13--20mm Multipurpose Trace Self-Destruct (MPT-SD) Cartridges

The purpose of this sources sought/market survey is to identify sources capable of manufacturing 20MM M940 Multipurpose Trace Self-Destruct Cartridges, NSN 1305-01-534-2702, Part Number 13011323, DODIC AB07. The yearly anticipated requirement is 950 ,000 cartridges for FY08 and 300,000 cartridges for FY09. Special equipment is required to produce these cartridges. The manufacturing process encompasses, but is not limited to: (1) machining of projectile body metal parts, (2) production of propellant, (3) cartridge case priming and loading w/propellant, and (4) load, assemble, and pack-out (LAP) of the completed cartridges. For each step of the manufacturing process, sophisticated test and measuring equipment are required to ensure the final products comply with Government requirements. Experience in ballistic testing, propellant, and process engineering experience relative to the LAP of these cartridges is essential. An approved ballistic test range, 20mm single shot test (MANN) barrel(s), and an M1 68 Automatic Gun are required to perform First Article and Lot Acceptance Tests on these cartridges. Production support equipment includes material handling systems, tool room equipment, furnaces for heat treat and annealing, metal forming and machining e quipment, anodize and phosphate systems, ultrasonic test equipment, and metrology and metallurgy laboratories. Production of these cartridges is complex and requires sophisticated industrial capabilities. Obtaining the critical skills, (i.e. ammunition p rocess/design engineers, set-up mechanics and operators familiar with the programming and operation of ammunition component sub-assembly production equipment, quality control engineers, ultrasonic technicians, metallurgists, ballistics test personnel, etc) needed to manufacture and provide high quality ammunition in a timely manner may take time. Due to the customers demand for timely deliveries, potential producers must be able to successfully conduct/complete a First Article Acceptance Test within 180 da ys after award, with the first production delivery due within 210 days after award. A respondents production capacity must be sufficient to manufacture an average of 50,000 cartridges per month. Interested U.S./Canadian firms who consider themselves capable of manufacturing the M940 cartridge are invited to indicate their interest by providing the Government a brief summary of their companys capabilities, facilities, personnel, and past manufactu ring experience to HQ, ASC; ATTN: AMSAS-ACA-F/ Rachel Phelps, 1 Rock Island Arsenal; Rock Island, IL 61299-6500. Responses can also be submitted by email to [email protected]. Please respond no later than November 7, 2007 and identify the 20MM M 940 Sources Sought/Market Research as the subject of your response. This market survey is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request for Proposal or an obligation on the part of the Government. The Government does not intend to aw ard a contract based on this market survey or otherwise pay for information solicited.