Mature Methods of Processing 155 mm Metal Parts for Controlled Fragmentation

Request for Information (RFI) The US Army Contracting Command-Picatinny, on behalf of the US Army Office of Project Manager (OPM) Combat Ammunition Systems (CAS) - Technical Management Division (TMD), is requesting information regarding mature capabilities of industry/government agencies to provide possible cost-effective 155mm metal parts processing technologies implemented on cannon launched artillery projectile casings resulting in controlled fragmentation against both personnel and materiel target sets. The metal part processing technology must result in no degradation of IM performance nor reduction in the structural integrity/safety of the projectile. Capabilities of interest include increased effectiveness and/or enhanced lethality with controlled fragmentation achieved by metal part processing implemented on a 155 mm projectile that can withstand the high cannon launch g-level (>18kG). This capability must be mature at a demonstrated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or higher and easily/cost- effectively integrated with established US large caliber indirect fire munitions infrastructure without loss of throughput or manufacturability. TRL 6 is defined as a system/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. TRL 6 is described as a representative model or prototype system that is tested in a relevant environment. It represents a major step up in a technologys demonstrated readiness. Examples include successfully testing the capability on a 155 mm prototype in a High-G cannon- launched relevant environment. The white paper should include a description of the capability addressing all the above characteristics, its technical maturity based on TRL with auditable fact-based test results supporting this assessment, and the point of contact (POC), telephone number, and email address. Please do not include corporate capabilities, technologies still requiring development/maturation to achieve TRL 6, or past performance discussions. White papers must be submitted to Government POCs no later than 3 March 2011. Selected vendors will be contacted via email on or about 9 March 2011 to schedule a follow-up meeting. Specific questions generated from the white paper will be provided and are required to be addressed as part of the follow up meeting. This request for information (RFI) if for planning purposes only, and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). It is not to be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government. No award will be made because of this request for information. If a formal solicitation is issued at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. Responses should be submitted by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday, 3 March 2011. The subject of the mail message shall be: Request for Information for 155mm Metal Parts Processing Technologies , Your Companys Name. All responses must be submitted via e-mail to the attention of Renee Prendergast at contact@example.gov. Acknowledgement of receipt will be issued.