Source Sought for Small Caliber Dummy Drilled Inert (DDI) Cartridges

Description: The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island (ACC-RI) on behalf of the U.S. Army Office of the Project Manager for Maneuver Ammunition Systems (OPM-MAS), Picatinny Arsenal, NJ is currently seeking sources for the production of the following items: 5.56mm Single Round, Dummy Drill Inert (DDI), M199A2 (DODIC AB46); 7.62mm Single Round, DDI, M63A2 (DODIC AB47); Cal .50 Linked, DDI, M2A2 (DODIC AB36); and Cal .50 Single Round, DDI, M2A2 (DODIC AB48). This notice is a reissuance/update of the previously posted Sources Sought Notice W52P1J-18-S-SCDI from July 2017. All interested parties shall submit a response to this reissued notice. This family of DDI cartridges are employed for Soldier training and in some instances as a field weapon gage. The cartridges provide the Soldier with a safe and effective training experience during basic Warrior Skills training such as chambering and clearing weapons and ammunition familiarity. These cartridges can be re-used a minimum of twenty five (25) iterations. In some instances, the cartridges are used to perform verification of proper weapon setup after maintenance procedures due to their Profile & Alignment (P&A). These cartridges shall be compatible with existing associated calibered weapons and lubricants, to include being used in standard linked or single round configurations. Single configurations can be linked by the soldier, correct dimensions to allow for linking, while not damaging the dummy round, is important. These cartridges are silver in color so they can be distinguished from live ammunition, so that even the most untrained Soldier can immediately distinguish if a live round is introduced. The cartridge cases have six (6) corrugations described as flutes to support tactile identification (limited visibility scenarios). The DDI is inert and incapable of firing. The DDI cartridge shall be manufactured as one solid unit to increase lifespan/reusability. For this reason, plated service hardware (i.e. case and bullet) designs will not be acceptable for this solicitation. 5.56mm Single Round, Dummy Drill Inert (DDI), M199A2 (DODIC AB46), and 7.62mm Singe Round, DDI, M63A2 (DODIC AB47) are packaged in single round/carton configurations. They also need to sustain Soldier relinking in the field. The Cal .50 Linked, DDI, M2A2 (DODIC AB36), is already packaged connected with associated M9, .50 Caliber Link whereas the Cal .50 Single Round, DDI, M2A2 (DODIC AB48), is provided in carton configuration. Either configuration may be linked or re-linked in the field by Soldiers. Sources must have design, manufacturing, engineering, and quality expertise sufficient to meet the specification and drawing requirements for these cartridges. The U.S. Government overall performance objectives will be communicated in the Performance Specifications. The necessary manufacturing processes and forming techniques to achieve these goals will be the responsibility of the offeror, therefore, sufficient engineering capability needs to be available. The cartridge shall be manufactured as one unit. If cartridge is plated to meet the color requirement, the offeror will need to account for plating thickness. The offeror must also ensure that plating/coating does not include any Department of Defense banned chemicals. Cartridge must meet Profile & Alignment (P&A) dimensions to function as intended. 1) Specification: MIL-PRF-32607 dated 03 October 2018, CARTRIDGE, 5.56mm, DUMMY - M199A1E1; 2) Drawing: 13023595 Rev B dated 28 November 2016, Cartridges Loose Carton Pack 5.56mm M199A1 Dummy; 3) Drawing: 13068236 Rev - dated 18 December 2018, Dummy Cartridge 5.56mm M199A1E1. The 7.62mm DDI, AB47 will be produced in accordance with 1) Specification: MIL-PRF-32608 dated 03 October 2018, CARTRIDGE, 7.62mm, DUMMY - M63A1E1; 2) Drawing: 13023597 - dated 13 Jan 2009, Cartridge 7.62mm Dummy M63A1 Packed 20 CRTGS/C 3) Drawing: 13068237 Rev - dated 12 December 2018, Dummy Cartridge 7.62mm M63A2. The Cal .50 DDI, AB36 will be produced in accordance with 1) Specification: MIL-PRF-32609 10 December 2018, CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50 - DUMMY M2A1; 2) Drawing: 13021027 Rev C dated 23 May 2016, Cartridges Linked Bare Pack, Cal .50, M2A1 Dummy; 3) Drawing: 13068238 Rev - dated 15 January 2019, Cartridge Cal .50 Dummy M2A2. The Cal .50 DDI, AB48 will be produced in accordance with 1) Specification: MIL-PRF-32609 dated 10 December 2018, CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50 - DUMMY M2A1; 2) Drawing: 13023599 Rev dated 23 May 2016, Cartridges, Bulk Pack, Cal .50, M2A2 Dummy; 3) Drawing: 13068238 Rev - dated 15 January 2019, Cartridge Cal .50 Dummy M2A2. NOTE: All listed documents are Distribution "D" unless otherwise indicated. The Government intends to release these drawings and specifications prior to RFP release, along with an ECP which includes the requirement for a one piece design. Planned Acquisition: The anticipated requirement is for the manufacture