59--Development and manufacturing of high energy density capacitors for use in high-energy weapons systems, including electromagnetic railgun projectile launch.

Purpose The Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) is hereby issuing a Request for Information (RFI) from all interested companies who may be interested in the development and manufacturing of high energy density capacitors for use in high-energy weapons systems, including electromagnetic railgun projectile launch. The Navy is currently developing proof of concept hardware that employs energy storage and pulse generation that can be attained through the use of capacitors in a land based demonstrator. The Description Section provides a set of performance characteristics that have been developed to meet the needs of the demonstration system. This technology may also be examined for a potential application to a shipboard railgun system. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. This RFI in no way binds the Government to offer contracts to responding companies. The information provided will assist NAVSEA in developing and further defining future procure! ment and acquisition strategies. DESCRIPTION: The specification for the type of capacitors desired is as follows: 4 terminal dual capacitor enclosure with each capacitor in the enclosure having a capacitance of 4080 micro-Farads, tolerance +/- 5%, 5650 volts rated per capacitor with a test voltage up to 6150 volts per capacitor, 30,000 volts from winding to the case, 130 kJ rated energy storage, energy density greater than 1 J/cc, 10% rated voltage reversal, 35 kA rated peak current, design life of 10,000 charge/discharge cycles (defined as a loss of 5% of capacitance), 100 hours DC design life, reliability of 90% at rated life, 200 nH maximum inductance, 15 milliohm maximum resistance, 180 second maximum time to full charge, maximum dimensions 13.5"W x 16" D x 36" H, and 10C to 40C operating temperature. Responses Defense and commercial contractors, including small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, HUBZone small businesses, and woman-owned small businesses are encouraged to participate. Foreign and domestic supplies will be considered equally. Responses to this RFI should be limited to 5 pages or less (including any amendments) and include supporting materials that allows an effective evaluation of your company's competence, experience, and overall understanding of the scope of work that NAVSEA has identified. Submissions should include company history, company size, major products, primary customer base, points of contacts (able to discuss the submitted materials), and a description of past experience. Contractors are to provide information pertaining to unit costs, present manufacturing capacity, and possible delivery timelines, especially provide evidence of how they intend to be responsive to urgent and short lead-time requirements. Contractors are to provide their plans for the development of capacitors that would meet this requirement. Contractors are also encouraged to provide in their responses, the type and number of tradespersons that they have available for work that they intend to perform. Responses are requested by 10:00 am (EST), on 15 September 2004 to support the Government's milestone objectives. However, submissions will be accepted after this date but feedback may not be as timely or contribute to NAVSEA's strategic planning. Information should be e-mailed to Joseph Tannebaum at contact@example.gov or mailed to Naval Sea Systems Command, Attn: Mr. Joseph Tannebaum, PMS-500I, 1333 Isaac Hull Avenue SE Stop 2030, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., 20376-2030. Questions can be submitted electronically to contact@example.gov. Information provided shall be treated as Business Sensitive and will not be shared outside of Government activities and agencies without the permission of the provider. All information shall be provided free of charge to the Government. NAVSEA may request further information regarding the capabilities of respondents to meet the requirements and may request a presentation and/or a site visit as deemed necessary.