Request For Information (RFI)-Nanomaterial Manufacturing Prototype Processes & Scale-up

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes as the initiation of market research under FAR, Part 10, however does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Weapons & Materials Research Directorate, is seeking information from potential contractors form Nanomaterial Manufacturing Prototype Processes and Scale-Up. INTRODUCTION: The Army Contracting Command - Adelphi (ACC-APG), on behalf of the US Army Research Laboratory - Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, is issuing a RFI in an effort to identify capable sources for developing prototype manufacturing processes for nanomaterials. Processes should be able to synthesize metal, metal oxide, and ceramic nanoparticles with a high degree of precision in the forms of powders, aqueous dispersions, organic dispersions and pastes. In addition, processes for producing nanostructured materials using solid state solution processes are required. All processes should allow for scale up to tonnage of material per month. ITEM DESCRIPTION: US Army is exploring the use of nanomaterials in numerous applications, ranging from structural materials to energetics. The domestic supply chain for high quality nanopowders is limited, and progress in this research is often impeded by the lack of sources for materials. Lab scale, prototype manufacturing processes are sought which will allow for the synthesis of high purity nanopowders of either ceramics or metals. Prototype processes should be demonstrated on the lab scale (grams to kilograms of material), but allow for scale up to production quantities (tons of material) with the use of existing equipment. CRITICAL PROCESSES/SKILLS: Synthesis of high-quality nanomaterials involves unique expertise and know-how to precisely engineer nanoparticles at the atomic level. This expertise includes control over a wide range of both size and non-size related attributes of nanoparticles that are important to product or system development. It is critical to demonstrate the ability to control the following characteristics of engineered nanoparticles: purity (> 99.9%, at a minimum), nanoparticle size and size distribution, control over morphologies, doping particles with one or more elements, alloying particles with two or more elements, creating core/shell particles, conjugation of chemistries to the surface of the nanoparticle, at a minimum. It is important to possess the ability to deliver these particles in formats useful to integration in to a product or system, such as: powders, aqueous dispersions, organic dispersions, pastes and wet cakes. : Lastly, it is essential that any successful lab scale, prototype process can be scaled up to tonnage quantities using existing equipment and infrastructure at a cost that is commercially competitive to materials used for similar applications. RESPONSES: Interested companies who consider themselves capable of demonstrating such manufacturing prototype processes, are invited to indicate their interest by providing the U.S. Government with the following information: a. Provide a summar y of the company's capabilities (a description of the facilities, personnel experience, quality system, and past manufacturing experience) and capacity. b. Clearly identify a path toward scale-up for successful prototype processes, along with anticipated maximum monthly production quantities c. Identify and include a brief summary of any potential subcontractors and identify key components or processes that would be subcontracted. The response shall not exceed three (3) pages in length including all appendices with the organization name, address, website address, telephone number, and size and type of ownership for the organization. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AT THIS TIME. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Army at this time, is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. Therefore it is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement. Please submit all industry responses by email to Christopher Haines, christopher.d.haines2.civ@mail.mil