10 -- Composite Munitions Fabrication Request for Information

ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION This is a Request for Information (RFI) only as defined in FAR 15.201(e) to obtain information about market information or capabilities for planning purposes. This RFI is not a request for competitive proposals; therefore, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Companies that respond will not be paid for the information submitted except as an allowable cost under FAR 31.205-18, Bid and Proposal Costs. GENERAL INTENT The Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate (AFRL/MN) has recently ground-tested the first 250lb class low collateral damage composite-cased munitions for application in urban warfare and close air support. The composite case disintegrates into non-lethal fibers upon detonation reducing collateral damage significantly in comparison to conventional steel-cased munitions. The composite case is mated to a steel nose for urban structure penetration and contains an aft steel coupler ring for integration with conventional fuzes. An internal strong-back is used for lug integration. The lightweight composite case is filled with a ballasted explosive to control mass, center of gravity and inertial moments consistent with the Miniature Munitions Technology Demonstrator configuration developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory. The 250lb class low collateral damage munition was subjected to concrete penetration tests and static detonation tests. The concrete penetration tests demonstrated the composite munitions ability to survive gun-launch and concrete penetration at operational impact velocities through reinforced conventional strength concrete with moderate obliquity. The static detonation tests demonstrated low collateral potential and allowed blast characterization of the composite munitions for lethality analyses. The intent of this request is to identify potential composite munitions vendors with demonstrated experience in the design, fabrication and testing of -scale and full-scale 250lb class composite penetrators. This RFI provides interested contractors an opportunity to present to the government their capability and experience in composite munitions design, fabrication and test. The Government will not respond to those submitting to this RFI except in the case a clarification of the information provided is required by the Government review team. This RFI is not a request for competitive proposals, and will not result in a Government contract. SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTATION Responses to this request must be received by the Government no later than close of business 27 FEB 2006. Responders shall provide one electronic copy (Microsoft Word or .pdf formats ) and one paper copy of their documentation (five pages or less). Information packages containing more than five pages will be returned, unread, to the sender. A page is defined to be one side of an 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper with information on it. Minimum print size is 10 point type, or 12 pitch. If any information submitted is considered to be proprietary, then those pages should be marked accordingly. Documentation shall be delivered to the contract specialist at the following address: AFRL/MNK ATTN: Brenda M. Soler 101 W Eglin Blvd STE 337 Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810 Telephone: +1 (555) 000-0000 Email: contact@example.gov ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For technical questions contact Mr. Don Cunard, +1 (555) 000-0000, contact@example.gov. All responsible sources may submit information that shall be considered by the agency. If late information is received, it may be considered by the Government Evaluation Team, depending on agency time constraints. All routine communications regarding this announcement should be directed to the contractual point of contact listed above.