SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- Mounted Automatic Weapons Alternatives Analysis - Market Research
- Notice Date
- 8/28/2008
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541330
— Engineering Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard (USCG), Contracting Office, USCG Research and Development Center, 1082 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, Connecticut, 06340-6096
- ZIP Code
- 06340-6096
- Solicitation Number
- HSCG32-08-I-R00029
- Response Due
- 10/20/2008
- Archive Date
- 11/4/2008
- Point of Contact
- Helen B Nelson, Phone: 860-441-2843
- E-Mail Address
-
helen.r.nelson@uscg.mil
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- The Coast Guard (CG) Research and Development Center (R&DC) is conducting market research to establish potential sources of supply for use of force tools to warn and/or stop vessels during security operations in domestic port areas. CG Boat forces currently use the M-240B Mounted Automatic Weapon (MAW) in security operations throughout the United States. You are invited to respond with information to assist the CG R&DC in their market research for a potential enhancement/replacement of the current M-240B MAW used by CG Boat forces. The Coast Guard is interested in technology to improve, augment, or replace the current M-240B MAW configuration to maximize effectiveness in (1) warning and (2) stopping potentially threatening vessels while minimizing potential collateral damage. Potential solutions may range from aiming and stabilization/aiming-assistance technology for the current M-240B MAW, to complete replacement of the current MAW with a new weapon/tool (or suite of weapons/tools) for warning and stopping vessels. Kinetic systems (ordinance based) and non-kinetic systems (ignition interruption, combustion inhibiters or other systems) are of interest to the Coast Guard. In addition, both lethal and less-than-lethal solution systems are of interest. Solution systems must be suitable for hard-mounting the weapon to the boat, or suitable for storage, retrieval, and operation aboard CG small boats from 25ft to 47ft. Systems that would eliminate the need for crewman to operate outside the cabin are of interest. Minimum Engineering Criteria (not in any particular order): (1) System must be able to be hard-mounted - or - stored, retrieved, and operated hand-held aboard CG boats 25ft to 47ft; (2) System must withstand daily exposure to sunlight, sea spray, salt water and salt-residue typically found in the CG operating environment; (3) System should be person-portable - or - easily aimed, operated & manipulated by crewmembers of various size and stature; (4) System must be fully operable with no loss of effectiveness in sustained winds up to 35kts, and temperatures from -20 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit; (5) Able to withstand shock, violent impacts, jarring, and sudden accelerations of up to 3.5G associated with tactical maneuvers in various sea conditions; (6) Powered by systems compatible with 12V typical marine power and should not require additional power generation capacity aboard CG boats; (7) Total weight of system (including ammunition) should not exceed 250 lbs; (8) Self-powered (battery or other) systems must be fully operational for 10 hrs without re-charging; 12 or more hours is preferred; and (9) DOD Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 or higher. Desired Performance Attributes (ranked in descending order of importance): (1) The ability to quickly and reliably stop vessels of 40’ and less (with inboard or outboard engines); (2) The ability to deliver clear audible and/or visual warning cues to threatening vessels; (3) The ability to prepare, aim, and fire in less time than the current capability; (4) The ability for ammunition to become inert or quickly lose kinetic energy if target is missed; (5) The ability of the system to be remotely aimed and fired from inside the cabin; (6) Minimal required maintenance and calibration; and (7) Ease of use/ergonomics (requiring gross motor skills rather than fine motor skills; accurate targeting even under substantial vessel motion, low light, or other adverse conditions). When responding to this market survey, please include the following information: (A) A detailed description of the potential solution system; (B) Current TRL and next production milestone (if not Commercial-off-the-Shelf); (C) Cost estimate for full production solution system per boat; (D) Cost and description of training, training aids or other necessary off boat components; and (E) Business Size with regard to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this Request for Information (RFI) or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responses to this market survey should be sent to Helen.R.nelson@uscg.mil with a copy to Michael.P.O’Neil@uscg.mil. Information submitted will be reviewed by Government Personnel at the Coast Guard Research and Development Center, and members of Micro Systems Integration Inc, who is assisting the government with this effort. Note: Non-governmental personnel have signed non-disclosure agreements for the review of the information submitted in response to this RFI. Please limit electronic responses to no more than 20 pages including diagrams, photographs, charts or other appendices. Respondents are requested to respond before October 15, 2008. In your response using NAICS Code 541330, please identify if you are a Small or Large Business. PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND MESSAGES LEFT WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
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