Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) Propulsion System (XM659, XM660 & XM655E1)

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-New Jersey (ACC-NJ), Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000, on behalf of the Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (PM CAS), is conducting a market survey to identify potential sources who are capable of producing and supplying charges for the ERCA Propulsion System, which consists of the XM655E1 Bag Supercharge and the XM659/XM660 Stub Charges. The purpose of this market survey is to obtain information from potential sources within the United States and Canada to manufacture each of the three charges with deliveries starting in FY24 to support an Urgent Material Release (UMR). The current requirements are planned to be restricted to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) St. Petersburg, FL.

The ERCA propulsion system will support both current and future weapon systems and be loadable, sealable, and extractable while achieving high muzzle velocities to precisely launch rocket assisted projectiles greater than 70 km.

Supercharge is a stand-alone top-zone 155mm propelling charge required to achieve maximum range requirements from the XM1299 Increased Range (formerly Increment 1C) and XM1299A1 Increased Rate-of-fire (formerly Increment 2) Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH). It will achieve lethality overmatch out to 70 kilometers (km) with developmental extended range projectiles, and will potentially increase range with compatible legacy projectiles up to thirty percent. The XM655E1 Bag Supercharge consists of a 29 inch long A-bag and a 6 inch long B-bag. An Igniter Basepad is located on the end of the A-bag. The Long A-bag consists of high-energy novel stick propellant plus an igniter basepad. Both cloth bags, A & B, contain flash reducers and are rigidly wrapped with four tie-straps on the exterior to enable manual loading and proper function.

The XM659 Stub Charge is being developed for use with 58-caliber XM907E2 Extended Range Cannon with slide-block breech. The XM659 stub charge is required to fire existing Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) propellant at charges 1L, 2L, 3H, 4H mainly to support training requirements. The XM659 Stub Charge consists of a combustible case forward assembly, a combustible case rear assembly, and a metal stub case. The forward and rear assemblies contain M31A2-type propellant (same as MACS M232A2). The total length of the charge is 7 inches, the diameter is7 inches, and the charge weighs approximately 10 pounds.

The XM660 Stub Charge is being developed for use with 58-caliber XM907E2 Extended Range Cannon with slide-block breech. The XM660 is required to fire existing MACS propellant at charges 2L, 3H, 4H, and the XM655 bag supercharge mainly to support tactical requirements. The XM660 Stub Charge consists of a combustible case forward assembly, a combustible case rear assembly, and a metal stub case. The forward and rear assemblies contain high-energy novel stick propellant (same as XM655E1, different length). The total length of the charge is 15 inches, the diameter is 7 inches, and the charges weighs approximately 22 pounds.

To be considered a qualified source for this effort, all interested sources must submit the following information:

1. Provide the organization's name, address, technical point of contact, phone number, e-mail address, and business size;
2. A summary that includes a brief description of the contractor's capabilities to include, if applicable,: parent organization(s), name/address/point of contact identification/email address, potential partnering/teaming arrangements, capabilities;
3. Identification of a notional supply chain of components for the XM655E1 Supercharge, XM659 Stub Charge, and XM660 Stub Charge;
4. A description of the supply chains facilities/equipment, manufacturing processes, inspection capability, personnel, and Quality Management System certifications or standards used;
5. Manufacturing experience with LAP and delivery of 155mm MACS propelling charges or items of similar complexity;
6. A description of the company's and their supply chain's existing production capacity, their projected monthly production rate and delivery capability.

Technical Data is not being released for this announcement; however, the technical data will be made available should a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) be released at a later date. All contractors interested in this potential future solicitation must be registered in the System of Award Management (SAM) in order to be eligible for award.

This market survey is for informational and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request for Proposal (RFP) or as an obligation on the part of the Government. All information submitted will be held in a confidential status. All submissions shall be made BY REQUESTED RESPONSE DATES WITHIN NOTICE by electronic mail to Christopher W. Brown, christopher.w.brown7.civ@army.mil. The Government will accept written questions by E-MAIL ONLY. TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the Government. The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any private sector input as a result of the Market Research notice. All information provided will not be returned and will be held in a confidential status. 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.