MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) Request for Information

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is requesting information to identify potential sources capable of producing the MK 41 VLS or VLS subsystem components. The MK 41 VLS is used on United States Navy (USN) surface combatants and multiple allied Navy platforms. MK 41 VLS is capable of launching multiple Standard Missile variants, Tomahawk, Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) and Evolved SEA SPARROW missiles. MK 41 VLS has been in USN service since 1986 with the commissioning of USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and since that time, MK 41 VLS have been acquired in support of USN CG 47, DDG 51 and DD 963 Class and for allied navies to date. MK 41 VLS has successfully launched over 4,200 missiles with approximately a 99 percent launch success rate since program inception and played a critical role in many operational missions including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and operation Odyssey Dawn. Authorized contractors are encouraged to review the Technical Data Package (TDP) and provide comments on the TDP as well as any ideas on promoting competition at the system or component level. To be an authorized contractor, the contractor shall be a United States Department of Defense contractor with an approved DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, approved and on file at the Defense Logistics Agency's website. Authorized contractors shall fill out and submit a signed copy of the Terms of Use Agreement to request a copy of the TDP from the point of contacts identified below and shall comply with the distribution statement and TDP instructions at all times. Industry comments may include but are not limited to: recommending alternative parts than what is specified in the TDP, innovative contracting and financing strategies, perceived barriers to entry and ideas to reduce/eliminate them. Industry is also welcome to provide general comments/questions regarding the procurement approach to meeting the Government's Vertical Launching System requirements. Interested industry partners may request to meet one-on-one with NAVSEA technical VLS representatives regarding their capabilities and questions on VLS or any of its subcomponents. Submission Instructions: Parties who do not obtain the TDP or are not authorized to view the TDP are requested to respond via a white paper in Microsoft Word or Office 2003 (or newer) compatible format on 40 pages or less (including cover and administrative pages) and shall be delivered using 10 font or larger. Interested parties should provide company profile to include the following: Company Name Company Address Point of Contact E-mail Address Web site address Telephone Number Business Category (i.e., large, small disadvantaged, veteran, woman owned, etc.) Number of employees CAGE Code Explanation of why it did not request or does not require the TDP For interested parties who request and are authorized to view the TDP, please include the information above as well as a detailed description of capabilities and the components it can produce within 40 pages. Responses shall be submitted via e-mail only (no telephone inquiries or paper submittals) to Dave Hudson, david.l.hudson@navy.mil, and David Chamberlain, david.s.chamberlain@navy.mil. Proprietary information, if any, must be clearly marked. To aid the Government in its review, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions will be utilized for market research and will not be returned. Classified Information: The Government does not anticipate that Contractor responses to this solicitation will need to include classified information. However, if a Contractor wishes to submit a response that includes classified information, the Contractor should first contact the points of contact identified above to request instructions regarding the proper submission of such information. DO NOT SUBMIT ANY CLASSIFIED INFORMATION WITHOUT FIRST CONTACTING THE GOVERNMENT AND RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS. DISCLOSURE: This RFI is for informational planning purposes and is not a commitment by the Government to procure any materials, machinery, or services. This notice does not constitute a solicitation or a promise of a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. Respondents are advised that the Government will not reimburse direct costs for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. The Government will not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly marked and clearly identified. Proprietary information received in response to this RFI will be safeguarded and handled in accordance with applicable Government regulations. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract or agreement. The Government will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative because of this RFI. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued. Specific responses to the approaches will not disqualify or have an impact on participation and evaluation on future solicitations. SUMMARY OF CHANGES (02JUNE2020): Revised response deadline to September 7th, 2020. Updated page limit for non TDP based submissions. Add and attach required Terms of Use Agreement. Attach the MK 41 VLS Standing Instruction. SUMMARY OF CHANGES (05JUNE2020): 1. Correct a typo in the attached Terms of Use Agreement. SUMMARY OF CHANGES (02SEPT2020): 1. Extended the due date for responses to 21SEPT2020