W519TC25R0041- IMX-104 Production Capability Q_A_26SEP.pdf

No. Question Answer

1 Does the USG have a preference for OCONUS/CONUS sourcing for raw materials?

Refer to the source sought notice, the USG prefers that all raw precursor materials are CONUS sourced.

2 Will Holston provide DNAN for the IMX-104 line? If so, does it have the capacity to support?

DNAN can be manufactured at Holston, but it is not manufactured at Holston currently. The contractor should assume that DNAN will not be available to be supplied from Holston.

How well defined is DNAN technology at Holston? Is there openness to a phased approach to technology and capacity development for DNAN?

DNAN has been successfully produced at HSAAP that meets the MIL-SPEC, and IMX- 104 has been made using this DNAN that meets the IMX-104 MIL-SPEC. The USG will review and consider any proposed approaches for the supply of DNAN; however, DNAN is not currently manufactured at Holston and contractors should assume that DNAN will not be available to be supplied from Holston.

If there is an inability to manufacture IMX due to a lack of RDX supply, would it weigh negatively on the contractor?

The contractor's inability to produce IMX due to a lack of RDX supply will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

With regards to the statement in the SSN which reads “The Government intends to facilitate the supply of RDX in support of commissioning. All related costs will be the responsibility of the bidder”:

Does this indicate that the US Army will furnish the RDX at zero cost and other subsequent commissioning materials and activities will be at the price proposed by the bidder? Or does this indicate that the US Army will facilitate the sale of RDX from the operating contractor to the bidder for project commissioning (of which all other costs will be included by the bidder)? If the answer is the latter, will the US Army provide pricing for the RDX so that bidders can accurately price this cost into their submittals?

The contractor is responsible for obtaining RDX supply from the Holston operating contractor. It will not be furnished by the USG. Securing the RDX supply and all related costs will be the responsibility of the contractor. The USG will consider potentially providing a price for RDX to support development of responses to the sources sought.

If built at another site, is there a desire to include the ability to manufacture HMX (if RDX is included in the bid) or other explosive formulations?

The USG may consider funding additional capacities or capabilities for other explosives if determined to be in the public interest.

7 Is the USG open to RDX made by the woolich process? Not at this time.

If this facility is built at Holston, will it be handed over to the Holston operating contractor? Or will the USG consider a 3rd party option for operation?

Yes, it would be turned over to the Holston operating contractor if located at Holston.

3rd party operation would be considered for a facility not located at Holston.

9 Is the long linear box on the potential project areas map a former line that was decommissioned? Yes.

10 Are you going to publish list of attendees? Yes.

11 What is the USG expectation of the timing of the award? October 2025.

12 Is there a risk of losing the funding for IMX-104 expansion? Yes.

Is it the USG intent to down select a vendor off of the sources sought notice and proceed to negotiate terms and scopes of work to facilitate a UCA award?

The USG's intent is to make an award decision based on the criteria in the SSN to find a vendor that presents the best option under the temporary acquisition authorizations provided in Class Deviation 2024-O0005.

If the IMX-104 expansion location is HSAAP, what is the USG's expectation on level of support from operating contractor?

During project execution, the Holston operating contractor will receive a support contract from the USG to support and, as necessary, provide input to the project.

What is the USG's approach to funding precursor production and qualification through other means since CONUS capability does not currently exist?

Please see the sources sought notice.

16 What is the expectation of the timeline of period of performance, 3 or 4 years?

Design, construction and commissioning be complete within 36 months of contract award; however, in no case shall construction and commissioning be complete later than 48 months after contract award.

17 Who will the "Authority Having Jurisdiction" be? The AHJ is to be determined for this project.

18 Does the USG have a preference on location? No.

W519TC-25-R-0041: IMX-104 Production Capability Sources Sought Q&A

06/12/2025

Updated 09/26/2025

19 Are alternate contract types besides FFP open for discussion and consideration? FFP is the only contract type that will be considered.

Permitting and NEPA documentation - does the USG handle the assessments? Should contractors assume that a REC should still be done?

The contractor is responsible for permitting and NEPA compliance. NEPA in the form of an Environmental Assessment has been completed for an IMX-104 expansion at

HSAAP.

Are there any engineering data, drawings, sites plans, or arcs that can or will be released to support this bid?

Copies of these documents cannot be provided due to their sensitivity. The USG will consider allowing contractors to view these documents on site at Holston, if desired.

