10--Guns, through 30 mm

DESC: THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT. There is no solicitation available at this time. Technical Data Package Listing (TDPL), Part Number 12976814 will be provided with the solicitation. Strict conformance to the requirements of the TDP is expected due to the U.S. Armys requirement for reliable, accurate performance, standardization, and interchangeability. DELIVERIES ARE REQUIRED TO BEGIN IN JULY 2006 AT A QUANITY OF 375 EACH PER MONTH, INCREASING TO 675 PER MONTH BY OCTOBER 2006. DELIVE RY DATES MUST BE MET AT THE QUANTITIES STATED TO MEET CURRENT URGENT FIELDING REQUIREMENTS. TACOM-ROCK ISLAND is seeking to identify POTENTIAL SOURCES who have the capability to manufacture the M240B Machine Gun (MG), NSN: 1005-01-412-3129, Part Number 1 2976814, in accordance with TDPL Number 12976814. A description of the M240B MG is as follows: M240B Machine Gun, 7.62 MM is an Infantry version of the M240 Armor Machine Gun, replacing the M60 Machine Gun in the medium machine gun role beginning with th e Light Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, and Combat Engineer units. The M240B MG is a gas operated, air-cooled, linked belt fed, that fires 7.62mm NATO standard ammunition from an open bolt position. It features a folding bipod, quick change barrel assembl y with integral carrying handle and gas system, a feed cover (which allows closing of the cover regardless of bolt position), bolt assembly, plastic buttstock, integral optical sight rail on the cover, and forward accessory rails attached to the weapon rec eiver. The anticipated contract will be a 3-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Quantities are not known at this time, but it is anticipated that the minimum guaranteed quantity will be 3,596 each, M240B MGs. The expected month ly production rate is 375 weapons. Projected first production quantities are due 30 July 2006. Monthly production is to increase to 675 per month by October 2006. Delivery dates MUST BE adhered to in order to meet urgent customer requirements. The US Go vernment may require a quarterly reliability test. First time producers will be required to complete a First Article Test. Sources Sought must have an adequate production capability and must also have a safe and secure storage area to store at least thre e (3) months of production guns at the quantities specified above. For security purposes, the M240B MG is considered Category II and the 7.62mm ammunition is Category IV. Any contract for these items will require security protective measures in accordanc e with DOD Regulation 5100.76-M, dated 12 Aug 2002, Physical Security of Sensitive Conventional Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E), MIL-H-2918113, dated 10 May 1994, Military Specifications and the Defense Investigative Service (DIS) Regulation 31-1-M , Dated August 1991, Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E) Operating Manual. If and when a solicitation is issued for the purpose of price evaluation, the cost to Government for qualifying a new producer will be added to their proposal. The approximate cost to be added is $787,000. It is anticipated that a solicitation will be issued on or about 01 Jun 2005. All contractors, except FN Herstal and FN Manufacturing, Inc., will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement to receive a TDP. Interested s ources, which can meet the delivery dates and quantities stated above, should respond to TACOM-RI, ATTN: AMSTA-LC-CSCA/Sue McGregor, Rock Island, IL 61299-7630. All responses should be received by close of business 02 May 2005. Note 26 applies.