RFP 15F06725R0000117_Overt Armor Kit_28 March 2025.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP 15F06725R0000117

OVERT ARMOR KIT

BALLISTIC RESISTANT SOFT BODY ARMOR,

ACCESSORIES, and REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS

Issue Date: March 28, 2025

Questions Due: April 11, 2025

Due Date for Proposal and Samples: June 11, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A DEFINITIONS

SECTION B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 - DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES

B.2 - TYPE OF CONTRACT

B.3 - CONTRACT AND ORDER LIMITATIONS

B.4 - PRICING / FIVE (5) YEAR ESTIMATED CONTRACT COST

SECTION C STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION

C.2 - SCOPE

C.3 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

C.4 - OVERT ARMOR KIT SPECIFICATIONS

C.5 - QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

C.6 - AUTHORIZED BUYERS

C.7 - REPORTS

C.8 - SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL

C.9 - MEDIA STATEMENTS

SECTION D PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 - PACKAGING AND MARKING

SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

E.2 - WARRANTIES

SECTION F DELIVERIES AND PERFORMANCE

F.1 - PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.2 - DELIVERY SCHEDULE

F.3 - NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DELAYS

F.4 - PLACE OF DELIVERY / F.O.B. DESTINATION

SECTION G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

G.1 - CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.2 - ORDERING

G.3 - INVOICING REQUIREMENTS

G.4 - SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATED PAYMENT

G.5 - PAYMENT

G.6 - WITHHOLDING OF CONTRACT PAYMENTS

SECTION H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 - DISCLOSURE OF DATA UNDER FOIA

H.2 - GOVERNMENT RIGHTS IN DATA AND COPYRIGHTS

H.3 - ACCESS TO FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION LOCATIONS

H.4 - CONTRACTOR SUITABILITY REQUIREMENT

H.5 - DISRUPTION TO THE SCHEDULE

H.6 - TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT CLAUSE

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 - CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2 - CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

I.3 - BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

SYSTEMS

I.4 - ORDERING

I.5 - ORDER LIMITATIONS

I.6 - INDEFINITE QUANTITY

I.7 - OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT

I.8 - CONTINUING CONTRACT PERFORMANCE DURING A PANDEMIC

INFLUENZA OR OTHER NATIONAL EMERGENCY

I.9 - LEGAL HOLIDAYS, GOVERNMENT DISMISSALS AND CLOSURES, AND

FURLOUGH

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT #1 - PRICING MATRIX

ATTACHMENT #2 - PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

ATTACHMENT #3 - MANUFACTURER CHECKLIST

ATTACHMENT #4 - MANUFACTURER TEST DATA SHEETS

ATTACHMENT #5 - SIZE OF FBI HARD ARMOR PLATES

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS

K.1 - INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

K.2 - CERTIFICATION REGARDING TAX MATTERS

K.3 - OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS – COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

L.2 - TYPE OF CONTRACT

L.3 - SERVICE OF PROTEST

L.4 - PROTESTS FILED DIRECTLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF

JUSTICE

L.5 - GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING PROPOSALS

L.6 - PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: VOLUME#1 TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.7 - PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: VOLUME#2 PRICE PROPOSAL

L.8 - PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: VOLUME#3 PAST

PERFORMANCE

L.9 - PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: VOLUME#4 OVERT ARMOR

KIT SAMPLES

L.10 - INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

SECTION M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1 - EVALUATION - COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

M.2 - EVALUATION OF OPTIONS

M.3 - EVALUATION CRITERIA

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A – DEFINITIONS

The following terms are applicable throughout this solicitation:1 accessory – a component of the armor system that is detachable or removable from the armor.

angle of incidence – see obliquity.

as worn configuration – the soft armor panel inserted in the carrier, as the armor system is designed to be worn. For testing specific to this solicitation, hard armor plates and external ballistic accessories will not be utilized as part of the armor system. This includes, but is not limited to, optional shoulder/bicep armor accessories, neck/throat armor accessories, and groin armor accessories.

armor system – an item of ballistic protective equipment [for the purposes of this solicitation, an overt armor system includes the front and back ballistic panels, ballistic side coverage (if separate from the torso panels), carrier, cummerbund (if present), ballistic shoulder straps, and any accessories interior to the carrier].

backer material – the test material placed behind the test item. For the purposes of this solicitation, the backer material will be nominal 10% ballistic gelatin.

conditioning – a process that exposes a test item, prior to testing, to a specified controlled environmental or physical stress, or both.

contact shot – a test shot in which the muzzle of the test weapon makes slight contact with the armor system but does not dimple the outer layer of the armor system.

fair hit – a test projectile impact that meets the specified requirements in a particular test method for impact location, spacing, and velocity.

obliquity - the angle between the test threat line of aim and the line normal to a reference plane based on features of the test item at the point of aim.

over velocity - velocity that is greater than the upper limit of a specified range.

overt – worn or shown openly; not hidden. For the purposes of this solicitation, the Government is seeking a soft armor system that is designed for external wear over a uniform.

partial penetration - any result of a test threat impact that is not a complete penetration, synonymous with stop.

perforation – the result of a test threat impact on a test item if one or more of the following conditions are met:

(1) a hole is created through the test item.

(2) the test threat or any portion of the test threat is protruding through the wear face of the test item.

