This is a Pre-Solicitation Synopsis; not a request for competitive proposals. The purpose of this program is to establish a domestic production capacity for the production of light-weight ammunition cartridge casings using an ultra-high strength, melt-processable, isotropic, amorphous, rigid-rod, self-reinforcing, polyparaphenylene material. The final product must be capable of being deployed for use in conventional, already fielded weapons systems. An initial product line will establish light-weight casing production for the .50 caliber machine gun while subsequent lines will establish production capacity for the 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm light-weight ammunition casings. The Title III Program Office, Air Force Research Laboratory, Manufacturing Technology Division (AFRL/MLM) intends to award an Assistance Instrument or a contract, as appropriate, on the basis of less than full and open competition for this requirement to MAC, LLC, 13091 Road G, Pearlington, MS 39572. Under the authority of Title III Defense Production Act (DPA) (50 U.S.C. App. Section 2061 et seq.), the Title III Program Office is contemplating this procurement to establish a domestic production capacity for the production of light-weight ammunition cartridge casings using an ultra-high strength, melt-processable, isotropic, amorphous, rigid-rod, self-reinforcing, polyparaphenylene material compatible with conventional weapon systems. This project requires a domestic, merchant-oriented supplier of light-weight ammunition casings. The definition of domestic source as defined in the Defense Production Act of 1950 is as follows: "A business concern that performs in the United States or Canada substantially all of the research and development, engineering, manufacturing, and production activities required of such business concern under a contract with the United States relating to a critical component or a critical technology item; and that procures from business concerns (described as above) substantially all of any components and assemblies required under a contract with the United States relating to a critical component or critical technology item." For the purposes of this contract, the Government defines a merchant supplier as a production source which manufactures, supplies, and supports the use of its products by customers who represent end users independent of either internal or sister organizations. In light of this requirement, a Title III merchant supplier of light-weight ammunition casings may not, as a matter of policy, place restrictions or limitations on which customers may buy or how they may subsequently use its products. The period of performance for this procurement is anticipated to be 21 months. The anticipated set of requirements for the development of light-weight ammunition casings under this effort will be: (1) A weight reduction, measured against traditional ammunition casings, in the range of 25% to 30%, (2) Acceptable performance of the finished ammunition casing products under Hot (120O to 125 O), Cold (-45 O to -50O) and Ambient (room temperature) conditions as well as the ability to withstand "cook-off"(rapid firing which may cause the polymer to melt) conditions at temperatures in the 300O to 400O range, (3) Optimization of the injection molded production process for light-weight ammunition casings production, (4) All other ammunition performance (range, lethality, rate of fire) criteria at least equal to, but preferably better than, comparable products, (5) Independent assessment, evaluation, validation and DoD acceptance of the final ammunition product and (6) delivery of a detailed strategic business plan that formally assesses and verifies the military and commercial demand for light-weight ammunition. To meet the government's cost and schedule requirements the contractor must have; established access to a raw material source capable of meeting all the characteristics for an ultra-high strength, melt-processable, isotropic, amorphous, rigid-rod, self-reinforcing, polyparaphenylene material; demonstrated leadership in the industry; existing merchant-oriented light-weight ammunition production capacity for light-weight ammunition; demonstrated experience in design, development, inspection, and testing of high performance light-weight ammunition; demonstrated acceptance and credibility among ammunition customers; demonstrated business viability. Additional phases may be awarded based on defense requirements, anticipated demand, and availability of funding. The government intends to issue an award for these requirements on a Sole Source basis per FAR6.302-1(a)(1), "Only One Responsible Source." MAC, LLC is considered as a sole source provider for this effort due to the existence of patent rights and control of the raw material source by Solvay, LLC, of which this control is extended to MAC, LLC based upon their exclusive supplier agreement, making the basic raw material available from only one source (FAR 6.302-1(b)(2)). Offerors who are capable of providing the services stated above shall fully identify their interest and submit, in writing, information documenting their qualifications and capabilities to meet the requirements stated above within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. This documentation shall specify the offeror's area of expertise and experience. It shall include a demonstrated capability to produce light-weight ammunition cartridge casings using an ultra-high strength, melt-processable, isotropic, amorphous, rigid-rod, self-reinforcing, polyparaphenylene material capable of being deployed for use in conventional, already fielded weapons systems. The documentation shall demonstrate that the manufacturing capability is domestic as defined in the Defense Production Act, and that the company has a light-weight ammunition product merchant supplier orientation. In addition, the documentation shall include a listing of products and services currently offered as a light-weight ammunition product merchant supplier, along with market share in each area, including military customers. Responses received after 15 days or without the required information will be considered non-responsive to the synopsis, and will not be considered. Direct all questions pertaining to this acquisition to the contracting point of contacts listed above in this announcement. Only one responsible source per capability of interest and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements as per the authority under 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). All responsible sources may submit information, which shall be considered by the agency. See Numbered Note 22. Other business opportunities for the Air Force Research Laboratory are also available at www.fedbizopps.gov and at http://www.wpafb.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=6790. Direct questions to the Contracting point of contact or Program Manager identified in the announcement.
