Ammunition and Explosive Ignition Devices

This is a Sources Sought Synopsis. This synopsis neither constitutes a Request for Proposal, nor does it restrict the Government from an ultimate acquisition approach. This synopsis should not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose. Requests for solicitation will not receive a response. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the US Government. The US Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any input as a result of this market survey. The US Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this survey. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this market survey.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) is seeking companies who have an existing commercial product that is equivalent to the PVU-1/A, PVU-2/A, PVU-7/A, PVU-10/A and PVU-12/A Ignition Device as described herein. Applicable sections of the MIL-STD-105, 129, 453, and 1168 may apply. Testing of the finished ignition device for suitability is conducted per WS 21535, WS 21579, WS 23835, WS 24382, and WS 23259.

Manufacturing of these ignition devices requires extensive background in the handling, processing and loading of extremely sensitive compositions containing primary explosives. Ignition Device compositions also contain toxic chemicals (salts of lead, barium and antimony). Primary explosives are not generally commercially available and must be either manufactured on site or procured, if possible, from a primer manufacturer. Primary (or initiating) explosives must be shipped and stored separately. Requirements imposed on the use, shipping, handing, hazards and monitoring/protection of personnel see DOD Contractor’s Safety Manual (DOD 4145.26) or OP-5 (as appropriate) and 40 CFR (EPA), 29 CFR (OSHA) and 49 CFR (DOT). Other regulations may also apply. A DCMA site safety inspection may also be required. The manufacturer must also have the chemical analysis capabilities to analyze the composition (for formulation, stability, etc.). Further, the proper performance testing of the ignition devices requires the ability to do in process conformance testing to maintain the process contrails required to make a homogenous ignition device lot over the several days needed (using traditional labor intensive processes). The facilities used in production (storage, mixing, drying, loading and testing) must conform to appropriate standards for handling explosives (grounding, explosion proof electrical components, shielding, etc.) Technical expertise is required to sustain quality throughout all phases of the manufacturing process and an established internal quality control system is also required.

All responding sources shall provide a summary of their company’s capabilities including organization name, address, a description of facilities and/or equipment, manufacturing processes, inspection capability, personnel, past experience, and current production capacity per month. Since ability to test these ignition devices requires access to explosives, conformance to local, state and federal laws, regulations and appropriate safety and security measures must be demonstrated, as well as the ability to obtain appropriate permits and site zoning. It is also required to provide a point of contact, phone number, fax number, mail address, business size, taxpayer identification number, DUNS number and CAGE Code.

Responses can also be submitted by email to terri.k.bryant.civ@us.navy.mil. Large files need to be compressed using WinZip (http://www.winzip.com).

Terri Bryant Naval Surface Warfare CenterIndian Head Division CAD Engineering 4393 Benson Road, Building 1557, Suite 115 Indian Head, MD 20640-5092 301-744-2218 terri.k.bryant.civ@us.navy.mil