(3) a test threat or any portion of a test threat is embedded in or passes into the backer material.

1 For clarity and consistency, an attempt was made to make definitions consistent with the National Institute of Justice’s definitions as outlined in NIJ Standard 0101.07 (Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor).

(4) A test threat or any portion of the test threat has passed through all layers of ballistic resistant material within the test item (e.g., created a hole through the ballistic resistant panel).

shot-to-edge distance - the distance from the center of the projectile impact to the nearest test item edge (i.e., the outermost perimeter of the test item).

shot-to-shot distance - the distance from the center of the projectile impact to the center of any other projectile impact on the test item.

stop - see partial penetration.

strike face – the surface of a test item intended to face the incoming threat.

test item – a single article intended for testing.

test threat – the projectile that is used in laboratory testing to impact the test item to assess ballistic resistant performance.

under velocity - velocity that is less than the lower limit of a specified range.

unfair hit - a test projectile impact that does not meet the specified requirements in a particular test method for impact location, spacing, or velocity.

wear face – the surface of a test item that is intended to be placed against or proximal to the wearer’s body.

[End of Section]

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COST

B.1 DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES

Under the policies and procedures prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in conjunction with Part 15, Contracting by Negotiations, the Contractor shall provide Overt Armor Kits (OAK) over the lifetime of the contract.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking a suite of overt ballistic resistant soft armor and associated accessories. The FBI has a requirement for an overt armor carrier, sometimes referred to as a tactical carrier; soft armor panels that fit within the overt armor carrier; ballistic resistant accessories compatible with the overt armor carrier (e.g., shoulder/bicep armor, neck/throat protection, and groin protection); miscellaneous carrier accessories (e.g., pouches and identification placards); a carry bag; soft armor plate backers; and replacement components.

B.2 TYPE OF CONTRACT

The FBI intends to make one (1) contract award. The contract will be structured as a Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ), type contract for one (1) base year and four

(4) possible one-year option periods.

The contract will be awarded to the highest technically rated Offeror with a fair and reasonable price, in accordance with the evaluation procedures outlined in this solicitation.

B.3 CONTRACT AND ORDER LIMITATIONS

Delivery shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantities designated in the Schedule as the “maximum.” The Government shall order at least the quantity of supplies or services designated as the “minimum,” hereby established as $3,000.00 over the life of the contract established.

The Government shall not be required to purchase from the Contractor any additional quantities after the initial guaranteed minimum. The obligation of funds and specific quantities will be ordered through individual delivery orders or the Government Purchase Card Program.

The Government’s intent is to establish one (1) IDIQ under this solicitation. Maximum threshold for the established IDIQ is expected to be as follows:

Maximum Threshold

Overt Armor Kit $61,000,000

The Government reserves the right to increase the value of this contract by 12% of the accepted awarded value with in-scope modifications.

B.4 PRICING/FIVE (5) YEAR ESTIMATED CONTRACT COST

Price proposals shall be submitted using the Pricing Matrix provided in this solicitation, refer to Section J, Attachment 1 of the solicitation package. Pricing MUST include shipping costs.

Shipping costs for Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands can be provided at the time of purchase.

Deliveries shall be shipped FOB Destination to all FBI (and other approved Federal government) locations within the continental United States (CONUS), as well as Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The FBI is seeking Overt Armor Kits (OAKs) on behalf of law enforcement agencies within the Department of Justice (DOJ). It is the FBI’s intent to make this contract available to other federal agencies.

DOJ law enforcement personnel are responsible for investigating violations of more than 260 Federal statutes. In pursuit of their duties, law enforcement personnel may be involved in high threat assignments where they face violent confrontations. The protection afforded law enforcement personnel though the use of high-quality soft body armor may be paramount to one’s survival in the performance of law enforcement duties. The purpose of the OAK is to provide safety from ballistic threats to law enforcement personnel operating overtly.

In direct support of training and operational activities the FBI has a need to acquire OAKs. The FBI is seeking ballistic resistant soft armor. Hard armor plates will not be considered. The FBI is seeking a soft armor system designed to be worn overtly. Low-visibility or concealable soft armor systems will not be considered. The FBI intends to utilize the soft body armor for the duration of its useful life. As accessories and individual components of an armor kit may become damaged or worn, the FBI requires the ability to purchase replacement components over the life of the contract. Those replacement components shall include, but are not limited to, replacement overt carriers, replacement soft armor panels, replacement pouches, and replacement placards.

C.2 SCOPE

C.2.1 This solicitation documents the FBI’s requirements for OAKs. The test protocol and evaluation process outlined in Section M is specific for this solicitation and should not be considered the test standard for other FBI armor solicitations.

C.2.2 OAK procured as a result of this solicitation, including the ballistic resistant panels, shall meet all requirements specified within the Statement of Work and the evaluation standards documented in Section M.

C.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

C.3.1 The soft armor torso panels within the OAK shall be certified or pending certification2 by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to have met or exceeded the Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor NIJ Standard 0101.06 for threat level IIIA. NIJ 0101.07 HG2 certification or pending certification is also acceptable.

C.3.2 The composition of the soft armor panels sold under this contract shall be consistent (e.g., the model of soft armor tested and utilized for the torso panels within the overt carrier shall be used in the composition of the ballistic resistant accessories).3

2 For the purposes of this solicitation, pending certification means that the certification application has been submitted to the NIJ Compliance Testing Program Administrator and that the armor has completed and passed all NIJ-required ballistic testing, which was performed by an accredited independent laboratory recognized by the NIJ.

