73--Tray Ration Heating System (TRHS)

The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is conducting market research to seek information from knowledgeable companies on the availability of commercial or modified commercial product and material solutions that will provide the capabilities needed to feed Marines in austere field conditions for extended periods utilizing the Unitized Group Ration-Heat and Serve (UGR-H&S). The current system has reached the end of its life and is in need of life cycle replacement. The required Tray Ration Heating System (TRHS) product must be transportable on either a Highly Mobile Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV/Humvee) or Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) and have the capability to prepare UGR-H&S while loaded on the bed of both of these vehicles. The HMMWV must be able to transport at least one system and the MTVR must be able to transport at least 2 or more systems at one time. All systems must be able to be secured to the vehicles, when operational and in ! transit by means of a tie down. Required systems must be sufficiently small and lightweight so as to not require Material Handling Equipment (MHE) to load or unload the system (when empty) from either the HMMWV or the MTVR. The required system must also operate in all climates and environments that Marines may encounter. There cannot be significant degradations when ambient temperatures are above 0 oC (32 oF). Systems must operate in all humidity levels to 100 percent and be resistant to the effects of salt water/spray and extreme sand and dust conditions to the extent outlined in Military Standard-810E. The system must be capable of preparing sufficient hot UGR - H&S (A - hot UGR - H&S is defined as being between 140 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit) to feed at least 250 personnel at a single site within a 90 minute period, calculated from the time of vehicle/system arrival at the site, through to include cleanup. The daily system operation cycle is defined as preparing food! for at least 250 personnel, twice each day or at least 500 meals per day per system. The system must be able to operate between 2 to 12 hours a day and the average mission duration is expected to be 2-5 hours; therefore, each system must be able to operate for 5 continuous hours. Each system must include fuel tanks that will supply enough fuel to complete an operational cycle of 500 meals per ration day. The system's method for delivering and storing heated rations must maintain the rations at serving temperature for at least four hours (threshold)/six hours (objective). The serving temperature for cold items is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and hot items at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (threshold/objective). The system must operate on JP-8, electrical power (DC and AC), or a combination of both; JP-8 will be the primary fuel. The system must also be capable of receiving its electrical power for fuel ignition from two sources without having to be modified to accommodat! e those power sources. The primary source will be the HMMWV or the MTVR vehicle's 24-volt DC electricity. Additional sources must be conventional 115-volt 60 Hz AC field generators. Cables and other interfaces for electrical power must be lightweight, uncomplicated, compatible with vehicle power/ports, and safe to use in all types of weather conditions. The system must have a fuel-efficient heating system to minimize dangerous exhaust emissions, and be safe to operate while the transport vehicle (primary mover (HMMWV/MTVR) is in motion. The system must provide automatic temperature regulation and have a manual override capability if the automatic system fails. A temperature gauge, independent of the automatic system, must be provided. If water is used for ration heating, the system must be able to use potable water that can be reused to heat additional rations. The system must feature a low-point drainage without the need to remove the system from the transport vehic! le. The water reservoir must meet National Sanitation Foundation standards and not have exposed heating tubes or a fixed rack that would allow for other food preparation techniques beyond the heating of UGR-H&S Rations. The system must be sufficiently simple in design and operation to permit USMC MOS 3381 Food Service Specialists, with entry-level training, the ability to safely set-up, operate, breakdown, and maintain the system. There is no threshold criterion for chemical decontamination. As an objective, the system shall be capable of being decontaminated following chemical contamination. Vendors who believe they have a product(s) capable of meeting this requirement are requested to provide product literature, brochures, price lists, warranty coverage, business size and any other relevant information. Responses shall be submitted no later than 12 May 2005 to Contracts Directorate, Code CTQ3KS, ATTN: Ms. Katie Samulevich, 2200 Lester Street, Quantico, VA 22134-605! 0. This is not a request for quotation or proposal. No solicitation document exists. This is not to be construed as a commitment by the government to procure these items, nor does the Marine Corps intend to award on the basis of this sources sought/market research or otherwise pay for the information solicited. NAICS CODE: 722330