US Army ARDEC, AMSTA-AR-PC -C Bldg 10, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey 07806-5000

81 -- CONTAINERS FOR 120MM MORTAR AMMUNITION DUE 040897 POC SHEELA LOPEZ/CONTRACT SPECIALIST, (201) 724-4825 WEB: US ARMY TACOM-ARDEC Procurement Network, http://procnet.pica.army.mil/procacts.htm. E-MAIL: SHEELA LOPEZ, lopez@pica.army.mil. Potential sources sought for the design, fabrication and evaluation of a Lightweight Monopack Container for 120mm Mortar Ammunition (commercial/modified commercial container preferred). The proposed packaging system must be safe, effective, reliable and compatible with the US Army entire family of 120mm mortar ammunition. The Monopack Container must have the following characteristics: A lightweight monopack container for carrying one (1) fully assembled 120mm cartridge including four propellant increments and fuze (drawing will be provided after non-disclosure agreement is signed). It is anticipated that strong, lightweight composites or metal would be the best material to meet these requirements. Container must include an internal cushioning and support system for the cartridge, fuze, propelling charges (increments) and fins which will keep the components centered within the container, render them immobile and protect them from shock and vibration during their entire logistical lifecycle. Container and internal supports must weigh no more than 10 lbs. The packaging system shall incorporate palletized load stacking aids and handles or other carrying aids. It is desired that a method of carrying two containers concurrently be devised. External envelope, including any non-removable stacking aids or handles, must not exceed 5.45 inches wide by 5.45 inches deep by 30.5 inches long. Container may be either cylindrical or rectangular in cross section or a combination of shapes that do not exceed the maximum external envelope. Container shall be capable of being easily slid into the fighting vehicle racks (horizontal and vertical). Container must be capable of being repeatedly opened and re-closed while retaining a hermetic 3 psi seal. It shall provide quick and easy access to the ammunition inside without the use of special tools and while wearing MOP4 gear (including arctic mittens). Container loaded with an inert cartridge must retain a 3 psi seal after a simulated logistic cycle. The simulated logistic cycle consists of performing the following tests sequentially: Stacking a weight equivalent to a 16 foot column of identical loaded containers on top of the test container, secured vibration, repeated drops in six orientations (top, bottom, side, side 90 degrees to previous drop, corner, edge) from a height of three (3) feet onto a steel impact surface, loose cargo vibration and a single drop from a height of seven (7) feet onto a horizontal steel impact surface. Container must not spill its contents and must be able to be opened after the simulated logistical cycle. Stacking, drop and vibration testing will be conducted at temperatures ranging from minus 65 degrees F to +160 degrees F. Container performance shall not degrade as a result of exposure to adverse environments. Container must not corrode in adverse environments (bright sunlight, acidic, salt air, damp, etc.) and must be able to be decontaminated of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) contaminants using standard military methods (DS2, STB, etc.) without damage to the container. Container material shall have a flame spread index of 25 or less when tested in accordance with ASTM D162 and a smoke density less than 200 when tested in accordance with ASTM D662. The packaging system must be capable of passing Performance Oriented Packaging Testing as outlined in section 178.600 of US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49. Cost of the entire packaging system, including handles, pallet stabilizers, fuze support, propelling charge (increment) protector and fin protector, shall not exceed $25.50 each in production lots of 20,000 or more. Firms with experience in the area cited above should provide at no cost, a summary of their firms capabilities by no later than 8 April 1997 to: US Army, ARDEC, ATTN: Lucinda Rasmussen, AMSTA-AR-AEP, BLDG. 455, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000. Respondents to this notice will not be notified either of the receipt or the assessment of the information submitted. Respondents are to indicated their business size standards. This marketsurvey is for informational planning purposes only, does not constitute an RFP, and is not be construed as a commitment by the Government. See Note 25. (0083)

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