Limited_Source_Justification_-_CARC_paint_2018.pdf

Limited Source Justification Solicitation # W911PT-18-Q-0036 CARC Paints and Primers

On an annual basis, the Watervliet Arsenal issues a solicitation for Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) paints and primers, which are used in the coating of most mortar and cannon components. The resulting award is for a total of eight different products, to be delivered at various specified dates, over a one year period of performance.

The United States Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is the approving authority for all of DoD regarding CARC products. A Qualified Products List (QPL) containing manufacturers and contact information is maintained and continuously updated by the ARL. Currently there are four approved producers listed on the ARL QPL for the products required. They are Hentzen Coatings, PPG Industries, NCP Coatings and The Sherwin Williams Company. Due to slight variations in color and the potential for adhesion issues between manufacturer’s products, a uniform producer for all products is required.

Since 2008 Watervliet Arsenal has purchased CARC paints and primers exclusively from Hentzen Coatings, Inc. Hentzen Coatings has been the only known manufacturer to safely meet the strict Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) level requirements of the ARL and Watervliet Arsenal, along with performing successfully during the physical testing of dry and wet adhesion and salt spraying.

Note: In the past Watervliet Arsenal has required these CARC products meet a stricter VOC content level than outlined in the material specification approved by ARL due to safety concerns related to carcinogens. As of 19 February 2009, the material specification has been updated to now reflect the same VOC levels as required by Watervliet Arsenal (see Revision C).

Each previous solicitation for these products has been issued with the caveat that should another qualified supplier be interested in future opportunities to provide CARC paints and primers to Watervliet Arsenal, they must first provide samples of their products for testing during the incumbents contracted period of performance. Due to critical production schedule requirements in support of our warfighters and the vital impact delays may have to national defense, awards cannot be delayed for product testing to be completed.

In 2010 NCP Coatings and Sherwin Williams provided technical data and sample products for testing at Watervliet Arsenal. While the MSDS and product data sheets of both appeared to meet the material requirements, test results determined that the products of both manufacturers were currently unacceptable for production use.

Until recently none of the other qualified producers have been able to provide a complete package of products that were able to satisfy the testing requirements of Watervliet Arsenal. In February 2012 Passonno Paints, a distributor of PPG Industries, provided all technical data and sample products for testing by Watervliet Arsenal. On

Limited Source Justification Solicitation # W911PT-18-Q-0036 CARC Paints and Primers

5/2/2013 the products supplied passed all physical testing requirements and was determined acceptable (pending a final test of aerosol products prior to any subsequent award).

Note: PPG Industries (LB) and NCP Coatings (SB) are both approved producers of CARC products; however both companies’ products are manufactured by NCP Coatings. Both product lines have independent part and QPL numbers. To date, only the PPG Industries product line has passed testing at Watervliet Arsenal.

In April 2014 Watervliet Arsenal was also approached by Sherwin Williams about further testing of their CARC product line based on recent updates. Testing of these products began on 5/7/2014 and concluded on 10/8/2014. While all products have successfully passed dry adhesion and salt spray testing applications, the Sherwin Williams aerosol touch-up produced an unacceptable color variation which did not match the existing CARC top coats. In addition, these touch-ups left a rough texture which did not level during cure. Watervliet Arsenal has agreed to continue testing updates by Sherwin Williams to their aerosol product for future consideration.

Based on the information outlined above, this solicitation will be issued on a limited source basis. Only the approved products of the two small business manufacturers, NCP Coatings (PPG Industries product line) and Hentzen Coatings will be considered.

Small businesses, as distributors of these two approved manufacturers, will also be considered for award. As in the past, the solicitation will be issued with the caveat that interested qualified parties can provide samples for testing in order to be considered for the next annual solicitation.

// signed //

Nicholas Ventresca Contracting Officer