Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF MARCH 22, 2006 FBO #1577
MODIFICATION

A -- Non-Explosive High-order Mine Neutralization System for Humanitarian Demining (Questions and Answers to Presolicitation Notice W909MY-06-R-MNHD)

Notice Date

3/20/2006
 

Notice Type

Modification
 

NAICS

541710 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
 

Contracting Office

US Army C-E LCMC, Acquisition Center - Washington, ATTN: AMSEL-AC-W, 2461 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22331-0700
 

ZIP Code

22331-0700
 

Solicitation Number

W909MY-06-R-MNHD
 

Response Due

4/27/2006
 

Archive Date

6/26/2006
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

(Q.1.) It appears that ARA and their approach has already been selected to develop this system.? What is the realistic expectation that another companys approach will be given the same competitive consideration? (A.1.) Any company that submits a whi tepaper will be given consideration in accordance with note 22 of the original FedBizOpps announcement. (Q.2.) You indicated that ARA has a proprietary formulation. Has the decision been made to use ARAs formula? (A.2.) The final determination will not be made until the presolicitation notice closes. (Q.3.) Has a configuration been selected? (A.3.)Configuration has not been selected because it requires several tests. (Q.4.) What are the physical specifications for the system, e.g. size, weight, operational configuration, etc? (A.4.)There are no Government provided physical specifications for the system. However, several factors are important such as cost, performance, and non-explosive chemicals. The cost is a driving force for selecting size and weight. The final device should not cost more than $2.00 each. (Q.5.) Is this to be classified as a pyrotechnic, explosive device or other type of munitions? (A.5.) The final device will be called an explosive device. This will be a multi-component device, and it will be produced by a mixture of more than two non-expl osive components just prior to use. (Q.6.) What are the operational parameters, e.g. initiation delay/command detonation, minimum safe radius, time delay, environmental temperature constraints, reliability, storage shelf life, packaging/shipping requirements, etc? (A.6.) The device will neut ralize landmines and UXO by high-order detonation. The device can be initiated remotely at a stand-off distance up to 300 meters. A time fuse for initiation of the device can be used, but we prefer the initiator be a non-explosive detonator. For humanita r ian deming purposes environmental constraints such as temperature is not an important factor. The storage shelf life for each component should be at least 10 years. Each component will need to be able to be handled, stored, and shipped as a non-explosiv e. The requirement for special handling increases the cost of such compositions. (Q.7.) Does this system have to meet Insensitive Munitions (IM) requirements? (A.7.)Insensitive Munitions (IM) is not required for the system because it will be produced just prior to use. Once the device is used, it is totally destroyed, leaving nothing to be stored. (Q.8.) Is there a requirement for 'dual safe initiation' and what are the requirements for 'Man Safe' issues? (A.8.) For humanitarian demining purposes, the system or device needs to be safe, easy to transport, easy to use, reliable, and less costly. Ther e is a no requirement for 'dual safe' initiation. The important requirements for 'Man Safe' issues are non-explosive and non-toxic chemicals. (Q.9.) How do you define the terms 'all tasks' and 'field ready' from your solicitation What capabilities must be demonstrated for successful completion of this phase? (A.9.) 'All tasks'-- The various tasks a contractor will perform to derive the final products. 'Field ready'--The contractor will develop prototypes devices from non-explosive ingredients. These devi ces will be tested against live mines at a government facility. The final prototype device is known as a Field Ready Unit for Humanitarian Demining purposes only. The final devices will be tested at government site against live unfuzed various type of AP and AT mines and several UXO. (Q.10.) What are the forecasted eventual procurement quantities and schedule? (A.10.) We develop products (devices) for Humanitarian Demining. We demonstrate various mine detection, clearance and mine neutralization technologies during our annual DoD HD Re quirements Workshop at a government test facility. We also provide information for each demonstrated system. If deminers from any country like particular pr oducts, they will contract directly with the developer or request to the State Department the need of a particular product to test in their countries. The HD team sometimes procures 500 units to test in various countries, if the device is successful at neu tralizing mines.
 

Place of Performance

Address: US Army C-E LCMC, Acquisition Center - Washington ATTN: AMSEL-AC-W, 2461 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria VA

Zip Code: 22331-0700

Country: US
 

Record

SN01010146-W 20060322/060320213018 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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