3 The Government requires that the types of ballistic resistant materials, the number of layers, the sequencing of materials, etc. be consistent across the suite of soft armor. While different type of panels may have distinct design

C.3.3 OAK sold under this contract shall be available in male-designated and female-designated models.4 The female-designated armor systems should better conform to torso shapes most closely associated with female agents and officers. The government does not want to limit design innovation and, as such, will not specify planar or nonplanar armor panel design requirements.

C.3.4 The OAK shall be available in a variety of different sizes to accommodate different body sizes. This can be accomplished with semi-custom sizing or with incremental standard sizing (e.g., Extra-small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large),5 provided there is sufficient adjustability of the carrier within each size.

C.3.5 Contractor shall not make any alterations to the armor system without prior notification to, and written approval by, the Contracting Officer (CO).

C.3.6 Contractor shall maintain liability insurance for no less than $1,000,000.

C.3.7 Contractor shall have the capacity to deliver, at a minimum, 200 sets of overt armor in a 30-day period as well as sufficient capacity for 2,500 sets in a 12-month period.

C.3.8 OAK and all individual components sold under this contract shall exhibit high standards of construction.

C.3.9 Armor systems designed as, or that can be separated into, two separate wearable systems (e.g., a soft armor carrier worn in conjunction with a plate carrier) will not be considered.

C.3.10 Throughout the life of the contract, the Contractor shall notify the CO and COR in writing, within five (5) business days, of any / all NIJ Advisory Notices issued pertaining to the armor make/model sold under this contract. Contractor shall disclose the contents of the Advisory Notice, reasons for failure, and the proposed fix for the Advisory Notice.

C.4 OVERT ARMOR KIT SPECIFICATIONS

C.4.1 BALLISTIC RESISTANCE

C.4.1.1 Armor sold under this contract shall stop multiple impacts from the following threat projectiles:

124 grain 9mm (NATO) FMJ with enclosed base.6 Muzzle velocity of 1,410, +/- 40 feet per second (fps).

135 grain 9mm Hornady Critical Duty, p/n: 90125 115 grain 9mm Winchester FMJ p/n: W9MM50 165 grain 40S&W Winchester Ranger Bonded, p/n: Q4384 220 grain 45 AUTO Hornady Critical Duty +P, p/n: 90925 12g shotgun, 1 oz slug, Federal Ammunition Power-Shok Rifled Slug HP 2 differences (e.g., physical difference required for female front torso panels, shoulder/bicep panels, neck/throat panels, etc.), the armor panels across the suite shall be of the same construction.

4 Some changes in the soft armor production process, such as folds, seams, or other discontinuities may trigger an NIJ requirement for a separate certification. This solicitation does not require separate NIJ certifications for male and female soft armor panels. However, if the armor design submitted by an Offeror triggers an NIJ requirement for a separate certification, the Offeror shall have a separate NIJ certification (or pending certification).

5 As this solicitation covers multiple Federal agencies, the Government is requesting armor kits available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate differences seen within a large community of law enforcement personnel.

6 This test projectile is available from Federal Cartridge Company, part number 706236.

¾ in. (product code F127 RS). Muzzle velocity of 1,430 fps, +/- 50 fps.

40 grain 5.7x28mm American Eagle FMJ, p/n: AE5728A

C.4.1.2 Armor sold under this contract may stop impacts from the following threat projectiles:

90 grain Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense, 0.355 diameter (SKU# 09355090SPFC), loaded to 1,410 fps (+/- 40 fps), muzzle velocity when fired from a Glock 17.

C.4.1.3 Armor shall stop threat impacts at any location with a shot-to-edge distance of 1.0 inches or greater from any finished edge.

C.4.1.4 The front torso panel of OAK soft armor, in the as-worn configuration, shall stop one

(1) impact from the 124 grain 9mm (NATO) FMJ threat projectile at one (1) inch from the edge, on the front panel below the neckline, at 45-degree obliquity.7

C.4.1.5 Armor shall stop three (3) impacts from the 124 grain 9mm (NATO) FMJ threat projectile, impacting the three (3) corners of an equilateral triangle with sides measuring two (2) inches.

C.4.1.6 Without flattening or smoothing the armor between test impacts, armor shall stop three (3) impacts from the 124 grain 9mm (NATO) FMJ threat projectile, impacting the three (3) corners of an equilateral triangle with sides measuring 3.0 inches.

C.4.1.7 Armor shall stop threat impacts after exposure to extreme temperatures ranging from negative (-) 40 degrees Fahrenheit to positive (+) 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

C.4.1.8 Armor shall stop threat impacts after exposure to water. This shall include light exposure to water (e.g., humidity, sweat, rain, routine cleaning) as well as the complete submersion of the armor panel in water for up to 24 hours.

C.4.1.9 Armor shall be able to stop contact shots with the handgun threat projectiles noted in C.4.1.1.

C.4.2 ARMOR PANELS

C.4.2.1 The soft armor utilized through the armor system (e.g., torso panels, cummerbunds, plate backers, shoulder straps, etc.) shall be constructed of the same ballistic resistant material.8 While NIJ may not certify the accessories, the construction of the ballistic resistant panels within those accessories should be comprised of the same ballistic resistant material as the NIJ-certified panels.

