Helmets_RFP_FA8003-19-R-A007_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

RFP FA8003-19-R-A007

Questions & Answers

Next Gen Ballistic Helmets Request for Proposal (RFP) FA8003-19-R-A007

Questions & Answers (Q&As) 23 Aug 2019

1. Question: We need the contracting officer to request the AUL testing. Please let us know how we should proceed with this.

Answer: Please see RFP Amendment 0001 which was released on 21 Aug 2019. The RFP now allows for the parachute evaluation (required in order to be recommended for approval to be added to the Approved for Use List (AUL)) to be done after contract award, if the successful Offeror’s helmet is not already on the current AUL or has not been evaluated/ recommended for approval to be added to the AUL.

2. Question: We do supply Ballistic helmets but our helmets are not approved by the TPP and is not listed in the AUL (Approved List) neither we have any letter from the TPP...but our helmets do meet and exceed the USAF requirements. What can we do or how can we get them tested by the TTP. If you can kindly provide us some contact info to TPP (Test Parachute Program) so that we can send them a Sample ASAP for evaluation.

Answer: See response to Question #1. If the awardee’s helmet is not already on the current AUL or has not been evaluated/recommended for approval to be added to the AUL, then the awardee will have to send the helmet to the TPP Office at Edwards AFB, CA for evaluation after contract award, upon notification from the PCO. At that time, the PCO will provide the awardee with the TPP Office’s address/contact information. The parachute evaluation will not take place before contract award.

3. Question: Does the Air Force realize that the NIJ 0106.01 does not have a Level IIIA requirement?

Answer: No, the Air Force did not realize that. The requirement should read, “Meet or exceed NIJ Type II ballistic protection in accordance with NIJ STD 0106.01.” Item #1 in RFP Attachment 1, Salient Characteristics, has been updated to reflect this change.

4. Does the Air Force realize that the NIJ 0108.01 is solely a material specification and contains only resistance to penetration requirements (no back face deformation requirements)?

Answer: The reference to NIJ STD 0108.01 has been removed from item #1 in RFP Attachment 1 since it is referenced in NIJ STD 0106.01.

5. Is the Air Force concerned with Helmet back face deformation after ballistic impact?

Answer: Yes, the Air Force is concerned with back face deformation as it could result in blunt trauma. Item #2 in RFP Attachment 1 addresses this.

6. What size of helmet should be sent for the in-field evaluation? Will the wearer’s head measurements be provided to the bidders?

Answer: Please provide a helmet in size medium or large, not small or extra large.

7. Should a helmet cover be included with the helmet sample and if so, should the cover be installed on the helmet?

Answer: Yes, a helmet cover should be included and no, it does not have to be installed. The RFP has been updated to reflect that the bid sample should include one (1) helmet and one

(1) helmet cover. See RFP Amendment 0002, specifically the updates to the Addendum to FAR Provision 52.212-1 and the Addendum to FAR Provision 52.212-2.

8. How will you ensure the helmet is sized properly to the evaluator’s head? Can we provide assistance with this – whether it be a trainer on-site, provide sizing instructions, and/or provide a sizing template?

Answer: Vendors can provide sizing instructions as part of their Technical proposal, if desired.

9. What are the ACH Mid-cut and ACH High-cut coverage areas for each size?

Answer: The helmet must provide enough clearance around the ear (more than the ACH mid-cut with high-cut being the objective) to accommodate tactical headsets and other accessories, and cover the entire head area. Item #4 in RFP Attachment 1 has been updated to reflect this clarification.

10. Is it required that helmets include the NVG Bracket Mount, NSN 5340-01-509-1467? Can the contractor substitute an equivalent NVG Bracket Mount that integrates with the helmet and required night vision goggles?

Answer: The bracket mount listed above is what is utilized with ACHs. In keeping with modernization efforts, a built-in NVG shroud is preferred. All of the high-cut helmets the Air Force has researched come with accessory rails and a built-in NVG shroud. Item #7 in RFP Attachment 1 has been updated to reference the requirement for a built-in shroud.

11. Can you provide clarification on what is meant in Attachment 1, #9 of the Salient

Characteristics “Note: The helmet cover must fit over the helmet”?

Answer: Item #9 in RFP Attachment 1 has been updated to clarify the note to state that “The helmet cover must fit on the helmet reflecting a tactical appearance, i.e. assist with concealment for operations in a tactical environment.”

12. Most global helmet programs require that the manufacturing date coincides with the year the helmets are delivered. Is this the case for this opportunity?

Answer: Yes, this is the case.

13. Can the Technical Response be submitted on a CD or is a hard copy required?

Answer: All documentation related to the Technical proposal must be submitted in hard copy (printed) format in the same package as the helmet. Documentation refers to the specification sheet, the letter proving the Offeror’s helmet has been evaluated by the TPP Office (if applicable), and/or the signed statement that the Offeror will send their helmet to the TPP Office for evaluation after award (if applicable), that way the Technical Evaluation Team has all items pertaining to the Technical proposal in one package/box. The RFP has been updated to reflect this change – see RFP Amendment 0002, Addendum to FAR Provision 52.212-1 Sections II.B.2.b.i.2 and 3 and II.B.2.b.ii.

14. Will the helmets going to OCONUS locations be shipped to APO addresses or International addresses? Given the significant number of OCONUS delivery locations can you provide an estimated # of Helmets being sent to those locations so we can provide more accurate shipping costs?

Answer: Helmets shipped to OCONUS locations will be shipped mainly to international addresses with a few (2-3) sent to APO addresses. In FY19 there are two (2) OCONUS locations with ~22 helmets needed. In FY20, there is one (1) OCONUS location with ~66 helmets needed. In FY21, there are 26 OCONUS locations with ~5,957 helmets needed.

15. Is it possible to grant a 2 week extension?

Answer: The proposal due date has been extended to 06 Sep 2019 via RFP Amendment 0002.

16. Helmets are sized items and IAW the solicitation, we will be providing one size of helmet for evaluation. What will the government be doing to ensure that the Defenders chosen for the field evaluation have the appropriate size heads for the sample helmet?

Answer: The individuals leading the in-field evaluation at the participating Security Forces (SF) units will survey their Defenders and ensure only Defenders with the proper head size participate in in-field testing. Procuring a better suited helmet for the Defenders is a major concern across the career field, so the Technical Evaluation Team has ensured full support and cooperation of all SF units involved to ensure this process goes as planned.

17. Helmets have removable/reconfigurable pads which uses customize as they see fit. What will the government do to ensure that the helmet is intact with all of the components all parts and accessories properly attached and included) when being passed from one evaluator to the next.

Answer: When the bid sample is passed from the Air Force Security Forces Center (AFSFC) Technical Evaluation Team to the participating SF units, an AF Form 1297 (Hand Receipt) will be accomplished. This form identifies what item, in its entirety, is being transferred between parties. The SF unit will receive a copy of the form and the form will continue to be used as the helmet is passed between SF end users conducting the in-field testing. At shift change/change over, the form will be viewed to confirm the equipment item is in-tact and operational.