by John Keller

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — U.S. Army fire-support experts are looking for companies able to supply rugged, portable, lightweight computers for mortar fire control in extreme military operating conditions.

The product manager for mortar systems at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is conducting a market survey to find rugged computers that weigh no more than 8 pounds and meet the guidelines of MIL-STD-810E for shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.

"We are looking for something rugged enough to be in the infantry environment," says Mike Patriarca, project director for mortar fire control systems-light at Picatinny Arsenal. "It is for fire-control of light mortar units, and must be rugged enough for parachute drops."

Specifications for the mortar computer, at this stage, are generic to enable Picatinny experts to complete a broad market survey, he says.

"It is early in our program. If we can find something off the shelf, great, but if it takes a custom design to meet our requirements, that's fine, too," Patriarca says. "We are not locked into either route."

Patriarca and his engineers are interested in information such as:

• drawings showing interface and/or line drawings;
• applicable test reports; and
• commercial operators manuals.

Government officials say they do not plan to provide evaluation responses to any information provided. This is not a solicitation and does not obligate the government to issue a solicitation.

Send responses by e-mail to zhel@pica. army.mil, or by post to Commander, U.S. Army TACOM-ARDEC, attention: Mark Zhelesnik, AMSTA-AR-FSA-M, Bldg. 95, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. 07806-5000.

For questions or for more information contact Mark Zhelesnik, project engineer, by phone at 973-724-2698, or by e-mail at zhel@pica.army.mil. Refer to solicitation number DAAE30-02-R-0310. The solicitation is available on the World Wide Web at http://procnet.pica.army.mil/cbd/SRCSgt/022720020/022720020.htm.