C.4.2.2 Ballistic resistant soft materials,9 separate from the soft armor panels, may be incorporated internally within the OAK armor system. This may include ballistic resistant materials sewn into the carrier, affixed within the plate/panel pocket, 7 Section M.3.5 states that the 1.0” Edge Test at 45-degree obliquity will be performed on male and female-designated

OAK.

8 The Government is not seeking panels of homogeneous construction; rather, the combination of ballistic resistant material used in the torso panels shall also be used in the accessories (shoulder/bicep panels, neck/throat panels, groin protection panel, etc.).

9 Ballistic resistant soft materials include aramid fibers, polyethylene, etc. While the OAK must accommodate the FBI’s current-issued hard armor plates, the ballistic resistance testing required within this solicitation will not utilize hard armor within the armor system.

overlapping, adjacent to, or used in conjunction with the soft armor panel.10 C.4.2.3 Armor panel shapes deviating from the NIJ templates (e.g., C-1 through C-5) are acceptable.

C.4.2.4 The government has not specified a minimum surface area of protective coverage;

however, the armor panels should be appropriately sized for the wearer and provide coverage of the vital torso area and sides of the wearer.

C.4.2.5 When worn in the standing position, the OAK should provide the wearer with uninterrupted ballistic coverage of their upper abdomen (epigastric region), around their sides (left and right hypochondriac regions) and back. Any seam in the soft armor around the abdomen, sides, and back shall have overlapping ballistic coverage of at least two (2) inches (e.g., if a cummerbund is present, the ballistic panels within the cummerbund shall overlap with the front and rear torso panels) when worn in the standing position.

C.4.2.6 The shoulder straps of the overt kit shall include soft armor. Minimum width of the armor panel shall be 1.75 inches. The shoulder strap armor shall be appropriate in length to, at a minimum, provide butt-end coverage with the front and rear torso armor panels. While not a requirement, the armor panels within the shoulder strap may be sized differently for a more appropriate fit with different sized carriers.

C.4.2.7 All armor panels within the OAK and external ballistic accessories shall be appropriately sized.11 Armor panels shall fit snugly into the carrier, cummerbund, shoulder strap, accessory. The armor panel shall not shift within the carrier, cummerbund, shoulder strap, accessory during routine movement of the wearer.

C.4.2.8 Recycled or previously used armor components are not acceptable.

C.4.2.9 The front and rear panel of soft armor within the overt kit, as well as any plate backers, shall contain a label on the interior (wear side). The label shall clearly display data including, but not limited to, manufacturer, make and model, size, serial number, date of manufacture, lot number, NIJ certification, and threat level. For armor delivered to the FBI, the label shall contain an “F number” to aid inventory management. A scannable barcode matching the FBI “F number” shall be included in the label. FBI “F numbers” shall be provided to the Contractor upon contract award. All ballistic panels associated with an armor set shall have the same serial number and, if applicable “F number.”12

C.4.2.10 The front and rear panel of soft armor within the overt kit, as well as any plate backer sets, shall have matching serial numbers.

C.4.2.11 Areal density of the armor panels shall be 1.1 pounds per square foot or less.

C.4.3 OVERT (TACTICAL) CARRIER

C.4.3.1 The OAK carrier shall be available in male (unisex) and female-specific models.

C.4.3.2 OAK carriers shall have some adjustability to conform to the individual user. At a

10 When possible, the FBI will test the ballistic resistance of the armor in the as-worn configuration. Ballistic resistant soft materials internal to the OAK will be included in ballistic resistance testing. External ballistic accessories and hard armor plates will not be included in ballistic resistance testing for this solicitation.

11 The government expects armor panels to cover the height and width of the interior space of the carrier or accessory item. For example, if the interior panel pocket within a cummerbund has a height of 5 inches, the armor system should not use a 3-inch armor panel. Excess space within the panel pocket reduces the area of protective coverage and may lead to shifting or movement of the armor panel.

12 Inventory management markings specific for the DEA and USMS may be communicated to the Contractor upon contract award.

minimum, the shoulder straps and waist/cummerbund shall have adjustability for individual fit. Elasticity of the waist/cummerbund is preferred.

C.4.3.3 The overt carrier shall be capable of securely holding the current-issued FBI hard armor plates (torso and side plates).13 The size of the carrier should accommodate appropriately sized hard armor plates.14

C.4.3.4 Carriers shall hold the hard armor torso plates in the correct high-thoracic location with minimal shifting.

C.4.3.5 Quick detach (QD) buckles on the shoulder straps are permitted, but not required. Any buckles, if present, should not interfere with shouldering of a weapon.

C.4.3.6 Exterior of the carrier shall accommodate primary identification placards15 in the correct locations. The primary identification placards shall affix with hook and loop (Velcro). Additional identification placards or markings, if present, may be affixed by other methods.

C.4.3.7 Exterior of the overt carrier shall have traditional and/or laser cut MOLLE (modular webbing) with sufficient strength to support the weight of loaded pouches without excessive stretching, excessive sagging, or tearing of the MOLLE.

C.4.3.8 Labels, tags, or markings, if present, shall be on the inner (body) side of the carrier. The overt carrier and accessories shall have no visible company logos on the exterior.

C.4.3.9 Overt carriers should stay in place when the wearer moves between seated, kneeling, and standing positions. The carrier should not ride up into the wearer’s neck when seated.

