SOURCES SOUGHT - EXTENDED LIFE PROCESSING FOR RIFLE BARRELS - FSG 1005 - NAICS 332994 - Issue Date: 20 MAR 2012 - Desired Response Date: 30 MAR 2012

This solicitation is being posted to both the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) page located at http://www.fbo.gov/ and the Navy Electronic Commerce on Line (NECO) site located at https://www.neco.navy.mil/ While it is understood that FBO is the single point of entry for posting of synopsis and solicitations to the internet, NECO is the alternative in case FBO is unavailable. Please feel free to use either site to access information posted by NSWC Crane. MARKET SURVEY - SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS: The Government is issuing this sources-sought announcement as part of market research to investigate availability of Treatment / Processing applicable to steel rifle barrels (416R SS, 4140 CM, 41V50 CMV, etc.) which alone or in concert will at minimum double the expected precision barrel life based on retention of required accuracy potential, which is considered directly linked to throat erosion in subject .300 Winchester Magnum Chambering. Processing cannot significantly alter internal bore dimensions allowing for use of standard barrel blanks without increased chamber pressure or reducing accuracy potential. Any proposed processing should already be in commercial use in rifle barrels (TLR 8) and result in minimal hazardous waste / by-products. Any proposed process must be at no less than TRL 7 (prototypes already tested). All interested sources are encouraged to submit company and product literature, test results, and/or other pertinent information for the Government’s consideration. The Government is interested in determining suitable / optimal processing for sniper rifle barrels applicable to the U.S. Special Operations Command inventory. Anticipated Barrel Treatment Possibilities Include: 1. Deep Cryogenic Treatment of finished barrels or primarily barrel blanks prior to further processing (use of Vacuum Insulated equipment capable of 20 plus hours of processing time would be expected). Benefits would include potential for improved steel microstructure and thermal properties / heat mitigation with possible synergetic combined effects with other processing. 2. A form of Ferritic Nitro Carburization such as Salt Bath Nitride Processing of the completed barrel to provide improved surface and near surface properties. Some degradation in corrosion resistance of 400 series stainless steels is an expected side effect but minimization of this loss would be desirable. 3. Replacement of some percent of the barrel steel with carbon fiber overwrap (individual strand wound) which has significantly increased thermal conductivity versus steel to expedite heat dissipation while retaining or improving barrel stiffness. 4. Addition of very thin coating of refractory metal or ceramic with focus on protection against throat erosion. The Technical Point of Contact (POC) for this effort is Mr. Dave Armstrong. He may be reached via e-mail at: contact@example.gov, or via phone at +1 (555) 000-0000. The mailing address is: NAVSURFWARCENDIV Crane, ATTN: Mr. Dave Armstrong, Code JXNLL Bldg 3422, 300 Highway 361, Crane IN 47522-5001. At the current time, NO FUNDING IS AVAILABLE for contractual efforts. This sources sought synopsis 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 marked as proprietary information will be safeguarded to prevent disclosures to non-government personnel and entities. Your interest in this response is appreciated. All interested sources are encouraged to submit information to NAVSURFWARCENDIV Crane by close of business 30 March, 2012. Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the Contracting Officer, Ms. Diane Bright, Code CXMQED, Bldg. 3422, NAVSURFWARCENDIV, Crane, IN 47522, telephone +1 (555) 000-0000, or e-mail at: contact@example.gov . Please refer to announcement number N00164-12-S-NB05 in all correspondence and communication.