Aeronautical Systems Center(ASC/LIW-A),102 West D Avenue, Suite 168 Eglin AFB FL 32542-6807

13 -- IMPROVED 105MM MULTIPURPOSE CARTRIDGE POC Major Steve Reed, Contracting Officer, 904-882-8787 ext 3069, for technical information, Captain Dorian Corbett, 904-882-8787 ext 3037. The USAF Aeronautical Systems Center, Weapons, Airbase and Range Product Support Office, Projects Division (ASC/LIW-A), is investigating options for an improved 105mm multipurpose cartridge to replace the M1 cartridge currently used in the M102 Howitzer on board the AC-130 Gunship aircraft. The goal for the cartridge is to have a fragmentation lethal area improvement of 1.25, 1.50, and 1.75 against light armor, light materiel, and personnel class targets, respectively, when compared against the current M1 Comp B warhead. Goals also include blast lethal area improvements against the above three target classes and fire start and sustainment improvement against light materiel targets. The improved cartridge will be required to be compatible with the new FMU-153/B Hardened Improved Penetrator fuze for use against concrete targets. The improved cartridge will be required to be used with the M14 series brass cartridge case and an M67 propelling charge. The size and weight of the improved cartridge projectile may be increased within compatibility limits of the M102 Howitzer and the existing AC-130 Gunship ammunition storage racks. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to allow industry an opportunity to reveal concepts which would provide insight into the extent to which the requirements and goals of this multipurpose cartridge might be achieved. A Contractor submission of a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for an EMD program and unit production cost estimate for a total quantity of 10,000 units would assist program planning and budgeting. Contractors should have the ability to manufacture 105mm projectiles at an annual rate of 5000 for subsequent load, assemble, and pack (LAP) into fuzeless cartridges either at the contractor's facility or a Government LAP facility. First production deliveries would begin NLT 30 months after the initial EMD contract award. Firms having the applicable capability and interest should submit specific information to document their capabilities and potential to successfully execute this effort to ASC/LIW-A, 102 W D Ave, Suite 168, Attn: Capt Dorian Corbett, Eglin AFB FL 32542-6807. Such information should include, but not be limited to, manufacturing, test and evaluation, and knowledge of technology involved to meet the general requirements. Specific concepts and potential performance target classes is desired to assess the extent to which performance requirements and goals may be met. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only, and it does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. Closing date for submission of particulars is within 30 days after publication of this synopsis. Firms responding to this synopsis should state if they are a large, small, or small disadvantaged business. Routine communications concerning this acquisition should be directed to the Contracting Officer (PCO), Maj Steve Reed (904) 882-8787 ext 3069, or the Program Manager, Capt Dorian Corbett (904) 882-8787 ext 3037. Technical questions may be directed to Capt Paul Violette (904) 882-8787 ext 3030. Collect calls will not be accepted (0018)

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