and delivery of approximately 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 each or total of any combination of AB46, AB47, AB36 and AB48 DODICS. The Government plans to award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Firm Fixed Price contract for the period of FY20 through FY25. The Government intends to request 100 each Bid Samples of all DODICs, 5.56mm (AB46), 7.62mm (AB47) and .Cal .50 (AB36 and AB48), as part of RFP submissions. Bid Samples are planned to be evaluated in accordance with a Bid Sample Test Plan that will be released with the resulting solicitation. The open period for the solicitation is anticipated to be 60 days. A guaranteed minimum quantity will be stated in the resulting solicitation and will be awarded at time of contract award. Submission Information: Request interested parties to provide their capability to produce all four (4) DODICs to include the following information: 1. Description of manufacturing method. 2. Description of raw materials and plating type (if applicable). 3. Description of production capability to include monthly capacity. 4. Capability to optimize/reduce cartridge dimensions to account for plating thickness (if applicable). 5. Experience with coating and plating (if applicable): tolerance stack-ups, prevention of plating loss or flaking, and methods to prevent chemicals, cleaners, or wash compounds used during plating and pre-plating operations to remain in or on the cartridge. All responsible interested sources are encouraged to submit their capability/qualification data with regard to the above, no later than 14 days from the date of this notice to: U.S. Army Contracting Center, Attn: Mark Stevens or Jacob Harrison, Rock Island Arsenal, IL or at mark.d.stevens.civ@mail.mil or jacob.t.harrison15.civ@mail.mil. Please include company name, address, telephone number, and technical point of contact, brochures/literature/test data. Firms interested in the production of the AB46, AB47, AB36 and AB48 should adequately describe their capabilities, capacity and experience in the production of same or similar small caliber ammunition. In addition, the ability and past experience related to acting as a prime contractor to inspect, handle, package, and ship the necessary components shall be provided. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION AND DOES NOT OBLIGATE THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION. Please be advised that the Government will not pay for any information submitted under this announcement. Electronic submittals are preferred. Description: The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island (ACC-RI) on behalf of the U.S. Army Office of the Project Manager for Maneuver Ammunition Systems (OPM-MAS), Picatinny Arsenal, NJ is currently seeking sources for the production of the following items: 5.56mm Single Round, Dummy Drill Inert (DDI), M199A2 (DODIC AB46); 7.62mm Single Round, DDI, M63A2 (DODIC AB47); Cal .50 Linked, DDI, M2A2 (DODIC AB36); and Cal .50 Single Round, DDI, M2A2 (DODIC AB48). This notice is a reissuance/update of the previously posted Sources Sought Notice W52P1J-18-S-SCDI from July 2017. All interested parties shall submit a response to this reissued notice. This family of DDI cartridges are employed for Soldier training and in some instances as a field weapon gage. The cartridges provide the Soldier with a safe and effective training experience during basic Warrior Skills training such as chambering and clearing weapons and ammunition familiarity. These cartridges can be re-used a minimum of twenty five (25) iterations. In some instances, the cartridges are used to perform verification of proper weapon setup after maintenance procedures due to their Profile & Alignment (P&A). These cartridges shall be compatible with existing associated calibered weapons and lubricants, to include being used in standard linked or single round configurations. Single configurations can be linked by the soldier, correct dimensions to allow for linking, while not damaging the dummy round, is important. These cartridges are silver in color so they can be distinguished from live ammunition, so that even the most untrained Soldier can immediately distinguish if a live round is introduced. The cartridge cases have six (6) corrugations described as flutes to support tactile identification (limited visibility scenarios). The DDI is inert and incapable of firing. The DDI cartridge shall be manufactured as one solid unit to increase lifespan/reusability. For this reason, plated service hardware (i.e. case and bullet) designs will not be acceptable for this solicitation. 