70B06C20R00000002 A0001.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(If applicable)

(If other than Item 6)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR(Number, street, county, State & Zip Code)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(SEE ITEM 11)

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended. Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods: (a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

(If required)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION ( Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES Such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

(Specify type of modification and authority)

1 9 is required to sign this document and return is not

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

(Type or print) (Type or print)

This solicitation is hereby amended to include the attached SOW revisions and Questions and Answers.

All other terms and conditions remain the same.

Solicitation 70B06C20R00000002 9mm Service Ammunition IDIQ

SOW Changes and Q&As

The SOW Sections have been revised to reflect the following:

• Section 4.7.5 shall now read: “Labels for boxes and cases containing information listed in

4.7.1 and 4.7.2 shall be consistently located on a side edge and oriented to be readable when multiple ammunition cartons or boxes are stacked flat. For individual boxes only, the Lot/Date Code can be stamped inside of the end flap, and DHS logo and “PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT, NOT FOR RESALE” can be located anywhere on the outside of the box, at the vendor’s discretion.”

• Section 4.7.2 shall now read: “Ammunition cases shall contain ten, 50 round boxes, for a total of 500 rounds. The 500 round cases shall reflect the following information unless otherwise specified:”

Questions and Answers (not answered by the SOW changes listed above):

1. Can the due date be extended to 4/30/2020?

a. Due to time constraints and numerous review processes, we are not extending the

RFP due date.

2. I am interested in the above solicitation and wanted to ask if a NATO manufacturer is acceptable with high quality, competitive prices on the 9mm.

a. Please review the RFP clauses with its terms and conditions. The Buy American

Act is one of the applicable clauses to this RFP.

3. Section 4.3.6 of the solicitation SOW states that Body Armor Penetration testing will be required. Will the required armor for this be provided by the Government, to the test lab? Or will the requisite armor be specified so that it can be procured by the vendors/test labs?

a. All armor testing has been removed from the required testing protocol.

4. Please specify if all range parameters (setup, distance from muzzle to target, velocity measurement, etc.) as specified in NIJ 0101.06 should be followed for this test, or if an alternative/modified method should be followed?

a. This is not applicable. All armor testing has been removed from the required testing protocol.

5. Section 2.5 states that “Vendor shall provide manufacturer’s technical specifications and performance test data of items required for submission. All required testing shall be done by a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) test laboratory approved for testing of auto-loading pistols. Specifications shall address all technical requirements listed within this document.” Can this section be revised to specifically state the option of having personnel from a NIJ test lab be on-site at the manufacturer’s facility to witness product testing and evaluation, provided appropriate documentation and reports are still generated and approved? This assumes offeror’s employees would complete the testing but under the direct supervision of NIJ lab personnel.

a. The location of and participation in the testing process is at the discretion of the NIJ Labs.

6. Section 4.2.2.8 states that “The ammunition shall not penetrate NIJ certified level III-A body armor using a Glock G19 and in accordance with the NIJ Testing Standard 0101.06.” If this requirement is not going to be evaluated with the solicitation, we would like to request that it be removed from the statement of work to avoid any confusion and/or ambiguity. Likewise with section 4.3.6.1.

a. This requirement will remain in the SOW, despite not being part of the solicitation test requirements.

7. As mentioned above, can this section be revised to state that it is acceptable for testing to take place at the manufacturer’s facility under the supervision of NIJ certified lab personnel?

a. See response for question #5 above.

8. Section 4.3.1.1 states that “Ammunition samples shall be inspected for compliance with dimensional specifications in accordance with the recommended specifications of SAAMI. This will be done by randomly selecting 100 cartridges and physically inspecting them for compliance. All sampled cartridges shall be within SAAMI specifications.” What type of measurement devices may be used to conduct this testing?

Can this also be completed on site at the manufacturer’s facility using specifically designed gages to measure the different attributes?

a. Measurement devices for dimensional specifications are at the discretion of the NIJ Labs. Location is also at the discretion of the NIJ Labs.

9. Section 4.3.2.1 States that “Velocity shall be measured using both a Test Fixture and a Glock 19” It is our general and standard practice that velocity is measured concurrently with pressure.

a. Test procedures shall be conducted as described in the SOW, and are the responsibility of the NIJ labs to follow.

