19AQMM23Q0006 AMD 0001 QandA Matrix.pdf

19AQMM23Q0006 AMD 0001

Armored Vehicle Inner Door Armor Layer Evaluation

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

NO. Contractor's Question Government Response

1 Our partner who has extensive knowledge on armored ground vehicles (both steel and composite) is based out of

Mexico, and has produces armored vehicles for the

Mexican government and has produced vehicles for the US

State Department. Need to know if we can use him for this opportunity with the assumption if we are successful the final manufacturing facility will be in the US? Would the

DoS allow this for both the current development programs?

This effort will involve information that is classified as SECRET. Any classified information shall be protected. As long as all classified information is protected or the entity has the proper clearance and ablity to handle classified information, there is no issue.

2 Our desire is to purchase the specialized ceramic needed for the final composite solution in India under an exception to the Buy American Act due to equivalent price for a Hot

Pressed Boron Carbide (B4C) in the United States would be

3x the cost. The actual integration of the ceramic with the backing material will be done in the US, but the ultimate means of making lightweight armor solutions in various shapes lies with the ceramic. This would provide the best means of meeting the DOS objectives at the lowest cost, thus the best value proposition. Would the DoS allow this for both the current development programs?

As aplicable, for evaluation purposes, the Contracting Officer will follow the guidance provided under Subpart 25.1 - Buy American -Supplies. Additionally, the government clarifies that this is not a production contract and any manufacturing will be limited to prototype volumes.

3 As the holiday season is approaching, request an extension to January 27 as our resources had already scheduled their time-offs during December.

Quote submission has been extended. Quotes are due on January 18, 2023. Refer to Amendment 0001.

4 We also would like to suggest that the DOS reconsiders the

LPTA procurement method for this critical effort. This work requires highly skilled individuals, and we, along with other potential vendors, should focus on the best technical solution with the best qualified individuals vs. trying to go with a lower price using a lesser qualified team.

The basis for award will remain Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

5 Would it be possible to obtain a copy of the ‘DEAV’s standard door armoring procedure’ such that we can make the proposals most relevant?

Refer to the Armored Vehicle Specifications Sections C.4.4.1 through C.4.4.5. (RFQ - Attachment 1)

Dept. of State AV Specification reads: "The Contractor shall install an opaque armor system to each driver and passenger door. The thickness of material and ballistic coverage shall be sufficient to provide the commensurate level of protection. The door armor system shall not block OEM door drain holes. The Contractor shall ensure that all grinding dust and debris is removed from the door cavity. All components of the door armor system shall be joined by welding or fasteners so that the weight of the armor system and

OEM door is carried by the armor system and is not reliant on the OEM sheet metal as a load path. The door armor system shall include multiple components as outlined below:

C.4.4.1 Hinge Side Armor

The contractor shall install armor plate of the appropriate thickness to the hinge side of all door assemblies. The hinge side is the surface of the door skin that generally faces the front of the vehicle and is used as the mounting interface for the door hinges. The hinge side armor shall be welded to or be an integrated part of the hinge mounting point reinforcement. The hinge side armor shall be comprised of as few pieces as possible and provide the maximum ballistic coverage possible.

C.4.4.2 Latch Side Armor

The contractor shall install armor plate of the appropriate thickness to the latch side of all door assemblies. The latch side is the surface of the door skin that generally faces the rear of the vehicle and provides the mounting interface for the door latch. The latch side armor shall be welded to or be an integrated part of the latch reinforcement. The latch side armor shall be comprised of as few pieces as possible and provide the maximum ballistic coverage possible.

C.4.4.3 Outer Door Armor

The contractor shall install .140” MIL-DTL-12560K, or the most current version of that standard, to the inside of the outer OEM door skin. The outer door armor shall use no more than two pieces and cover from the belt line to the bottom of the door by the drain holes. The contractor shall not block the drain holes. If required, the outer door armor shall be formed around the crash bar. The crash bar shall not be moved or removed. If the outer door armor is located inboard of the exterior door handle mechanisms, an access panel shall be installed to maintain ballistic coverage and provide ease of repairs or handle replacement.

C.4.4.4 Ballistic Steel Ring

The Contractor shall install a ballistic steel ring of .187” MIL-DTL-46100E steel which is fastened or welded to the inboard surface of the inner OEM door skin. The ballistic steel ring shall be a monolithic part with no weld joints to complete the ring. The ballistic steel ring shall provide the mounting interface for the inner door armor. A minimum of six bridge pieces shall connect the ballistic steel ring to the outer door armor. The bridge pieces shall be of equal thickness as the ballistic steel ring and at least two inches in width.

C.4.4.5 Inner Door Armor

The inner door armor shall be a one piece panel of High Hard 46100 or Ultra High Hard 32332A that provides the maximum ballistic coverage possible yet allows for operation of all required mechanisms. The inner door armor shall be attached to the ballistic ring with M10, Class 10.9 bolts. The bolts shall be spaced no more than four inches apart where possible. Perimeter / return armor will need to extend far enough into the vehicle to cover door armor bolts.

6 Is this opportunity open to non-US companies? Contractor bidding on Government opportunities must have an Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in SAM (https://www.sam.gov) - https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei. Quoters without an active UEI number and an active registration in SAM.Gov will not be considered for award.

Additonally, this requirement has classified information that shall be protected and contractor/subcontractor shall have proper clearance and ablity to handle classified information.