Amendment 1 RFP - Questions and Answers (v2).pdf

70B06C23R00000004 – Body Armor

Questions and Answers:

Q1. We have been working with a body armor manufacturer that is not a small business. Would a bid be considered even if the manufacturer is not a small business?

A1. Since this is a SB set aside, the Non-Manufacturer rule would apply.

Q2. On page 48 of 50, under Factor 1 Technical (Phase 1, Parts A and B) (non-price), Part B – Score/Disqualification, it states:

Evaluate the ballistic panel performance using the independent laboratory (NIJ) testing documentation.

• Areal Density - Evaluate the areal density of the structured ballistic panels. (15 point maximum).

• Areal Density – Evaluate the areal density of the non-structured ballistic panels. (85 points maximum).

• Thickness – Evaluate the thickness of the structured ballistic panels . (10 point maximum)

• Thickness – Evaluate the thickness of the non-structures ballistic panels. (50 point maximum)

• Ballistic Performance – Evaluate the ballistic performance of the structured ballistic panels using the V50 velocity of the .357 Sig test round (25 points maximum)

• Ballistic Performance – Evaluate the ballistic performance of the non-structured ballistic panels using the V50 velocity of the .357 Sig test round (125 points maximum)

Can the Government please provide the rating scale for each of the above evaluated criteria? Essentially, how will the Government determine how many points an Offeror will receive for each of these categories?

A2. CBP only provides the maximum points available for each evaluation criteria. This will allow offerors to determine the overall importance of each, relative to the total available points. Please see the Statement of Work for baseline and optimum performance thresholds as these requirements are listed in the relative SOW sections.

Q3. There is no clear indication of what needs to get tested vs. what gets reported form the NIJ compliance report from the already certified model. It is difficult to read through the text of the SOW and determine the test quantities/conditions/threats/velocities. Can you please provide a simple test matrix/table so that the lab(s) and vendors are on the same page? -

A3. No. The data from the original NIJ Compliance Test Data Sheet delineated on the Summary Test Data Sheet (“From original NIJ Compliance Test Data Sheet”) shall be used.

Q4. Section 4.1.3 - Does the model have to be NIJ certified and on the NIJ CPL prior to us conducting testing?

A4. The NIJ lab will not be able to certify the Summary Test Data Sheet until it has all the relevant data and there is data from the original NIJ Compliance Test Data Sheet that needs to be recorded by the NIJ Laboratory (V05 and V50).

Q5. Section 4.1.8 Table 4.1.8 – The 9mm 147gr G2SR Speer Z9SR147CBP ammunition is for Government Use only and not for resale. The only ammo of this type that we have is ammo you have brought here for past testing. We do not have a way to source it. Do you plan to provide this ammunition to the labs for testing? Or, is equivalent (9mm 147gr G2 GDHP) allowed?

A5. This round is available for sale from Vista directly. Vista POC, Colista Stamper, U.S. Government Program Manager, Colista.Stamper@VistaOutdoor.com, 208- 750-3288.

Q6. Section 4.1.8/Addendum 1 – is the 9mm round only being used for BFS testing? Yes. No V05/V50 data required?

A6. No V05/V50 data is required for this section.

Q7. Section 4.1.6/4.1.7 – Please confirm that the V05 and V50 values come from NIJ Compliance Test Report, not from additional testing done at the lab? Yes. Or, is the V05/V50 data obtained from testing in addition to the compliance testing that is covered under this solicitation?

A7. V05 and V50 data shall come from the original NIJ Compliance Test Data Sheet. This is referenced on the summary test data sheet.

Q8. Section 4.1.9 (RCC V50 Testing) – Please confirm number of samples tested per threat.

A8. V50 Ballistic Testing shall be done in accordance with and in compliance with the Ballistic Limit Determination Test protocol found in NIJ Standard- 0101.06, Section 7.9.

Q9. Section 4.1.9 (RCC V50 Testing) – references NIJ 0101.06 Section 7.9. Is this testing being done with clay backing? Or on air?

A9. Clay. Please see NIJ 0101.06 Section 7.9.3

Q10. Section 4.1.10.1, 4.1.10.2 – please confirm the tumbling conditioning duration is to be 14 days, not 10 days?

A10. 14 Days ± 1 hour. (SOW Section 4.1.10.2)

Q11. Section 4.1.10.3 – 4 samples for .357 SIG – what size breakdown?

A11. 3 LG and 1 SM

Q12. Section 4.1.10.3 – 3 samples for .44 Mag – what size breakdown?

A12. 2 LG and 1 SM

Q13. Section 4.1.10.3 – 7 total samples. Is a sample a panel? Or is a sample a complete vest with front/back panels?

A13. “Sample” refers to the NIJ’s definition of sample. NIJ 0101.06 Section 3.7 mailto:Colista.Stamper@VistaOutdoor.com

Q14. Section 4.1.10.3 – 7 total samples – are these samples all undergoing P-BFS testing? Yes. If so, what is the breakdown of new vs. conditioned armor?