10. Similarly in section 4.3.2.4, Velocity is measured concurrently with Pressure, not accuracy at our facility. Can this section be revised to remove “accuracy/velocity”?

a. Test procedures shall be conducted as described in the SOW, and are the responsibility of the NIJ labs to follow.

11. Section 4.3.3.1 states that “Accuracy shall be measured concurrently with Velocity (SOW Section 4.3.2).” Can this section be removed?

a. Test procedures shall be conducted as described in the SOW, and are the responsibility of the NIJ labs to follow.

12. Section 4.3.3.2 states that the accuracy test “shall be conducted with a seasoned test barrel. Seasoned, for this document, refers to a test barrel with at least 500 rounds but no more than 5,000 rounds.” Would the Government consider redefining seasoned to include barrels with round counts beyond 5000 rounds?

a. Test procedures shall be conducted as described in the SOW, and are the responsibility of the NIJ labs to follow.

13. Section 4.3.5.3 states that “The test media used shall be 10 percent ballistic gelatin (Kind and Knox or Vyse 250-A), mixed by weight (e.g., one pound of gelatin to nine pounds of water). The gelatin is stored at approximately 4 degrees Centigrade (39 degrees Fahrenheit). Block size of gelatin used for testing shall be 6”x6”x20”.

a. Test procedures shall be conducted as described in the SOW, and are the responsibility of the NIJ labs to follow.

14. Section 4.3.5.4 states that “Prior to the utilization of any block of gelatin, validation of the block shall be tested to assure consistency of the gelatin mixture. This test consists of firing a .177 caliber steel sphere (BB) into the gelatin block at approximately 590 feet per second (fps) +/- 15 fps. This sphere shall penetrate a minimum of 2.95 inches but no more than 3.74 inches.”

a. Test procedures shall be conducted as described in the SOW, and are the responsibility of the NIJ labs to follow.

15. Section 4.3.5.7 states that “Each test event consists of five (5) shots. Each of the shot results shall be recorded and then averaged to generate a finale measurement used for scoring. A new gelatin block and new test materials shall be used for each shot to maintain the integrity of the test. The complete test consists of firing a minimum of thirty

(30) shots. It is requested that the requirement of mixing to an exact 10% ratio is removed and replaced with a statement that the gelatin mix ratio may be adjusted to ensure the BB calibration is achieved.

a. Test procedures shall be conducted as described in the SOW, and are the responsibility of the NIJ labs to follow.

16. In the interest of time and efficiency, would the government consider removing the block size requirement (4.3.5.3) and the requirement that each shot have to be fired into a new block with new materials (4.3.5.7) Plywood, steel, wallboard, and auto glass are generally rotated 90° after each shot so that up to 4 shots can be fired through each barrier?

a. Test procedures shall be conducted as described in the SOW, and are the responsibility of the NIJ labs to follow.

17. Section 4.3.9.2 states that “Functional reliability testing shall consist of 10,000 rounds of ammunition fired from a single Glock 19, 10,000 rounds of ammunition fired from a single Glock 47, and 5,000 rounds of ammunition fired from a single Glock 26. Firing shall be done with two hands, standing.” In the interest of time, would it be acceptable to split the full test amount among multiple pistols of the same model?

a. No, in keeping with consistency, each 10K round functional reliability test shall start with a new firearm. The entire test will then be conducted with that firearm.

18. What is the procedure if one particular pistol proves to be a problem firearm, even after troubleshooting and replacement of parts?

a. If anomalies arise and the lab determines that the issue is caused by the firearm and not the ammunition, the lab may substitute a new, replacement firearm.

Testing shall then continue from it left off.

19. Section 4.2.3.1. States “cartridge case shall bear the manufacturer’s name (abbreviations are acceptable), the caliber of the round, and the year of manufacture”. Will there be an allowance or grace period for the use of prior year dated shellcases in subsequent year’s production?

a. No, as this date is critical to QC and life cycle management.

20. Section 4.7.1. – Packaging and Identification: Can the Government provide a higher resolution “US DHS” packaging logo file? Illustrator (.AI file) & Photoshop (.PSD) are preferable; .PDF, .JPG, .TIF are also acceptable.

a. Yes, please see attached DHS Logo BWJPG.

