Testing of Methyl Violet and Potassium Iodide Starch Test Papers

This is a Sources Sought Synopsis. This synopsis neither constitutes a Request for Proposal, nor does it restrict the Government from an ultimate acquisition approach. This synopsis should not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose. Requests for solicitation will not receive a response. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any input as a result of this market survey.

The U.S. Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this survey. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this market survey. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) is seeking companies with technical expertise and experience in the production and testing of Methyl Violet (MV) and Potassium Iodide (KI)/Starch test papers.

The KI/starch and MV test papers are used to qualify various nitrate esters, gun propellants, etc. for military munitions/ordnance as per test methods described below. These are to be made using a formula and protocols similar to Analytical Methods for Powders and Explosives AB Bofor 1974 pp 45-7 or Franklin Research Institute Encyclopedia Vol. 8 P 118M. Applicable sections of MIL-STD-105 and 109 may apply.

Testing of the finished papers for suitability of response will be conducted as per MIL-STD-286C method 404.1.2 for MV papers and MIL-N-246B paragraph 4.3.4 or MIL-N-244B paragraph 4.5.8 for KI papers. Additional testing of physical dimensions for in-process quality assurance is also required as the end item performance is not guaranteed by adherence to the manufacturing process. The Government anticipates the needed quantity (total) of 5,000 to 15,000 per year for these test papers.

Manufacturing of these test papers requires an extensive background in the production of test papers as their end performance is very much influenced by the manufacturing environment and specific lots of dyestuffs used in the case of the MV paper. Further, the proper performance testing of the papers requires access to liquid nitrate esters, (potentially dry nitrocellulose), several military propellants and the ability/facility to conduct the prescribed tests in a safe manner.

These materials are extremely hazardous due to their explosive properties and must be handled in accordance to proper practices. Technical expertise to sustain quality throughout all phases of the manufacturing process and an established internal quality control system are also required.

All responding sources shall provide a summary of their company's capabilities including organization name, address, a description of facilities and/or equipment, manufacturing process, inspection capability, personnel, past experience, and current production capacity per month. Since ability to test these papers requires access to explosives and other energetic materials conform to local, state and federal laws, regulations and appropriate safety and security measures must be demonstrated.

In order to be eligible for any award associated with explosive materials a contractor must have an approved Safety Survey per DCMA. It is also required to provide a point of contact, phone number, e-mail address, mail address, business size, taxpayer identification number, DUNS number and CAGE Code. All responding sources must submit their responses no later than 12 June 2024 to:

Frederick Heim Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division Applied Analytical Laboratory 5326 Whitman Ct. Bldg 1864 Indian Head, MD 20640 (301) 744-1609 Responses can also be submitted by email to frederick.s.heim.civ@us.navy.mil . Large files need to be compressed using WinZip (http://www.winzip.com). This market survey is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or solicitation.

This is not to be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this market survey.