Gymnasticator - for Watervliet Arsenal

Sources Sought Notice for: Gymnasticator for Watervliet Arsenal

The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Watervliet Arsenal (ACC-WVA) Contracting Office located at Watervliet Arsenal (WVA) is issuing this sources sought synopsis to notify any interested parties the Government is considering the purchase of one New Gymnasticator used in the testing and measuring the functionality of Breech Mechanisms at the Watervliet Arsenal.

THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AT THIS TIME AND NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED FROM THIS NOTICE. This is a request for information on capabilities and interest and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP); submission of any information in response to this market survey is purely voluntary and the U.S. Government (USG) assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this effort. Data submitted in response to this market survey will not be returned.

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

The Watervliet Arsenal currently has an existing Gymnasticator at the Watervliet Arsenal (WVA) to test and measure the functionality of M256 120mm breech mechanisms. WVA is seeking to replace the existing Gymnasticator with a new Gymnasticator of similar design that is capable of performing the same.

Functionality: The Gymnasticator performs two functions:

1. Opens the breech block by turning the breech mechanism shaft.

2. Moving the carriage mounted cam against the operating crank.

3. See notes below:

· Carriage velocity is computer controlled, adjustable over a range of 2 to 6ft/sec, in steps of 0.2 ft/sec.

· The device closes the breech block by either turning the pawl shaft, or by tripping the extractors with a dummy cartridge case inserted.

Data Collection Software: Various parameters are measured, recorded, analyzed (pass/fail), calculated and plotted. The following data is required to be printable via software options and to be stored on the machine control panel and shall be digitally exported.

· Breech Block Negative Velocity

· Breech Block Closing Velocity

· Breech Block Recoil Opening Velocity

· Carriage Velocity

· Case Ejection Velocity

· Operating Shaft Torque

· Extractor Trip Force

· Standard Operating Parameters (Date, # of Cycles, Temperature, Humidity, etc.)

INTERESTED PARTIES. The Government requests interested parties to submit a company brochure (if available) and a tailored capability statement for these requirements that clearly details the ability to perform the aspects of the notice described above. All proprietary information should be marked as such. The description should also include any anticipated needs for sub-tier vendors.

Responses will be reviewed by U.S. Army Contracting Command – Watervliet Arsenal (ACC-WVA, Watervliet Arsenal and the US Army personnel only and will be held in a confidential manner. Any and all information provided shall include a description of the proposed manufacturing capabilities. Submitted documentation will not be returned.

Submission Information:

Responses to this sources sought synopsis should be submitted by October 27, 2022 via email. Interested firms should provide their address, point of contact information with telephone number and e-mail address.