Please coordinate any requests for viewing with the PCO and contract specialist.

22 Will facility layout with drawings and process controls be provided?

Copies of these documents cannot be provided due to their sensitivity. The USG will consider allowing contractors to view these documents on site at Holston, if desired.

Please coordinate any requests for viewing with the PCO and contract specialist.

Will the US Army provide an Arc Map for HSAAP so that bidders can understand the hazards of the currently operation buildings and the constraints bidders should consider in the proposed construction area at HSAAP.

Copies of these documents cannot be provided due to their sensitivity. The USG will consider allowing contractors to view these documents on site at Holston, if desired.

Please coordinate any requests for viewing with the PCO and contract specialist.

24 Will the USG provide GIS information or utility maps?

Copies of these documents cannot be provided due to their sensitivity. The USG will consider allowing contractors to view these documents on site at Holston, if desired.

Please coordinate any requests for viewing with the PCO and contract specialist.

25 Do the explosive arcs determine how much can be stored in the site locations?

Explosive load limits for a specific facility determine how much explosives can be present.

26 At Holston, would storage bunkers need to be built or are they available?

Holston does not have an explosive storage mission. Explosives are shipped soon after manufacturing. Use of existing explosive storage for intermediate explosives and in-process materials, for limited quantities (no more than 100,000 lbs.) can be assumed as available for use, but these explosive magazines are some distance away from the intended site.

Should contractors have to consider any storage of the IMX-104 beyond the package storage buildings?

No.

For design purposes, once contractors load the 50 lb. boxes onto a truck, is that all we have to worry about?

Yes.

Who is responsible for first article testing? Is first article testing going to be a requirement post commissioning?

All explosive intermediates (excluding contractor furnished RDX from Holston) and the IMX-104 final product would be required to meet their respective specifications as part of the commissioning process. Contractors should assume first article testing will be required post-commissioning. The contractor responsible for producing the IMX-104 is responsible for first article testing. If constructed at Holston, the operating contractor is responsible for first article testing.

At Holston, will contractors providing craft labor get bussed in and out and leave the site for lunch, or will there be provisions for craft labor to eat at the job site?

No personnel can be in an explosive arc while consuming food. The successful awardee is responsible for transporting craft labor to and from the job site for lunch and breaks.

31 Can contractors get an understanding of the needed PPE?

The successful awardee is responsible for ensuring appropriate PPE is utilized for this project.

The current operating contractor's engineering standards are site specific, will interested sources have access to those engineering standards?

The USG may consider providing the operating contractor's engineering standards after UCA award.

What is the existing IMX-104 capacity and what is the delta to get capacity to 10-13 M lbs./yr? Will there be a shift in the 10-13M lbs. capacity requirement?

A sources sought amendment was issued on May 15, 2025 to update the capacity expansion requirements to 6-8 million pounds per year. This updated capacity requirement does not include Holston's current capacity for IMX-104.

06/12/2025

Are there current or planned modernization projects that have a material impact on capability or availability of the Holston process/infrastructure for the contemplated performance for this sources sought?

No.

35 Is the not-to-exceed unit price for a site located elsewhere and not at HSAAP? Yes.

Is this activity to increase capacity a strategic importance or is this also a focused effort to increase volume, thereby reducing unit cost? Does price become more or less of a factor if the facility is located at an alternative location, given the benefits a second source provides?

Unit price is a priority for the USG, among additional factors as identified in the sources sought.

37 Are there approved or preferred manufacturing techniques for the major ingredients in IMX-104?

The USG does not have preferred manufacturing techniques. Raw materials, intermediates, and IMX-104 must meet their respective specifications.

38 Are there designated/required starting materials for the manufacture of DNAN and NTO? Please review the respective military specifications.

The sources sought references NATO OP-7. What portions of qualification of the new manufacturing facility are to be priced in this effort? Will there be separate funding for qualification efforts for specific munitions or applications? Will those efforts be under this contract or through the respective program offices?

There will not be a requirement for qualification efforts for specific munitions or applications.

40 Besides meeting FAT and MIL-SPEC, is there any additional testing needed? All product needs to meet the MIL-SPEC.

41 Has the specific location on the Holston site been designated and boundaries set? Yes, please see the updated map with the red outlined area.

42 What connections to existing capabilities at Holston will be government-furnished to the project?

Respondents should assume that all required utilities are available at the battery limits. It is the successful awardee's responsibility to extend utilities from the battery limits to the IMX production facility.

