SOURCES SOUGHT
58 -- Sources Sought for Sonar Transmitter MK 87
- Notice Date
- 11/20/2007
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- Contracting Office
- NSWC Panama City, Code XPS1, 110 Vernon Ave., Panama City, FL
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- N6133108QWC02
- Response Due
- 12/10/2007
- Archive Date
- 6/10/2008
- Point of Contact
- Wanda Cutchin at 850-636-6140, or Contracting Officer Tammy Bair at 850-636-6115
- Description
- This is a Sources Sought Announcement. The Navy intends to procure sonar transmitters used to identify the location of underwater objects, primarily exercise and training (inert) sea mines delivered (dropped) from high-speed, fixed-wing aircraft. The specifications for previously procured sonar transmitters can be requested as references (1-6)from Philip.c.davis@navy.mil. The Navy has previously purchased sonar transmitters with performance and physical characteristics being described in WS 13679 (series). WS 13679 Rev. J(reference 1), WS 13659/4 Rev B (reference 2), and WS 13679/5 Rev. B (reference 3) describe acoustic (acoustic intensity, pulse duration and period, beam pattern, and days-of-life) and environmental performance standards (pressure, shock, vibration, temperature, and corrosion resistance), and physical characteristics (size, shape, marking, case material, spanner wrench hole patterns, etc.) of sonar transmitters previously procured. The Navy now intends to procure sonar transmitters that substantially comply with the widely-adopted Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration performance standard for similar devices installed on aircraft, Technical Standard Order (TSO) C121, Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic) (Self-Powered) (reference 4), commercial standards cited by TSO-C121 (copyrighted and therefore not included in this statement), and the Navy Technical Manual for Batteries, Navy Lithium Battery Safety Program, Responsibilities and Procedures, S9310-AQ-SAF-010, 19 August 2004 (reference 5). Desired sonar transmitter characteristics that differ from TSO-C121, or are in addition to TSO-C121 will later be identified in a separate Navy technical drawing or performance specification. The current generation of Sonar Transmitter Mk 87, the Mods 3 and 4, has a unique capability to simultaneously transmit an 8.5-9.5 kHz acoustic signal in addition to the 35-40 kHz signal typical of this type of device in aircraft applications. The sonar transmitters planned for procurement will not require an 8.5-9.5 kHz signal. The Sonar Transmitter Mk 87 Mod 4 includes a delay-transmit function, which would delay the transmitter operation for 1, 4, 6, 8, and 32 days being the transmitter is submerged in water. The time-delay feature is implemented in a ?delay cap,? a replacement of the Sonar Transmitter Mk 87 Mod 3 ?end-cap/water switch,? as described in Figures 1 and 2 of both WS 13679/4 Rev B and WS 13679/5 Rev B. The programmable delay feature is also required in the sonar transmitter that is planned for procurement. However, it is necessary that the delay feature be implemented within the basic shape and dimensions (length and diameter) of the Sonar Transmitter Mk 87 Mod 3. This is necessary for the sonar transmitter to fit in existing holders used for aircraft-delivered exercise and training sea mines. The sonar transmitter shall have a flat water switch insulator and recessed water switch pin, as depicted in Figure 1 of WS 13679/4 Rev. B. (Acoustic beacons in aircraft applications typically have a convex insulator and a water switch pin flush or proud of the insulator to prevent beacon activation due to condensation.) Underwater locating devices used in aircraft application are typically made of aluminum. The sonar transmitter will be repeatedly exposed to sea water during its service life. Therefore, the sonar transmitter case shall be constructed of highly corrosion resistant steel, UNS 31603 (316 low-carbon). The sonar transmitter shall use the same pre-formed packing (o-rings) currently used in the Sonar Transmitter Mk 87, SAE-AS29513-023. The sonar transmitter shall, if applicable, use the same screw as the Sonar Transmitter Mk 87, Mods 3 and 4, 0.60-80UNF x.125L, as depicted on Figure 2 of WS 13679/4. The sonar transmitter shall have a maximum operating depth of 2,000 feet, significantly less that the 20,000 feet operating depth typical of similar devices in aircraft applications. To prevent the accidental installation of Sonar Transmitter Mk 87 water-switch caps, battery caps, or delay caps, the sonar transmitter shall have a spanner wrench hole pattern different from that of the Sonar Transmitter Mk 87 Mod 3 and 4. To facilitate compliance with the Navy lithium battery performance standards, S9310-AQ-SAF-010, the sonar transmitter shall use one single cell battery, presumably of lithium chemistry. Testing in accordance with S9310-AQ-SAF-010 specifically includes the requirement that the sonar transmitter case and packings withstand an internal pressure equal to at least twice that exhibited during lithium battery discharging and reverse charging tests as described in S9310-AQ-SAF-010. The sonar transmitter and battery will require certification for use aboard U.S. Navy submarines, as described in S9310-AQ-SAF-010. The battery shall be polarized (with a collar installed on one end that is larger than the battery diameter), to prevent the backwards installation of the battery. NAVSEA Drawing 57311-6916014 (reference 6), depicting the battery used in the Sonar Transmitter Mk 87 Mods 3 and 4, is included as an example of a polarity collar. The sonar transmitter will be used repeatedly during its service life, generally with a new battery installed for each use. The cost of batteries will be a significant component in the total service life cost of the transmitter, and therefore will be a significant factor in selecting a sonar transmitter for procurement. The purpose of this sources sought is to identify potential suppliers of sonar transmitters, to determine expected performance characteristics, and to determine an approximate, estimated unit cost of the sonar transmitter and batteries. Interested firms shall respond with brief documentation showing the company's ability to fulfill the requirement described above. Only prime contractors should respond. A list of responding prime contractors will be furnished to potential subcontractors upon request. This is not a solicitation, however the Navy may proceed with a solicitation to procure 500 to 2000 transmitters, with an expected contract award within Fiscal Year 2008 (ending 30 September 2008). In the event that a solicitation is developed, it will be assigned a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) number and the announcement will be published in the FEDBIZOPS. Responses requested within 30 days. Direct expression of interest as well as required documentation should be addressed in writing to Mr. Philip C. Davis, philip.c.davis@navy.mil, (850) 234-4742. NAICS Code: 334511; Size Std: 500 employees; FSC Code: 5845.
- Web Link
-
Panama City Other Business Opportunities
(http://nswcpc.navsea.navy.mil/contracts/ztable/other_biz_opps.html)
- Record
- SN01456054-W 20071122/071120224227 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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