The Revealer, drawing on Sojourners and Chuck Currie, brings to my attention this opportunity at FedBizOpps (Federal Business Opportunities). Alas, we’ve missed the deadline:
This is a notice of intent to issue a sole-source purchase order to International Bible Society, 1820 Jetstream Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 for custom-printed Bibles. The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii). Responses to this notice will be used to determine whether bona fide competition exists. Responses must be in writing, including technical and pricing information. The items being purchased are 10,000 New International Version (NIV) Bibles with a custom-designed cover. The Bibles include Army-designed color photographs and text inserts. The Bibles are being purchased as a follow on for compatibility with previously-purchased Bibles. All responses must be received by 4:00 pm EST on 30 November 2004.
Competitors, though, are likely to have had an uphill job: according to the Christian Post, writing last year, the IBS has supplied the US army since the War of 1812. Camouflage covers came in during the 1980s, although there is no information about any text inserts. The IBS also has a military representative, Rev Chuck Adams. However, the IBS is a venerable and respected institution, so I would agree with the Sojourners commentator that:
It’s hopefully safe to assume that though the Bibles are new, they will not be “improved.”
(Pic via a commentator on Free Republic)
UPDATE (22 March 2005): The Greater Birmingham Progressive Media Center reports that the army has now cancelled the order rather than answer a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act.
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