Automated Fluidized Bed Mixer Facility Modernization for end use at Pine Bluff Arsenal – CSO

What they want

• An automated fluidized bed mixer that mixes, granulates and dries material in 800 to 1200 lb batches
• De-clumping, weighing and transfer systems that keep particles out of the air and keep sugar and potassium chlorate from absorbing humidity (summer humidity averages about 72% and can reach 95%)
• At least 30% more throughput than the old system, plus sub-millimeter granulation consistency
• 95% operational availability, 95% repeatability, accuracy of + 1.5% of raw material weights, and a re-blend rate of at most 5.0% per production campaign
• Safety: automatic fail-safe shutdown on temperature or pressure spikes, a high-speed fire detection and suppression system, and venting without deflagrating in a fire
• A fit inside the existing facility using its power and environmental controls, with equipment largely rated for Class II Division 1 groups F and G (hazardous dust-area ratings)
• Compatibility with the listed chemicals (dyes, potassium chlorate, sulfur, sugar and others)
• Phase 3 only if invited: a draft statement of work,? firm-fixed-price breakout, engineering drawings and a logistics plan covering delivery, installation, training and handover

What they'll judge offers on

• Phases 1 and 2 - Technical Merit and Innovation: viability of the solution against the minimum parameters, and how innovative the commercial business model is
• Phases 1 and 2 - Importance to Agency Programs: effect on Pine Bluff Arsenal's operational readiness, safety and environmental compliance
• Phases 1 and 2 - Financial Feasibility: whether the rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost is realistic and funding is likely available
• Phase 3 - Technical Approach and Risk: the draft statement of work, engineering specifications and regulatory compliance matrix
• Phase 3 - Price Reasonableness: the firm-fixed-price submission, total lifecycle cost and how ownership transfers
• Phase 3 - Execution, Schedule, and Logistics: delivery timeline, site preparation needs and Army installation security rules

What to include when you submit

• Send the Phase 1 Solution Brief in PDF, Word or PowerPoint; maximum email size is 10MB; no .zip files or third-party cloud links
• Keep all files UNCLASSIFIED and scan them for malicious code first; files with viruses or that are corrupted are non-responsive
• Use the Contractor Submission Packet: cover page (company name, address, point of contact, CAGE code or UEI, submission date, phase) and fields 1.1 to 1.9
• Cover: description of solution, implementation approach, capability availability and maturity, scalability, benefits, key challenges and risks, and pricing model with term duration
• Show how the system reaches 30% more throughput, sub-millimeter granulation, 95% availability and repeatability, and weighing accuracy within the stated limit
• Address humidity control for sugar and potassium chlorate, potassium chlorate de-clumping, particulate containment, and safety and fire mitigation
• Complete the chemical compatibility table, marking each chemical Yes or No for Class I and II, Division 1 compliance, with engineering comments
• Attach your commercial specification sheet and give rough order of magnitude (ROM) prices for equipment and for integration, engineering and setup, plus an estimated total
• Fill in the CAGE code, email address, signature, title and date on the amendment page; the signer must be a corporate officer or someone authorized in writing to bind the company
• Your package must stay valid for "sixty (240) days" from the date of submission (the amendment's own wording)

Current contractor

No incumbent is named. The system to be replaced is described as legacy equipment 25+ years old.

Not in the notice text

• The current statement of objectives (Rev 02, September 15, 2026, named in Amendment 0002) was not among the files read; Rev 01 of August 3, 2026 was. The Q&A template spreadsheet (Attachment 0003) is attached but not read.
• The number of mixers needed is not stated; vendors are told to send an operational plan.
• No contract value, budget, delivery date or contract length is given.
• Dates for Phase 2 and Phase 3 are not given; Phase 2 starts when the contracting officer notifies selected vendors.
• The site visit is by invitation; the Q&A says Phase 2 firms get the chance, while the statement of objectives puts it after Phase 2.