RFI for 7Series X5 X7_2025JAN15.pdf

DEAV2025-001

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC SECURITY (DS), COUNTERMEASURES DIRECTORATE (DS/C), OFFICE

OF PHYSICAL SECURITY (PSP)

PROGRAMS, DEFENSIVE EQUIPMENT AND ARMORED VEHICLE DIVISION

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) / SOURCES SOUGHT (SS)

1. Purpose

The purpose of this RFI/SS is to accomplish market research pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10, and to identify businesses capable of performing the functions described herein.

The U.S. Government (USG) does not commit to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or reimburse any costs associated with the preparation of responses. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly.

Responses to the RFI will not be returned. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the USG to form a binding contract. Responses to this RFI will assist the Department of State (Department) in determining the potential level of interest, competition adequacy, and technical capabilities of commercial vendors to provide the required products and/or services. The USG does not guarantee any action beyond this SS/RFI.

The result of this market research will contribute to determining the acquisition plan and the method of procurement. The anticipated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 336992 “Military Armored Vehicle, Tank and Tank Component Manufacturing” with a size standard in number of employees 1,500.

2. Organizational Background

As the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State, DS is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. DS is the most widely represented U.S. law enforcement and security organization in the world and protects people, property, and information at 275 State Department posts around the globe. Every U.S.

diplomatic mission in the world operates under a security program designed and maintained by Diplomatic Security. To achieve its mission, DS is a leader in detecting and mitigating terrorist threats to U.S. lives and facilities, mounting international investigations, and developing innovations in security training, cyber security, and physical security engineering.

The DS/C manages the development and implementation of all physical and technical countermeasures security standards and policies that apply to U.S. Department of State facilities domestically and overseas; securely transports classified diplomatic materials across international borders; and provides defensive equipment to protect the lives of U.S.

government personnel, classified information, and property.

The PSP directs the development of Overseas Security Policy Board (OSPB) security standards and Department policies and procedures associated with the physical security, construction security, transit security, secure procurement, defensive equipment, and armored vehicle programs at U.S. missions. PSP provides oversight on the implementation of these programs abroad to ensure compliance with the OSPB security standards.

DEAV manages the Department's domestic and overseas special protective equipment (SPE) and AV program. DEAV represents the Department to international and U.S. Government interagency committees involved in developing uniform security standards for defensive equipment and armored vehicles.

3. Requirement Description

The Government is seeking information on contractor’s capability to produce high quality and high value armored BMWs that meet the specifications listed below. Current production of, or capability to produce, an armored BMW such as listed below:

• BMW 7 Series

• BMW X5

• BMW X7

• Any equivalent BMW that has automotive attributes and components that are well-suited to be armored.

4. General Specifications

Detailed specifications may be shared with Sources Sought Respondents upon award of a subsequent solicitation for procurement of an armored BMW. General specifications for armored BMWs are:

• Armored BMWs must provide ballistic protection against common centerfire rifle threats.

• Armored BMWs must be based on series production vehicles and not be easily distinguished from their unarmored counterparts.

• Armored BMWs are required in both Right-Hand Drive (RHD) and Left-Hand Drive (LHD).

• Armored BMWs are required to be Gasoline, Diesel, or Dirty Diesel, depending on the vehicle’s geographical destination and original equipment limitations.

• Vehicles must seat and account for the weight of four (4) or five (5) passengers weighing

180 pounds each and an additional 180 pounds in the trunk (luggage weight).

• Armored BMWs must be modified to support the additional weight and geometry of the armoring design, occupants, and cargo in a manner that preserves the unarmored ride quality, braking performance, and steering and handling characteristics. This may include, but is not limited to, modification or replacement of tires, brakes, suspension, and powertrain.

• Armored BMWs may require a high output electrical system supplying an additional 1500 Watts of electrical power in 12- or 24-volts direct current.

• Armored BMWs require convenient worldwide servicing, technical support, and long-term spare parts availability and support network (both CONUS and OCONUS).

• Armored BMWs require service and repair inclusive warranty for a minimum of two (2) years.

• Armored BMWs must be produced in a free trade country (FAR 52.225-5).

• Armored BMWs must have an extended production period through at least 2028 in the proposed configuration.

5. Requested Information – Responses

If your firm is capable and interested in working with the Government to provide feedback/market research in support of the Department of State, a capabilities document and narrative response is requested. Response Shall Include:

a) Vendor Name

b) Identification of GSA Schedule 00CORP, (or new equivalent GSA Multiple Award

Schedule/MAS) Contract, including category(ies).

c) Business Size and Socio-Economic Status

d) Contact Information (Point of contact, phone, email)

e) Identify all of the following:

1. Recommendation for contract type and CLIN structure (Blanket Purchase Agreement, Task Order, Labor Hours, Firm-Fixed Price, etc.)

2. Whether your firm is capable of producing armored vehicles that meet the general specifications independently, or whether your firm will need to subcontract or team in order to do so;

a. Provide a description of the firm’s technical capabilities which would support the ability to produce the armored vehicles described.

b. Identify any potential subcontractors or partners that may be considered (if it is possible to release this information)

c. Identify the roles of the different entities in the anticipated team

3. Whether your firm (or team) has certified any of the vehicles described to commercial ballistic or blast standards such as VPAM, PAS-300, or STANAG 4569.

a. Identify the types of testing that have been successfully conducted in the past, if applicable, and to what protection level.

b. What additional background information is needed (if any) to help firms accurately quote the work to support the above?

4. What additional performance standards are typical for testing and analysis services of this nature?

6. Industry Discussions

Government representatives may or may not choose to meet with respondents. Such meetings may be scheduled to gain further clarification of capabilities, gather market research information to support requirements development, and ascertain development and certification risks. This is, in no manner, an opportunity to submit a proposal.

7. Submission Instructions

All written responses should be submitted in Microsoft-compatible formats (e.g., Word) or PDF.

Responses must use 12-point font and 1-inch margins, including all text, tables, and graphics.

Page size shall be 8 ½ X 11-inch. Page limit is twenty-five (20) single sided.

Additional attachments such as data sheets providing additional technical details for proposed solutions may also be provided, if necessary, in addition to the 20-page limit. General brochures or other marketing materials not directly relevant to the Department requirements are not requested and will not be considered as part of the response.

Please submit all materials to Richard B. Crum at crumRB@state.gov and Wanda I. Cruz at cruzWI@state.gov no later than February 24, 2025 by 5:00 PM ET.

mailto:crumRB@state.gov mailto:cruzWI@state.gov