BLU-127 Empty Cases

This is a Sources Sought synopsis is for market research purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). No solicitation is being issued at this time and this notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Participation is strictly voluntary with no cost or obligation to be incurred by the Government. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Armament Directorate, Direct Attack Division seeks information on potential sources for contemplated BLU-127 warhead cases. The intent of this sources sought notice is to conduct a market investigation to collect supporting data and documentation on which to base an appropriate acquisition strategy. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this effort is 332993; with a small business size standard of 1,500 employees. No solicitation is being issue at this time and this notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Interested and capable sources are encouraged to respond to this synopsis with a Statement of Capability demonstrating the ability to: (a) fabricate and deliver an empty BLU-127 B/B warhead case in accordance with the specification/drawing and (b) provide engineers and technicians with a SECRET level clearance in accordance with Industrial Security Manual (DoD 5220.22M) by contract award. Furthermore, the Statement of Capability should provide evidence that the contractor has: (a) engaged in this type of weapon manufacturing for at least 2 years; (b) successfully managed and maintained manufacturing for customers for at least 2 years [submit names, addresses, and phone numbers of references and a point of contact for each]; (c) possesses or has access to the necessary equipment, data, personnel, manufacturing facilities and financial resources to fulfill the requirements of efforts of this type; and (d) the experience and capability to accomplish the manufacturing efforts required for a similar weapon system. The Statement of Capability must show high level manufacturing processes and techniques that clearly demonstrate the source's understanding of metallurgical and engineering aspects of fabricating large cases such as the BLU-127 B/B. In addition to a Statement of Capabilities, firms responding to this announcement should include company name, CAGE code, point of contact, address, and indicate whether they are a small business, 8(a) concern, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, or women-owned small business. Please limit your Statement of Capability to no more than 10 single spaced, 10 point font typed pages. The Government does not possess, and will not be able to provide a full technical data package to potential offerors relative to the BLU-127 B/B. However, the Government can provide the drawings and specifications upon request to qualified manufacturers. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns of potential sources. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of e program manager or contracting officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. Matters of routine or administrative nature concerning this acquisition should not be addressed to the Ombudsman, but rather to the contracting point of contact identified below. The Ombudsman is Ms. Jill Willingham, AFLCMC/AQP; phone 937-255-5472. If e-mailing your Statement of Capability, please send it in a PDF or MS Word format. Responses should be submitted to Capt Scott Schneider, Contracting Officer by e-mail no later than 09 October 2014 at scott.schneider@us.af.mil