Load, Assembly and Pack (LAP) of 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm Full Range Practice Cartridges

The U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), Picatinny Arsenal, NJ on behalf of the Project Manager for Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) is conducting a market survey to identify potential sources to Load, Assembly, and Pack (LAP) and deliver 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm Full Range Practice Cartridges (FRPC).
This is a market survey for information purposes only and not a request for proposal or announcement of a solicitation.

The purpose of this market research is to obtain current information on the capability of businesses to provide these products to the warfighter for 60/81mm FRP Mortar Cartridge FY22-FY26 requirements as well as 120mm FRP Mortar Cartridge FY25-FY26 requirements.  The Government Technical Data Package for these items are marked as Distribution Statement D (authorized distribution of technical documents to the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. DoD Contractors only) and will be available by submitting a signed and completed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), Technical Data Request Questionnaire (Form 1350), and a valid Military Critical (DD2345). These documents may be obtained via e-mail by sending a request electronically to the Point of Contact (POC) listed below. 

The 60mm M769, 81mm M879A1 and 120mm M931 FRPC consist of a hollow shell body with no energetic fill, and except for the color, look identical to the High Explosive (HE) Cartridges. The FRPC cartridges utilize a center vent tube to allow the fuze signature to be vented through a series of holes in the aft shell body. The cartridge bodies accept the M775 Practice Fuze for the 60mm FRPC, the M751 Practice Fuze for the 81mm FRPC, and M781 Practice Fuze for 120mm M931 FRPC; which contain a spotting charge that ignites upon ground impact. The practice fuze produces a flash, bang, and/or smoke signature that provides audio and visual feedback to forward observers. The plastic ogive simulates the contour and the four function settings of the M734A1 multi-option fuze used on the service mortars. The FRPCs currently use four increments as the propelling charge system initiated by the ignition cartridge. The cartridges are packed one to a fiber container which are packed into a wooden wirebound box.

The 60/81/120mm FRPC are intended to support training operations by providing a flash/bang/smoke signature at impact.  Components that are provided as Government Furnished Material to the LAP contractor are: Fuzes (M775, M751, M781), Fin assemblies (M27, M24, M31), Propelling Charges (M235, M220, M234A1), Ignition Cartridges (M702, M299. M1020), and Shell Bodies. 

The U.S. Government intends to solicit the 60/81/120mm FRP Cartridges and intends to award up to three (3) Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract(s) for each cartridge to support the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) requirements.  Each offeror must bid and produce all three cartridge calibers.  This will be limited to the United States and Canada.

Interested sources should submit information to demonstrate the ability to complete the following:

a) Develop tooling, fixtures and production processes to produce the components
b) Develop gauges, fixtures, and a plan to inspect the components
c) Produce a first article sample for Government evaluation and approval 180 days after contract award (DACA) and initiate production delivery 270 DACA.
d) Follow normal delivery schedule for subsequent ordering periods, when and if executed.
e) Execute product improvement projects for the manufacture and design of the components.

Submission Information: A response to this sources sought should show adequate technical and LAP capability and satisfactory past performance. If a respondent does not have adequate resources (technical, facilities, equipment, personnel, etc.) available, the respondent must be able to demonstrate its ability to obtain those resources within the timeframe required to meet first article.  Respondents must provide information showing ability to produce all of the requirements not just partial requirements.

Respondents should provide the following information for the evaluation to enable the U.S. government to develop acquisition plans to meet the aforementioned production requirements.

Interested contractors should submit the following information:

a. Name of company, address and CAGE code
b. Point of Contacts, name, telephone number, and email address
c. Business size information
d. Location of the facility or proposed facility
e. A summary of company's capabilities including a description of facilities/equipment, manufacturing processes, and inspection capability. Identify equipment/processes that would be in-house and subcontracted.
f. LAP past experience with mortars within the last 10 years;
g. Provide information relative to a proven monthly production at a minimum rate of 15,000 per month for the 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm FRPC.
h. Either possess or have the ability to acquire facilities with sufficient safety clearance to handle, store, and transport explosive
i. Possible partnering/teaming arrangements

The respondent should provide sufficient details to the U.S. Government so as to make a reasonable assessment on the capability to LAP these items at the required rates. This information is for reference and planning only. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information submitted or for cost associated with providing this information.

Proprietary responses will be protected in accordance with the markings.

TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The Government will accept written questions by email. Email your questions to POC: Lauren Tagliente.  The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any private sector input as a result of the Market Research notice.   All information provided will not be returned and will be held as contractor confidential information. The requested information should be sent to, ACC-NJ, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ via email to: lauren.m.tagliente.civ@mail.mil.  If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. All companies interested in this notice must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM).