DF-LCS2_Q As_-_12_Dec_13.pdf

Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

Defensor Fortis – Load Carrying System 2

FA8054-13-R-0001

Questions and Answers 12 December 2013

1: Q. Can the date for samples be extended to insure quality samples and manufacturers have a fair chance at winning this solicitation? I believe the government will get a far better price if that date can be extended.

A: Amendment 1 to the RFP extended the RFP due date from 19 Dec 13 to 3 Jan 14.

2. Q: Is this an effort to procure the same type of LCS or is there an effort to attempt to improve the current system with lighter, stronger, more sustainable/durable materials, that will enhance SF Airmen comfort and their mission requirements. Has there been any recent dialog (other than the survey conducted a couple years ago) with the SF career field identifying their needs and the rationale behind this effort?

A: This is a combination of multiple surveys and information received directly from the field. The overall LCS will not change too much in appearance, but improvements have been outlined in the salient characteristics.

3. Q: In your response to question 31 pertaining to the dimensions of the flashlight holder, would you please verify that you want a flashlight holder that is approximately 1.5” W x 4.5” D x 5.5” L? Would you please identify a model number for the flashlight carried in this pouch?

A: Dimensions will be changed to “when lying flat on a surface, dimensions shall be approximately 5.5” L X 1.5” W X 1.5” H”. We are unable to release a model number at this time.

4. Q: In your response to question 29.1 pertaining to the hydration bladder you identified the “hydration kit, Camelbak part number 60430” as the item currently in use by SF members. That part number includes a backpack and bladder. Please confirm that you are only referencing a 100oz bladder as the component required to fit inside the hydration pouch.

A: Yes, ONLY the 100 oz bladder.

5. Q: Can an alternate material (other than 1000D Cordura) be used inside a pouch and comply with the double walled and multi-layered construction requirements?

A: An alternate material can be used, but information/test data must be included in the proposal to show that the alternate material is as durable as 1000D Cordura.

6. Q: In Salient Characteristic 18 e. Does the government want Foliage 504 mesh on the black and OCP systems instead of color appropriate mesh?

A: Color Appropriate. Will update Salient Characteristics to read “Foliage 504 (AFDTS), Coyote Brown (OCP), and Black (Tactical Black).

7. Q: In Salient Characteristic 18 h. Does the government want Foliage 504 plastic parts on the black and OCP systems instead of color appropriate plastic parts?

A: Color Appropriate. Will update Salient Characteristics to read “Foliage 504 (AFDTS), Coyote Brown (OCP), and Black (Tactical Black).

8. Q: In Salient Characteristic 18 i. it states that button cap shell should be Foliage 504. Does the government want Foliage 504 caps on the black and OCP systems instead of color appropriate caps?

A: Color Appropriate. Will update Salient Characteristics to read “Foliage 504 (AFDTS), Coyote Brown (OCP), and Black (Tactical Black).

9. Q: In Salient Characteristic 18 j. Baked-on enamel finish (MS-27980-1B, MS-27980-2B, MS- 27980-6B, MS-27980-7B, MS-27980-8B). What items does this apply to?

A: Salient Characteristics will be updated to read, “Eyelets and Snap Fasteners shall be brass with a black chemical finish; button cap shells should have a Foliage 504 (AFDTS), Coyote Brown (OCP), or Black (Tactical Black) baked-on enamel finish.

10. Q: In Salient Characteristics 14, is it the governments’ requirement that the medical bleeder pouch hold an already kitted IFAK? Essentially the Airman would pull the IFAK pouch out of the medical bleeder pouch.

A: No, the requirement is not for an already kitted IFAK.

11. Q: Is it the governments’ intent that the delivery requirements of 30 days for CONUS and 45 days for OCONUS apply regardless of the size and quantities of the order? For example during a surge where 3 MAJCOM’s ordered 1,000 Rifleman kits each would the 30/45 day delivery requirement be applied?

A: Delivery times for exceptionally large orders may have to be negotiated on a case by case basis and should be negotiated with the issuing contracting office. For planning purposes, 70% of the projected annual requirements are typically ordered in the last quarter of the Air Force fiscal year (July, August, September).

12. Q: Does the government require 1 of each size padded equipment belt and rigid belt insert in each color or will the same logic that was used on the Rifleman kit apply?

A: Need one of each size of each item. Per Amendment instructions (Ics_amend_1.pdf) posted December 2, 2013; these samples will only need to be in the Air Force Digital Tiger Stripe pattern.

13. Q: Is there a maximum load weight the Loadout bag and frame must support?

A: No

14. Q: Is there a maximum load weight for the Multi-Mission Pack?

A: No

15. Q: Reference Attachment 07 Air Force DF-LCS Requirements Acceptability Checklist.

Section A OI 1.1 indicates the offerer is to list the total proposal value. This document is in Volume 1/Technical proposal. Paragraph 14. A (1) of the solicitation (Volume 1) states “shall not make reference to cost or price information” and 14 b (1) (Volume 2) “Under no circumstances shall pricing data be included elsewhere in the proposal….Should such pricing data be included in the technical capability, the result will be removal of such pricing data and all other information included on the same page with such data. This could result in the exclusion from evaluation of critical technical information.” Will this field be removed from the checklist?