C.4.3.10 The interior (body) side of the overt carrier should aid in moisture wicking and be breathable. The materials should aid with inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and/or be anti-microbial. Ventilation channels within the interior padding are acceptable.

C.4.3.11 The overt carrier shall allow for the removal of all soft armor panels for cleaning.

C.4.3.12 The overt carrier shall be available in different colors; including but not limited to

Ranger Green (or similar), Coyote Brown (or similar), Midnight Blue16 (or similar), black, and Multicam (or similar). Additional color options are acceptable.17 18

C.4.3.13 The cummerbund, if present, shall have modular webbing (MOLLE).

C.4.3.14 The height of the cummerbund, if present, shall be no less than five (5) inches. Different height cummerbunds, based on the size of the carrier (e.g., S, M, L, etc.) are acceptable but not required.

C.4.3.15 The cummerbund, if present, shall secure with a QD attachment (e.g., tube, buckle, etc.).

13 Current-issued hard armor plates include Hardwire model HW-HBA-2022-02 and Hardwire steel plate model number HW-HBA-2022-01. Dimensional sizes for the plates are documented in Section J, Attachment #5 of the RFP.

14 The intent of the Government is to acquire overt carriers that can accommodate SAPI-cut hard armor plates that are appropriately sized for the user. Examples of this may include a size Large male OAK accommodating a Large SAPI plate, while a Medium male OAK accommodates a Medium SAPI plate. Female OAK carriers may accommodate smaller sized SAPI plates relative to the size of the carrier. The Government does not desire a suite of carrier sizes that accommodate a single plate size (e.g., all carriers fit a Large SAPI plate).

15 Primary identification placards are the front and back torso placards. Requirements for the placards are outlined in Section C.4.5.2.

16 Following a contract award, and prior to any delivery, the FBI requests to see fabric samples of available blue color options for final color determination.

17 The FBI does not require a specific Pantone color for any of the colors listed.

18 The suite of available colors is not required for the initial submission or for Phase III – User Assessment. The color of the carriers provided for initial testing is not pertinent for the performance of the OAK. However, the suite of colors shall be available from the Contract awardee.

Hook and loop (Velcro) shall not be the primary method of securing the armor system when donning the kit.

C.4.3.16 The overt carrier should have features designed for communication cable management.

This may be accomplished with internal pathways/channels, external points of retention, or other suitable methods.

C.4.3.17 The overt carrier shall have a drag handle on the upper back of the carrier capable of dragging a 300 lbs. person.

C.4.4 BALLISTIC RESISTANT ACCESSORIES

C.4.4.1 Contractor shall offer optional ballistic resistant accessories that integrate with the overt carrier. Those optional accessories shall include, at a minimum, shoulder/bicep pads, neck/throat protection, and groin protection.19 Additional ballistic accessories may be offered as optional items on contract.

C.4.4.2 The soft armor utilized in the ballistic accessories shall be of the same construction as the torso panels.

C.4.5 ACCESSORIES

C.4.5.1 The OAK shall come with detachable identification placards with lettering clearly visible and distinctive from the carrier color. “DEA” and “FBI” shall be available in yellow lettering. “USMS” and “US MARSHAL” shall be available in white lettering. PVC and/or reflective lettering is permitted but not required. Identification placards shall not have photoluminescent properties.

C.4.5.2 The overt carrier shall have two “primary” identification placards. Those primary identification placards shall be on the front and back of the overt carrier, displayed on the upper chest /back (thoracic region). The “primary” placards shall be available for specific agencies as well as generic “POLICE”. Available agency-specific placards shall, at a minimum, include “FBI”, “DEA”, “USMS” and “US MARSHAL”. 20

C.4.5.3 A circular hook and loop (Velcro) patch, approximately 3-inches in diameter, of the USMS star badge is required for orders placed by USMS personnel.

C.4.5.4 Placards or patches of FBI and DEA badges are required as an optional accessory for orders placed by FBI and DEA personnel, respectively.

C.4.5.5 While not required, an optional identification patch (PVC or fabric) with a customizable name or identification number is preferable.

C.4.5.6 Removeable back panels, which connect to the carrier, are permitted but not required.

A back panel system, if available, shall be sufficiently durable and incorporate traditional MOLLE/modular webbing.

C.4.5.7 OAK shall have the ability to attach modular front panels, such as those that connect with QASM (Quick Attach Surface Mounted) buckles. Those modular front panels shall securely hold pouches including M4 magazine pouches, pistol magazine pouches, handcuff pouches, etc.

19 The ballistic resistant external accessories will not be utilized during the FBI’s ballistic resistant testing. For the purposes of “as-worn configuration,” the Government is testing the armor kit generally issued to department personnel.

20 The Government has not specified a minimum size for the front or rear placard.

C.4.5.8 Contractor shall offer a suite of accessory pouches compatible with the overt carrier.

