The purpose of this sources sought/market survey is to identify sources that are capable of producing the Aluminum Powder, MIL-DTL-512C Type 3 Grade F Class 7. Aluminum powder is primarily used in main charge explosives to produce a high explosive quality. It is used in many munitions that support combat requirements. For this procurement, the Aluminum powder will be used in Comp HBX Type H6 explosive used in the 40 lb. Cratering Charge. Adding aluminum powder to TNT based explosives creates much additional heat during the detonation, which causes greater expansion of gases and consequently greater blast effect. It is critical to combat effectiveness. Aluminum powder requires several specialized skills and processes that exist commercially. Commercial producers have a highly-trained, experienced workforce with critically required specialized skills and facilities to produce granulized varieties. The specialized processes and facilities include melting the aluminum, adding the proper alloy(s), shooting the aluminum alloy through a nozzle into an inert medium to obtain the desired particle/granule size, and passivating the powder in environmentally controlled silos to allow safe handling. The Aluminum powder must meet the composition, density, form, particle size and all other requirements defined in MIL-DTL-512. If a solicitation is issued the government will utilize a Best Value, range bid approach, and the resulting contract could be a one year with potential options for a total estimated quantity of 65,250 lbs. Potential bidders should be aware that all quality requirements must be satisfactorily completed prior to initial production. Interested parties may request a copy of the full specification via email to
[email protected] Request must include your cage code, company name, address, phone number, email address, and point of contact. A respondent to this sources sought survey must have available facilities, equipment, skills and personnel to provide the Aluminum Powder. Only SERIOUSLY INTERESTED firms whom feel they are capable of supplying the aluminum powder are invited to indicate their interest by providing the Government a brief description and summary of the producers capabilities, including a brief description of their organization, name/address/point of contact, facilities/equipment, personnel, inspection capabilities, and past manufacturing experience as it relates to the above criteria, and minimum and maximum monthly production rates of past production of same or similar items. Information shall be submitted within 30 calendar days from the date of this publication to: U.S. Army Contracting Command- Rock Island, ATTN:CCRC-AR/Benjamin Riessen, 1 Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Il 61299-6500, email
[email protected], and identify Aluminum Powder sources sought survey as the subject of your response. This sources sought is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request for Proposal or as an obligation on the part of the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this synopsis. Responses to this Sources Sought should be forwarded to the POC NLT 25 November 2011.