21. Section 4.7.2. States “cases shall contain ten, 50 round boxes, for a total of 500 rounds.

The 500 round cases and bulk packaging shall reflect the following information unless otherwise specified;” Is a 500 round “bulk” packaged case a requirement or option in addition to standard 10-50 rd box case configuration? If so, with regard to B-1a Attachment 2 “pricing schedule”, is the Bulk configuration expected to be offered at the same price as the 10-50 rd box configuration? Does a second Bulk package offering constitute a second production offering/submission?

a. Not applicable, the words “and bulk packaging” have been removed from section

4.7.2 of the SOW.

22. Section 4.8.2 States “Pallets and associated packaging, when used for shipping, shall be fully enclosed, and shall be stackable allowing for a second complete pallet to be placed on top of a first complete pallet, without structural problems or damage to the contents of either pallet.” Please define the Governments expectations and/or materials required to achieve “fully enclosed” palleting.

a. Shrink wrapping shall meet the minimum requirements for “fully enclosed”.

23. Can the Government provide an estimated award date and/or timing following bid closing date?

a. The estimated award date is June 30, 2020 or approximately 90 days after proposals due, whichever comes later.

24. Kindly advise when these test results for the 27,000 rounds to be tested at an independent NIJ laboratory need to be submitted to the DHS. Is their submission date by MARCH 27, 2020 together with the proposal or rather is there is another submission date?

a. The test results (from the NIJ Lab) must be included in the submission, no later than the RFP closing date.

25. For the samples to be sent to the objective laboratory, does the bullet of these 27,000 9mm JHP cartridges have to be painted or can it be unpainted?

a. The projectile being tested must meet all requirements as stated in the SOW, including the color requirement.

26. For the contract quantities can the cartridge projectile be painted with a strip around the projectile circumference rather than painting the entire bullet surface.

a. As per the SOW Sec. 4.2.2.3, a strip around the projectile would meet the requirement “contain a readily identifiable color for identification purposes”. All other requirements contained in SOW Sec 4.2.2 still apply.

27. Can the quantity in the outer packaging be changed to any of the following: 1000 rounds in a carton box; 800 rounds in a M19A1 metal ammunition box; 1000 or 1500 rounds in a M2A1 metal ammunition box?

a. No, the government’s quantity requirements are firm.

28. Para 4.2.5.1 Propellant- “the propellant should be manufactured to be clean burning without leaving substantial fouling or powder residue in the firearm”. Can you define specific requirements such as numeric values or relevant specifications/standards?

a. The government is not specifying a specific test standard. Due to the subjective nature of this requirement, the government is only requiring a self-certifying statement that the ammunition meet the statement above.

29. Para. 4.3.9.6 Ammunition defects after firing - we assume that some of the defects relate to the cartridge before firing and not after, such as inverted bullet (b), inconsistent bullet seating depth (e), cartridge not with SAAMI specification (i). Please clarify.

a. The list is inclusive of defects that would prevent the firearm from firing the round. This applies to all ammunition utilized during the functional reliability testing.

30. Para. 4.3.9.7 Ammunition malfunctions- “Ammunition related malfunctions shall be recorded to include but not limited to”. Please clarify what is the meaning of “not limited to” . For instance are firing defects that are mentioned in Table III of MIL-C- 70508 such as- perforation in firing pin, escape of gas around primer cap, loose primer, case split, case rupture etc. also relevant and the ammunition performance shall not exceed 1 defect for any of these parameters per 10,000 rounds fired?

a. This refers to any additional cause of the handgun not firing as designed, not attributed to the firearm or shooter as specified in SOW Sec. 4.3.9.8.

31. Visual Inspection for cartridges - para. 4.3.1 defines SAAMI Compliance to Dimensional

Specifications but we don’t see in the SOW any requirements for visual inspection for cartridges such as: sample size, defect definition and accept-reject criteria. Please clarify.

a. SOW Sec. 4.3.1.1 states “This shall be done by randomly selecting 100 cartridges and physically inspecting them for compliance.”

32. Are there any customer requirements for cartridge lot size (minimum, maximum ?)

a. No, there is no min/max requirement for lot/date code size imposed by the government. However the “Manufacturer shall structure its QC around Lot/Date Codes. The manufacturer shall maintain traceability of all production components.”