Available pouches shall include, at a minimum, the following:

a. M4 magazine pouch, single

b. M4 magazine pouch, double

c. Pistol (Glock 19/17) magazine pouch, single

d. Pistol (Glock 19/17) magazine pouch, double

e. Tourniquet holder

f. Radio (Motorola) pouch

g. Handcuff pouch

h. Admin pouch

i. QD modular front placard with buckles or attachment adaptors

j. Flashlight pouch

C.4.5.9 While not required, additional pouches are encouraged. Those additional pouches may include the following:

a. M4 magazine pouch, triple

b. Medical (IFAK) pouch

c. Cellphone pouch

d. Body camera pouch (MotorolaVB400, or similar)

e. OC spray pouch, which fits Sabre Red 1.8 oz.

f. ASP baton pouch

g. Dump pouch

C.4.5.10 Accessory pouches shall be available in the same colors as the overt carrier (e.g., Ranger Green (or similar), Coyote Brown (or similar), Midnight Blue (or similar), black, and Multicam (or similar).

C.4.5.11 Accessory pouches shall utilize a MOLLE attachment system to integrate with the overt carrier.

C.4.5.12 Magazine pouches (pistol and M4) shall be rigid or semi-rigid. Pouch shall have adequate structure or rigidity to remain open after the magazine is withdrawn.

Retention straps, covers, and/or cords shall not be used to hold the magazines in place.

C.4.5.13 While not required, Offerors may offer an optional plate carrier on contract. The size of the plate carrier should accommodate appropriately sized hard armor plates with a SAPI cut.21

C.4.5.14 The radio pouch shall accommodate Motorola radios including the XTS5000, APX7000, APX8000, or similar, and allow access to the radio’s top-mounted controls (keys, switches, and dials).

C.4.6 SIZING OF OVERT ARMOR KITS

C.4.6.1 Contractor shall have a manufacturer-recommended sizing guide with detailed instructions aiding a user in finding the appropriate fit.

21 If a plate carrier is offered, the intent of the Government is to acquire plate carriers that can accommodate SAPI-cut hard armor plates that are appropriately sized for the user. Examples of this may include a size Large plate carrier accommodating a Large SAPI plate, while a Medium plate carrier could accommodates a Medium SAPI plate. However, plate carriers sized Small/Medium and/or Large/Extra Large are acceptable. The Government does not desire a suite of plate carrier sizes that accommodate a single plate size (e.g., all plate carriers fit a Large SAPI plate).

C.4.6.2 Contractor shall provide a measurement form in Portable Document Format (.pdf) format. The measurement form shall include all necessary information and instructions to take proper measurements. The form shall include written and pictorial instructions on how to accurately obtain all required measurements.

C.4.6.3 The Government prefers sizing kits in which users can try on samples or surrogates to determine the appropriate fit. Note: the samples or surrogate overt carriers used in a sizing kit do not need ballistic resistant panels, placards, or MOLLE22.

C.4.6.4 Sizing for female-designated armor should account for bust and cup size for determining the appropriate fit for the user.

C.4.6.5 The inclusion of sizing kits and/or the sizing guide does not invalidate the FBI’s ability to request adjustment or replacement of armor under the fit-finish-comfort warranty clause (see Section E.2.5).

C.4.6.6 Any sizing or measuring system requiring the government to photograph personnel or install a software application is prohibited.

C.4.6.7 The Contractor may be asked to provide educational material covering topics such as proper armor fit, donning and doffing the armor, care and cleaning, as well as capabilities and limitations of the armor system. This may be written or in a short video format.

C.4.6.8 Government personnel shall have the final say on the correct fit for all supplied overt armor.

C.4.7 CARRY BAG

C.4.7.1 The carry bag shall be sized appropriately to contain the overt armor kit.

C.4.7.2 The carry bag shall have an opening sufficient to easily remove the armor system.

C.4.7.3 The material used for the carry bag shall be lightweight material and durable.

C.4.7.4 The carry bag shall have straps and/or handles.

C.4.7.5 The carry bag shall have no visible company logo on the exterior.

C.4.8 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

C.4.8.1 For the warranty period of the armor, the ballistic resistance of the armor panels shall not degrade due to ultraviolet light exposure and/or exposure to moisture. This may be accomplished with a thin waterproof layer encasing the armor.

C.4.8.2 OAK shall be able to withstand temperature changes consistent with operational use and storage in various climates.

C.4.8.3 Armor panels shall be capable of withstanding routine, gentle cleaning with soap and water.

C.5 QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

C.5.1 Contractor shall be capable of conducting in-house quality control testing to ensure that armor delivered under this contract meet all requirements.

22 The sizing kit, if available from the Offeror, is not required for the Government’s evaluation as outlined in this solicitation. However, a sizing kit may be helpful for the Government to size Assessors in preparation for Phase III – User Assessment. Regardless of the use of a sizing kit during the evaluation, if a sizing kit will be available from the Contractor after contract award, the Government requires one (1) sample of the kit, due after contract award, to ensure its proper use/function.

C.5.2 Contractor shall provide the FBI with information on their Quality Control measures applied to armor sold under this contract.

C.5.3 Armor which fails any portion of Contractor’s Quality Control testing shall not be shipped under this contract.

C.5.4 Contractor must possess the capability or contract with a third-party to conduct failure analysis on any armor identified by the FBI which does not function as designed or that exhibits signs of an obvious anomaly. Results of such a failure analysis shall be reported to the FBI and purchasing agency (if different from the FBI) in writing, within ten (10) business days of receipt of the armor in question. At that time, Contractor must also outline remedial action(s) taken to correct the defect, if warranted.

