DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Army Contracting Command-New Jersey on behalf of the Project Manager for Maneuver Ammunition System (PM-MAS) is seeking sources for the 9mm Marking Cartridges (for use in the M9 and M11 pistols and M4 Carbine). The 9mm Marking rounds (blue/red) will be used with the Close Combat Mission Capability Kit (CCMCK). The CCMCK is a user installed temporary weapon conversion system that allows the soldier to employ an individual weapon (M9, M11, and M4) at a minimum engagement distance of five (5) feet using low velocity marking ammunition while precluding the weapon from firing standard service ammunition. The marking ammunition shall be a reduced-energy, non-lethal cartridge that leaves a bright, water-soluble color marking compound on target upon impact, without penetrating the soldiers Army Combat Uniform (ACU) or Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE). The visible impact left by the marking compound allows for an accurate assessment of simulated lethality and shot placement. SPECIFICATION: The ammunition must meet all requirements outlined in the Performance Specification MIL-PRF-32312. The Performance Specification is classified Distribution D (Authorized to the Department of Defense and DoD contractors only). Requests for the performance specification shall be submitted in writing using AMSTA-AR Form 1350 Technical Data Request Questionnaire (attached) along with a signed DD 2345 Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement form and a fully executed Non-Disclosure and Non Use Agreement (attached). In order to provide the data to foreign subcontractors, offerors must apply for an export license. An offeror's delay in applying for DD 2345 certification or an export license will not be a basis to extend the closing date of any future Request For Proposal (RFP). The ammunition must be compatible with the current U.S. Army qualified CCMCK weapon conversion system for the M9 and M11 and the U.S. Marine Corps qualified CCMCK upper receiver conversion system for the M4 Carbine. The National Stock Number (NSN) for the 9mm M9 weapon CCMCK conversion kit is 1005-20-003-2362. The NSN for the M11 weapon CCMCK conversion kit is 1005-20-003-2361. The NSN for the M4 Carbine CCMCK upper receiver conversion kit is 1005-01-454-9283. No additional weapon conversions or modifications outside of the current CCMCK system will be allowed. Interested sources without a previously verified design will be responsible for verifying their cartridge design in accordance with the Government performance specification MIL-PRF-32312 at their own expense. PLANNED ACQUISITION: The Government contemplates an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract for Fiscal Years (FY) 17-20 for this acquisition. The estimated quantity to be purchased is approximately 40,000,000 with initial delivery required by May 2017 at a production rate of approximately 1,000,000 per month. Award is planned to be made in 2QFY17. SUBMISSION INFORMATION: To be considered as capable source for this effort, Offerors shall provide the following requested information: a) Description of their capabilities to produce 9mm marking cartridges for the CCMCK. At minimum, the Offeror should adequately describe their experience in small caliber production and testing, annual production capacity, and verification status of their proposed design. Submissions should also include sketches, drawings, specifications, brochures, current estimated unit cost per million, monthly production capability, and/or testing results (as outlined below). b) All contractor performed preliminary testing results to determine the current level of maturity of the ammunition design (as of the date of this sources sought), in accordance with all weapons (M9, M11 and M4) listed in MIL-PRF-32312. c) Submission of data that supports the ability to produce 80,000 cartridges for design verification testing, by a production line representative of full-rate production. d) Submission of all testing that has been done (as of the date of this sources sought) in accordance with ALL tests listed in the design verification testing section of MIL-PRF-32312. If contractor performed testing has not been completed, please provide additional information on plans (testing facility and equipment) to complete skin, mask, and goggle penetration, toxic fumes, and sequential rough handling testing. Specifically, the Government would like information on the timeline of these tests. e) Submission of analysis and design verification testing data that supports the current ability to meet the design verification tests. f) Submission of data that supports the ability to produce the first lot of at least 400,000 cartridges at full-rate production. g) Those sources not having a previously verified design should also submit an outline of their plans and schedule to verify their design in addition to any backup data to support claims that their design will conform to the MIL-PRF-32312 requirements. Sources shall provide verification status of the marking ammunition cartridges that will be supplied under this contract. h) Evidence of proven monthly production at a minimum rate of 1,000,000 marking cartridges per month capacity. i) The company's ability to begin deliveries by May 2017 (schedule shall include testing against MIL-PRF-32312, if not already performed). This market survey is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute as a pre-solicitation notice or request for proposal, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION AND DOES NOT OBLIGATE THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION. The Offeror shall provide all information requested in this notification within 30 days of this publication by electronic mail at no cost to the Government to Ms. Laura Mackie, Army Contracting Command - New Jersey,
[email protected]. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published.