LOW METALLIC SIGNATURE MINE DETECTOR

Low Metallic Signature Mine Detector (LMS MD) Request for Information (RFI) The Marine Corps Systems Command, Program Manager for Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) is seeking comments from industry regarding its procurement strategy for the next generation handheld explosive hazard detection system, the Low Metallic Signature Mine Detector (LMS MD). 1. Background: PM CSS previously conducted market research to determine the capability of industry to provide a material solution to the capability gap that currently exists in the detection of explosive hazards. Specifically, the Marine Corps is seeking a light-weight, man-portable, handheld detection system that is capable of detecting traditional, low-metallic and non-metallic mines and explosive hazards. The LMS MD will enable the mobility of dismounted forces by significantly increasing their ability to locate, mark, avoid, and/or reduce explosive threats. Additionally, it will enhance explosives threat identification and categorization by discriminating between detected mines and improvised explosive devices that contain little to no metallic content, to include unexploded ordnance. As a system to be used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians, the discriminating capability of the LMS MD will enable the neutralization and exploitation of explosive devises with little metallic content, to include their initiating systems. 2. Procurement Strategy: The Government intends to seek full and open competition for the development and production of the LMS MD. It is expected that the Marine Corps may initially award up to three contracts. Each of these competitively awarded contracts will have a cost-reimbursement contract line item number (CLIN) for the development and production of 10 prototype systems. These contracts will also contain an option for an additional 10 prototype systems. The Government intends to use firm-fixed price incentive (target) for this CLIN. The Government expects the share ratio to be 50/50 and the ceiling to be 120% of the target cost. Further, these contracts will have option CLINs for production quantities of LMS MD systems. Based on the market research conducted to date, the Government intends to require offerors to propose firm-fixed prices for the production option CLINs. These will be indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity CLINs which will allow the Government to issue delivery orders to meet requirements based on available funding. 3. Planned Contract Administration: Based on testing of the initial 10 LMS MD systems, the Government may exercise options for a maximum of two offerors to provide 10 additional LMS MD systems After testing of the second set of prototype systems, the Government expects to exercise the production option CLIN for the single contractor who is determined to be the most advantageous to the Marine Corps. The contractors whose options are exercised will be afforded an opportunity to provide updated pricing for the production CLINs. Contractors will not be permitted to increase the price of production units. 4. The Government is interested in receiving industry feedback and invites interested sources to submit comments and/or questions regarding the proposed procurement strategy. The Government is interested in knowing if industry anticipates any issues or has any concerns providing firm-fixed prices for production units with the initial proposal. Responses to questions will be posted on FEDBIZOPPS for the benefit of all interested parties. Submit comments and/or questions via email to Kimberly.m.barnes@usmc.mil. The email subject line should include the phrase "Low Metallic Signature Mine Detector Procurement Strategy Comments." This Request For Information (RFI) is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request For Proposal (RFP) or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire follow-on acquisition. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of responses to this RFI and Government use of such information. The Government recognizes that proprietary data may be part of this effort. If so included, clearly mark such restricted or proprietary data and present it as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. Contracting Office Address: 2200 Lester Street Quantico, Virginia 22134-5010 Primary Point of Contact: Kimberly Barnes Kimberly.m.barnes@usmc.mil Phone: 703-432-3330 Alternate Point of Contact: Mark C. Green mark.c.green@usmc.mil Phone: 703-432-3303