Will the type, capacity, and availability of facilities, such as existing tank farms, explosive storage, and other applicable facilities at Holston be provided?

No tank farm usage from legacy facilities is expected to be available. Usage of shipping facilities is a reasonable assumption. Use of existing explosive storage for intermediate explosives and in process materials, for limited quantities (no more than 100,000 lbs.) can be assumed as available for use but these explosive magazines are some distance away from the intended site.

During the tour, there were signs in the potential construction area(s) that indicated the soil is contaminated. Will the type and extent of contamination across the potential construction area be provided to the contractors?

Since certain areas were previously identified as sites contaminated with explosives under the Holston Corrective Action Order, 03HCA003, these sites restrict digging and other land uses without permission from the state. Any site soil disturbance (demolition, borings, construction, etc.) that overlap any of these sites would be required to comply with the Order.

45 Is it possible to do this project at a site other than Holston? Yes.

46 Is the USG interested in second sources?

The USG will consider solutions located at Holston or an alternative location within

CONUS.

47 For construction at Holston, how many acres have been set aside? An updated map of HSAAP has been provided with estimated dimensions.

Is there enough capacity of DNAN and NTO at Holston to support IMX-104 expansion? Or will the contractor have to produce it themselves?

Contractors will have to produce or provide materials themselves, in accordance with the sources sought notice.

49 Will spent acids be treated on site?

Spent acids can be reconcentrated on site via an existing facility. This excludes spent acids from RDX since the USG intends to facilitate the supply of RDX in support of commissioning.

50 Will there be requirement for Interline distance (ILD) or Inhabited building distance (IBD)? Interline distance (ILD)

51 What is the current state of automation at Holston?

Outside of the control systems, there is currently not much automation on site. Tape machines are used with packaging facilities.

What is the level of automation that the USG prefers? Is there any type of automation that the USG would not consider?

The USG is looking to industry to see what they can provide and would be interested in solutions that would be beneficial, and comply with explosive environment requirements (safety, electrical classification, etc.). Contractors should avoid anything that is not cyber secure and anything that would not comply with the required electrical classification and safety requirements.

53 What electrical classifications does there need to be for any automation?

Depending on materials in the building (flammable solvents or combustible dusts), classifications could be Class 1 Div 1 and/or Class 2 Div 1.

06/12/2025

54 Is Holston a union site?

Holston is not a union site. Skill crafts that come on site, may be represented by union.

Does Holston have any type of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, ICS WMS EMS, if so, what brand or software provider? If not, is Holston interested in that type of automation, data collection, and report information? Will SCADA be made available to vendors?

HSAAP uses Siemens PCS-7 for explosives maintenance and Allen Bradley for utilities, but because of Cyber Security issues, the systems are not connected like a true SCADA system.

56 Does the USG have a budget for this project? Yes, but it will not be provided.

Has the capacity of support operations, such as nitric acid reconcentration, acetic acid reconcentration, and wastewater treatment, been evaluated at Holston? Are these operations sufficient to support IMX expansion?

Spent acids can be reconcentrated on site via an existing facility. This excludes spent acids from RDX (to include acetic acid) since the USG intends to facilitate the supply of RDX in support of commissioning.

Is there any IP that the Holston operating contractor or another party specifically owns in relation to production of IMX or precursors that would not be available to a successful awardee?

No.

There are numerous buildings that have been abandoned in place. Should demolition be included in the response? If demolition is not included, can guidance be provided to reconcile the contractor's execution schedule against an unknown, separately funded demolition schedule?

Demolition is not in scope to this requirement.

Would demolition be included in separate project with separate funding? And would that impact this project?

Demolition is currently planned as a separate project. Depending on the contractor's identified site for the project, the planned demo project could impact this project depending on the demolition schedule and the contractor's construction schedule.

Is there any guidance on how a contractor would reconcile tying their execution schedule to a separately funded project for demo?

Depending on the contractor's selected site, the planned demo project could impact this project depending on the demolition schedule and the contractor's construction schedule.

62 Is finished goods or intermediate products storage within the scope of the project?

IMX-104 storage is not within the scope of the project. Use of existing explosive storage at Holston for intermediate explosives and in process materials, for limited quantities (no more than 100,000 lbs.) can be assumed as available for use, but these explosive magazines are some distance away from the intended site.

