Infrared (IR) Counter Measure (CM) Flare Family of M206 and MJU-7A/B

**UPDATE: Revised anticipated Competition Strategy and proposed length of Contract Award. Infrared (IR) Counter Measure (CM) Flare Family of M206 and MJU-7A/B The Army Contracting Command - Rock Island (ACC-RI) is using this Sources Sought announcement to provide information to industry about the Infrared (IR) Countermeasure (CM) Flare Family of M206 and MJU-7A/B.

The purpose of providing this information is to conduct ongoing Market Research and to identify interested sources capable of manufacturing and delivering the M206 and MJU-7A/B. This is a market survey for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request for Proposal or as an obligation on the part of the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this market survey or otherwise pay for information solicited.

The Government will utilize the information provided only to develop the acquisition strategy for future requirements. All information submitted will be held in a confidential status.

Item Description: Infrared (IR) Countermeasure (CM)

Flares:

1) M206, NSN: 1370-01-048-2138 (L410)

P/N: 9311623. The M206 is used for protection of helicopters and low altitude aircraft (AH-1S; CH-47, OV-1D, UH-1; RUY-21; EH-60; RV-1; UH-60 series, AH-64; RC-12; OH-58) from infrared heat-seeking missiles. It can also be used on A-10, F-16 and C-130 aircraft. The M206 is an integral (one piece) flare consisting of a magnesium and Teflon pellet in a 1 inch x 1 inch x 8 inch metal case. The flare is dispensed from the AN/ALE-40 series dispenser.

2) MJU-7A/B, NSN: 1370-01-296-8395 (L463)

P/N: 8856664. The MJU-7A/B is used for protection on the F-16, A-10 and C-130 aircraft against infrared heat-seeking missiles. The MJU-7A/B is an integral (one piece) flare consisting of a magnesium and Teflon pellet in a 1 inch x 2 inch x 8 inch metal case. This flare is dispensed from the AN/ALE-40 series dispenser.

The TDP for the above IRCM Flares is Distribution Statement D and will be available to Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. DoD Contractors with a DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement. Foreign Contractors will have to apply to gain access to the TDP via the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The Government anticipates competition for this procurement will be Full and Open.

All interested producers must have personnel trained, skilled, and experienced in the handling of very sensitive hazardous pyrotechnic formulations that produce extreme heat when ignited, i.e., magnesium- Teflon composition. Also required are equipment designed and tooled for production of very sensitive/volatile hazardous materials, i.e., explosive mixers, consolidation presses, extruders and ovens.

Facilities must meet proper fire/explosive safety requirements, such as deluge systems, remote operations, sufficient storage and manufacturing space to meet quantity distance requirements. Unique processes used in the manufacture of the IR CM flares are pyrotechnic mixing and pressing/extruding of explosive materials. Additionally, any contractor must have clearance to work with classified documents, as portions of the technical data package are classified.

Only companies seriously interested in producing the above IR CM flares are to respond to this sources sought/market research notice. Failure to procure the IR CM flares from a fully qualified source could result in failure of the part, degradation, of aircraft mission capability, or loss of aircraft and crew. The estimated total annual production quantities are 40,000 units for the M206 and 80,000 units for the MJU-7.

This equates to a total estimated production quantity of 120,000 units annually, deliverable from FY27-FY29. The NAICS code for this item is 325998 with a business size standard of 650 employees.

Responses: Interested companies should respond by providing the Government the following information:

1) A brief summary of the company's capabilities (a description of facilities, personnel, and past manufacturing experience) and their availability, if a respondent does not have adequate resources (facilities, technical, manufacturing, personnel, etc.) available they are encouraged to demonstrate their ability to obtain those resources without significant delay;

2) Business size;

3) A brief summary of potential key subcontractor and which key components or processes would be subcontracted;

4) Identify if part or all of the requirements can be met by available commercial or nondevelopmental items;

5) Interested companies should provide minimum and maximum monthly production quantities and identify the remaining capacity for simultaneous production of all the items listed above (and if manufacturing resources are shared with other item/production lines);

6) Provide a Minimum Procurement Quantity (MPQ) and whether the Government planned quantities as stated within this announcement meet or exceed the MPQ; and 7) Interested companies should also include a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM, 8) Provide estimated lead times for each item for First Article Testing as well as First Delivery. The Government is contemplating either a multiple award IDIQ or awarding up to two option contracts.

Interested parties are encouraged to provide recommendations, supported with reasoning, for a preferred contracting method. Interested parties must submit a response no later than the date listed in the post in order to be considered in the development of acquisition strategy for this item. Electronic submission is acceptable and preferred. Address to all responses to:

U. S. Army Contracting Command - Rock Island;

ATTN: CCRI-AMK Benjamin.c.riessen.civ@army.mil. Please direct all drawing request questions or any other questions pertaining to this announcement to the POC identified herein.