Modular Artillery Charge Systems (MACS) M231/M232A1 Combustible Case Assemblies

Description:
The Army Contracting Command-New Jersey (ACC-NJ), Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000, on behalf of the Office of the Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems, intends to solicit and negotiate a sole source firm fixed price contract with Esterline Defense Technologies (EDT), 85-901 Avenue 53, Coachella, CA 92236 for the production of Modular Artillery Charge Systems (MACS) M231/M232A1 Combustible Case Assemblies. This sole source contract is intended to be issued using 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) as authorized by FAR 6.302-1 (a)(2)(ii)(A) Only One Responsible Source and no other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The anticipated contract is to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) will cover five (5) one year ordering periods (FY14-18) to include First Article Test (FAT) with an estimated maximum ordering quantity of 772,800 units. The MACS is an evolution of the XM230 quote mark Unicharge quote mark that was developed as a replacement for the current family of four separate bag charges for 155mm cannon artillery systems. The Unicharge was intended to be a single increment universal charge module that would provide needed zoning solutions for both 39-caliber and Extended Range Ordnance cannons by building the charge up. The MACS is currently a two charge propellant system that offers improvements in operational flexibility, performance, logistic support and cost compared to the current family of bag propelling charges. The MACS consists of two solid propellant charges, the M231 (low-zone) and the M232A1 (high-zone), and their associated packaging. The charge system provides a complete zoning solution for the 155mm artillery applications by using multiples of the basic modules. The bottom-charge M231 is fired either singly (Charge-1) or in pairs (Charge-2) from all cannon systems. The top-charge M232A1 is fired in multiples of 3, 4 or 5 in currently fielded weapon systems. The combustible case assemblies are a key technology for MACS because they burn cleanly, they use environmentally compliant ingredients, an exterior coating enables the MACS to withstand limited out-of-pack exposure, and the rigid case allows the MACS to satisfy its Key Performance Parameter to be automatically handled and loaded. MACS meets the Army's requirements for 155mm artillery propelling charges to be used in all of the existing 155mm artillery weapon systems and is designed for use with automated handling equipment. MACS are compatible with all existing 155mm artillery systems, and are compliant with Annex D of the Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMOU). This planned contract includes all efforts required to manufacture, inspect, test and deliver the MACS M231/M232A1 Combustible Case Assemblies.
The estimated maximum quantities per year:

Year 1 (FY14) = up to 268,800 pounds

Year 2 (FY15) = up to 126,000 pounds

Year 3 (FY16) = up to 126,000 pounds

Year 4 (FY17) = up to 126,000 pounds

Year 5 (FY18) = up to 126,000 pounds

First delivery under this planned contract is estimated to be in the 3rd Quarter of FY14. The period for this synopsis is from 24 December 2013 thru 30 January 2014.
The Point of Contract for this notification and any requests/questions may be directed to Jennifer Hughes at Jennifer.m.hughes56.civ@mail.mil. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.