33. Are there any requirements for lot composition: For example the allowed number of primer sublots and the allowed number of propellant sublots ?

a. No, there is no min/max requirement for lot/date code size imposed by the government. However the “Manufacturer shall structure its QC around Lot/Date Codes. The manufacturer shall maintain traceability of all production components.”

34. Para. 4.4.8 QC test reports- “these reports shall contain QC test data for pressure, velocity, accuracy and penetration for every service Lot/Day”:

a. is the contractor obligated to perform all the SOW pressure, velocity, accuracy & penetration tests required in section 4.3 for each supplied cartridge lot ?

i. Testing frequency and protocol is determined by the vendor’s Quality

Control (QC) Plan. However, manufacturer’s QC measures shall exceed its standard commercial QC measures with regards to frequency of testing (SOW Sec. 4.4.4)

b. the function reliability test was not mentioned so we assume that this test is not required as part of the QC tests ?

i. Function reliability testing is not a specific requirement of the government for a vendor’s QC plan, but may be included.

c. we assume that these reports can be submitted per cartridge lot and not per daily production quantity. Is this correct?

i. Yes, this is correct.

35. Page 13 Contract terms-Clauses- Please provide the 3052.216-72 Performance Evaluation Plan document Clause not included.

a. This box is not checked for this particular clause and it’s not a requirement for this solicitation.

36. SOW Para. 4.4.3: QC Testing In-House “It is desired that measurements be performed with a Piezoelectric Conformal Transducer System”: Please clarify what is meant by conformal and whether or not it is a mandatory requirement.

a. “Conformal” is part of the system’s name. The government prefers the use of this piece of equipment but does not require it.

37. Can Copper Crusher Pressure testing according to SAAMI be optional for testing in-house?

a. Yes, this is acceptable. However, Quality Assurance done by the government will be conducted in accordance with the SOW, utilizing the Piezoelectric Conformal Transducer System.

38. Considering the various DHS components that may be the end users of the requested ammunition, shall the sale of the requested ammunition to the DHS be fully or partially exempt from FAET (26 U.S.C chapter 32)? If not, shall the DHS assume full liability for any imposed FAET?

a. The only Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET) exemption that DHS currently believes could apply to orders under the contract vehicles to be awarded in response to this RFP would be for direct sales to the Defense Department and U.S. Coast Guard. See 27 C.F.R.§ 53.62(b). This exemption does not extend to other DHS components who are identified in the RFP as Authorized Ordering Offices/Components. The Ordering Office/Component will be clearly identified on each delivery order. All pricing proposed in response to the RFP should reflect the total delivered cost to DHS per round of ammunition, inclusive of all taxes, fees, shipping, and handling.

39. Please incorporate FAR clauses 52.225-3 and/or 52.225-5. If this request is denied please explain the justification for not incorporating either of these FAR clauses.

a. FAR Subpart 25.4, Trade Agreements, does not apply to this acquisition of ammunition. See FAR 25.401(a)(2). Consequently, these clauses will not be added.

40. With respect to “Past Performance”, please explain if the term “scope” (in “projects similar in size and scope”) refers to projects for the supply of:

a. Any contract that supplied 9mm or service ammunition of similar size (quantities) would be in scope.

(1) the exact same small caliber ammunition item requested in this solicitation

(2) 9mm caliber cartridges

(3) any small caliber ammunition

(4) any military articles supplied to defense agencies, etc.

(5) what is the required number of Past Performance questionnaires that need to be received at the DHS

There is not a required number of Past Performance questionnaires that need to be received for the RFP. We request up to 3 of the most recent projects.

41. In accordance with section 4.3 of the SOW it is stated that CBP will provide service issued Glock handguns, lubricant, and Ransom Rest inserts to the NIJ labs for testing. As of 2/12/20 the NIJ laboratory scheduled indicated that handguns, lubricant, or Ransom Rest inserts had not been provided or provided in sufficient quantity to complete testing. Please advise what date these items are anticipated to be received by the NIJ laboratories.

a. The labs were provided with Glock handguns, magazines, and lubricant for testing on January 16, 2020. When the firearms were delivered to the labs, the labs indicated that the Ransom Rest were not needed to be provided by the government.

