United Defense LP, Armament Systems Division, 4800 E. River Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55421-1498

59 -- OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION (OCR) EQUIPMENT FOR PROJECTILE IDENTIFICATION POC Point of Contact: John Hornseth, M387, (612) 572-6634, INTERNET: john_hornseth@fmc.com WEB: United Defense LP, http://www.fmc.com/crusader. E-MAIL: United Defense LP, john_hornseth@fmc.com. United Defense, L.P., Armament Systems Division, under Prime Contract DAAE30-95-C-0009 is gathering information on potential suppliers of automated Optical Character Recognition (OCR) equipment for identifying projectile types used on 155mm artillery weapon systems. This equipment is intended to be used to scan and recognize the printed lettering on the outer surfaces of existing inventory of 155 mm projectiles. The projectile lettering information includes round type, lot number, and DODIC number. The ideal equipment will be capable of scanning the printed letters and based on this data, accurately determine the type of projectile within approximately a 1 second time period. The "scan" of the lettering could be completed with the projectile stationary or moving. The lettering size varies from approximately 1 inch to 2 inches in height and the width per character varies from approximately 0.5 inches to 1 inch. The color of the lettering is typically yellow on top of a base color of Olive Drab. The equipment is intended to be mounted inside of and be capable of withstanding the operating environments of an Army Self Propelled Howitzer. Potential qualified suppliers are requested to submit a capability statement to John Hornseth, in writing, at M387, INTERNET at john_hornseth@fmc.com or by facsimile at 612-572-4991 within 21 calendar days of the publication of this announcement. Capability statements can be in supplier format, and should include, at a minimum: 1. A narrative discussion or report addressing the current status and performance of the candidate equipment being proposed along with supporting data. 2. A narrative discussion of the unique technical capabilities and expertise of the organization. 3. A narrative discussion supporting the organization's ability to meet the development schedule of the candidate equipment (2 units plus spare parts) to be delivered to United Defense no later than December 1998. Respondents to this notice will not be notified either of the receipt or the assessment of the information submitted. Neither the cost of preparing capability statements nor the cost of preparing proposals will be entertained as allowable direct charges to any resultant subcontract. This solicitation does not obligate United Defense, L.P. to enter in any purchase agreement with any organization supplying information. (0051)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0286 19970224\59-0023.SOL)