AGILE SHEET METAL MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The DEVCOM Armaments Center, Picatinny, NJ, under the Department of the Army, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify domestic sheet metal manufacturers with agile manufacturing capabilities for producing steel ammunition containers. This RFI is for planning purposes and may lead to Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) and/or Other Transactional Agreements (OTA).
Scope of Work
The RFI seeks manufacturers capable of fabricating production-quality steel ammunition containers using agile methods such as laser cutting, laser welding, and rapid tooling. The primary goal is to reduce prototype and Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lead times for the 6.8mm ammunition packaging development effort.
Specific requirements include:
- Prototype Fabrication: Approximately 50 prototypes (3-5 designs) by June 2026, and 100 final prototypes by January 2027.
- Production Capability: Ability to manufacture approximately 10,000 containers per month, with the first delivery due in Q4FY27.
- Technical Specifications: All containers must achieve a +/-3 psig seal, requiring precise hasp placement and uniform gasket compression.
- Design Flexibility: Minor design changes may be recommended to accommodate novel manufacturing processes.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) – not a solicitation.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: April 16, 2026, 6:00 PM ET.
- Published: March 26, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Picatinny Arsenal, NJ.
Information Requested
DEVCOM is conducting market research to identify manufacturers with proven capabilities in agile sheet metal production for ammunition containers. Responses will inform potential future CRADA or OTA agreements.
Key Documents
- Dwg 13119111.pdf: This document provides crucial technical drawings and a table detailing design variations for the Lightweight Steel Outer Container. It includes dimensions, construction details, and outlines proposed design variations based on body thickness, lid gauge, hardware, gasket retainer, lid style, rub rail, and stiffening features. This is essential for bidders to understand physical specifications and customization options, informing manufacturing capabilities and cost estimations.