RFI/Industry Day Universal Bulk Charger
ID: W91CRB-24-T-UBCType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE ARMYW6QK ACC-APGABERDEEN PROVING GROU, MD, 21005-5001, USA
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Army Contracting Command, is seeking sources for a next-generation platoon-level bulk charger intended for use by dismounted soldiers. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather market insights and assess the technical capabilities of potential suppliers to inform future procurement decisions. The bulk charger is critical for military operations, designed to efficiently charge multiple battery types while adhering to stringent safety and environmental standards. Interested parties must submit white papers detailing their solutions by October 23, 2024, and are encouraged to participate in an Industry Day on October 17, 2024, for further engagement with Army officials. For inquiries, contact Kristin Anderson at kristin.l.anderson24.civ@army.mil or Gerald A. Simmons at gerald.a.simmons2.civ@army.mil.

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    The document outlines specifications for a battery charging system designed for military applications, detailing desired capabilities, physical characteristics, and environmental compliance requirements. The system must be compact (maximum 1 ft³ and 10 lbs), efficient (at least 90% efficiency at 120/240VAC), and compatible with various battery types (e.g., AN/PRC-148 systems, BB-2590 batteries) for charging 24 CWB units and other USB devices. It requires advanced charging features, including SMBus compliance, user-friendly interfaces, and automatic power adjustments. Key environmental standards include resistance to extremes of temperature, humidity, dust, and vibrations, as defined by MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461G. The system should operate effectively with a gloved hand and feature visual indicators and a readable LCD display. The submission indicates a tiered capability approach, emphasizing that more advanced features reflect greater operational effectiveness. The overall intent is to solicit proposals that meet stringent operational and environmental standards for a robust military battery charging solution while ensuring compliance with existing military performance requirements.
    The Department of the Army, through the Product Manager Soldier Warrior, is hosting an Industry Day on 17 October 2024 to discuss the Universal Battery Charger – Extreme (UBC-X) procurement strategy for FY 2025. The event will be divided into two phases: the morning session will feature presentations outlining the program's schedule, specifications, and contracting strategies, followed by a question and answer period. The afternoon will allow for one-on-one meetings between potential prime vendors and the product team, enabling discussions focused on charger design, performance requirements, and cost reduction strategies. Participation is limited to U.S. DoD personnel and approved contractors, requiring advance registration by 7 October 2024. Participants must adhere to operations security protocols and submit relevant questions beforehand. The agenda will include an overview of the program and specific discussions on performance and requirements, culminating in personalized meetings aimed at innovative solutions tailored to military needs. This Industry Day represents an essential opportunity for suppliers to interact directly with Army officials in the procurement process.
    This draft specification outlines the requirements for the PP-xxxx()/U battery charger designated as a bulk charger for use by all Department of Defense agencies. The document emphasizes that it is not approved for procurement and is subject to modification. Key specifications include dimensions not exceeding 30 inches in height, length under 18 inches, and a weight limit of 35 pounds. The charger must feature specific color requirements and visual characteristics, including stackability and stable stacking capabilities. Performance requirements state that it should charge multiple battery types efficiently while adhering to safety and environmental standards. Notable functionalities include user-selectable AC and DC power limits, USB ports, and compliance with electromagnetic interference standards. The document also stresses inspection and testing protocols to ensure reliability and performance, necessitating first article units for assessment. Overall, this specification serves as a preliminary guideline for manufacturers and contractors interested in developing the charger to meet the defined standards for military application.
    This document outlines the performance specification for a military battery charger, known as the PP-xxxx()/U. The specification details requirements for design, functionality, electrical characteristics, and environmental resilience tailored for military applications. It includes sections on applicable government standards, physical characteristics, inspections, certifications, safety, and performance characteristics, emphasizing usability under extreme conditions. Key features mandated for the charger are its efficiency, upgradeability, ability to handle various voltages, compliance with specific military standards, and the inclusion of multiple charging ports including USB options. The charger must also withstand harsh environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and electromagnetic interference, ensuring it remains operational in challenging military settings. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive guideline for contractors developing a battery charger that meets stringent military specifications and ensures reliability for personnel operating in diverse deployment scenarios.
    The U.S. Army Project Manager Soldier Warrior has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of a next-generation Platoon Bulk Charger aimed at enhancing operational efficiency for dismounted Soldiers. This RFI seeks to gather market research data, identify potential suppliers, and evaluate their technical capabilities. It serves as a planning tool and does not obligate the government to issue a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) or award contracts. Interested companies are instructed to submit white papers detailing their experiences, technical solutions, socio-economic status, and compliance with subcontracting limitations outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act. Responses are due by October 7, 2024, with an Industry Day scheduled for October 17, 2024. The document emphasizes that all submissions become government property and confidentiality will be maintained. The government's goal is to assess the ability of vendors to meet specific requirements for a bulk charger through detailed input about existing technologies, production readiness, and cost estimations. Overall, the RFI process aligns with typical government procurement practices aimed at gathering information for potentially competitive contracting opportunities in the defense sector.
    The U.S. Army Project Manager (PM) Soldier Warrior has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather market data on potential suppliers for a next-generation platoon bulk charger intended for dismounted soldiers. This RFI aims to assess technological capabilities and production experiences of interested parties, encouraging them to submit white papers by October 7, 2024. Companies are asked to provide detailed technical solutions, relevant prior experiences, and compliance with small business regulations if applicable. The scope includes technical details, production readiness, costs, and any clearance requirements for federal contracts. An Industry Day event is scheduled for October 17, 2024, to address inquiries. The document emphasizes that responses are voluntary and do not commit the government to any procurement obligations, while all submissions will become government property. The RFI serves as a precursor to potentially refining future solicitation documents based on the feedback received. Organizations responding should clearly mark proprietary information and adhere to unclassified data guidelines. Overall, the RFI serves a crucial role in the government’s procurement planning and supplier vetting processes.
    The U.S. Army Project Manager Soldier Warrior (SWAR) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a next-generation platoon bulk charger intended for use by dismounted soldiers. This RFI serves to gather market insights, identify potential suppliers, and assess their technical capabilities. The process aims to inform future contractual decisions but does not commit the government to any procurement action. Interested parties are invited to submit white papers detailing their solutions by October 23, 2024, with a structure including company information, relevant experience, technology descriptions, and production capability. The RFI outlines specific requirements, technical inquiries, and production-related questions to facilitate comprehensive responses. An Industry Day is scheduled for October 17, 2024, to encourage interaction between the government and potential contractors. All submissions must be unclassified and will become government property. The document emphasizes that responses are voluntary and no costs will be reimbursed. It also details the submission process, marking proprietary information, and the evaluation criteria that may influence future solicitations.
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