U.S. Army ARDEC, AMSTA-AR-PCW-A, Bldg10, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey 07806-5000

10 -- M109A6 PALADIN 155MM SP HOWITZER & FAASV POC Robert Blasi, Contract Specialist, 201-724-3365, email=rblasi@pica.army.mil, Gregory Gorman, Contracting Officer, 201- 724-3271. The US ARMY TACOM-ARDEC is conducting a market survey for M109A6 Paladin 155mm SP Howitzer production (36 each/FY97 and 36 each/FY98), Paladin chassis overhaul (250 Total FY97-99), and Inspect and Repair Only as Necessary (IRON) and convert 72 M992 M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles (FAASVs) to the M992A2 configuration and to overhaul and convert 19 M992 FAASVs to the M992A2 configuration. This action is to privatize the Letterkenny Army Depot's (LEAD) Paladin Chassis and FAASV overhaul capabilities. Facilities and property currently located at LEAD, for the LEAD efforts, will be offered to the contractor for use. The new Paladin production entails the fabrication of the M109A6 turret and integration and assembly with the product improved chassis utilizing US ARMY M109A2/A3 returned from the field. Both Paladin Production and chassis overhaul/upgrade will bring the items in compliance with product specification MIL H-71000A dated 8 August 1994 entitled Howitzer, Medium, Self-Propelled : 155MM M109A6 Howitzer. Specialized knowledge required by the specification includes navigation moves, automotive testing, as well as functional and proof firing of the armament system. Final processing of the vehicle includes CARC painting for the assembled and tested vehicle as well as insertion of the required Basic Issue Items (BII) and Components of End Items (COEI) for final transportation to the required fieldings. The FAASV IRON and conversion will result in a M992A2 configuration in accordance with ATPD02082M and MWO 9-2350-287-55. Efforts include automotive mobility testing and materials handling equipment testing to confirm compliance with the above documents. The skills required to execute these programs include: Program Management, Production Management, Production Engineering, Materials Management, Product Assurance, and the key factory shop skills of certified welding and fabricating of large aluminum armor structures, large caliber weapon assemblers, large scale chrome platers to reclaim armament systems, automotive power train assemblers, setup mechanics/machinists for operation of large capacity multi axis automated machining centers, hydraulic assemblers, as well as electrical assemblers with skills in integrating vehicle, fire control, and communications equipment. Painting tradesmen, experienced in the application and control of Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) paints, and in conformance with state/federal EPA standards for aluminum/steel structures are also required. Responses are due by 7/31/96. The proposed action is planned to be sole source to United Defense (Limited Partnership), Paladin Production Division, 56 California Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201-0837. See Note 22 (0185)

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