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

A -- SEEKING SOURCES TO DEMONSTRATE THE USE OF AN ALTERNATIVE STABILIZER FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BALL POWDER PROPELLANTS (M38, M47). DUE 032699 POC Sheela Lopez/Contract Specialist/(973) 724-4825 WEB: US ARMY TACOM-ARDEC Procurement Network, http://procnet.pica.army.mil/cbd/SRCSgt/030519990/030519990.htm. E-MAIL: Sheela Lopez, lopez@pica.army.mil. Potential source(s) are being sought to determine the feasibility of demonstrating the use of an alternative stabilizer for the manufacture of single and double-base ball powder propellants (M38, M47) for use in 60mm, 81mm and 120mm mortar systems (M235, M233 and M234 propelling charges). The current propellant composition is comprised mainly of the energetic components nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin and the stabilizer diphenylamine (DPA). The final propellant compositions possess the following physical and chemical properties: maximum flame temperature = 3000oF, nominal web thickness = 0.022 inches, nominal grain size = 0.030 inches. The major thrust of this effort is to replace DPA with a more environmentally friendly stabilizer. The proposed program will be a 12-month, 3-phase effort. Phase 1 (7 months) will require that the selected source successfully identify a replacement for DPA, produce propellants samples for TACOM-ARDEC in-house testing, and prepare a detailed test report covering all workaccomplished. Phase II (3 months) requires that the selected source produce 100 pounds of 120mm and 50 pounds of either 60mm or 81mm propellants for ballistic performance testing. Phase III (2 months) requires that the selected source prepare a detailed Final Technical Report which include producability assessment and evaluation on production cost impact of new stabilizer as opposed to the currently used one. The Final report must also include an assessment on the availability and characteristics of the new stabilizer to be used and disposal of by- products and waste. This request is restricted to U.S. sources only. Firms with experience in the area of ball powder propellant production should provide at no cost, a summary of their firm s capabilities within 15 days of this publication to: belmasri@pica.army.mil Respondents to this survey will not be notified either of the receipt or the assessment of the information submitted. This market survey is for informational planning purposes only, does not constitute a RFP, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Posted 03/05/99 (D-SN305397). (0064)

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