PA154, PA157, and PA191 Metal Containers

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-New Jersey (ACC-NJ) located at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806, on behalf of the Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (PM-CAS) is conducting market research to identify potential qualified sources that are capable of producing the PA154, PA157, and PA191 Metal Containers to meet the anticipated Army production and delivery for 2nd Quarter (2Q) Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. These requirements are planned to be restricted to BWAY Corporation in Atlanta, GA.

The PA154/PA157/PA191 Metal Containers are gasket sealed rectangular metal containers that serve as the outer pack for 60mm/81mm/120mm Mortar Cartridges. The PA154 Metal Container supports the 120mm Smoke and Illum Mortar Cartridges M929/M930/M983. The PA157 Metal container supports the 81mm Smoke and Illumination Mortar Cartridges M819, M853A1, and M816.  The PA191 Metal Container supports the 60mm Smoke and Illum Mortar Cartridges M722A1/M721/M767. Additionally, the PA154 holds two (2) 120mm Mortar Cartridges, the PA157 holds three (3) 81mm Mortar Cartridges, and the PA191 holds eight (8) 60mm Mortar Cartridges.  The Metal Container manufacturing process consists of several operations.  Container hardware (body ribs, hasps, latches, latch link retainers, and gasket retainers) and cover panels are formed via stamping of sheet steel through the use of presses and applicable dies.  Handles and a latch link are formed from wire steel.  The body is constructed by folding steel sheet stock and seam welding the side seam and bottom of the container.  The hardware is then attached to the body assembly with spot or projection welds.  Separately, the cover assembly is constructed by bending the latch and latch link retainer around the latch link, and spot welding this sub-assembly to the cover panel.  A molded rubber gasket is crimped onto the cover by deforming the gasket retainer, which is also spot or projection welded to the cover assembly. Prior to painting, welded assemblies are cleaned and coated with zinc phosphate in accordance with TT-C-490.  The separate body and cover assemblies are then coated with 1 mil of paint via a dip process. Alternatively, the assemblies may be coated with 2-3 mils of powder or 0.8-1.5 of e-coat.  A sample of the containers are then subjected to dimensional inspections, a salt spray test, and a gasket compression test.  All of the containers are subjected to a leak test, and finally the containers are packaged for shipment.

To be considered as a capable source for this effort, all interested parties must submit the below requested information as follows:

a) Provide a summary of capabilities including an ability to produce the PA191 at a rate of 6,000 units per month, the PA157 at a rate of 5,000 units per month, and the PA154 at a rate of 4,000 units per month;

b) Manufacturing experience with PA191/PA157/PA154 Metal Containers or similar products within the past 3 years;

c) Description of facilities, personnel (numbers, experience, specialized skill sets), and environmental compliance as it relates to the above production efforts;

d) Provide a summary of Quality Assurance processes in order to support this production program; and

e) Provide company name, address, telephone number, email address, technical point of contact, and company size (please specify as either a Large Business, Foreign-Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8(a) concern, Woman-Owned Small Business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone concern, Veteran-Owned Small Business, or Service-Disabled Small Business).

All companies interested in this notice must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM).

The Technical Data Package (TDP) will be provided upon request for information only. In order to receive the TDP, contractors are required to submit a signed and completed DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement; AMSTA-AR Form 1350, Technical Data Request Questionnaire; and Non-Disclosure Agreement.  Please identify any proprietary information submitted.  All information provided will not be returned and will be held in confidential status.

This market survey is for information and planning purposes and may be used in award of a contract and shall NOT be construed as an obligation on the part of the Government. The Government does not imply an intention of opportunity to acquire funding to support current or future development efforts. The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or part, any private sector input as a result of this Market Survey.  The Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this Market Survey. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the Government. All market information sought in this notification must be provided within 15 days of this notice by electronic mail only at no cost to the Government, to Contract Specialist Michael Samra; Michael.w.samra.civ@army.mil. TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The Government will accept written questions via email only.