Sources Sought Notice (CRADA Partnership Opportunity)

Sources Sought Notice (CRADA Partnership Opportunity) The Army Contracting Command- New Jersey, on behalf of the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM AC), is conducting market research to locate capable firms interested in entering Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) in 155 MM RESUPPLY VEHICLES (RSV) FOR WEAPON SYSTEM REARM AND RESUPPLY CAPABILITY. Interested companies may enter CRADAs with DEVCOM AC to evaluate concepts for automating rearm and resupply operations of current and soon to be fielded US Army 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) artillery system. Such CRADAs will also explore methods for advancing the automation of ammunition rearm and resupply processes that reduce Warfighter operational burden and improve volume of fire for the supported SPH systems. Participating partners will be responsible for funding their own activities. The primary objective of the Army's investigation is to identify system solutions that will increase the rate of ammunition transfer during the (i) rearm of the SPH and (ii) resupply of companion RSVs that are maintainable over a five-day mission. Potential interface and compatibility challenges will also be explored. Through the planned CRADA activities, participating partners will better understand emerging Government needs while developing a concept to improve the effectiveness of the Army's tactical vehicles. The currently fielded RSV is the M992A3 Carrier Ammunition Tracked (CAT), which was designed for use with the M109A7 Paladin SPH. The incoming Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) SPH will operate alongside the M109A7, and the intent is for a single RSV design to supports both systems. ERCA introduces new propellant components and will consume a larger quantity of propellant per round fired, which will impose a burden on the stowage capacity of the CAT. The expectations is that on the future battlefield, both SPH systems will operate at a higher operational tempo, driving more frequent rearming with an associated increased soldier workload and risk of injury. The number of CRADAs executed by DEVCOM AC and selected partners will be dependent upon the availability of internal Government resources to conduct the mutually agreed activities. DEVCOM AC also envisions that CRADAs entered on this topic will involve a multi-phased approach: Conceptual design and analysis: This initial phase will establish baseline performance goals, develop and evaluate concepts and study interface compatibility of partner proposed solutions. At the completion of this initial phase, DEVCOM AC and participating parties will evaluate the results and determine if research under the CRADA should be continued. Detailed design, Digital Prototyping and Evaluation: The second phase will involve detailed design of one or more down selected concepts and the development and assessment of a digital prototype to validate expected system performance. Physical Prototyping & Evaluation: The third phase will develop a virtual prototype that demonstrates proof of concept and operational effectiveness in a simulated environment. DEVCOM AC asks all interested parties to submit a short informational paper. The requested information papers should describe at a high level, how the interested party proposes to meet the objectives cited within this special notice. The information shall include the following: Required: Vision/intent for partnership with US Government under a CRADA Relevant expertise, facilities and experience in weapons systems integration Proposed approach and schedule Description of the interested party's available resources to support an initial - design and concept analysis phase under a CRADA, which may include: Internal funding Manpower Other resources Optional Notional description of one or more rearm and resupply concepts Photos or drawings of any candidate system solutions Performance information of any candidate system solutions Any additional pertinent information This is a Sources Sought/Market Survey Announcement and submissions will be used for informational and planning purposes only. This synopsis is open to all interested parties. All interested and potential firms must be registered in SAM.GOV, and current firms must update once a year to maintain active status. Whether applying for assistance awards, contracts, or other business opportunities, all entities are considered "registrants". Registration in no way guarantees that a CRADA, contract or assistance award will be awarded. Interested firms are encouraged to submit their capabilities/qualification data No LATER THAN 25 January 2023. Submittals and questions should be directed to the following point of contact: MAJ Melanie Stewart. This notice does not constitute a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), nor is the government obligated to issue an RFP. In addition, the Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this notice. The Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this survey.