SOURCES SOUGHT TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION FOR
Receiver, Radio Firing Device: Nonelectric Blasting Cap Actuating M17A1
Trainer, Receiver, Radio Firing Device: Non-explosive, M85A1
M17A1 Receiver and M85A1/Detonator
AA&E category III
INTRODUCTION
The Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ ), on behalf of The Office of the Project Manager for Close Combat Systems (PM-CCS), is issuing this Sources Sought synopsis as a means of conducting market research to identify potential sources having an interest and industry technologies available to support/provide the production, manufacturing, assembly, inspection, testing, packaging, shipping and delivery of the following:
Receiver Radio Firing Device: Nonelectric Blasting Cap Actuating M17A1 (NSN 1375-01-600- 4645)
Trainer, Receiver, Radio Firing Device: Non-explosive M85A1 (NSN 6920-01-656-2648).
DISCLAIMER
THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) TO BE SUBMITTED. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
The Remote Activation Munitions System provides remote, untethered Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) demolition initiation capability for soldiers with demolition missions. This system provides the capability to remotely initiate demolition charges and munitions by propagating a signal wirelessly over great distances to deliver a desired effect. RAMS significantly lightens the carry load of the soldier by reducing the need for long transmission lines when employing demolitions charges/munitions. The Radio Frequency receiver/detonator is a small, lightweight, man-portable, and the build to print tactical receiver, is capable of operating in all geographical areas, weather conditions, and hostile battlefield conditions which may include electronic countermeasures, smoke, dust, NBC attack. A required inert functional trainer will be an identical replica of tactical systems sans the explosive output to be used as a classroom training device.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
Receiver Radio Firing Device: Nonelectric Blasting Cap Actuating M17A1 (NSN 1375-01-600- 4645)
The M17A1 receiver, upon receipt of the programmed signal from the MK26 transmitter, produces an explosive output capable of detonating a supplied explosive lead filled with secondary explosive, or the M7 Non-Electric Blasting Cap. The explosive lead or M7 Blasting Cap attaches to the output assembly with the attached stem nut. The stem nut is equipped with standard priming adapter male-threaded protrusion so the M17A1 receiver may be easily connected to most standard demolition charges and devices with cap wells. The M17A1 receiver system modes are program, test, and fire. The arming switches allow the user to arm the M17A1 receiver which starts a five-minute safe separation time (arming delay). During the arming cycle, the M17A1 receiver will not function until the five-minute safe separation time (arming delay) has elapsed. The M17A1 receiver weighs approximately 0.8 lb. (0.36 kg) with battery installed. Six M17A1 and twelve explosive leads are packaged in a PA108 metal container, and one PA108 metal container per wirebound box.
The systems explosive interface/output is designed to be compatible with existing or fielded charges/munitions with cap wells. The M17A1 receiver/detonator is a one-time use device/item of supply. We request a cost in increments of 100 devices from 100 to 1000 devices.
Trainer, Receiver, Radio Firing Device: Non-explosive M85A1 (NSN 6920-01-656-2648)
The M85A1 training receiver is an inert functional training device, designed to replicate the functions of the M17A1 receiver. The M85A1 training receiver has no explosive materials or internal fireboard and is not capable of initiating explosives. During training, the M85A1 training receiver is capable of being remotely activated in the classroom or in the field by the transmission from the MK26 Transmitter. Any programmed M85A1 training receiver will electronically decode a fire signal received from the MK26 Transmitter and produce an output signal indicated by the blinking of the output assembly (stem nut). The blinking light simulates blasting cap initiation. The M85A1 training receiver is not a separate item of issue. The training kit consists of two M85A1 training receivers, four inert leads, two instruction sheets, one stem tool, two antenna wires, and four spare trainer stem housing assemblies packed in a PA108 metal container.
The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement, if a requirement materializes. Based on the responses to this sources sought notice/market research, this requirement may be set-aside for small businesses (in full or in part) or procured through full and open competition. Multiple awards may be made. All small business set-aside categories will be considered. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding submissions.
REQUIRED CAPABILITIES
The Government requires a source to manufacture the build to print Receiver Radio Firing Device: Nonelectric Blasting Cap Actuating M17A1 and the Trainer, Receiver, Radio Firing Device: Non-explosive M85A1. The intent of this sources sought is to identify sources and make an assessment of their capability to meet this requirement. Specifically, the requirement encompasses the manufacture, assembly, inspection, testing, packaging and delivery of M17A1 receiver and its inert functional trainer, M85A1 in accordance with a Government Technical Data Package (TDP) (Distribution C) and specification. The official nomenclatures are as follows: Receiver Radio Firing Device: Nonelectric Blasting Cap Actuating M17A1 (NSN 1375-01-600- 4645) and Trainer, Receiver, Radio Firing Device: Non-explosive M85A1 (NSN 6920-01-656-2648).
The M17A1 and M85A1 shall only be programmed by and accept the unique transmission codes of the RAMS transmitters. These unique and common codes will be field programmable from the transmitter to the receivers. The M17A1 receiver is a hand emplaced item and therefore is equipped with Electronic Safing & Arming (ESA) that meets Army fuze safety standards.