5.56mm Single Round, Dummy Drill Inert (DDI), M199A2 (DODIC AB46), and 7.62mm Singe Round, DDI, M63A2 (DODIC AB47) are packaged in single round/carton configurations. They also need to sustain Soldier relinking in the field. The Cal .50 Linked, DDI, M2A2 (DODIC AB36), is already packaged connected with associated M9, .50 Caliber Link whereas the Cal .50 Single Round, DDI, M2A2 (DODIC AB48), is provided in carton configuration. Either configuration may be linked or re-linked in the field by Soldiers. Sources must have design, manufacturing, engineering, and quality expertise sufficient to meet the specification and drawing requirements for these cartridges. The U.S. Government overall performance objectives will be communicated in the Performance Specifications. The necessary manufacturing processes and forming techniques to achieve these goals will be the responsibility of the offeror, therefore, sufficient engineering capability needs to be available. The cartridge shall be manufactured as one unit. If cartridge is plated to meet the color requirement, the offeror will need to account for plating thickness. The offeror must also ensure that plating/coating does not include any Department of Defense banned chemicals. Cartridge must meet Profile & Alignment (P&A) dimensions to function as intended. 1) Specification: MIL-PRF-32607 dated 03 October 2018, CARTRIDGE, 5.56mm, DUMMY - M199A1E1; 2) Drawing: 13023595 Rev B dated 28 November 2016, Cartridges Loose Carton Pack 5.56mm M199A1 Dummy; 3) Drawing: 13068236 Rev - dated 18 December 2018, Dummy Cartridge 5.56mm M199A1E1. The 7.62mm DDI, AB47 will be produced in accordance with 1) Specification: MIL-PRF-32608 dated 03 October 2018, CARTRIDGE, 7.62mm, DUMMY - M63A1E1; 2) Drawing: 13023597 - dated 13 Jan 2009, Cartridge 7.62mm Dummy M63A1 Packed 20 CRTGS/C 3) Drawing: 13068237 Rev - dated 12 December 2018, Dummy Cartridge 7.62mm M63A2. The Cal .50 DDI, AB36 will be produced in accordance with 1) Specification: MIL-PRF-32609 10 December 2018, CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50 - DUMMY M2A1; 2) Drawing: 13021027 Rev C dated 23 May 2016, Cartridges Linked Bare Pack, Cal .50, M2A1 Dummy; 3) Drawing: 13068238 Rev - dated 15 January 2019, Cartridge Cal .50 Dummy M2A2. The Cal .50 DDI, AB48 will be produced in accordance with 1) Specification: MIL-PRF-32609 dated 10 December 2018, CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50 - DUMMY M2A1; 2) Drawing: 13023599 Rev dated 23 May 2016, Cartridges, Bulk Pack, Cal .50, M2A2 Dummy; 3) Drawing: 13068238 Rev - dated 15 January 2019, Cartridge Cal .50 Dummy M2A2. NOTE: All listed documents are Distribution "D" unless otherwise indicated. The Government intends to release these drawings and specifications prior to RFP release, along with an ECP which includes the requirement for a one piece design. Planned Acquisition: The anticipated requirement is for the manufacture and delivery of approximately 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 each or total of any combination of AB46, AB47, AB36 and AB48 DODICS. The Government plans to award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Firm Fixed Price contract for the period of FY20 through FY25. The Government intends to request 100 each Bid Samples of all DODICs, 5.56mm (AB46), 7.62mm (AB47) and .Cal .50 (AB36 and AB48), as part of RFP submissions. Bid Samples are planned to be evaluated in accordance with a Bid Sample Test Plan that will be released with the resulting solicitation. The open period for the solicitation is anticipated to be 60 days. A guaranteed minimum quantity will be stated in the resulting solicitation and will be awarded at time of contract award. Submission Information: Request interested parties to provide their capability to produce all four (4) DODICs to include the following information: 1. Description of manufacturing method. 2. Description of raw materials and plating type (if applicable). 3. Description of production capability to include monthly capacity. 4. Capability to optimize/reduce cartridge dimensions to account for plating thickness (if applicable). 5. Experience with coating and plating (if applicable): tolerance stack-ups, prevention of plating loss or flaking, and methods to prevent chemicals, cleaners, or wash compounds used during plating and pre-plating operations to remain in or on the cartridge. All responsible interested sources are encouraged to submit their capability/qualification data with regard to the above, no later than 14 days from the date of this notice to: U.S. Army Contracting Center, Attn: Mark Stevens or Jacob Harrison, Rock Island Arsenal, IL or at mark.d.stevens.civ@mail.mil or jacob.t.harrison15.civ@mail.mil. Please include company name, address, telephone number, and technical point of contact, brochures/literature/test data. Firms interested in the production of the AB46, AB47, AB36 and AB48 should adequately describe their capabilities, capacity and experience in the production of same or similar small caliber ammunition. In addition, the ability and past experience related to acting as a prime contractor to inspect, handle, package, and ship the necessary components shall be provided. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION AND DOES NOT OBLIGATE THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION. Please be advised that the Government will not pay for any information submitted under this announcement. Electronic submittals are preferred.