A14. All conditioned armor. Section 4.1.10 only addresses testing armor using a modified conditioning protocol.

Q15. Data sheet – requires NIJ lab input of data that can only be obtained from the compliance test sheet. That information is only available to the NIJ lab that did the original testing. So, if we have a vendor testing with us for this solicitation that didn’t perform the cert with us, how should we obtain this data?

A15. The Manufacturer should provide a copy of the original test data sheet from the NIJ Compliance Testing. The information needed for the summary test data sheet can be derived from this document.

Q16. The solicitation states on pg. 48 that:

a. The final technical evaluation score, along with its respective past performance confidence rating and price analysis, will be used to determine the overall evaluation for each offeror. (1) All non-price factors when combined are approximately equal to Price in importance. It also states that Technical and Past Performance are both non-price factors.

b. Question: How will Past Performance be weighted versus Technical when both factors are combined to then be approximately equal to Price in the final overall evaluation?

A16. This section is amended to read, “Upon complete evaluation of the technical proposal, the Factor I Final Technical Evaluation Score is more important than Factor II Past Performance. All non-price factors when combined are approximately equal to Price in importance.”

Q17. The solicitation requires the Buy American Act. There was no mention of Kissel. Does 6 U.S. Code § 453b - Requirement to buy certain items related to national security interests from American sources apply to this solicitation?

A17. As this contract directly involves ballistic material, Kissell Amendment does apply.

Q18. SOW Section 4.11.1.4 states “Small Base Carrier (8x10) front panel shall be available in three lengths, measured from the neckline to the base of the panel along the centerline.

a. Question: What is the reference point for the length of the Traditional System soft armor panel? Section 4.11.2 of the SOW does not list one. Is it the center neckline as well?

A18. While a centerline measurement is the governments preference, the SOW does not specify directly so the Traditional System soft body armor panel’s vertical length may be measured per the manufacturers normal procedures.

Q19. SOW Section 4.1.10 Does not state a required testing date for the 14-day condition testing.

This data could exist already for rounds other than the CBP new Duty round. Can this testing data have a date prior to the solicitation?

A19. All solicitation specific testing (excluding initial NIJ Compliance Testing) shall be conducted after the release of the solicitation but prior to offer’s submission. The RFP “Instructions to Offers” section includes the following:

“All performance testing (and associated data requiring independent verification) shall be conducted at a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) laboratory approved for testing of personal body armor, prior to the vendor’s proposal submission. This testing shall be at no cost to the government. Each complete ballistic package (Non-structured and Structured) may be submitted to the laboratory separately during the solicitation time period.”

Q20. Per the RFP, the Government intends to make up to two (2) awards resulting from this solicitation. The contract shall contain two categories of body armor, one being a scalable system that incorporates standardized sized/shape ballistic panels that is intended to be worn primarily in an external fashion. The other is a more traditional system that incorporates concealable cut armor that is individually sized and is primarily designed to be worn under a uniform. Is it the government's intent to make a separate award for each category of body armor or will each award include provisions for both categories of armor?

A20. The Government anticipates making up to 2 awards that each will include provisions for both categories of body armor.

Q21. If multiple awards are made at the base contract IDIQ level, how will actual Delivery Orders be awarded? Will they be awarded on a Fair Opportunity basis? Will those awards be made based upon a Best Value to the Government or Lowest Price Technically Acceptable criteria?

A21. Those awards will be awarded on a fair opportunity basis with each delivery order request stating the evaluation technique (either Best Value or LPTA).

Q22. Section 2.8 of the SOW states that the body armor shall have a manufacturer's ballistic warranty of 7 years. Is this warranty required to be the same warranty period called out on the NIJ compliant products listing, or is this warranty period specific to this DHS contract?

A22. This is a contract specific requirement and does not need to match the warranty period listed on the NIJ’s Compliant Product List.

Q23. SOW Section 4.1.2 states, "The Government requires vendors to provide an NIJ 'Notice of Compliance' certification letter for all packages submitted for evaluation." Will the Government consider armor packages that have passed initial NIJ certification testing but have not yet received “official” NIJ approval? Historically, the longest part of the NIJ certification process is related to NIJ’s review process. Will an armor system be accepted if it can be shown that all NIJ specifications are met and NIJ approval is pending?

A23. All ballistic packages shall be NIJ Certified and Listed on the NIJ’s Compliant Product List at the time of submission. This includes the submission of the associated NIJ 'Notice of Compliance' certification letter. Ballistic packages that do not meet these requirements are not acceptable.

Q24. The SOW states in Section 4.1.4. that “All ballistic testing, described within the SOW, shall be required, and shall take place at an independent NIJ approved laboratory at no cost to the Government.” However, SOW Section 4.1.11 states that “Throughout the contract, the Government intends to pull from its stock of new and used body armor for quality assurance (QA) testing. QA testing may be performed at an NIJ approved laboratory and include both P- BFS testing and ballistic limit testing.”

a. Can the Government clarify who is expected to pay for the QA testing – the contractor or the Government?