A: Amending Attachment 07 to remove OI 1.1 through 1.4 from the Requirements Acceptability Checklist

16. Q: Solicitation, Page 188-189 - In Addendum to 52.212-1 Instructions and Notices to Bidders, the government lists a requirement for a copy of Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items in both the Technical Proposal and the Price Proposal. Does the government want the Representations and Certifications in both volumes?

A: Representations and Certifications only need to be provided with the technical proposal. Amending to remove requirement to provide representations and certifications with the pricing proposal.

17. Q: Solicitation, Page 177 - The government has incorporated 252.225-7000 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items by reference, but this clause appears to be outdated. Please advise.

A: Clause 252.225-7000 has not been incorporated into this RFP.

18. Q: Solicitation, Page 188 - Would the government consider allowing offerors to submit one sample of each kit and swatches to represent each additional color option?

A: Please see Amendment 1

19. Q. Due to the large number of samples required by this solicitation, we respectfully requests an extension of the proposal due date.

A: Please see Amendment 1

20. Q. Reference single purchase item 1. Loadout Bag, the characteristics require a “fully welded, solid metal frame construction”. Would a tubular (i.e. hollow) frame be considered acceptable? If not, would you please define your expectation of solid metal?

A: Yes, a tubular frame will be considered, however any tubular design must be able to support the average bag load of 150 pounds.

21. Q. Reference single purchase item 1. Loadout Bag, the characteristics require “ball bearing all-terrain wheels (similar to that of a rollerblade skate)”. Rollerblade skate wheels are smooth and designed for hard, flat surfaces. What is the clear direction on wheel design?

A: Please disregard rollerblade reference. Wheels shall be “ball bearing all-terrain”.

22. Q. Reference salient characteristics 18.k.-Typically zipper closures used on military items are made of a die cast metal that is colored. Stainless steel zipper closures are not colored. Is it the government’s intention to have plain stainless steel zipper closures?

A: Characteristics will be updated to reflect die cast metal. Metal will be colored in accordance with pattern (Foliage 504 (AFDTS), Coyote Brown (OCP), and Black (Tactical Black)).

23. Q. Brookwood is a primary supplier for Mil-Spec 1000D Cordura and like materials. They are familiar with the NIR requirements for part 13 a. AFDTS and b. OCP. They are not familiar with or aware of a NIR requirement for tactical black and it is not listed in any of the current Mil-Spec requirements 43734-GL/PD 10-07 or DTL 32439. Would you please provide the NIR requirement for the tactical black so they can react accordingly?

A: The NIR requirement for tactical black will be removed.

24. Q. Reference the Multi-Mission Pack

a. Please clarify how the dimensions, “shall be approximately thirteen and a half (13.5) inches in length, sixteen (16) inches in width, and fifteen (15) inches in height”, are to be applied to the bag and how the term “approximately” can be applied, ie the measurements are the minimum required or will be within a certain measurement of the requirement.

1. Typically measurements for a backpack place the length measurement from the top to the bottom of the pack as if worn. Width is from side to side as worn and the third measurement height, should be considered to be synonymous with depth, is how thick the pack is from the wearer’s back out from the body. This would also be true if the pack was lying on its back on a flat surface.

2. The dimensions as listed in the salient characteristics would make this a very short creating an imbalance for the wearer and potential injury to the wearer (due to the positioning of the pack on the users back) if fully loaded out with supplies. It also would place the waist strap above the navel on the wearer. The current fielded multi-mission pack 23.5”L x 16”W and 15”H. Please see attached photo which depicts a similar sized bag as called for in the salient characteristics as compared to the currently fielded multi mission pack.

A: Characteristics will be updated to reflect dimensions of 23.5”L x 16”W and 15”H (Depth).

25. Q: The material requested in the Type B fabric document for the sleeves requires a “knit” sleeve. Current sleeve configurations for combat shirts specify a woven sleeve. With the intent of this non-FR shirt, would a 50/50 NYCO woven sleeve be acceptable to provide a better match with existing ABU uniform pants, which are also NYCO 50/50? This question is being raised as a result of inquiries among ourselves in industry to determine if a “knit” sleeve fabric that can be printed in ABU or multicam exists and challenges have arisen in determining if they do.

A: A knit fabric is required to provide a more form fitting appearance, i.e., freedom of arm movement without baggier sleeves. The combat shirt will only be in the ABU pattern.

26. Q: Are alternate material colors allowed for the Non-Flame Resistant Combat Shirt samples?

A: No

27. Q: The original question was "What performance criteria are required for the system"? The intent of the question is what is the intended performance criterion of the DF-LCS2? Industry is for intended purpose of the system? What does SF want the system to do (evenly distribute the load, light weight, field sustainable)... The government provided material details not the overall function of the system.

