The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Rock Island is interested in obtaining industry input on an upcoming planned Request For Proposal (RFP) for the M142 Firing Device, NSN: 1375-01-040-1526. The Government expects to issue the RFP in approximately late October or November 2011. This acquisition will be a total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 332993. The planned RFP will solicit proposals for a base quantity of 114,698 each, and an evaluated option quantity of 126,448 each. The total evaluated option quantity will be valid through 30 Sep 2016, however the RFP will request separate quantity range pricing in each U.S. Government Fiscal Year of the option validity period. The Government will evaluate proposals for award using a best value evaluation, tradeoff process in accordance with FAR 15.101-1. The RFP will provide the exact instructions and evaluation factors and subfactors for award. The planned RFP will require an offeror to complete First Article Test and submit report within 330 days after award, and to begin monthly production deliveries within 420 days after award. The Government is planning to include a new quality clause in this RFP, "Process Capability, Control, and Improvement Requirements," (PCCI) local clause number 52.246-4017, dated May 2011. The intent of the PCCI clause is to eventually replace the current quality clause entitled, "Statistical Process Control," (SPC) local clause number 52.246-4506, dated Mar 2006 as a superior method of process control allowing more flexibility. Both the PCCI and SPC clauses will be included in the RFP, but the resultant contract would only be awarded with either the PCCI or SPC clause (with corresponding data requirements), but will not include both. The Government is planning to include two separate Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) in the RFP: one will request separate pricing for an award with the SPC clause and the other will request separate pricing for an award with the PCCI clause. The PCCI clause has a companion Review Guide, which explains each paragraph of the clause and contains implementation guidance. For this RFP, the PCCI clause will have option (b)(3) selected for identifying characteristics for process control (see pages 12 and 15 of the review guide). Paragraph g will be similar to the twelve step process described in the review guide beginning on page 37. The guide can be accessed at the following link (the PCCI Review Guide is the last item on the page): http://www.aschq.army.mil/ac/aais/ioc/index.htm As this is the first solicitation planned to be released with the PCCI clause, the Government would like to host a pre-proposal conference to provide an overview, methodology, and training for the new PCCI clause. The pre-proposal conference may also provide opportunity for one-on-one sessions between the Government and potential offerors; and for the Government to overview important aspects of the RFP and answer any questions related to the RFP. The Government is contemplating holding the pre-proposal conference on Rock Island Arsenal, IL, approximately two weeks after the RFP is released. The M142 Firing Device Technical Data Package (TDP) is coded Distribution "D", which means distribution is limited to the DoD and U.S. DoD Contractors, in accordance with DoD 5230-24. The Government is planning to provide the TDP via a link on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) site, shortly after the pre-solicitation synopsis is issued (est. Oct 2011). Contractors will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure and Non-Use Agreement to access the TDP, along with valid registration with the Joint Certification Program (http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/) and an FBO account. This Special Notice is issued to obtain Industry feedback on the planned acquisition strategy for the M142 Firing Device as discussed above, specifically related to inclusion of the new PCCI clause. The Government would like to determine potential contractor interest and feasibility for attendance at the planned pre-proposal conference. It is requested that any potentially interested contractors respond no later than 3 Oct 2011, by providing their questions and concerns/feedback in response to this notice and specifically whether they would plan to participate and attend a pre-proposal conference. Any response to this notice should reference the following: W52P1J-11-R-0017: M142 Special Notice. Please submit to: U.S. Army Contracting Command - Rock Island, ATTN: CCRC-AM, Ms. Melissa Nunn, 1 Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL 61299-8000, email:
[email protected]. This special notice is issued for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as an official Request for Proposal (RFP) or as an obligation on the part of the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of any information received in response to this notice, or otherwise pay for information solicited. The Government will utilize the information provided for planning purposes only related to the upcoming RFP for this item. All information submitted will be held in a confidential status.