13 -- 155MM M231 MACS LOAD, ASSEMBLE AND PACK PRODUCTION

Notice Date

September 6, 2000

Contracting Office

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

ZIP Code

07806-5000

Solicitation Number

DAAE30-00-R-0548

Response Due

November 15, 2000

Point of Contact

Marianne Shuster, Contract Specialist, 973-724-4260

E-Mail Address

Marianne C. Shuster (mshuster@pica.army.mil)

Description

The U.S. Army TACOM-ARDEC, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ is contemplating issuing a production contract for the Load, Assembly, and Pack (LAP) of the 155MM M231 Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) with potential approximate LAP deliveries of 410,000 each M231 propelling charge increments beginning in FY01. This effort is part of the production program of the 155MM M231 and XM232 propelling charge increments known as MACS (Modular Artillery Charge System). The 155MM MACS is a two-increment charge system that will provide enhanced performance for 155MM artillery. Multiples of the increments, M231 (Zones 1 & 2) and M232 (Zones 3 thru 6) 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. Research and development performed by the Government in recent years indicate that LAP of the 155MM MACS propelling charge increments on a production line is necessary to facilitate necessary quantities for future mass production and subsequent ballistic testing. It is the Government s intention to award a production contract for the LAP of M231 MACS propelling charge increments. The operations would 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, and 5) End seals, which cover the holes on both ends of the increments where the end igniters are placed. The packing of the increments would involve loading them into metal cans for shipment, and subsequent shipment to the required destinations. 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; and 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. 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; and c) The MACS is a critical technology item, and is vital to national security. The MACS and its components are on the Militarily Critical Technologies List (MCTL), Aug 1996. Therefore, the MACS TDP is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act Title 22, U.S.C. Sec 2751 and is subject to DoD Directives 5230.24 and 5230.25. Drawings are marked with limited distribution F statement which states: Further dissemination only as directed by AMSTA-AR-WEE-B, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ or higher authority. MACS is a direct replacement for the 155MM Propellant Charge M203A1 and all current bag-type 155MM Propelling Charges which are on the Industrial Preparedness Planning List. The solicitation (without TDP) will be available for downloading from the World Wide Web Electronic Commerce Home Page available at the following address: http://procnet.pica.army.mil. Send requests for TDP to Marianne Shuster, Contract Specialist, or John Eilenberger, Contracting Officer, AMSTA-CM-CPE, Bldg. 10, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000; email mshuster@pica.army.mil, or jeilen@pica.army.mil. All requests for TDP must include a certified copy of DD Form 2345, "Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement." See numbered notes 8, 12, and 26.

Web Link

US ARMY TACOM-ARDEC Procurement Network (http://procnet.pica.army.mil/cbd/RFP/00R0548/00R0548.htm)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20000907/13SOL004.HTM (D-249 SN492930)