A: Material details are provided to determine technical acceptability.

28. Q: 1000D Cordura or like material that meets the listed performance/standard. There are other materials used by industry, that are lighter, more durable that meet or exceed the ASTM/MILSPEC performance/standard requirements of 1000D Cordura. Is the HQAFSFC/FPCC/ESG not considering improving the current characteristics, or improving the overall system with stronger lighter materials?

A: Yes the government will accept alternate materials. As already stated, it will be the offeror’s responsibility to prove that alternate materials meet/exceed the performance/standard requirements of 1000D Cordura.

29. Q: The Government stated "Zipper closures shall be heavy-duty stainless steel. Alternative closure devices will not be accepted when zipper required as stated."The current DF-LCS does not have stainless steel zippers. Is this an improvement and/or new requirement/capability due to current equipment failures on the current DF-LCS? What is the justification for changing from the current DF-LCS and industry standard?

A: Salient Characteristics changed to “die cast metal” (reference paragraph 18.j.).

30. Q: Are brass eyelets required? If the equipment item can be designed with a drain holes into the equipment, eliminating unnecessary materials, will the USAF Security Forces except the item?

A: Yes, reference Salient Characteristics para 18.i.

31. Q: The current snaps are one of the most common failure items with the current DF- LCS. Are snap fasteners required? If the equipment item can be designed with a closure mechanism into the equipment, eliminating unnecessary materials, will this be expectable for this salient characteristic?

A: The Salient Characteristics do not mandate the use of snap fasteners for a given item, if the offeror chooses to use snap fasteners they must meet the material requirements stated in paragraph 18.i. of the Salient Characteristics.

32. Q: Has the government considered a 3 to 4 magazine pouch, placing the magazines side by side, in an effort to distribute weight and reduce to profile of a SF member? With the limited amount of space in home station and deployed vehicles, this could possibly provide an Airman some comfort, increase safety and reduce potential injuries.

A: The pouches described in the Salient Characteristics are the requirement.

33. Q: The most popular brands of expandable batons the USAF Security Forces currently use (ASP and Monadnock) offered in both hard plastic and nylon, holder/scabbards that allow the user to stow the baton while is open and closed.

This provides the Airman the capability to stow (secure) the baton and use their hands when the baton is not needed in certain situations. An example of this would be; after a Security Forces member uses their baton to generate compliance of a subject and needs to secure their baton in the open mode to handcuff the subject.

This capability allows a SF member to secure their baton without having to close the baton in the midst of a potentially dangerous situation.

A: As previously stated, personnel will not have to stow the baton in an opened condition.

34. Q: Can the government provide a list of equipment that still has ALICE clips used by SF. If there is an existing pouch that may accommodate this equipment. Would the USAF SF consider replacing the ALICE Adapter with a MOLLE/PALS pouch to eliminate this legacy equipment/pouch?

A: ALICE Adapter is needed per stated requirement. The government does not have an existing legacy equipment list nor can provide one within the given time constraints.

35. Q: What items and equipment are required for 72 hr? This allows industry to provide a solution that will accommodate these needs. This also helps industry provide detailed instructions for the User Training Guide a recommended packing/load plan to prevent over-packing and potential injuries.

A: There isn’t a standard list of items, contents vary by mission (wartime, humanitarian) and individual’s assigned duties.

36. Q: On 11 Dec 13 the ESG published a FBO amendment for a Grenade, Rubber Ball Non- Lethal (DODIC GG04) (quantity 2) (Available in ABU and OCP only): Pouch shall hold one (1) non-lethal rubber ball grenade; retention device to securely hold grenade in place (e.g., elastic straps or bungee cord). There were no dimensions identified for the grenade. Many small businesses do not have access to these munitions to construct a pouch that will perform properly to meet the USAF SF needs. It will greatly help industry manufacture a pouch if the dimensions are posted. Please provide length, width and height dimensions for the munitions, to allow industry to manufacture the requested pouch.

A: As stated in excerpt of specs below, height is 5.25 inches and diameter is 3.12 inches

37. Q: With the recent release of the FBO amendment, will the sample submission date to accommodate industry to R&D and manufacture a prototype for submission?

A: The proposal response date is extended to 10 Jan 14

38. Q: Good day. Request an extension on the 3 Jan 14 suspense of RFP, for DF-LCS2 solicitation # FA8054-13-R-0001. The extension is being requested due to the numerous factors involved with accurately conducting costing & sample requirements of RFP during the holiday period in which the production plants & mills are closed; scheduled to return to duty following the holidays on 7 Jan 14. Again, due to the timing of updates to RFP & the holiday season, the 3 Jan 14 suspense will not be possible to achieve.

A: The proposal response date is extended to 10 Jan 14