Helmets_RFP_FA8003-19-R-A007_Questions_and_Answers_Round_3.pdf

RFP FA8003-19-R-A007

Questions & Answers Round 3

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

Questions & Answers (Q&As) Round 3 (Final) / 04 Sep 2019

1. Question: Related to the updated Salient Characteristic #1: “Meet or exceed National Institute of

Justice (NIJ) Level IIIA ballistic protection in accordance with NIJ STD 0106.01/NIJ STD

0108.01/AR-PD 10-02” -

It is common industry practice to test helmets against NIJ IIIA ballistic threats that are listed in NIJ STD 0101.06? NIJ STD 0101.06 and NIJ STD 0108.01 both list NIJ IIIA threats however NIJ STD

0101.06 uses .44 Magnum and .357 SIG for Level IIIA threats while NIJ STD 0108.01 uses .44 Magnum and 9mm. The IIIA threats in NIJ STD 0101.06 are higher energy than the NIJ STD

0108.01 threats, so can NIJ STD 0101.06 be added to Item #1 in the salient characteristics as an alternative to NIJ 0108.01?

Answer: The requirements listed in RFP Attachment 1, Salient Characteristics, represent the Air Force’s minimum technical requirements. Item #1 in RFP Attachment 1 states that the helmet must meet or exceed NIJ Level IIIA ballistic protection IAW NIJ STD 0106.01/NIJ STD 0108.01.

Therefore, a proposed helmet can either meet or exceed the Level IIIA requirement as stated NIJ STD 0108.01.

2. Question: Relative to Question #1, why are NIJ 0108.01 threats being specified when NIJ 0101.06 has slightly more powerful Level IIIA threats and is a more modern standard?

Answer: Please see response to Question #1 above.

3. It is believed that AR/PD 10-02 blunt impact requirements were mistakenly added to Item #1 of the salient characteristics because Item #1 previously listed ballistic requirements and not blunt impact requirements, so would the customer move the reference to AR/PD 10-02 to Item #2 which addresses blunt impact requirements?

Answer: Correct, AR/PD 10-02 should be part of Item #2 instead of Item #1 in RFP Attachment 1.

The reference to AR/PD 10-02 has been moved from Item #1 to Item #2 in RFP Attachment 1. Please see RFP Amendment 0004, RFP Attachment 1 Update #3.

4. With regards to Q&A (Round 2), #11, please clarify what is required relative to helmet cover samples. The Team understands that the AFSFC requires 1 sample with 1 helmet cover. And that the helmet cover can be provide in either Black or Operational Camouflage Pattern. Is this correct?

Answer: Per the current version of the RFP (see “FA8003-19-R-A007 Helmets RFP Amendment 0003”), the Addendum to FAR Provision 52.212-1 Section II.B.2.a states that the bid sample consists of one (1) helmet and one (1) helmet cover which must be furnished with the Technical proposal submission. Per RFP Attachment 1 Item #9, the helmet cover will be evaluated to determine if it comes in the color Tactical Black and Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) and whether it fits on the helmet reflecting a tactical appearance, i.e. assist with concealment for operations in a tactical environment. Yes, the bid sample helmet cover may be provided in either Tactical Black or OCP, but

RFP FA8003-19-R-A007

Questions & Answers Round 3 both colors must be available for ordering purposes (to be specified in the Offeror’s specification sheet as part of their Technical Proposal per the RFP’s Addendum to FAR Provision 52.212-1 Section

II.B.2).

5. Question: In reference to the Government’s answer to Question #2, please confirm/clarify that in regards to AR/PD 10-02, is the USAF stating, per AR/PD 10-02 Ballistic Requirements, that the helmet must meet the following ballistic performance (per the standard):

3.9.2 Resistance to penetration – 9mm. The helmet shell, including any hardware exposed on the outside of the shell, shall be resistant to penetration from a 9mm Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullet with a nominal mass of 124 grains in accordance with NIJ 0106.01 at 1400 (+ 50) feet per second at 0° obliquity when tested in accordance with 4.9.11, 4.9.11.1.2, and 4.9.11.4 under the following environmental conditions:

a. ambient

b. extreme hot (160°F)

c. extreme cold (-60°F)

d. after immersion in seawater, tested at ambient temperature

3.9.3 Ballistic transient deformation. Ballistic transient deformation of the shell shall not cause a deformation in clay in excess of 0.63-inch (16.0 mm) against 9mm projectile under the environmental conditions specified in 3.9.2 at 1400 (+ 50) feet per second at 0° obliquity for shots made to the right side, left side, and crown. Shots made to the front and back shall not exceed 1.0-inch (25.4 mm). Testing shall be conducted in accordance with 4.9.11, 4.9.11.1.3, and 4.9.11.5.

Answer: The reference to AR/PD 10-02 has been removed from Item #1 and added to Item #2 via RFP Amendment 0004 (see RFP Attachment 1 Update #3). The only requirement pertaining to AR/PD 10-02 is that the helmet must meet or exceed Advanced Combat Helmet blunt impact protection requirements IAW AR/PD 10-02.

6. Question: Is the USAF also including the Ballistic Fragmentation requirements of the standard?

Answer: See response to Question #5 above.

7. Question: Can the sample be black in color for the submission with the technical?

Answer: Per RFP Attachment 1 item #9, the helmet submitted with the Technical Proposal must be in the color Coyote Brown or Tan and the helmet cover must be in Tactical Black or OCP.