REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT - 7.62 MM LIGHTWEIGHT CARTRIDGE CASE TO BE USED IN MK 48 MACHINE GUN AND MK 44 GUN WEAPON SYSTEM

N00164-18-S-NB10 - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT - 7.62 MM LIGHTWEIGHT CARTRIDGE CASE TO BE USED IN MK 48 MACHINE GUN AND MK 44 GUN WEAPON SYSTEM - FSG 1305 - NAICS 332992 Issue Date: 24 OCT 2017 - Closing Date: 20 NOV 2017 - 1400 EST (EDT) Amendment 0001: Replaces the original posting of this Request for Information (RFI): The Government is issuing this RFI as part of a market research in accordance with FAR 15.201(e) and FAR 10.001(a)(3)(i) to determine if sources capable of satisfying the agency's requirements exist in accordance with 7.62mm ball (M80), tracer (M62), dim tracer (M276), ball (M80A1) and tracer (M62A1) cartridges assembled with a lightweight cartridge case. The Government has included technical characteristics (attachment 1) that potential Offerors should review prior to submission. This RFI is published to obtain information for use by NSWC Crane Division, for market research and planning purposes only; and is not a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid, or an announcement of a solicitation. There is no bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. This RFI is part of a continuous process for obtaining the latest information on the commercial status of the industry with respect to current and near-term abilities. Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any potential offeror's ability to submit an offer if a solicitation is released. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of preparing submissions in response to this RFI and the Government's use of such information. This RFI is published to obtain information for use by NSWC Crane Division, for market research and planning purposes. There is no a bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any potential offeror's ability to submit an offer if a solicitation is released. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of preparing submissions in response to this RFI and the Government's use of information. At a minimum, the following information needs to be addressed in response to the RFI: - Description of cartridge case materials - Overall weight of the empty unprimed lightweight 7.62mm cartridge case - Overall cartridge weight with the following components (if available): 7.62mm lightweight case, M80 projectile, propellant and #34 primer - Current manufacturing capability: o Number of current 7.62mm lightweight case production lines o Description of equipment o Production rate (rounds per month) - Planned future manufacturing capability and estimated timeline - Source of supply for the following components: o Projectiles o #34 military primer o Links - Challenges - Comments/suggestions o Potential lightweight replacement for M13 links o Other comments/suggestions Submitter's Name Street Address, City, State, Zip Code Business Size Point of Contact (POC) POC Telephone Announcement Number: N00164-18-S-NB10 Per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997): a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this solicitation or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (b) Although "proposal" and "offeror" may be used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. All responses shall be unclassified. All assumptions, including any assumed Government support, shall be clearly identified. All proprietary and restricted information shall be clearly marked. All information marked as proprietary information will be safeguarded to prevent disclosures to non-government personnel and entities. Contractors must be properly registered in the Government System for Award Management database (SAM). Offerors may obtain information on SAM registration and annual confirmation requirements by calling 1-866-606-8220, or via the Internet at www.sam.gov. This request for information does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and it should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the Government to issue a formal solicitation or ultimately award a contract. The US Government is in no way liable to pay for or reimburse any companies or entities that respond to this announcement. Any costs incurred by interested companies in response to this announcement will NOT be reimbursed. All information received in response to this notice that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. NSWC Crane makes no implied or in fact contracts by issuing this RFI. Acknowledgement of receipt of responses will not be made, nor will respondents be notified of the NSWC Crane's view of the information received. Do not send any material that requires a non-disclosure agreement or identify information that is business sensitive. Responses to this notice will not be returned. Telephone calls/questions or inquiries will not be accepted. All information provided becomes U.S. Navy property and will not be returned. All Proprietary information will be treated appropriately. This Request for Information is the initiation of market research under Part 10 of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The Government may elect to visit, or host a visit, from any potential sources following the market survey. Your interest in this program is appreciated. All interested parties should provide the requested information regarding this announcement no later than 1400 EST (EDT) on or before the closing date as specified at the beginning of this RFI. White papers may be submitted any time prior to expiration of this announcement. Electronic submissions and hard copy submissions will be reviewed if received by the closing date and time. All information marked as proprietary information will be safeguarded to prevent disclosures to non-governmental personnel and entities. Questions and electronic submission regarding this announcement may be directed to the technical point of contact, Mr. Tim Ream at 812-854-4457 or electronic mail tim.ream@navy.mil. Contractual questions or inquiries should be directed to Candy Owen, Code 0232, telephone 812-854-8143, e-mail: candy.owen@navy.mil. Please reference the above solicitation number when responding to this notice.