INTRODUCTION: This is not a solicitation for bids/proposals but a Request for Information. This synopsis is issued for the sole purpose of the DoD Combat Feeding Directorate to conduct Market Research in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10. This effort is to validate the Government's efforts to develop a technical data package for a high stress collapsible water bag. The ultimate goal of this effort is to identify and qualify potential vendors who possess the capability and capacity to produce a high stress collapsible water bag for the transport and dispense of potable water. The high stress collapsible water bag shall be manufactured to meet the requirements in the Drawing Numbers: 8-1-1300, and 8-101300S002, High Stress Collapsible Water Bag, 5-Gallon, NSN(s): 7360-01-598-5336 (Green), 7360-01-598-5338 (Brown) Currently there is one vendor qualified to manufacture this item. Prospective vendors may be added to a list of approved sources for the high stress collapsible water bag, NSN(s): 7360-01-598-5336 (Green), 7360-01-598-5338 (Brown), Part Number: 8-1-1300-1. GENERAL BACKGROUND: The objective of the HSCWB is to develop a robust water distribution capability for the Small Unit in austere locations. Potable water is transported to remote locations primarily using multiple 5 gal cans or similar capacity containers. These items are transported through a combination or ground vehicles and rotary winged aircraft. These day and night time resupply often require rotary winged aircraft to deliver water to austere locations without the possibility of landing to off load. Water containers are typically dropped from altitudes ranging from 35 - 55 ft AGL. There is a need to make the end user's task easier to pack out essential materiel. SPECIFIC INFORMATION OF INTEREST: The HSCWB is expected to be made of 1050 denier nylon with balanced silicone coatings on inside and outside. All seams were sealed with 100% silicon, inside and out. The bag is designed to be FDA Title 21 CFR compliant for potable water. The HSCWB has to meet the requirements mentioned in the Technical Data Package. Respondents are requested to review the drawings and: 1. Provide Manufacturability assessment for the technical drawings provided to include: a. cost projections for initial start up b. Any lead times (Manufacturing, materials, equipment, etc.) c. Monthly production capacity & capability d. Projected Step-ladder unit costs 2. Provide five (5) samples for evaluation at no cost to the Government 3. Submit comments and edits to the technical drawings provided Information provided to the Government under this market research is provided to the Government at no cost and will be held as competition sensitive if so marked by respondents. Please include company name, address, telephone number, and point(s) of contact with an email address, business size, DUNS number, CCR Registration number, Federal CAGE Code and a description of similar contracts. This RFI is not a commercial solicitation per FAR Part 12. Address questions via email to the Project Director, Mr. Robert Bernazzani (
[email protected]). SUBMISSION DATE AND ADDRESS: Electronic responses to this notice are requested to be emailed no later than 3:00pm EDST 17 November2011. Earlier responses are encouraged. The subject line of the e-mail should follow the form "High Stress Collapsible Water Bag (HSCWB) RFI: Company Name. Mailing / Shipping Information: NSRDEC - Combat Feeding Directorate Systems Equipment and Engineering Team ATTN: RDNS-CFS (Mr. Robert Bernazzani) 15 Kansas Street Natick, MA 01760 E-mail:
[email protected] Questions may be faxed via 508-233-5556. No discussions will be conducted telephonically. Diagrams can be found here: https://www3.natick.army.mil/dwnload.cfm?recordID=1615 https://www3.natick.army.mil/dwnload.cfm?recordID=1616 This RFI has been extended from the original period ending on the 15th of September 2011, to now ending on the 17th of November 2011 at 1500. Please e-mail or fax all questions to Mr. Robert Bernazzani, using the contact information above. Request for Information (RFI)High Stress Collapsible Water Bag (HSCWB)