ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT, SYSTEM ENGINEERING, PROCESS ENGINEERING, SYSTEM SAFETY, IN-SERVICE ENGINEERING, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, ANALYTICAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR NEXT GENERATION CADS/PADS

INTRODUCTION

This is a Sources Sought Notice issued by the Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellant Actuated Devices Joint Program Office (CAD/PAD JPO) for informational and planning purposes only. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB). No contract will be awarded from this announcement. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in preparation of a response to this notice.

BACKGROUND

The CAD/PAD JPO supports a wide range of programs for cartridges, Cartridge Actuated Devices (CADs), Propellant Actuated Devices (PADs), and Aircrew Escape Propulsion Systems (AEPS) used in various fleet applications. The program office is seeking engineering support for programs involving the investigation of new energetic materials, development and evaluation of new and current components, and the implementation of new parameters/criteria for next generation components.

SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor shall provide comprehensive engineering support to the Joint Program Office (JPO) personnel in all program phases, including but not limited to Product improvement, System engineering and process engineering, System safety support, In-service engineering support, Program management, Analytical and organizational assessment support.  To be a successful candidate the following must be demonstrated extensive expertise in the chemistry, physics, ballistics, mechanical design, manufacture, and analysis of energetic devices, materials, and systems.  Possess in-depth knowledge of the CAD/PAD industrial base, relevant government/commercial standards, and safe handling/fabrication of energetic materials and components.  Have an extensive working knowledge of both innovative and standard energetic materials, fielded cartridge/CAD/PAD/AEPS designs, and experience investigating failure modes at all system level and must be able to assist technical personnel at NSWC IHDIV, Hill AFB, NAS PAX and selected commercial facilities.

All information received in response to this Sources Sought marked “Proprietary” will be protected and handled accordingly. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary, confidential, or competition-sensitive information contained in their response. Responses to this Sources Sought will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Sources Sought announcement. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting a response.  DO NOT submit pricing information in response to this Sources Sought.

Interested sources shall provide a response detailing their capability and experience supporting CAD/PAD components and associated systems. Responses should demonstrate experience with providing comprehensive engineering and analytical support across the full lifecycle of CAD/PAD components. This includes hands-on product improvement for various systems, in-service engineering, and robust failure and mishap investigation support. Key responsibilities also involve developing predictive aging models, ensuring system safety, and providing subject matter expertise through technical lectures and organizational assessments to enhance overall program effectiveness. Al specific topic areas below should be addressed:

1. CAD/PAD relevant US located energetic manufacturing facilities, to include Radford Army Ammunition Plant and NSWC Indian Head
2. CAD/PAD industry usage and statuses of propellant and Energetic Materials production, to included Resonant Acoustic mixers and FlackTek mixers
3. Thermodynamic and thermochemical equilibrium analysis and combustion analysis, including development of the necessary ingredient library. Include demonstration of CAD/PAD device combustion analyses with a comprehensive ingredient library, and include examples of keeping the necessary ingredient library updated.
4. Demonstration of ability and subject knowledge on CAD/PAD obsolescence issues and risks
5. Pyrotechnic manufacturing support, recent CAD/PAD processing improvement efforts, and extensive knowledge on the CAD/PAD utilized formulations
6. Capability and examples of CAD/PAD proposal development within the last 5 years
7. Demonstrate extensive knowledge on the percussion primers utilized with the CAD/PAD portfolio, including their performance and manufacturing processes
8. Demonstrate current CAD/PAD portfolio failure investigations, and subject matter expertise guidance
9. Demonstrate current CAD/PAD system safety support, to include CAD/PAD system modeling and simulations of the system performance on specific CAD/PAD supported aircraft
10. Demonstrate subject matter expertise on the CAD/PAD portfolio In-service Engineering processes and current affairs

Respondents should clearly describe their technical capabilities and ability to support urgent or emergent requirements in support of fleet sustainment and production schedules. Respondents should also provide a brief description of prior experience supporting similar systems or programs, including any relevant past performance information, if available.  Respondents should clearly describe relevant and recent past performance and should demonstrate experience providing CAD/PAD support within the last five years. Relevant patents and any supporting technical documents demonstrating the capability should also be provided.

The Government anticipates a potential future requirement supporting CAD/PAD sustainment and production efforts in support of domestic and international program requirements.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested parties are requested to submit a capability statement that includes:

• Company name, address, and point of contact information
• DUNS number and CAGE code
• Relevant experience and technical capabilities
• Past performance on similar contracts
• Socioeconomic status (e.g., small business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, etc.)
• Any other pertinent information

Responses shall be limited to [5] pages and submitted electronically to the POCs listed herein by the closing date posted.

Disclaimer:  This Sources Sought Notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this notice.