M2 Magnetic Compass

This is not a notice for a solicitation. This is only a Request forInformation (RFI). The government does not intend to award a contract or any type of agreement on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicitated under this RFI. This is NOT a request for proposal or an invitation to bid but merely a request for information. Request for InformationProgram: M2 Magnetic CompassCategory: Legacy SustainmentPM Office: PM MortarsARDEC Office: Mortars and Common Fire Control Purpose: The government would like to query industry for technological solutions and expertise to address the need to improve the M2 Magnetic Compass. Overview: The current M2 Magnetic Compass assembly is comprised of a magnetic needle compass, a clinometer for measuring angles of sight in the vertical plane, a front and rear leaf sight for establishing a line of sight, and an adjustable mirror for viewing the compasss azimuth and clinometer scales while sighting. A circular level vial is to provide for indicating the level position of the compass box. An azimuth scale adjusting mechanism provides the setting of the declination constant. A needle lifting mechanism is incorporated to lift the compass needle from its pivot to secure it when it is not in use. The M2 Compass functions as an alternate means of accurately pointing a mortar system for firing. Reference Documents: MIL-C-58052 Compass, Magnetic, Unmounted: M2 Objective: The M2 Magnetic Compass Redesign & Re-engineering objective is to update the compass to current military specifications and to redesign it with key features to improve design and operation. Desired Attributes: Illumination: The illumination solution, if other than tritium, will provide a minimum of 1 year service life with an objective service life of 4 years. An On/Off solution will be utilized to save battery life. An adjustable aperture or dimmable light source is desired. An alternate solution may also be a phosphorescent material to illuminate the compass or to indicate markings on the compass dial. Size: Currently thickness is measured to not exceed 1 5/16; a re-engineering threshold of 1 with an objective of .75 is desired. Overall size should not increase. Weight: Currently weight is measured to not exceed 10 oz.; a re-engineering threshold of 8oz. with an objective of 6oz. is desired. Clinometer: The clinometer scale is currently identified at 20 mil intervals and numbered at every 200 mils using hundreds and thousand digits. The re-engineering objective would be to increase the graduations to 10 mil intervals and numbered every 100 mils using hundreds and thousands digits while maintaining or improving the current readability and accuracy (see MIL-C-58052C sec 3.7.6). Azimuth: The Azimuth scale is currently identified at 20 mil intervals and numbered at every 200 mils using hundreds and thousand digits. The re-engineering objective would be to increase the graduations to 10 mil intervals and numbered every 100 mils using hundreds and thousands digits while maintaining or improving current readability and accuracy (see MIL-C-58052C sec 3.7.7). Lanyard: Add/Attach a lanyard loop to the housing of the compass without hampering the function of the compass. Mirror: Research and develop new/better adhesives or attachment methods to survive fielding. The current mirror loses its adhesive bond to the cover housing due to the cover housing being bent or warped during use in the field. RFI responses will be accepted in electronic submission. All proprietary and restricted information provided in responses to this RFI should be clearly marked. Responses should indicate if the vendor is a large or small business. Please ensure you have included your e-mail address, mailing address and telephone number in the body of the response. All responses shall be in English language. Responses must be submitted to Marcus Edmundson at contact@example.gov. Responses are due on or before COB 9 FEB 2009. Contracting Office Address: JM&L Contracting CenterCombat Ammunitions Systems CenterCCJM-CA, Bldg. 9Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000