Black Powder -Sources Sought

11-9-2023 - This sources sought has been edited due to a clerical error in the due date for responses. The new due date for information is 12-1-2023. Additionally, please see the Attachments sections for updated information.

REQUIREMENT: The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Rock Island, Illinois (ACC-RI) on behalf of the J-PEO Ammunition, Project Director Joint Services (PD-JS) Office is conducting a market survey to identify qualified sources to manufacture Black Powder, Classes 1 - 8, per MIL-P-223C with Amendment 3.  

The purpose of this market survey is to obtain current information on the capability of businesses to provide Black Powder for FY 24-FY28 military requirements.

Black Powder is used in various military applications from expelling charges, igniter bags and artillery salute cartridges. The estimated amount for all 5 years is 1,5000,000 lbs. incorporating all classes; the maximum annual quantity is up to 300,000 lbs.; with a potential surge of up to 600,000 lbs.

Amongst identified requirements, the largest estimated quantity is for Class I Black Powder, totaling an estimated 1,473,000 lbs. across 5 years. The remaining identified total estimated requirements are:

8,700 lbs. of Class 2;

1,100 lbs. of Class 3;

1,100 lbs. of Class 5;

15,000 lbs. of Class 6; and

1,100 lbs. of Class 7 Black Powder.

The Government anticipates soliciting for Offerors located within the National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB) for a single award of a 5 year, IDIQ type contract to be awarded in FY24. All interested sources must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to provide a response.  Responses shall include the following information for the Government’s review and assessment:

1. Company's contact information including organization’s name, address, point of contact, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, business size, taxpayer identification number, Unique Entity ID and CAGE Code (as applicable);
2. A summary that includes a brief description of the contractor's capabilities to include: parent organizations, name/address/point of contact identification/email address, capabilities;
3. Past manufacturing experience with Black Powder within the last 10 years.
4. Identify projected monthly delivery capability and lead time for delivery of 300,000 lbs. annually of black powder.
5. A description of facilities, equipment including key specifications or capabilities, manufacturing process, inspection (destructive and non-destructive) capabilities, personnel, past experience as a black powder producer, proven monthly production capacity and/or potential capability, and possible partnering/teaming arrangements.
6. Evidence of Quality Assurance to support the production of Black Powder.

Responses shall not exceed 15 pages in length and should provide sufficient detail for the U.S. Government to make a reasonable assessment regarding your company’s capability to produce this item at the required rate. NO CLASSIFIED information shall be submitted.

Please identify any proprietary information submitted.  All information provided will not be returned and will be held in confidential status.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This market survey is for informational and planning purposes only and shall NOT be construed as a Request for Proposal; therefore, no contract will be awarded from this announcement. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requests. This notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose other than market research.