Would the Army consider increasing the page allotment from 100 pages, or allowing the IMS to be provided as an appendix that does not count against the page allotment?

The sources sought notice has been updated to reflect exclusions from the page count limit.

Attachment 0001 - Sources Sought IMX-104 Production Capability states “4. Submissions will be limited to no more than 100 pages. Excess responses/pages will not be considered.” Will the USG please clarify whether front matter (e.g., cover page, tables of contents, figures, tables, acronyms, etc.) is included within this 100 page limit?

The sources sought notice has been updated to reflect exclusions from the page count limit.

Will teaming agreement with vendors or other partnership agreements be counted towards the total 100-page limit?

The sources sought notice has been updated to reflect exclusions from the page count limit.

For the proposed sites at HSAAP, will the available utility capacities for steam, compressed air, electricity, and potable water be provided? Are capacity upgrades anticipated?

Steam, electrical, and water supplies are to be assumed to be available. Capacity upgrades of utility capacities are not within scope of this project. The contractor may need to provide a backup source of compressed air, if a safety review requires it for a specific operation(s).

67 What is included in the definition of utility regarding self-funding if at a site other than Holston? If located offsite of Holston, utilities will be the responsibility of the contractor.

What are the key attributes of a response that are most important to Army i.e., speed of delivery, experience, etc.? Key decision drivers in selecting partner- schedule, cost, etc., what receives the most weight?

Refer to the sources sought notice.

Is there evaluation criteria that awards teams for small business partners or small business subcontracting goals?

No, please see the sources sought notice.

06/12/2025

Are there additional instructions on how to break out design, construction cost, commissioning, to help the evaluation process?

There are no additional instructions beyond those provided in the sources sought notice.

What mechanisms does the USG plan to use to make sure that companies have technical expertise, in explosive manufacturing and safety operations?

The USG will assess the technical capability of companies based on the information provided in response to the sources sought.

72 When did Holston come on-line and what was the original intent of the facility?

Holston was established in 1942/1943 to produce 1 million lbs./day of Composition B explosives.

73 What are the “ingredients” used in IMX-104? Please see the respective Mil Specs.

74 Does the operating contractor have input into the expansion?

During project execution, the operating contractor will receive a support contract from the USG to support and as necessary, provide input to the project.

75 Is the location shown on the tour the preferred location for IMX capacity expansion?

An updated map will be provided on sam.gov that identifies the available locations for this project.

76 What Geotech studies are available for the potential IMX Capacity expansion sites? None are available at this time.

77 Are the buildings/lines labeled “XXX” available for IMX expansion? No, buildings labelled “XXX” are not available for IMX expansion.

78 Can we assume ample steam and power will be available for IMX capacity expansion? Yes.

79 How are raw materials brought into the facility?

Most raw materials are brought in by truck. For this project, if at Holston, all raw materials would be delivered by truck.

80 How are acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and nitric acid delivered to the facility?

Nitric acid is mostly delivered by truck. For this project, if at Holston, all raw materials would be delivered by truck.

81 What is the size of the HSAAP facility? HSAAP has a total of 6,024 acres.

82 Are the existing environmental permits available to cover IMX capacity expansion?

Environmental permits at Holston exist for legacy IMX facilities. Permits will need to be obtained or updated for IMX capacity expansion.

83 Will NTO expansion be included in IMX capacity expansion? Yes, NTO expansion is in the scope.

84 Are mortars/shells filled at Holston?

No. Weapons system explosive fill is made at HSAAP and shipped to other facilities to fill mortars/shells.

85 How are explosives shipped from Holston? Explosives are shipped in 50-60 pound boxes and are transported on box trailers.

86 Are shipping facilities required within this scope of work or will alternate funding be available? Shipping facilities are not within this scope of work if located at Holston.

87 Who is responsible for developing SOPs? The contractor is responsible for developing SOPs.

Do we need to assume material delivery (i.e.. TNT, shell casings, etc.) and shipment of final product is by truck or rail?

This depends on proposed location of facility and the capabilities of the contractor's suppliers. Holston is capable of receiving raw materials by truck. Shipment of final product at Holston is currently done by truck.

89 Do we need to account for interplant material transfers to be by rail?

Depends on proposed location of facility. HSAAP does not use rail for interplant material transfers.

Do we have access to existing (unused) igloos for post cycle heat or do we need to include construction of new post cycle heat facilities (igloos).