The safety of the M17A1 receiver is designed through the architecture of the ESA. The primary function of the ESA is to provide a 5-minute safe separation time after arming the receiver. The safe separation time will ensure the receiver is not inadvertently fired when the operator is within the required minimum safe distance. The tactical receiver must withstand the impact and rigors of combat operations when a soldier conducts Individual Movement Techniques and be capable of assembly at the mission site and be fully operational.
Non-Developmental Item- The M17A1 and M85A1 should be a non- developmental item to the maximum extent possible.
TECHNICAL DATA PACKAGES/SPECIFICATIONS
For the purposes of this market research, TDPs for each part number will be made available to assist in responding to this survey. Interested parties requesting the TDP should show they have certification to receive export-controlled technical data (including drawings restricted by Distributions Statement C).
DISTRIBUTION C: Distribution authorized to U.S. Government Agencies and their contractors. Other requests shall be referred to the Project Manager for Close Combat Systems, ATTN: SFAE-AA-CCS, Picatinny, NJ 07806-5000. Export of these drawings is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act of 1979, as amended, Title 50, U.S.C., Sec 2401, et Seq. Violations of these export laws are subject to severe criminal penalties.
Requests for the technical data must be made through the contracting Point of Contact (POC), following the instructions provided below, however, respondents will not be precluded from submitting their capabilities/qualification data and any pertinent information if the TDP is not obtained.
Destruction Notice Export-Controlled Technical Data: For controlled unclassified information (CUI), documents shall be destroyed in accordance with DoDI 5200.48
To obtain copies of the TDPs, interested parties must submit the following:
- E-mail the requester’s DD Form 2345 Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, certified current by the U.S. and Canada Joint Certification Office (JCO).
- E-mail the completed AMSTA-AR Form 1350 Technical Data Request Questionnaire
- Email the fully executed Non-Disclosure and Non-Use Agreement.
ELIGIBILITY/Special Requirements
The applicable 2022 North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 334220 – Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing.
The Product Service Code (PSC) is 1346 – Remote Munitions. The Classification Code is 13- Ammunition & Explosives.
Any resultant contract is anticipated to have a security classification of Unclassified. The Arms Ammunition and Explosive (AA&E) category is ACAT III.
Export Control and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARS) will apply.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
RESPONSES: Interested companies who consider themselves capable of manufacturing the M17A1 and M85A1 are invited to indicate interest by providing the U.S. Government with the following information:
- Name of company and CAGE code
- Point of Contacts name, telephone number and E-mail address
- Company address
- Business size information
- Identification of whether you are interested in this opportunity as a prime or a subcontractor.
- Provide a brief summary of the company's capabilities (a description of the facilities, personnel experience, quality system, and past/current relevant technical and manufacturing experience and processes).
- Respondents must have the experience and processes in place for conducting and reporting Failure Reporting/Failure Analysis and Corrective Action implementation on mechanical and electronic assembly and subassembly failures.
- The respondent must show their capability and experience in parts obsolescence used to identify single point failures for materials and suppliers.
- Provide Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) prices for an approximate FY27 production quantity in increments of 50 devices from 50 to 250 devices each and a ROM for each First Article Test sample.
- Identify minimum and maximum monthly production quantities and identify the available capacity.
- Identify if the firm has ever produced the items. If so, please state when it was last produced, who the customer was, the production rate under that contract, and the contract number.
- Due to current global supply chain and other factors, respondents are asked to identify any components or materials that may be subject to price volatility or scarcity and address what their firm is doing to mitigate risk related to obtaining materials, price impacts, and production stability.
Interested companies who feel they have the necessary support staff with technical skills as well as the production facilities to manufacture, produce, inspect/test, load, assemble, and package this item can respond by providing the Government the following information:
Description of their production facilities to include capability and experience to, inspect/test, and package this item; estimated minimum and maximum monthly rates/quantities for production, inspection, assembly, test and package. Identify production capacity to include minimum and maximum shifts (1-8-5), (2-8-5), (3-8-5) and max (3-24-7).
Interested businesses should submit a brief capabilities statement package (no more than ten 8.5 X 11-inch pages, font no smaller than 10 point) demonstrating ability to provide the products/systems listed in this Technical Description. Documentation should be in bullet format. No phone or email solicitations with regards to the status of the RFP will be accepted prior to its release.
Your response to this Sources Sought, including any capabilities statement, shall be electronically submitted to the Contracting Officer, Yolie Marie Davila, in either Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF), via email yolie.m.davila.civ@mail.mil and the Contracting Specialist, Jacqueline Smith, via email jacqueline.m.smith95.civ@army.mil. Information and materials submitted in response to this request WILL NOT be returned. DO NOT SUBMIT CLASSIFIED MATERIAL. Email submittals must be restricted to a maximum file size of 8MB and should be in MS Word or PDF format. If the email submission is larger than 8MB, separate into several emails. Telephone responses will not be accepted.
This market survey is for information and planning purposes only; it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an obligation on the part of the Government. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government. Responses to this market survey are not proposals and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. This is not a guarantee of a future RFP or an award. This notice shall not to be construed as a commitment of any kind by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government implies no intention or opportunity to acquire funding to support current or future efforts. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a separate solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this market survey.
All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the Government. All data received in response to this Sources Sought that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary will be fully protected from any release outside the Government. The information provided will not be returned. The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any private sector input as a result of this market survey. The U.S Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this survey. Any documentation provided will not be returned.