C.6 AUTHORIZED BUYERS

C.6.1 Authorized buyers include Department of Justice agency components, including but not limited to FBI, DEA, and US Marshals. Other agencies may seek permission to utilize the contract on a case-by-case basis. Interested parties shall contact the Contracting Officer (CO) and/or Contracting Officer Representative (COR) via email for authorization.

C.6.2 All orders shall be prioritized in the order they are received. Emergency orders placed by the FBI, as identified by CO or COR, shall receive priority over all other orders.

C.7 REPORTS

C.7.1 Contractor shall provide quarterly reports to the Contracting Officer within thirty (30) calendar days of the end of the quarter [Jan-Mar/Apr-Jun/Jul-Sep/Oct-Dec] during which supplies were ordered. The report shall include:

a) Contract Number

b) Period of Performance (ex: Base Year/Qtr. 1)

c) List of orders “ACCEPTED23” during quarter for each authorized buyer (include delivery order number & dollar value of order).

d) Total dollar value of all accepted orders during the quarter (combined quarterly figure).

e) Total dollar value of usage to date (current quarterly figure combined with previous quarters) under the contract.

f) Include contract ceiling on each quarterly report.

C.7.2 It is preferred that this information be provided using Microsoft Excel.

C.7.3 If the quarterly report is not provided within thirty (30) calendar days of the end of quarter as required, a written explanation as to why the report is tardy shall be provided with the quarterly report.

C.8 SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL

23 “Accepted” refers to an order that has been received during the quarter, regardless of if the order shipped. When an order has been received/accepted by the Contractor, the maximum, not to exceed, contract value is impacted.

C.8.1 On-site visits require a minimum of 48 hours advance notice, unless an exigent circumstance exists which will require prior CO or COR approval.

C.9 MEDIA STATEMENTS

C.9.1 All press statements and releases related to the contract shall receive advance written approval by the Contracting Officer.

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1.1 Packaging and packing for all items delivered under this contract shall be in accordance with commercial practice and adequate to ensure acceptance by common carrier and safe arrival at destination. The Contractor shall place the delivery order number on or adjacent to the exterior shipping label.

[End of Section]

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE

E.1.1 As soft armor is used in defense of life; the Government requires the Contractor to maintain the quality of the product throughout the life of the contract. Quality of the product delivered will be monitored by the COR and/or Technical Point of Contact

(TPOC).

E.1.2 The Government may also conduct random Quality Assurance (QA) testing of product to ensure that the soft body armor continues to meet all ballistic resistance performance requirements.

E.1.3 Any armor that fails the Government’s QA testing will be returned to the Contractor, at no cost to the Government, and replaced with an equal amount of armor. The Contractor will be notified by the COR, in writing, of the nature of the failure, defect, or deficiency.

E.1.4 Contractor shall provide a primary point of contact and an alternate point of contact for any matters pertaining to armor supplied under the contract.

E.1.5 Contractor shall take corrective action within ten (10) business days of written notification of a contract non-conformance. Action shall include replacement of all defective, deficient, or suspect soft body armor; and provide the CO and/or COR with written results of failure analysis and preventative measures to avoid repetitive non-conformances. Any issues pertaining to defective or deficient armor shall be resolved to the satisfaction of the FBI.

E.1.6 Failure to maintain the standards established at the time of award is detrimental to the Government. Should a pattern of failure emerge, this shall constitute grounds for the initiation of termination proceedings.

E.2 WARRANTIES

E.2.1 The soft armor panels within the system shall be warrantied for ballistic protection for a period no less than eight (8) years from receipt by the Government.

E.2.2 Contractor shall specify all that is covered during the warranty period(s).

E.2.3 Warranty claims shall be remedied at no expense to the government except for shipping item(s) to the Contractor. Contractor will be responsible for return shipping costs.

E.2.4 Contractor shall unconditionally warranty all OAK for fit, finish and comfort for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from the date of acceptance, irrespective of who performs the measuring (e.g., Contractor representative or government personnel).

E.2.5 OAK shall carry minimum warranties from the date of acceptance. Contractor shall provide a statement of warranty coverage for each component listed below. If additional components are present on the armor system, Offerors shall specify the applicable warranty period.

Armor System (fit, finish, and comfort) No less than 60 days

Ballistic panels No less than 96 months

Carriers No less than 24 months

E.2.6 Contractor shall work with the CO and/or COR to establish a procedure for warranty exchanges.

E.2.7 Warranty claim records shall, at a minimum, include name of personnel, FBI order number, division, armor panel serial number, description of problem, description of action taken, date of notification, current status, date of completion, return shipping date, and shipping tracking number.

E.2.8 Warranty items shall be given top priority. Required modifications or replacement armor must be completed and shipped within ten (10) business days of receipt of original body armor. If the timeframe cannot be met, the Contractor shall notify the COR by email with an explanation for the delay and an anticipated ship date.

E.2.9 If possible, the warranty armor should maintain its serial number and FBI inventory “F number.”

SECTION F – DELIVERIES AND PERFORMANCE

F.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.1.1 The anticipated period of performance shall be a twelve (12) month base period, to begin on the date of award, with four (4) possible one-year option periods.

F.2 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

F.2.1 The Government has different delivery requirements based on the nature of the order.

Orders from the Government may be categorized as: Emergency, New Agent Trainee, Field Office Replacement, or High Quantity Orders.

