41--Market survey to identify potential vendors to follow on current production of Multi-Temperature Refrigerated Container System (MTRCS).

The U.S Army Soldier Systems Center, Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems (PMFSS), Natick, MA is conducting a market survey to identify potential vendors to follow on the current production of Multi-Temperature Refrigerated Container Systems (MTRCS). The MTRCS consists of an 8' x 8' x 20' insulated, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), multi-temperature refrigerated container. The MTRCS provides capability for distribution, storage and conditioning of both perishable and semi-perishable subsistence on a single platform in various theaters of military operation. The MTRCS product currently being produced is depicted by its operation manual and its repair parts manual, which are available for reference and downloads at https://www.logsa.army.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.main#. To find the manuals there, select Publications/Electronic Technical Manuals (ETM) and then enter 086652 in the PIN line of the search block for the repair parts manual; and enter 086535 in the PIN line for the operator manual. Right click on the document and quote mark save target as. quote mark These manuals are being offered to potential sources for reference only and do not constitute requirements for MTRCS. Instead, the referenced manuals provide some detail of a MTRCS, which was developed, designed, tested, and verified by the Government to meet all of its current performance and logistics support requirements. Government analyses of any major changes to the configuration would need to include evaluation of their impact on cost, schedule, performance, and logistics support before accepting such changes. The scope of work for follow on production will include not only production of approximately 800 MTRCS over five years, but all facets needed to assure the next MTRCS procurement yields a product that continues to meet all Government performance and logistics support requirements. Such tasks may include, but are not limited to: design; development of detailed production drawings; extensive First Article Testing to verify performance; ISO-certified quality assurance processes; configuration management; writing operation/repair manuals; and preparing training aids and training DVDs. Some expected key performance requirements of MTRCS are: a. The MTRCS container shall meet all ISO container structural requirements. The entire MTRCS shall fit within a footprint of 8'W x 8'H x 20'L with an interior volume sized such that a minimum of 14 food pallets of 40 quote mark (width) x 48 quote mark (length) x 40 quote mark (height) size can fit inside the container. The pallets may be double stacked. b. MTRCS shall be capable of storage and transport of temperature sensitive cargos while simultaneously maintaining proper freezer/refrigerated temperature ranges. The refrigeration unit shall provide sufficient capacity to maintain product temperatures when ambient temperatures are 120-130 deg F. The MTRCS shall maintain product temperatures of less 40 deg F, for a period of at least 12 hours following refrigeration unit shut down. MTRCS shall provide separate and simultaneous freezer and refrigeration zones. A removable partition shall be utilized to separate the frozen and refrigerated zones within the container. c. The MTRCS shall be furnished with an integral bale bar, rails, rollers, and other necessary devices that are compatible and allow safe container handling with the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) Load Handling System (LHS) and Palletized Load System (PLS) vehicles. d. An integral electrical and multi-fuel capable (diesel and family of JP-8 fuels) mechanical refrigeration unit is required. The system shall have the capacity to generate sufficient power to start and continuously supply the refrigeration system, all controls, additional fans/ evaporator(s), container lighting systems, auxiliary outlets and any other powered devices that are part of the system, both in transportation and stationary mode. e. The refrigerated container shall be capable of operation using an engine driven refrigeration unit; external 230 Volt (+/-10%) 3-phase 60-Hz (+/-2.5%) alternating current power source; external 190 Volt (+/-10%) 3-phase 50-Hz (+/-2.5%) alternating current power source; and able to accept commercial power including interface with a standard United States military 30 kW or larger generator. f. When mounted on a HEMTT LHS or PLS vehicle, the refrigerated container system shall be capable of transportation over primary roads, secondary roads, and cross-country terrain while operating properly and maintaining set point cargo temperatures. The MTRCS shall also be air transportable via C-130 and larger Air Mobility Command (AMC) aircraft. g. A fully fueled MTRCS, less the weight of temperature sensitive cargos/load, shall not exceed 11,500 pounds (Tare). The container shall be designed and rated to hold at least 41,400 pounds of temperature sensitive cargo. A fully loaded system shall not exceed the gross maximum ISO weight requirement of 52,900 pounds. Information sought: This notice is issued for the purpose of determining existing market capability of producing MTRCS and does not constitute an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice. All responses to this notice are strictly voluntary. This is not an Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal. For those parties interested in submitting a response to this notice, the information is required within 30 calendar days from the publication date of this notice. Information should include 1) description of related non-developmental or commercial off the shelf refrigerated container systems; and/or items that demonstrate the vendors ability to produce MTRCS with the capabilities mentioned in this notice; 2) experience in designing, building, and testing such systems to meet performance specifications; 3) experience writing logistics support documentation, production drawings, and configuration control documentation; 4) existing quality assurance program and ability to conform to ISO quality standards; 5) current plant capacity and capability; and 6) vendor status as a small or large business. All information received in response to this notice that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses may not include classified material. Responses to this notice will not be returned. No reimbursement will be made for any costs to provide information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requests. Information contained herein is based on the best information available at the time for publication, is subject to revision, and is not binding upon the Government. Availability of any formal solicitation will be announced under a separate Federal Business Opportunities announcement. Information shall be limited to no more than ten (10) pages with no smaller than font size ten (10) and at least single-spaced. Page size shall not exceed 8.5 quote mark x 11 quote mark . If provided electronically, the response needs to be in Microsoft Word 2003, Microsoft Word 2007 or Adobe Acrobat 9 compatible format using a size 12 font with one inch margins. Electronic responses to this notice are requested to be emailed to contact@example.gov no later 5:00PM on 30 calendar days from the posting date of this notice. Any questions regarding this notice or issues related to download of the referenced manuals may be sent to this email as well. The subject line of any emails should include the words quote mark MTRCS Sources Sought Notice. quote mark Responses may also be submitted by hardcopy or on CD and mailed to the following address: US Army Soldier Systems Center ATTN: SFAE-CSS-FP-F (Mr. Jeff Wallace, Building 16) Kansas St. Natick, MA 01760.