SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- Request for Information regarding Less Sensitive Minimum Smoke Ignition Material.
- Notice Date
- 6/2/2010
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- AMCOM Contracting Center - Missile (AMCOM-CC), ATTN: AMSAM-AC, Building 5303, Martin Road, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5280
- ZIP Code
- 35898-5280
- Solicitation Number
- W31P4Q-10-R-0171
- Response Due
- 7/4/2010
- Archive Date
- 9/2/2010
- Point of Contact
- Michael D. Garner Jr., 256-876-8278
- E-Mail Address
-
AMCOM Contracting Center - Missile (AMCOM-CC)
(michael.garnerjr@us.army.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Subject: Request for Information (RFI)Less Sensitive Minimum Smoke Ignition Material Pursuant to FAR 15.201, this notice is being issued as Research and Development Information Sought. Description: The US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) is soliciting information on technology in the areas of less sensitive, minimum smoke energetic materials to aid in the development of safe ignition systems for minimum smoke propulsion systems. Capabilities: Currently, the AMRDEC is analyzing candidate energetic materials that provide low smoke characteristics during combustion and exhibit low vulnerability to accidental ignition due to environmental stimulus. Studies have been conducted to determine thresholds for ignition sensitivity to various stimuli such as friction, impact, electrostatic discharge (ESD), stability at constant temperature, self heating and compatibility. Additionally, studies have been conducted to establish maximum limits on the quantities and types of smoke generated during combustion of the energetic materials. Currently, energetic materials approved for use in rocket motor ignition systems are limited to those prescribed in MIL-STD-1901A. This document is entitled; Safety Criteria for Munition Rocket and Missile Motor Ignition System Design and is the Department of Defense design criteria standard. The composition of Boron/Potassium Nitrate (BKNO3) per MIL-P-46994 is the only approved pyrotechnic material for use in a position leading to the ignition of a rocket or missile motor without interruption. Although, BKNO3 is an excellent ignition material, it is less desirable from a smoke emissions standpoint than other non-approved materials and was previously only used in very small quantities in rocket propulsion systems requiring minimum smoke characteristics. Minimum smoke ignition materials commonly used in Army propulsion systems are double base propellants (nitrocellulose/nitroglycerine) and would not, in an unmodified state, be approved for use in future ignition systems per the standard, but may be acceptable from a smoke signature requirement perspective. MIL-STD-1901A also identifies explosives that are acceptable for use in ignition systems. Although these materials have useful attributes from a minimum smoke standpoint, in pure form they would not lend themselves to being practical rocket motor ignition materials especially as a primary ignition charge. Information is being requested on candidate materials or technologies to support the development of or identify existing materials to meet these requirements or is suitable for testing to evaluate their desirability for this application. The intent of this solicitation is to request information on energetic materials or energetic materials technologies with the potential of meeting the signature and the sensitivity requirements as stated. For information or planning purposes, the AMRDEC is interested in items meeting the following specifications: a.An ignition material that is suitable to meet the safety sensitivity requirements of MIL-STD-1901A (that is equivalent to or less sensitive than BKNO3 per the test requirements of MIL-STD-1751 for pyrotechnics). b.An ignition material that is comparable to double base propellants from the standpoint of smoke signature characteristics. c.An ignition material that is comparable to BKNO3 in thermal output and other desirable properties such as high burning rate, low pressure exponent, combustion at low pressures under dynamic conditions and excellent aging characteristics. d.A material or the ingredients for candidate materials which are commercially available. e.An ignition material or ingredients for candidate materials that lend themselves to manufacture by casting into rods, sticks, sheets, or pressing into pellets or machining to final shape. It is recognized that it may be very difficult to meet all of the objectives covered by this RFI and that some compromises may have to be made, but the dual objectives of mission requirements with regard to smoke signature and the safety requirements of MIL-STD-1901 must be met. Industry comments on this subject and especially with respect to materials, classes of materials, recommendations on energetic binders or oxidizers that should be considered, are requested. The testing of promising vendor furnished igniter compositions to evaluate their suitability also interests the AMRDEC. Aspects of the chemical technology that are proprietary or have usage restrictions such as licensing requirements should be clearly identified. Appropriate proprietary claims will be honored and protected to prevent improper disclosure. Responses: Comments and responses are requested within thirty (30) days from publication of this notice and should be provided in writing. Send five copies of written responses to the attention of U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Attn: RDMR-WDP-E, (Mark Kirkham), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama 35898. Disclaimer: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION OR SOLICITATION FOR PLANNING PURPOSES (OCT 1997) (a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this solicitation or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (b) Although proposal and offeror are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. (c) This solicitation is issued for the purpose of obtaining a technology survey to assist in the planning of possible future programs THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS and is not considered to be a commitment by the Government. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTEND TO ENTER ANY TYPE OF CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT ON THE BASIS OF THIS NOTIFICATION OR OTHERWISE PAY FOR ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED. Informal or white paper responses are encouraged. FOREIGN PARTICIPATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED DURING THIS EFFORT, US CITIZENS ONLY. Technical questions may be addressed to Mark W. Kirkham, phone, 256-313-6870, email mark.kirkham@us.army.mil. This RFI is for information purposes only. Questions or comments on demonstrated technologies for this application are invited and should be addressed to the technical point of contact (POC). In the event you have difficulty reading the information in this RFI, please contact Michael Garner via email at michael.garnerjr@us.army.mil for a copy of this notice.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/51e81d8077c20d86ca7b32798131f149)
- Place of Performance
- Address: AMCOM Contracting Center - Missile (AMCOM-CC) ATTN: AMSAM-AC, Building 5303, Martin Road Redstone Arsenal AL
- Zip Code: 35898-5280
- Zip Code: 35898-5280
- Record
- SN02165726-W 20100604/100602234753-51e81d8077c20d86ca7b32798131f149 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |