Notice of Intent to Sole Source, Purchase of Cast Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Explosive Charges

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), Survivability Engineering Branch (SvEB) intends to issue a sole source award to Accurate Energetic Systems (CAGE Code: 070M7) to procure cast Trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive charges as follows: eleven (11) 100 lb., hemispherical TNT and seventeen (17) 100 lb., cylindrical TNT charge with a detonation fuze well. The requested items will be utilized in experiments as part of the SvEB’s research program.

For decades, the SvEB has created historical data and models that have been calibrated to explosives produced by the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES). The recorded pressure waves form the basis of this research and can be exponentially sensitive to changes in the explosive. Thus, it is imperative that the compatibility between previous tests and consistency in data collection remain unchanged. Creating less accurate data due to the use of non-AES products is unacceptable to the government. Due to the sensitive nature of the data collection efforts and the resulting models, no other vendor’s product can meet the requirement without invalidating years of existing baseline data. Since alternative material will not be deemed acceptable, it is determined that Accurate Energetic Systems (CAGE: 070M7) is the only vendor that can provide the TNT that can meet the government’s exact specifications and ensure compatibility between previous tests and consistency in data collection.

Therefore, the Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed price contract to Accurate Energetic Systems in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). Accurate Energetic Systems is a small business concern under the applicable NAICS code 325290 (Explosives Manufacturing) with a size standard of 750 employees. This notice of intent is for information purposes only.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals.  A solicitation will not be issued.  However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.  The information submitted must be provided in sufficient detail to demonstrate the vendor’s ability to fulfill this requirement.  The contractor must also provide a description of their past experience in fulfilling requirements which are the same or similar to this requirement and references for each. 

Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.  A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government.  Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.  Responses to this requirement may be submitted to Jennifer Hoben at Jennifer.Hoben@usace.army.mil and David Ammermann at David.G.Ammermann@usace.army.mil no later than 2:00PM CST Thursday, 13 February 2025.