13 -- LOAD, ASSEMBLE AND PACK FOR 155MM MACS PROGRAM

Notice Date

October 11, 2001

Contracting Office

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

ZIP Code

07806-5000

Solicitation Number

DAAE30-02-R-0502

Response Due

November 30, 2001

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 and M232 Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS). LAP deliveries of the M231 and M232 propelling charge increments are as follows: FY02 -- LAP approximately 400,000 each M231 charges and approximately 600,000 each M232 charges, with deliveries beginning in April 2002. FY03 Option -- LAP approximately 1,400,000 each combined M231 and M232 charges. The contractor shall maintain a production rate of approximately 60,000 increments per month. 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. 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. 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 the packing materials necessary to LAP the propelling charge increments which include sleeves, cushions, etc., and excluding metal cans which will be furnished as GFM, 7) the contractor shall provide the end igniters and core igniters (referenced above) necessary to LAP the propelling charge increments. 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 1,000,000 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-AQ-APE, 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/02R0502/02R0502.htm)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20011015/13SOL001.HTM (D-284 SN5104J9)