Tilting Skillets for Army Field Kitchens

The U.S Army Soldier Systems Center, Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems (PMFSS), Natick, MA is conducting a market survey to identify potential vendors for designing and developing a 20-30 gallon tilt-skillet specifically for its Mobile Kitchen Trailer (MKT) product line. The skillet shall be capable of being heated using JP8 fuel. Electrically heated skillets are not feasible due to inadequate power supply in the field. The skillets capability of functioning safely and effectively by integrating the Armys standard JP8-fired field burner is desired but not required. The Armys standard JP8-fired burner provides a single open flame with maximum heat output of roughly 55,000 BTU/Hr when on high setting and roughly 18,000 BTU/Hr on low setting. The Army standard burner is typically placed directly under the appliance, and for larger appliances, two burners may be used. The maximum front to back dimension for the skillet assembly shall be less than or equal to 28 inches to allow the skillet to fit within the MKT layout. However, additional appurtenances such as exhaust duct and burners may extend off the back of the skillet provided such appurtenances can be easily removed from the back of the skillet to facilitate folding up the MKT for transport. If needed to attain the required front to back dimension, the skillets cover may be made portable rather than a fixed part of the skillet. Manual tilting and draining of the skillet is acceptable, but mechanized tilting is desired provided only low power input is needed. The tilting device shall be designed to either withstand the heat from the burner or be located such that the burner heat does not impact the tilting system.

Information is required within 45 calendar days of the date of publication of this notice and should include 1) background/experience in designing and developing tilt skillets or other food service equipment; 2) product literature for any standard skillets that currently meet the dimensional requirements of this notice; 3) estimated date when the vendor would be available for developing a tilt skillet; and 4) estimated number of months to develop and deliver a prototype JP8-fired tilt skillet. Responses to this notice shall be addressed to U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center, ATTN: PMFSS (Jeff Wallace, B-16), Natick, MA 01760-5057 or email jeff.wallace@us.army.mil. This market survey is intended for Government planning purposes only. This notice is not an Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal nor is it a commitment from U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center.