The Army is conducting a market survey to identify potential sources to make and deliver the XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV).
On behalf of the Program Executive Office for Integration (PEO I), TACOM Contracting Center issued the sources sought survey posted at : http://www.fbo.gov on Dec. 2.
“Government procurement standards require the program office to pulse the market each time we move to initiate a potential new contract,” Paul Mehney, spokesman for PEO I, said. “This sources sought notification is indented to conduct market research to help determine what sources are available to meet the program’s Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle specifications for future procurement.”
Current Army plans to provide advanced IBCT capability includes a SUGV made by iRobot (IRBT).
The notice said offerors may also provide relevant information for any equivalent product that provides the same physical, functional and performance characteristics as the XM1216 SUGV.
The XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) is a lightweight, soldier portable unmanned ground vehicle capable of conducting military operations in urban terrain, tunnels, sewers, and caves. SUGV aids in the performance of urban Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, chemical/Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC), and Toxic Industrial Materials (TIM) reconnaissance and inspecting suspected booby traps and improvised explosive devices without exposing soldiers to these hazards. SUGV’s modular design allows multiple payloads to be integrated in a plug-and-play fashion that will minimize the Soldier’s exposure to hazards.
The notice is to determine if there are sources able to manufacture approximately 114 XM1216 or equivalent SUGVs. The Army examines the market in advance of procurement for future infantry brigade combat team (IBCT) capability. Any ensuing contract would be firm-fixed price with deliveries projected to be needed in calendar year 2012.
Those responding should plan on a requirement for First Article sample test and ongoing lot acceptance test.
By Jan. 3, all responding sources shall provide a summary of their company’s capabilities and qualifications in electronic format.
The survey is for information and planning purposes only, and does not constitute a request for proposals.