Holston does not have an explosive storage mission. Explosives are shipped soon after manufacturing. Use of existing explosive storage for intermediate explosives and in-process materials, for limited quantities (no more than 100,000 lbs.) can be assumed as available for use, but these explosive magazines are some distance away from the intended site.

Is the USG looking for full LAP facility (including installation of rocket grain, base bleed, etc.) or just through packout after the post cycle heat process.

No. Please refer to sources sought.

92 Do change houses and break room accommodations need to be considered?

Possibly, depends on proposed location of facility. Change house and break room accommodations are available at Holston.

93 Does a security fence with guard post need to be considered?

Possibly, depends on proposed location of facility. Security fencing and guard post facilities are available at Holston.

Will the USG entertain the government-directed purchase of 4-nitroanisole for the manufacture of DNAN? If so, what are the specifications for 4-nitroanisole? Does the USG have specific packaging configurations for 4-nitroanisole?

The contractor is responsible for negotiating the supply of precursor material and/or

DNAN.

95 When does the USG project the first commercial demand for the IMX from this facility? The USG does not have data identifying commercial demand for IMX-104.

06/12/2025

Will the USG be prescribing the methods and requirements the contractors shall use to commission and successfully demonstrate the performance of the process?

All explosive intermediates (excluding contractor furnished RDX from Holston) and the IMX-104 final product will be required to meet their respective specifications as part of the commissioning process. Contractors will be responsible for demonstrating the facility is capable of meeting its annual throughput requirements.

Has the USG considered to what extent and how to include Holston operating contractor will be included in the commissioning, training, and operational transition of the project at Holston? How will the operating contractor be funded to support this scope of the bidder’s project?

During project execution, the Holston operating contractor will receive a support contract from the USG to support and, as necessary, provide input to the project.

Costs to commission and train operators will be the responsibility of the contractor.

98 What is the USG's projected annual demand of IMX-104? This information cannot be provided.

Since the current operating contractor has a requirements contract, does the USG plan to guarantee a level of IMX-104 annual orders if not at Holston?

The USG does not plan to provide any level of guaranteed IMX-104 orders.

Would a support contract to the existing operating contractor, if required, utilize the same budget funding?

That information is unknown at this time.

101 Can bidders leverage existing or planned capabilities of sites they currently own or operate?

The USG is seeking solutions from industry to expeditiously establish efficient and modern facilities that expand the manufacturing capability of IMX-104. Any approach to fulfilling this requirement shall be clearly identified and articulated and meet the response requirements of the Sources Sought Notice. Respondents should not leverage existing or planned capabilities of HSAAP specific to the production of IMX- 104.

102 Will the USG entertain alternate options within a single response to the Sources Sought? Yes, the USG will evaluate all options presented.

103 Is the USG considering another extension due to the recent industry questions and answers? Not at this time.

Since HSAAP current IWWTF cannot handle the stated increase in capacity of IMX-104, does the USG plan to fund IWWTF upgrades under a separate contract?

That information is unknown at this time. Upgrades to the IWWTF are not required as part of the scope of this Sources Sought.

Is there a submission deadline for questions, in regards to the updated submission date of June 30th?

A question deadline has been updated to 5:00 PM (Central) June 18, 2025, and posted to SAM.gov.

For facilitation of RDX, will the USG be providing cost of RDX to ensure contractors capture cost properly within response to sources sought? Will interested parties need to submit a request for quote to the USG or the current operating contractor of Holston?

For estimation purposes, interested parties should assume the price of RDX at $20 per pound. This price is not guaranteed and must eventually be negotiated with the operating contractor after an award decision is made.

How will the operating contractor be funded to support the scope of the respondents project?

Would they need to send the operating contractor a quote for operators?

Operation through commissioning is the responsibility of the successful awardee. This could include the awardee paying for employees of the current operating contractor to operate through commissioning or having its own employees operate through commissioning. If an interested party provides estimates based on certain assumptions, it must clearly articulate those assumptions within its response.

108 Who would pay for operator training? Would this happen before commissioning or after?

All tasks through commissioning are the responsibility of the successful awardee.

After commissioning is complete, the operating contractor, if located at Holston, is responsible for operations of the facility.

Can the Government confirm that they require an additional 6-8M lbs./yr of IMX-104 packaging capacity as part of the Sources Sought?

Yes. Packaging capacity is included as part of the Sources Sought.

06/12/2025