81 -- CERTIFIED HAZARDOUS MATERIAL PACKAGING FOR WET-CHARGED AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES

Notice Date

October 18, 2000

Contracting Office

US Army Tank -- Automotive and Armaments Command -- Rock Island( TACOM-RI) Attn: AMSTA-CM-CR, Rock Island , IL 61299-7630

ZIP Code

61299-7630

Response Due

November 20, 2000

Point of Contact

Sheryl L. DeVol (309)782-6602, FAX (309)782-6558

E-Mail Address

Click here to contact the contract specialist via (devols@ria.army.mil)

Description

The U.S. Army, TACOM-RI, Rock Island, IL is seeking sources of certified hazardous material packaging for wet-charged automotive batteries used in tactical and combat vehicles. The batteries are considered hazardous material because they contain sulfuric acid electrolyte. (Proper Shipping Name/Description: "Batteries, wet, filled with acid,electric storage." UN ID Number: UN2794). 1. Intended purpose: The packaging will be used for storage and multi-mode transportation of replacement batteries for Army units deployed outside the continental United States. The packaging may also be used for temporary storage and transport of failed batteries prior to disposal. 2. Characteristics sought: a. Non-bulk packaging (one battery per package) is needed for these standard military batteries: The 6T series of flooded 12-volt batteries, including the 6TL (low maintenance) and the 6TMF (maintenance free). These batteries are approximately 10 inches tall by 11.25 inches long by 10.5 inches wide; and weigh about 75 pounds each. A detailed description is available in MS52419. [Note: The vast majority of Army tactical vehicles and engine-driven equipment use this battery.] The 2HN and 4HN, which are flooded 12-volt and 24-volt bateries, respectively. These batteries are approximately 10 inches tall by 10.25 inches long by 5.3 inches wide; and weigh about 38 pounds each. Detailed descriptions are available in MIL-B-11188/1 and MIL-B-11188/2. b. The packaging must provide the minimum required protection at the lowest overall cost without compromising established safety standards. The packaging must provide adequate continuous protection to the packaged batteries and shall prevent any release of sulfuric acid into the environment. The packaging and marking must be certifed as conforming to the regulations for all modes of transport, including: International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Regulations; International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code/International Maritime Organization (IMO); Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR); and AFJMAN 24-204, "Preparing Hazardous Materials for Military Air Shipment." c. Because material sent on overseas military deployments is likely to be stored outdoors for an indeterminate time, the packaging must be weather resistant. d. IATA Packing Instruction 800 requires that outer packaging for wet batteries must incorporate an acid-proof liner "of sufficient strength and adequately sealed to positively preclude leakage in the event of spillage." Because the batteries may require recharging while in storage to compensate for self-discharge, the packaging design must permit the liner to be opened and re-sealed multiple times without the use of tools and without loss of protection against leakage. In accordance with the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, and Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, we are seeking Performance-Oriented Packaging (POP). Although the Army anticipates recommendations for a combination packaging consisting of a re-sealable plastic bag inside a completely closed, weather-resistant fiberboard box similar to those described in CFR 49 173.159(c)(6)&(7), we are interested in any POP which provides equal or better performance at an equal or lower price. 3. At this time the Army is exploring the possiblity of shipping batteries overseas by air. Currently we are trying to verify that potential sources for the packaging are available and to obtain an estimated cost per package to perform an economic analysis. For estimating purposes, assume the Army will ship a quantity of 50,000 batteries per year. 4. If you can meet the requirements stated above, please provide your commercial literature along with prices and any minimum lot quantity. Also provide information on discount terms, price breaks, warranties, delivery terms and inspection criteria. 5. Please identify any requirements stated above that you feel are unduly restrictive which would either restrict effective competition or prohibit commercial services as defined in FAR 2.101. 6. Funds are not presently available for this potential acquisition. It should be noted that this is NOT a Request for Proposal; the purpose of the sources sought notice is to seek commercial sources that will meet the U.S. Government's requirement.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001020/81SOL002.HTM (W-292 SN5045W5)