Automated Fluidized Bed Mixer Facility Modernization for end use at Pine Bluff Arsenal – CSO

The Army Contracting Command - Rock Island is seeking qualified vendors for the Automated Fluidized Bed Mixer Facility Modernization at Pine Bluff Arsenal. This Commercial Solution Opportunity (CSO) aims to procure an automated, high-precision mixing, granulation, and drying system to modernize colored smoke energetics production. The required equipment must be capable of 800 to 1200 lb mix batches and must operate effectively in high-humidity environments (72% to 95%) to prevent clumping of hygroscopic materials. Technical requirements include a minimum 30% throughput improvement over legacy systems, 95% operational availability, 95% repeatability, and raw material weighing accuracy within 1.5%. Due to the nature of the materials, equipment must be rated for Class II Div 1 F and G hazardous environments and include high-speed fire detection, suppression systems, and fail-safe shutdown protocols. The acquisition process follows a three-phase selection method consisting of a Solution Brief, a Pitch, and a Full Quote request, with final awards executed as Firm-Fixed-Price contracts under FAR Part 12 commercial item procedures. Evaluation criteria focus on technical merit, innovation, financial feasibility via Rough Order of Magnitude pricing, and the impact on operational readiness and safety. Phase 1 submissions, which must be unclassified and limited to five pages or 15 slides, are due by close of business on October 14, 2026. Interested vendors must provide a solution brief, commercial specification sheets, and administrative data including CAGE codes to the primary point of contact, Ashley Testrake.