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

13 -- LOAD, ASSEMBLE AND PACK FOR THE 155MM MACS PROGRAM SOL DAAE30-99-R-0511 DUE 010899 POC Sandra LaBell, Contract Specialist (973)724-4085 WEB: US ARMY TACOM-ARDEC Procurement Network, http://procnet.pica.army.mil/cbd/SRCSgt/121619986/121619986.htm. E-MAIL: Sandra LaBell, slabell@pica.army.mil. The US Army ARDEC is looking for interested parties for a proposed contract effort to Load, Assemble and Pack (LAP) the 155MM XM231 and XM232 Modular Artillery Charge System(MACS), MACS is the propulsion system, for Crusader Field Artillery System. This effort is part of the continuing development program to demonstrate the feasibility of the 155MM XM231 and XM232 propelling charge increments known as MACS. The 155MM MACS is a two-increment charge system that will provide enhanced performance for 155MM artillery. Multiples of the increments, XM231 (Zones 1&2) and XM232 (Zones 3thru6) will satisfy all zoning requirements for 155MM artillery. The 155MM MACS increments will be capable of being handled by automatic loading/resupply equipment as well as manually, which allows MACS increments to be used with currently fielded howitzers and future planned artillery systems. The following are more specific criteria for the LAP of the MACS propelling charge increments: a.Essentially, the LAP of both the XM231 and XM232 MACS propelling charge increments which comprise each increment, then packing the increments in metal cans for shipment, and subsequent shipment to the required destinations. These operations involve the handling of energetic materials (Class 4.1C flammable solid -- to Class 1.1). The main components, which comprise each propelling charge increment,include the following: 1.Combustible cartridge case assembly consisting of body, cap, and center core tube. 2.Main charge propellant. 3.End igniter which consists of end igniter propellant contained in end igniter bags. 4.Core igniter which consists of core igniter propellant contained in a core igniter bag. 5.End seals, which cover the holes on both ends of the increments where the end igniters are placed, b. Operations include the following: 1.Sewing operations in order to close the loaded igniter bags. 2.Weighing operations in order to load the correct mass of igniter propellants and main charge propellants. 3.Vibration operations in order to load the correct mass of igniter propellants and main charge propellants. 4.Gluing operations in order to bond the combustible case cap to the body. 5.)Labeling operations in order to provide identification for the increments,both on the increments, the metal shipping cans and shipping pallets. 6.The contractor shall be required to purchase all packaging materials necessary to Lap the propelling charge increments which include metal cans, sleeves, cushions, etc. 7.The contractor shall provide the end igniters and core igniters (referenced above) necessary to LAP the propelling charge increments. 8.The contractor shall provide additive liners necessary to LAP XM232 propelling charge increments. Potential approximate LAP deliveries of the XM231 and XM232 propelling charge increments are as follows: FY99-LAP 15,000 each XM232, and 5,000 each XM231. FY00-Options totaling 25,000, FY01-Options totaling 25,000. The contractor should have the following: a. Experience in efforts of similar complexity, such as the L.A.P. of other munitions for applications 120MM and larger, which incorporate rigid combustible cases, propellants and igniters. b.Experience with respect to propellant handling/storage and other hazardous handling/storage. c.Available on-site or near-site storage capacity to handle/store at least 500,000 pounds of energetic materials at one time. The Government intends to limit competition to U.S. and/or Canadian sources in accordance with FAR 6.302-3 Industrial Mobilization: Engineering, Developmental, or Research Capability;or Expert Services, 5.The reason for authority cited below: a.A domestic source (U.S.or Canada) is necessary to maintain the industrial base. b.A domestic source (U.S. or Canada) is necessary to accomplish replenishment. c.The MACS is a critical technology item, and is vital to national security. Firms with experience in the areas cited above should provide a summary of their company's capabilities including a description of facilities, personnel and past experience to meet this requirement by January 8,1999 via email. Brochures can be sent to Sandra LaBell, Contract Specialist, Acquisition Center, Building 10, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000. Respondents to this notice will not be notified either of the receipt or the assessment of the information submitted. Respondees are to indicate their business size standard. This market survey is for information planning purposes only, does not constitute a RFP, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. See numbered Note 25. Posted 12/16/98 (D-SN280811). (0350)

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