Contracting Office Address U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command, 1 Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL 61299-6000 Description NA PART: U.S. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENTS SUBPART: SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL CLASSCOD: 13-Ammunition and Explosives Potential Sources Sought. OFFADD: U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command, Attn: AMSFS-CCA-M, Bldg 350, 6th floor, Rock Island, IL 61299-6000. SUBJECT: MARINE LOCATION MARKERS, MK 58-SERIES AND MK 25 SERIES DUE: 1/12/06 POC: Julie Coughlin,
[email protected], (309) 782-6139 or Jason Brunsvold,
[email protected], (309) 782-5081 The purpose of this Sources Sought/Market Survey is to identify production sources for the Marine Location Marker (MLM), MK 58 Modifications 1, NSN 1370-01-074-0591, DODIC L580 and/or the Marine Location Marker (MLM) MK 25, Modifications 3 (NSN 1370-00-690 -1458, DODIC L554) and/or Modifications 5 (NSN 1370-01-387-7296, DODIC L168). The markers are launched from aircraft in either day or night to provide visual marks on the oceans surface. They may be used to mark the course of enemy submarines during an ASW (Antisubmarine Warfare) mission or a survivor in the water during SAR (Searc h And Rescue) missions. Markers may be launched from high-speed aircraft or helicopters, and surface ships. They can be used for any type of air to sea surface marking that are referenced by smoke and flame. The Mk 58 Mod 1 Marine Location Marker consists of a cylindrical tin can approximately 21.78 inches long and 5.00 inches in diameter. The can contains two pyrotechnic candles containing 1000 grams and 870 grams of a red phosphorus composition. The can is s trengthened and the candles are supported by foamed-in-place polyurethane. The ignition end of the marker has three holes, two for smoke and flame emission, and one for entry of water to the Mk 72 Mod 1 Water Activated Battery. Adhesive foil discs hermetic ally seal the two emission holes and a reinforced adhesive foil strip with a rectangular pull ring hermetically seals the battery cavity hole. The adhesive foil seals are protected during handling and shipping by a replaceable polyethylene protective cover . The marker contains a battery, squib, starter mix, two pyrotechnic candles, and a transfer fuse between the two candles. It is armed by removal of adhesive backed metallic foil strip (tear tape). The marker is activated upon entry into seawater with wate r entering the water port to activate the battery. Battery current energizes the electric squib, which ignites the starter mix, which in turn, lights the pyrotechnic candle. The first candle burns for a minimum of 20 minutes and then initiates the second candle by the use of the transfer fuse. The complete marker produces a continuous yellow flame and white smoke for a burn time of approximately 40 to 60 minutes. The MK25 Mod 3 marker consists of a cylindrical outer tube approximately 18.5 inches long and 3.0 inches in diameter. There is a projecting chimney at its nose end into which is fitted a valve assembly. At the opposite end is a heavier aluminum base assemb ly to which the outer tube is crimped. Within the base assembly is a Mk 72 Mod 1 Water-Activated Battery . The battery is shielded from water contact by two plugs which are fitted into 1/2 inch holes on two opposite sides of the base assembly. A ring ridge d cover (arming plate), held in place by a retainer ring, is recessed into the base end. An arrow in the center of the arming plate indicates its safe or armed position. The words Safe and Armed are stamped into the base rim, and a notch has been cut i nto the rim at the armed position to facilitate nighttime use. A black rubber G-ring, which serves as a gas check in pneumatic dispensing, encircles the base assembly approximately 1/4 inch from the crimp holding the outer case. Burning time ranges from 13 .5 to 18.5 minutes. Though designed for salt water use this item can be used in fresh water by insertion of salt tab lets. The Mk 25 Mod 5 marker consists of an aluminum body, approximately 19.0 inches long and 3.0 inches in diameter. There is a projecting chimney at its nose end into which is fitted a valve assembly. The opposite end is a heavier aluminum base assembly to w hich the outer tube is crimped. Within the base assembly is a MK 72 Mod 0 water-activated battery. The battery and battery cavity are shielded from water contact by an arming-safing assembly. The arming-safing assembly consists of an arming cap attached to a spring and sealing cup with an o-ring. The arming cap features three equally spaced retaining slots. The words SAFE (green letters) and ARM (red letters) are on opposite sides of each retaining slot. The arming-safing assembly and base are protect ed by a threaded, plastic protective cover. The marker contains a water-soluble scuttle element and three 0.013 diameter flood holes to assure that the marker will scuttle and sink within 3 to 12 hours after water impact or 1 to 3 hours after ignition. A respondent must have personnel trained, skilled, and experienced in handling Red Phosphorous (RP) compositions that are extremely flammable and environmentally sensitive. Specialized formulation skills are necessary to meet precise burn time ranges requi red for the MK 58 and MK25s. The government expects to procure approximately 8,000 MK58 Markers and approximately 8000 MK25 Markers per year based on current budget estimates. Information provided to the government will be used to aid in the development of an acquisition strategy for the MK58 and MK25 MLM and does not constitute any commitment on the part of the government. The government intends to award these two items within a single contract. Interested parties should contact the government POC for top level drawings and questionnaire. In addition to the questionnaire the following data is requested: * An approximation of minimum quantities required per order to sustain production capacity. * An approximation of minimum quantities required to be ordered by the government to consider bidding. Include required minimum reorder quantity in option years of a contract to sustain contractor participation. * Degree of interest towards an award of the two items in a single contract. If no interest in this type of an award, which item is more lucrative, and why. * Supporting documentation(ex. Pictures, brochures, etc.).