Purchase 20 altered BLU-109/B warhead cases

The Air Armament Center, 808th Armament Systems Group, 685th Armament Systems Squadron is contemplating the sole source award of a purchase order to Rand Machine Products, Inc., 2072 Allen Street Extension, Falconer, NY, 14733. It is intended that the award be made to support the on-going test and qualification of Insensitive Munitions (IM) and design enhancements to accommodate AFX-757 explosive fill in the BLU-109 penetrator warhead. A May 2008 award is anticipated for the procurement of twenty (20) altered BLU-109/B warhead cases, here after referred to as the BLU-109X/B case. The BLU-109X/B is based on the preexisting BLU-109/B case configuration with the incorporation of the improved components identified below. The procurement of 20 BLU-109X/B cases can only be met by Rand because their experience and existing tooling will allow deliveries in time to meet the accelerated qualification schedule directed by the Air Staff. Rand's previous manufacturing support of 685 ARSS IM/BLU-121 test asset procurements and BLU-117, BLU-109, and BLU-122 production contracts has consistently proven to be technically sound, cost effective, and timely. The hardware improvements for the BLU-109x/B shall be manufactured in accordance with (IAW) the following drawings: - 9-Hole Closure, Aft; drawing X200827964. - Retaining Ring Assembly, Closure, Eutectic; drawing X200827959. - Liner, Fuze; drawing X200827960. - Retainer, Fuze Liner; drawing X200827963. - Fitting, Charging Tube; drawing X200827961. - Nut, Plastic, Charging Tube; drawing X200827962. - Charging Tube, drawing 8463179, revision L, -003 configuration, CAGE Code 98747. - Cap, End, Protective; drawing X200827966. - Plug, Venting Port; X200827965. - Case Assembly, Empty, BLU-109X/B; drawing X200827956 NOTE The "X" prefix before each drawing number indicates the drawing has not been authenticated. The BLU-109X/B engineering data package is presently under development. The contractor shall remove the hardware corresponding to those items listed above from the twenty (20) Government provided BLU-109/B warhead cases and install the improved hardware components IAW Case Assembly, Empty, BLU-109X/B drawing X200827956. Disposition of removed hardware will be determined at end of contract. The contractor shall perform periodic inspections of the assemblies and the hardware it is manufacturing to ensure compliance with associated drawing(s). Inspection data shall be available for review upon requrst. The first four (4) assembled BLU-109X/B warhead case are to be shipped to McAlister Army Ammunition Plant. The remaining sixteen (16) cases are to be shipped when the lot is completed. All warhead cases are to be shipped on Government provided shipping pallets provided with the initial twenty (20) BLU-109/B warhead cases. A firm fixed price type purchase order is contemplated. It is estimated that the purchase order will have a period of performance of 3 months. The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. All responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The clause at 5352.201-9101, Ombudsman, is applicable to this procurement. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns of offerors or potential offerors. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program manager or contracting officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. Matters of routine or administrative nature concerning this acquisition should not be addressed to the Ombudsman, but rather to the points of contact identified below. The AAC Ombudsman is BGen Michael N. Wilson, AAC/CV, (850) 882-5422, or michael.wilson2@eglin.af.mil. For further information concerning technical aspects, contact Joseph Stromsness, (850) 883-3235 or e-mail joseph.stromsness@eglin.af.milor Stephen Lambeth, (850) 883-3269 or e-mail stephen.lambeth@eglin.af.mil. For contractual information, contact Fred Tingle, 850-883-3218, e-mail fred.tingle@eglin.af.mil.