2024 Ballistic Helmet RFI.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Ballistic Helmets

BALLISTIC HELMETS

Issue Date: November, 28 2023

Due Date: January 17, 2024

DISCLAIMER

THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL OR QUOTE. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE

CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE

NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT

AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR THE

PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED

BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.

INTRODUCTION

Response to this Request for Information (RFI) may be used to formulate final requirements and/or to identify qualified vendors capable of meeting those requirements. The description below outlines preliminary requirements envisioned for the BALLISTIC HELMETS. The information gathered may be used to formulate acquisition strategies for competitive solicitations.

BACKGROUND

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is conducting market research and seeking information regarding available ballistic helmets which meet all of the requirements of the

DEA AND FBI BALLISTIC RESEARCH FACILITY BALLISTIC HELMET TESTING PROTOCOL.

While this RFI is not a request for proposal or quote, the FBI intends to utilize data received from this RFI to assist in formulating final requirements for an upcoming request for proposal

(RFP).

The FBI requests that manufacturers of ballistic helmets review the attached DEA AND FBI BALLISTIC RESEARCH FACILITY BALLISTIC HELMET TESTING PROTOCOL for pertinent details of the test protocol, ballistic resistance requirements, and backface deformation standard. Please note that the FBI prioritizes the safety of the helmet user and will focus testing on ballistic resistance and backface deformation.

PROPOSED SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS

The FBI is seeking ballistic helmets that meet the following characteristics:

1. Able to successfully pass the testing outlined in the attached DEA AND FBI BALLISTIC

RESEARCH FACILITY BALLISTIC HELMET TESTING PROTOCOL.

2. Able to accommodate different head sizes from Small to X-large.

3. Available in both “Mid-Cut” and “High-Cut” styles

4. Have a replaceable suspension/retention kit, to include all internal suspension/retention.

5. Have an available helmet attachment kit that includes side accessory rails, Velcro swaths, and a NOD shroud.

CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

This RFI is open to large and small businesses. This RFI is for market research purposes and the FBI seeks input from ballistic helmet manufactures and potential vendors. That input should focus on the characteristics and performance of available ballistic helmets. Input on the DEA AND FBI BALLISTIC RESEARCH FACILITY BALLISTIC HELMET TESTING PROTOCOL will also be accepted.

The FBI would like to know which firms could potentially provide ballistic helmets for this contemplated requirement by identifying themselves and responding to this RFI. The FBI is requesting the following information:

1. Comapny name and business size

2. Company address and whether your company has a GSA Schedule and if they are capable of providing the helmets on schedule.

3. Product information specific to the helmet or helmets that meet the requirements of the

DEA AND FBI BALLISTIC RESEARCH FACILITY BALLISTIC HELMET TESTING

PROTOCOL. Product information should include helmet surface area, weight, and place of manufacture.

4. Any other comments, concerns and/or questions relating to the RFI.

Required Information:

Contractor Legal / DBA Name Address Point of Contact Telephone Number Email Address DUNS Number Cage Code Applicable NAICS Code Standard Business Size GSA Schedule NASA SEWP Contract

CONTEMPLATED REQUIREMENT

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Training Division (TD), Ballistic Research Facility (BRF) is issuing this RFI to:

• Gather industry information on ballistic helmets.

• Request information on any industry changes or improvements that the FBI should consider when looking to acquire products that meet the requirements.

• Obtain feedback on the attached DEA AND FBI BALLISTIC RESEARCH FACILITY

BALLISTIC HELMET TESTING PROTOCOL.

NOTE: Following this RFI, it may be possible for ballistic helmet manufacturers to schedule a trip to the FBI’s Ballistic Research Facility (BRF) in Huntsville, Alabama. The trip would be intended to inform BRF of your helmet’s capabilities and, potentially, conduct a product demonstration. Please note in your response if a site visit to BRF would be of interest.

DISCLAIMER and RESPONSES

There is no commitment by the FBI to issue a solicitation as a result of this RFI. This RFI is being issued solely for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR Federal 15.202(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the FBI to form a binding contract. This is not a request for proposal or quote. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the FBI. Responses in any form are not offers and the FBI is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by the respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary.

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSE:

1. All interested parties shall submit capability packages in response to this notice.

2. Do submit succinct, thoughtful responses to the requirements listed in this RFI.

3. Do submit comments that address the FBI 's requirements, assumptions, conditions, or contemplated approaches to this future acquisition.

4. Do submit information and suggestions that may encourage new, different, or innovative approaches that would result in improved solutions which are of benefit to the FBI.

5. Please note whether or not you may be interested in scheduling a site visit to the FBI’s Ballistic Research Facility to further inform the FBI of your product and, potentially, conduct a product demonstration.

WHAT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSE:

1. Do not submit proposals or offers.

2. Do not submit past performance information or general descriptions of corporate experience.

3. Do not submit request to be considered for award or to be notified of a future solicitation.

4. Do not submit requests to be added to a mailing list or distribution list.

5. Do not submit questions or comments not related to this RFI.

6. Do not respond via telephone.

RFI SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Submit RFI information via e-mail to the attention of:

Maureen Murdock, Contracting Officer Federal Bureau of Investigation

Email: mmurdock@fbi.gov