Bulk Explosives

PSC Category 1376 covers bulk explosives and related materials used across various federal government applications. This category encompasses a wide range of explosive products including trinitrotoluene (TNT), aluminum powder, black powder, CL-20, composition C4, lead styphnate, and other specialized energetic materials. The explosives are utilized for purposes such as military ammunition production, weapons testing, training exercises, research and development, and historical reenactments at national parks.

Federal contract awards in this category demonstrate significant diversity, with contract values ranging from approximately $1,000 to over $628 million. Frequently awarded entities include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc., Austin Powder Company, High Noon Unlimited Inc., and Powder Inc. The Department of Defense, particularly the Army and Navy, are the primary funding agencies, with other significant purchasers including the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Department of Homeland Security. Most awards are not set aside, though some small business set-asides do occur. Performance locations are predominantly within the United States, with manufacturing and delivery sites across states like Utah, Tennessee, Florida, and California.

Recent federal contract opportunities focus on procuring specialized explosive materials and supplies for training, research, and operational purposes. The Naval Surface Warfare Center seeks lead styphnate and tetracene, while the Army is conducting market research for TNT and aluminum powder production. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is soliciting various explosive supplies for its Advanced Explosives Disposal Techniques training course. These opportunities typically involve precise technical specifications, specific quantity requirements, and performance locations centered around federal research, training, and operational facilities. Most opportunities are not set aside and welcome responses from a broad range of potential suppliers.