO).

3. Invitation for Capability Statements:  This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals or a solicitation for offers. However, in accordance with RFO requirements, the Government will consider capability statements from interested parties. Any alternative vendor or manufacturer who believes they can meet the exact requirements is invited to submit a capability statement.

Responses must include the following information:

1. Company Profile: Company Name, CAGE Code, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and Point of Contact (POC) information.
2. Socioeconomic Status: Business size status under the applicable NAICS code (332311).
3. Alternative Product Details (if applicable): Comprehensive technical data demonstrating how the proposed alternative product matches the exact requirements.
4. Proof of CMMC Compliance

Submission Instructions:  All capability statements and inquiries must be submitted electronically via email ONLY to the following points of contact:

• Contracting Officer: joshua.vasquez.5@us.af.mil
• Contract Specialist: jewels.mesa@us.af.mil

Submission Deadline: No later than 9:00 AM PDT on September 28, 2026.

4. Government Discretion: A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competitive basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.