A24.a. Pre award testing is the responsibility of the Offeror. Post award quality assurance testing will be conducted by the government at the government’s expense.

b. If the contractor is to pay for the cost of QA testing, can the expected quantity of testing per year be specified?

A24.b. Not Applicable

Q25. 4.1.7 describes the baseline V50 for the .357 Sig to be at or above 1700 feet per second and the "optimum V50 velocity in 2000 feet per second." Can the Government clarify what "optimum V50 velocity in 2000 feet per second" means?

A25. “Optimum” refers to the governments highest desired performance for a particular category. In this case, it refers to a V50 velocity of 2000 fps.

Q26. Under the Factor 1 Technical Evaluation areal density, thickness, and ballistic performance are all evaluated based on “points”. Can the Government please provide a points rubric to clarify how panel performance will be evaluated in each category? (For example, is a .357 Sig V50 of 2000 awarded 125 points for the non-structured panel or some other point value? What is a V50 of 1900 fps awarded?)

A26. Optimum performance will be awarded the maximum points available. Points awarded will diminish as performance decreases. The rate of point assignment is source selection sensitive.

Q27. SOW Section 4.1.9.4 states "... V50 Ballistic Testing shall be done in accordance with and in compliance with the Ballistic limit Determination Test protocol found in NIJ Standard - 0101.06, Section 7.9." Section 7.9 does not have a value for minimum penetration results related to RCC threats.

a) Is it the Government’s intent that the vendor needs to provide a minimum of 120 shots per RCC threat with at least 60 stops and 30 perforations as called out in the

0101.06 specification?

A27.a. Yes.

b) What is the required starting velocity for RCC V50 testing?

A27.b. The starting velocity of each grain weight shall be the reference velocity listed in the SOW.

c) When conducting the V50 testing, is it the Government’s intent to test the armor

vs. the RCC threat on a clay backing or in a test frame as typically used in this type of testing?

A27.c. Clay backing as specified in the NIJ Standard- 0101.06, Section 7.9.

Q28. SOW Sections 4.1.11.6 - 4.1.11.8 refer to a "P-BFS failure" can the Government please define what constitutes a "P-BFS failure"?

A28. Penetration is defined by the NIJ’s 0101.06 Standard. BFS is defined in SOW section 4.1.11.5 (“…back face deformation more than 44 mm at NIJ test velocities”)

Q29. SOW Sections 4.1.11.9 - 4.1.11.15 refer to V50 Ballistic Limit performance testing. What are the test protocols and evaluation criteria that will determine the V50 result?

A29. QA testing protocols are the same as pre-award test protocols for establishing a v50 velocity. Evaluation criteria for V50 is specified in SOW Section 4.1.11.10

Q30. In the scalable system, will the side panels be subject to quality assurance (QA) testing? As noted in the SOW, these technically do not fall under the NIJ’s certification process due to their small size.

A30. No, all QA testing will be conducted on front and/or back ballistic panels.

Q31. The SOW Section 4.2.8 states "Weight reduction is desirable but should not negatively impact flexibility and comfort." How will this be evaluated?

A31. This will be evaluated through the source selection Phase 2, Part C “Operational personnel body armor evaluation” conducted by CBP Law Enforcement personnel (officers and agents) as part of the technical evaluation.

Q32. SOW Section 4.2.24 states "serial number shall also be written on the ballistic material under panel cover in bottom right corner of the strike face." In lieu of hand-writing this information, will the Government accept a printed label? This would ensure better quality, consistency, and legibility.

A32. Yes, a printed label will be acceptable provided it meets the same durability requirements of the NIJ approved label.

Q33. Per the RFP, Past Performance is to be evaluated. Page 46, Volume III (b) says that up to a maximum of 3 previous or current contract questionnaires shall be completed. Can a maximum of 3 questionnaires be submitted for the prime as well as a key subcontractor? Or does the maximum of 3 questionnaires apply to the whole team? Can questionnaires be submitted for subcontractors?

A33. Past performance only applies to the Prime Contractor.

Q34. Will questions continue to be accepted by the Government throughout the solicitation period as answers are received and new questions are identified?

A34. The formal question/answer period ended at 4pm ET, 12/4/2022.

Q35. Per SOW Section 4.5:

a) Can the Government confirm that the colors listed in the SOW are correct and encompass all of the required colors?

A35.a. As of the release of this solicitation, all colors listed in the SOW are correct and all-encompassing.

b) Is there a required color for the ballistic panel cover?

A35.b. No, there is not a specific color for the ballistic panel cover so long as the panel cover meets all the requirements in the SOW.

Q36. Can multiple proposals be submitted by the same contractor?

A36. Yes, multiple proposals may be submitted by the same contractor. Each proposal, however, should be a separate complete submission package to include all documents/samples and will be evaluated as a standalone proposal.

Q37. Can multiple armor solutions be submitted within the same proposal? Or is only one neutral/male and one female package allowed?

A37. Each complete proposal shall contain only one neutral/male and one female package. As stated above, an offeror can submit multiple proposals with different ballistic packages, but each proposal shall be complete and independent, and will be evaluated on its own in its entirety.