42. Continuation from question #1…Will the laboratories be provided sufficient firearms to ensure that all submission samples will be fired with a new issue firearm?

a. The labs were provided a sufficient number of handguns to provide testing on up

8 submissions. If the labs request additional firearms, CBP is prepared provide the firearms immediately.

43. To effectively and efficiently fire a 25,000 round function test per sample submission requires an excess of spare firearm magazines. Due to the time constraints being placed on the NIJ laboratories for testing all submissions, it is requested that 30 magazines be supplied for each weapon type per offeror.

a. The labs were provided 54 magazines per each weapon type. If the labs request additional magazines, CBP is prepared provide the magazines immediately.

44. Section 4.2.6 Pressure allows for MPLM not to exceed 39,700 which is consistent with

9mm Luger +P ammo. Will CPB accept ammunition with 9mm+P on the headstamp?

a. Yes, the government will accept headstamp of 9mm+P.

45. Section 4.3 paragraph 6, as it applies to section 4.3.2 Velocity and section 4.3.8

Pressure: Section 4.3 states measurements shall be carried out to the tenth place, unless otherwise stated. The equipment specified for measurements typically does not measure Velocity and Pressure to that resolution. Will CBP allow the individual readings for pressure and velocity to be reported as whole numbers and just the average of the group shots be reported to the tenth decimal place?

a. Yes, the government will allow this.

46. Section 4.3 paragraph 3 states CBP will provide service issued Glock handguns, lubricant and Ransom Rest inserts to the NIJ labs for testing. The large function testing requirement is an extensive test to evaluate the performance of the ammo. Having sufficient magazines in order to complete full sets of 400 round cycles in each system would significantly improve the efficiency of the test and limit the possibility of wear to the magazines which could, in turn, cause a malfunction. We are recommending each gun be issued an independent set of magazines sufficient to shoot cycles of 400 rounds, which would be 24 magazines for the G47, 27 magazines for the G19, and 37 magazines for the G26 Mod 1.

Will CBP supply the stated number of magazines for each gun?

• See response to Question #43 above.

If CBP is unable to supply the number of magazines recommended, will CBP provide a list of acceptable magazines we could purchase for the function test (i.e. a standard G17 or G19 magazine (G26 mod 1 variants having no commercial equivalent))?

• All magazines will be provided to the labs by the government.

47. Section 4.7.5 states labels for boxes and cases containing information listed in 4.7.1 and

4.7.2 shall be consistently located on a side edge and oriented to be readable when multiple ammunition cartons or boxes are stacked flat.

o Please clarify if it is just the information listed as A thru F required or does the “Property of U.S. government, not for resale” and the DHS logo also have to be on a side edge? Our current capability prints the lot number on the inside of the end flap. Will CBP modify 4.7.1 E to allow the lot number to be on a side edge or inside the end flap?

The following shall be added to the Statement of Work (SOW) Section 4.7.5 to read: “Labels for boxes and cases containing information listed in 4.7.1 and 4.7.2 shall be consistently located on a side edge and oriented to be readable when multiple ammunition cartons or boxes are stacked flat. For individual boxes only, the Lot/Date Code can be stamped inside of the end flap, and DHS logo and “PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT, NOT FOR RESALE” can be located anywhere on the outside of the box, at the vendor’s discretion. “

48. Section 4.7.2 states the 500 round cases and bulk packaging shall reflect the following information unless otherwise specified. What bulk packaging is being referred to here?

Should this be interpreted as just the 500 round case as described through the rest of section 4.7?

a. The government has removed “and bulk packaging” from their requirements.

49. Page 41 of 49 states the sample items must be compliant with the SOW for the solicitation. Can the two 50 round boxes use generic packaging with a label as long as it contains all the information required in the SOW or must it be the same pre-printed boxes that would be used, if awarded a contract?

a. Yes, the government requires boxes to meet all requirements of the Statement of Work for evaluation purposes.

50. Additionally, the 100 round requirement is not a full case. Thus, can a smaller pack configuration be submitted as long as it contains all the information required in the SOW for the case or is CBP expecting the rounds to be submitted in the same case boxes that would be used if awarded a contract utilizing fillers?

a. The government is only requiring two 50 round boxes of ammunition to be submitted.