Comparison Testing on the BBU-63 Impulse Cartridge

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS Solicitation Number: Notice Type: FA8213-19-R-3040 Sources Sought Title: Comparison Testing on the BBU-63 Impulse Cartridge Synopsis: Notice: This is not a solicitation, but rather a Sources Sought Synopsis to determine potential sources for information and planning purposes openly. It does not constitute an invitation for bid or a request for proposal and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this synopsis or any follow up information requests. The purpose of this Sources Sought is to conduct market research to determine if responsible sources exist, to assist in determining if this effort can be competitive and/or a total Small Business Set-Aside. The proposed North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code is 325920- Explosives Manufacturing which has a corresponding size standard of 750. The Government will use this information to determine the best acquisition strategy for this procurement. The Government is interested in all small businesses to include 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, HUBZone, and Women-Owned small business concerns. The government requests that interested parties respond to this notice if applicable and identify your small business status to the identified NAICS code. Additionally, please provide any anticipated teaming arrangements, along with a description of similar services offered to the Government and to commercial customers for the past three years. Any responses involving teaming agreements should delineate between the work that will be accomplished by the prime and the work accomplished by the teaming partners. The USAF is surveying the market to identify potential sources that possess the qualifications and equipment necessary to conduct comparison testing on the BBU-63 impulse cartridge in accordance with government supplies drawings and instructions. Comparison testing on the BBU-63 will be conducted using three methods: Method 1: Closed Bomb: Testing will take place in a government approved fixed volume pressure vessel (closed bomb). The test facility would be required to measure pressures up to 15 ksi, as well as delay time and time to peak pressure in the ms scale. The test facility would also be required to condition the impulse cartridges at -65 degrees F and 165 degrees F. Method 2: Universal Cartridge Test Apparatus (UCTA): The UCTA is a test fixture built to a government technical data package utilizing a 400 - 500 lbs weight on horizontal rails pushed by the impulse cartridge. The test facility would have to own or build a UCTA and have the ability to measure velocity of the sliding mass as well as delay time and pressure. The test facility would also be required to condition the impulse cartridges at -65 degrees F and 165 degrees F. Method 3: Bomb Rack Testing: The USAF would provide BRU-44 bomb racks for testing. The test facility would have to provide a 2400 lbs inert bomb proxy with proper lug spacing. The facility would have to be able to suspend the rack, measure the velocity, and catch the bomb proxy. The facility would also have to be able to condition the entire rack to -65 degrees F and 165 degrees F during firing. In order for a respondent to be considered by the USG as a potential source for this effort, respondent shall provide a capability statement that demonstrates their ability and experience for the same or similar services, which are currently provided in the commercial and/or military environment by providing the following information on the same or similar items: Contract Number, Procuring Agency, Contract Value, and Services Provided. Additionally, the capability statement must describe the respondent's capabilities and experience in any required test and evaluation processes/procedures with regard to the required items. Responses to this notice must be received no later than 16 Aug 2019 at 2:00 pm MST. The USG retains the right to NOT consider late responses. Responses are to be emailed to Ellis Swenson at ellis.swenson@us.af.mil and Carolyn Lenzie at carolyn.lenzie.1@us.af.mil. Capability Statement Format - Capability statements are to be in report format not to exceed twenty (20) printed single-sided pages. A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches and printed on one side. The text shall be Times New Roman and font size shall be no less than 12 point font. Use at least 1 inch margins on the top, bottom, and sides. Foldout pages are not allowed. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10 point. Required Notification - Capability statements shall include a statement notifying the USAF of your firm's intent to be recognized as a capable source for comparison testing on the BBU-63 Impulse Cartridge. Responses shall include viable examples of prior or current capability and include projected production timelines to accomplish this effort. Responses shall include a company profile which includes: company name, CAGE code, DUNS number, office location, number of employees, and small business designation/status claimed. Test and Inspection - Interested parties shall identify the availability of all requisite test and inspection facilities, equipment, tooling, procedures, and personnel or specify provisions (to include costs and timeline) to obtain them. If tooling is developed by the contractor, evidence of tooling design and capability shall be provided. For further information, contact Ellis Swenson via email at ellis.swenson@us.af.mil or by phone at 801-777-0083 and/or Carolyn Lenzie via email at carolyn.lenzie.1@us.af.mil or by phone at 801-777-9187.