U.S. Army Materiel Command, Natick Contracting Division, Attn: AMSSB-ACN, Natick, MA 01760-5011

73 -- RAPID DEPLOYMENT KITCHEN SOL n/a POC Edward C. Lavigne WEB: Click here to go to the USAMCAC-Natick Contracting, http://www3.natick.army.mil. E-MAIL: To contact the Contracting Officer, elavigne@natick-amed02.army.mil. This is a pre-solicitation notice and Sources Sought Synopsis announcement to enable the Government to communicate to industry operational and technical performance requirements for the upcoming acquisition for the Rapid Deployment Kitchen (RDK) system, solicit interest and ascertain whether or not the proposed acquisition will be 100 % Set-aside for Small Business. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP). The Standard Industrial Classification Code is 3599 and the size standard is 500 employees. The RDK is a highly mobile, rapidly deployable system which will provide the U.S. Marine Corps a state-of-the-art, efficient and fully integrated containerized (8'x 8'x 20' ISO 3:1) kitchen that can be positioned forward with designated task force elements. The RDK system uses a single commercial fuel fired burner to heat a FDA approved food grade thermal transfer fluid that is circulated through modified, thermostatically controlled commercial appliances (refrigerator, griddle, double stacked convection ovens, skillet and three kettles) and a tankless hot water heater. It shall support a battalion sized unit in an expeditionary environment with capability to prepare and serve a minimum of 650 Marines unitized B-Rations meals twice per day (required preparation time for a battalion size unit is less than 4 hours). It shall also have the capability to prepare Tray Rations and, to a limited extent, A-Rations using onboard refrigerated (30f ) storage. The RDK is intended as rear echelon asset that will allow flexibility in feeding maneuver elements of an infantry battalion dispersed over a wide area and operational theater. Food will be prepared and served from the RDK at the preparation site and/or placed in insulated food containers for progressive cooking and remote feeding. The system shall be capable of worldwide operations in various climatic conditions from 25 to +125 F. It shall have the capability for roasting, grilling, boiling, frying, and baking to effectively prepare multi-rations, typically, current standard A and B rations. It must be transportable by a C130, naval MHE, and Marine Corps medium & heavy tactical motor vehicle fleet. A typical combat mission profile for the RDK will consist of one month under field conditions with 2 operational cycles (set up-prep-serve-strike-displace) daily. The RDK shall require no more than a ten kilowatt external generator (208 volt, 3-phase) to operate all internal systems. It must operate on diesel/ JP-8 or kerosene fuel and have the ability to refuel during continuous operations. The system must be connectable to all Marine Corps external water sources for use in food preparation and hand washing. The Government anticipates a need for approximately 115 RDK systems over 3-5 years. Anticipated requirements will also include delivery of contractor logistics and maintenance support, equipment publications, spare/repair parts, and training. Any interested firm is asked to submit, in their own format, limited to 5 pages, evidence of technical capability to comply withthe requirements of this proposed action, specifically, evidence of understanding and integrating thermal transfer fluid technology, information of past experience in similar efforts, including design and systems integration, prior defense or commercial related work in food service systems production, and production facilities and capacity to meet a delivery schedule of 3 units per month. Points of contact and phone numbers of individuals that can provide past experience verification shall also be submitted. The purpose of this information is to determine whether or not the upcoming acquisition will be set-aside fort Small Business. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP). A copy of this CBD notice as well as the draft Operational Requirements Document (ORD) for the RDK (a.k.a. Mobile Field Kitchen), and draft system illustrations/fact sheet are posted on the Natick Contracting Division's web page at http://www3.natick.army.mil. Go to Business Opportunities, then to Upcoming Acquisitions, and then look forthe solicitation numbered RDK. The draft ORD and draft illustrations/fact sheet are for reference purposes only. Please note that these documents are for reference purposes only, and that the Government's requirements will be described in the solicitation when issued. All data and information pursuant to this action shall be submitted in writing and is due by 2:30 p.m. on June 23, 2000. The mailing address is U.S. Army Materiel Command Acquisition Center Natick Contracting Division, Attn: AMSSB-ACN-S, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5011 and the fax number is (508) 233-5286/Attn: Edward C. Lavigne. Any questions/concerns regarding this Sources Sought Synopsis must be provided in writing via E-mail to elavigne@natick-amed02.army.mil or by facsimile to fax number (508) 233-5286. No telephonic responses will be accepted. See Note 26. Posted 05/22/00 (W-SN457148). (0143)

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