Engineering Support for Next-Gen CADs/PADs (Naval Aircrew Escape)

INTRODUCTION This is a Sources Sought Notice issued by the Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellant Actuated Devices Joint Program Office (CAD/PAD JPO) for informational and planning purposes only. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB). No contract will be awarded from this announcement. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in preparation of a response to this notice. BACKGROUND The CAD/PAD JPO supports a wide range of programs for cartridges, Cartridge Actuated Devices (CADs), Propellant Actuated Devices (PADs), and Aircrew Escape Propulsion Systems (AEPS) used in various fleet applications. The program office is seeking engineering support for programs involving the investigation of new energetic materials, development and evaluation of new and current components, and the implementation of new parameters/criteria for next generation components. SCOPE OF WORK The contractor shall provide comprehensive engineering support to the Joint Program Office (JPO) personnel in all program phases, including but not limited to Product improvement, System engineering and process engineering, System safety support, In-service engineering support, Program management, Analytical and organizational assessment support.  To be a successful candidate the following must be demonstrated extensive expertise in the chemistry, physics, ballistics, mechanical design, manufacture, and analysis of energetic devices, materials, and systems.  Possess in-depth knowledge of the CAD/PAD industrial base, relevant government/commercial standards, and safe handling/fabrication of energetic materials and components.  Have an extensive working knowledge of both innovative and standard energetic materials, fielded cartridge/CAD/PAD/AEPS designs, and experience investigating failure modes at all system level and must be able to assist technical personnel at NSWC IHDIV, Hill AFB, NAS PAX and selected commercial facilities. All information received in response to this Sources Sought marked “Proprietary” will be protected and handled accordingly. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary, confidential, or competition-sensitive information contained in their response. Responses to this Sources Sought will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Sources Sought announcement. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting a response.  DO NOT submit pricing information in response to this Sources Sought. Interested sources shall provide a response detailing their capability and experience supporting CAD/PAD components and associated systems. Responses should demonstrate experience with providing comprehensive engineering and analytical support across the full lifecycle of CAD/PAD components. This includes hands-on product improvement for various systems, in-service engineering, and robust failure and mishap investigation support. Key responsibilities also involve developing predictive aging models, ensuring system safety, and providing subject matter expertise through technical lectures and organizational assessments to enhance overall program effectiveness. Al specific topic areas below should be addressed: CAD/PAD relevant US located energetic manufacturing facilities, to include Radford Army Ammunition Plant and NSWC Indian Head CAD/PAD industry usage and statuses of propellant and Energetic Materials production, to included Resonant Acoustic mixers and FlackTek mixers Thermodynamic and thermochemical equilibrium analysis and combustion analysis, including development of the necessary ingredient library. Include demonstration of CAD/PAD device combustion analyses with a comprehensive ingredient library, and include examples of keeping the necessary ingredient library updated. Demonstration of ability and subject knowledge on CAD/PAD obsolescence issues and risks Pyrotechnic manufacturing support, recent CAD/PAD processing improvement efforts, and extensive knowledge on the CAD/PAD utilized formulations Capability and examples of CAD/PAD proposal development within the last 5 years Demonstrate extensive knowledge on the percussion primers utilized with the CAD/PAD portfolio, including their performance and manufacturing processes Demonstrate current CAD/PAD portfolio failure investigations, and subject matter expertise guidance Demonstrate current CAD/PAD system safety support, to include CAD/PAD system modeling and simulations of the system performance on specific CAD/PAD supported aircraft Demonstrate subject matter expertise on the CAD/PAD portfolio In-service Engineering processes and current affairs Respondents should clearly describe their technical capabilities and ability to supp