Extracted High and Low Speed Container Delivery System (EHLSCDS)

An Amendment to the solicitation was uploaded on 9 March 2016 to address questions received.

The solicitation was uploaded on 19 February 2016 via FBO.gov

This is a Pre-Solicitation Notice for the U.S. Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) Solicitation No. W911QY-16-R-0008. The US Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Natick Contracting Division (NCD) on behalf of Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems (PM-FSS), located at the Natick Soldier Systems Center intends to issue a solicitation under the authority of FAR Part 15 for the Extracted High and Low Speed Container Delivery System (EHLSCDS).

The Government is anticipating awarding a single Firm Fixed Price Five Year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract for Operational Testing and Production. The Government reserves the right to award one or no contracts as a result of the solicitation. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 314999 (All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills), and the size standard is 500 employees.

When released, the formal solicitation, including all amendments and applicable documents, will be available in electronic medium on or about 25 November 2015 via FBO.gov (TELEPHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED). Offerors must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov prior to submission of proposals. It is the offeror's responsibility to check the Internet address provided as necessary for any posted changes to this solicitation and all amendments.

Background: Extracted High and Low Speed Container Delivery System (EHLSCDS) is a significant evolution of the current Container Delivery System (CDS) method of airdrop. It is designed for deployment from both C-130 and C-17 aircraft at maximum ramp-open airspeed from as low as 375 feet Above Ground Level. This capability provides commanders the ability to conduct exceptionally accurate low altitude resupply airdrops to combat troops on the ground while allowing the aircraft to maintain maneuverability at the higher airspeed. The higher airspeed reduces threat exposure to the aircraft while the ground troops benefit from reduced dispersion on the Drop Zone (DZ) because of the low altitude and extraction method of airdrop. The increased accuracy and reduced dispersion also allows for the use of much smaller DZs. The EHLSCDS design was developed during a successful 2011-2013 Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD).

The contractor shall manufacture the EHLSCDS components and spare parts in accordance with Government provided technical drawings. In addition, the contractor will also provide airdrop test/training support, repair services and engineering assistance. The contractor may also develop, prepare, and submit value engineering change proposals (VECPs).

The contractor's primary focus shall be to:
1. Manufacture EHLSCDS components and spare parts.
2. Provide airdrop test and training support. This includes packing parachutes, rigging bundles, recovering
airdropped loads and preparing reports. This support will occur at multiple government facilities to include Yuma Proving Ground, AZ, Fort Bragg, NC, Natick Soldier Systems Center, MA and Fort Lee, VA.
3. Provide repairs to test assets as required.
4. Provide engineering support as required.
5. Participate in meetings as required.

Manufacture - Build to Print:
• 45-Foot Main Parachute, G-15
• Pilot Parachute, G-15
• Extraction Parachute System,
• A-24 Container
• Spare Parts

It is anticipated that proposals shall include the following volumes.

Volume I. Past Performance
Volume II. Technical/Manufacturing
Volume III. Management
Volume IV. Cost/Price
Volume V. Administrative: Section I: Executive Summary; Section II: Solicitation  Documents; Section III: DCMA POCs, CAGE,DUNs and TIN; Section IV:  Representations & Certifications; Section V: Financial Documentation; Section VI: Signed Teaming Agreements (if applicable).

It is anticipated that a question and answer session will be available during the first fifteen (15) days after a solicitation is released.

Questions shall be submitted to Safoune Elalaoui via FBO.gov 15 days prior to Request for Proposal closing date. The Government will provide its response through FBO.gov via amendments. The Government will not guarantee a response to any question and/or clarifications after the submission deadline in the solicitation.