High Voltage Switching Device
The U.S. Army Contracting Command-New Jersey (ACC-NJ), Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000, on behalf of the DoD Joint Fuze Technology Program (JFTP), is conducting market research to identify sources capable of producing high voltage switching devices for electronic fuzing applications in DoD munition systems.
Electronic Safe and Arm Devices (ESADs) and Ignition Safety Devices (ISDs) utilize one or more high voltage switching components to pulse discharge the energy from a firing capacitor into an approved in-line electric initiator.
Desired performance criteria include:
Rate of change of current capability > 25kA/µs
Peak current > 2000 Amperes
Voltage standoff > 1300V
<150ns reaction latency
<10ns turn on time
-65º to +165ºF operating temperature
Shelf life > 20 years
Shock survivability (up to 20,000G)
Leakage current <1µA @ max rated voltage and temperature
Packaged volume <120mm^3
It is preferred that the external circuitry required for triggering of this device be minimal and the device not be susceptible to triggering due to small electrical transients or electronic noise. In its tactical operation, this switch is a one-shot device, and therefore single shot switches will be considered. However, it is desirable to have repeatable triggering capability for testing purposes.
Additionally, the high voltage switch must be extremely efficient, be reproducible shot-to-shot (especially following long periods of storage during the weapon's logistic cycle), and operate linearly from 500V to its upper rated voltage. The device packaging must be ultra-low inductance (<5nH), and be compatible with standard production processes. Due to the low discharge rate during testing (1-2 discharges per minute maximum) and the extremely fast discharge event, it is not expected for this device to require any heat sinking in the design of its packaging.
The FY19 DoD demand for this device is estimated to be approximately 50,000 high voltage switching devices, with potential for demand to increase in the future. All responding sources shall provide at a minimum:
a. A summary of the company's capabilities including organizations name, address, point of contact, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, business size information, taxpayer identification number, DUNS number, and CAGE Code.
b. A detailed technical description of the high voltage switching technology, including its ability to perform against the criteria specified above. This should include any known device limitations such as reliability after long term storage, single pulse energy limits, etc.
c. A description of the technical and manufacturing maturing of the high voltage switching device.
d. Any supply chain issues, such as sole sources of supply, which exist in the supply of the device. This should also address if any part of the supply chain is dependent on a foreign source.
e. Current or anticipated future production capability on an annual basis. Also indicate whether the device has other industrial and/or commercial applications.
f. Estimated device cost in quantities of 50,000 and 100,000
Key Words: fuze, fuzing, switch, thyristor, solid state, high voltage, discharge, pulsed power, electronic, semiconductor, component manufacture, munition, initiation, armament, safe arm, transistor, field effect transistor, diode.
All responsible, interested offerors are encouraged to submit their capabilities/qualification data and any pertinent information in hard copy or via email, within thirty (30) calendar days to: US Army, Army Contracting Command-New Jersey, ACC-NJ, Bldg. 9, Attn: William Tenz, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000, email william.d.tenz.civ@mail.mil. The point of contact is William Tenz at william.d.tenz.civ@mail.mil All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the Government. NO TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. The Government will accept written questions by email to william.d.tenz.civ@mail.mil. Any information provided will not be returned.
This is a sources sought notice only and should not be construed as a Request for Proposal or a commitment by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this market survey. Offerors are directed to NOT submit proposals at this time. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the Government. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published and more detailed technical requirements will be provided.
William Tenz, Business Specialist, Email william.d.tenz.civ@mail.mil