F.2.2 The required delivery schedule for each order category is as follows:

Emergency orders (as designated by the CO or COR) quantities of fifty (50) or less shall be delivered within ten (10) business days. For quantities more than fifty (50), the CO and/or COR will work with the Contractor to establish a realistic delivery time.

New Agent Trainees orders (as designated by the CO or COR) shall be delivered within thirty

(30) days. Please note that new agent orders may vary in quantity for different agencies (e.g., FBI, DEA, USMS, etc.); however, class sizes typically range from 50 up to 200 trainees.

New Agent Trainee orders are driven by the number of male and female trainees, as well as the size of each trainee. These details are not confirmed until the trainees report to the Academy. Contractor delivery times and dates shall be coordinated with the CO and/or COR, according to training schedules. The delivery date shall be no later than thirty (30) days from the date the Contractor receives the trainee sizing information.

Field Office Replacement and non-categorized orders shall be delivered within thirty to one-hundred twenty days (30-120) depending upon quantity. See Section F.2.3.

High Quantity Orders – Orders for quantities more than 551 shall be delivered within one-hundred twenty days (120) days. Partial shipments may be accepted with prior approval from the CO or COR.

F.2.3 The following deliver table represents the requirements documented in F.2.2.

Type of Order Quantity (Delivery Days)

Emergency 0-50 units (10 days) > 51 units (TBD*)

New Agent Trainee All Orders** (30 days)

Field Office Replacements and non-categorized orders

< 200 units (30 days) 200 - 400 units (90 days) 401 - 550 units (120 days)

High Quantity Orders > 550 units (120 days)

* Delivery time for an emergency order with a quantity more than 50 units will be agreed to by the Contractor working in cooperation with the CO / COR.

** Academy class sizes vary. Typical class size ranges from 50 up to 200 individuals. Note: FBI Academy dates and approximate class sizes may be provided to the Contractor in advance for scheduling production.

F.3 NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DELAYS

F.3.1 In the event the Contractor encounters difficulty in meeting delivery schedules or completion dates, or if the Contractor has knowledge of a situation that may delay the timely performance of this contract, the Contractor shall notify the CO and COR in writing within five (5) business days. Contractor shall provide the COR with (1) a detailed justification for the delay and (2) a realistic time for delivery.

F.4 PLACE OF DELIVERY / F.O.B. DESTINATION

F.4.1 Overt Armor Kits (including all items on contract) shall be shipped to all FBI (and other approved Federal government purchasers) locations within CONUS, as well as Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Shipping address will be noted at the time of order.

F.4.2 Delivery of Overt Armor Kits shall be F.O.B. Destination.

(a) The term "F.O.B. Destination," as used in this clause, means--

(1) Free of expense to the Government, on board the carrier's conveyance, at a specified delivery point where the consignee's facility (plant, warehouse, store, lot, or other location to which shipment can be made) is located; and

(2) Supplies shall be delivered to the destination consignee's wharf (if destination is a port city and supplies are for export), warehouse unloading platform, or receiving dock, at the expense of the Contractor. The Government shall not be liable for any delivery, storage, demurrage, accessorial, or other charges involved before the actual delivery (or "constructive placement" as defined in carrier tariffs) of the supplies to the destination, unless such charges are caused by an act or order of the Government acting in its contractual capacity.

If rail carrier is used, supplies shall be delivered to the specified unloading platform of the consignee. If motor carrier (including "piggyback") is used, supplies shall be delivered to truck tailgate at the unloading platform of the consignee, except when the supplies delivered meet the requirements of Item 568 of the National Motor Freight Classification for "heavy or bulky freight." When supplies meeting the requirements of the referenced Item 568 are delivered, unloading (including movement to the tailgate) shall be performed by the consignee, with assistance from the truck driver, if requested. If the contractor uses rail carrier or freight forwarder for less than carload shipments, the Contractor shall ensure that the carrier will furnish tailgate delivery, when required, if transfer to truck is required to complete delivery to consignee.

(b) The Contractor shall;

(1) Pack and mark the shipment to comply with contract specifications; or in the absence of specifications, prepare the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements;

(2) Prepare and distribute commercial bills of lading;

(3) Deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the contract;

(4) Be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the contract;

(5) Furnish a delivery schedule and designate the mode of delivering carrier;

and

(6) Pay and bear all charges to the specified point of delivery.

(End of Clause)

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

G.1 JAR 2852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

(COR) (NOV 2020)

A. Mr./Ms. (Name) of (Organization), (Address), (Area Code & Telephone No.,), is hereby designated to act as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) under (contract #), for the period of (specify the performance period of the contract that the designation covers).

B. The COR is responsible, as applicable, for: receiving all deliverables, inspecting and accepting the supplies or services provided in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract; Clarifying, directing, or redirecting the contract effort, including shifting work between work areas and locations, filling in details, or otherwise serving to accomplish the contractual statement of work to ensure the work is accomplished satisfactorily; evaluating performance of the contractor; and, certifying all invoices/vouchers for acceptance of the supplies or services furnished for payment.

C. The COR does not have the authority to issue direction that: constitutes a change of assignment or work outside the contract specification/work statement/scope of work. Constitutes a change as defined in the clause entitled “Changes” or other similar contract term. (iii) Causes, in any manner, an increase or decrease in the contract price or the time required for contract performance; Causes, in any manner, any change in a term, condition, or specification or the work statement/scope of work of the contract; Causes, in any manner, any change or…