The United States Marine Corps seeks to meet the Expeditionary Assault Bridge (EAB) requirement for providing assault gap bridging capability on the battlefield. The EAB will meet the gap crossing requirements of the Fleet Marine Force. The system will be used as a rapidly employable, short-gap, assault crossing system, capable of spanning natural and manmade obstacles up to 60 feet (18.29m) while under fire for up to Military Load Class (MLC) 70-ton vehicles. The USMC is interested in sources that have the capability that can take an existing USMC MLC-70 ton “scissoring” bridges and USMC M1A1 chassis and integrate a launcher onto the platform. The launcher must be able to deploy and recover the bridge. The launcher must also be able to integrate onto a M1A1 chassis without degrading performance of the vehicle. The M1A1, with turret pulled, would be provided as Government Furnished Equipment. In addition, the launcher must be developed, requiring minimal integration with USMC “scissoring” bridges. It is important to note that the USMC is not interested in bridges at this time. Our interest extends only to launchers that can be integrated with USMC “scissoring” bridges and USMC M1A1 chassis. The bridge to which we refer is in use on the Armor Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB) presently fielded by Marine Corps and the U.S. Army. All sources having the capability of meeting these requirements are requested to submit copies of relevant documentation in response to this Request for Information at no cost to the Government. Written responses should be submitted not later than close of business 1 May 2004. Firms should also include literature, brochures, and capabilities summaries directly addressing their ability to meet the aforementioned needs. The submission of the product information should not be construed as a commitment to procure equipment. This notice does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP), and is not a commitment by the USMC to procure subject equipment. The Government is only seeking possible sources for future needs. There is no specific format or outline for sufficient descriptive literature and other pertinenet information to provide the fullest understanding of the system capabilities. The Govenrment is not liable for any costs associated with the submittal of such vendor information. No telephonic responses will be accepted. Responses should be submitted to the contact person listed above at Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command, ATTN CTQ6, 2200 Lester Street, Quantico, VA 22134. THE SUBMISSION OF THIS INFORMATION IS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES, NOR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR THE INFORMATION RECEIVED.

Bid Protests Not Available