DF-LCS2_Questions_and_Answers_from_Draft_RFP.pdf

DF-LCS2 Questions and Answers from Draft RFP 21 October 2013

1. I see that the original salient characteristics posted in April have changed. Originally, we interpreted the requirements to denote a combat shirt with woven (instead of knit) sleeves, as is the FR version currently utilized. Is this still the expectation or are you looking for a combat shirt that is completely knit?

Since we’ve removed the flame resistant (FR) requirement from the previously produced version of the combat shirt, our textile experts recommend the following material options:

A. Suggested mesh knitted material for torso and/or mock turtle neck collar are: Cotton, polyester, spandex, blends, or other mesh knitted cloth. This material has been designated as “Type A”. Please see RFP Attachment 13 for additional description and for required tests.

B. Suggested material for sleeves are: Cotton, rayon, nylon, spandex, blends, or other knitted cloth. This material has been designated as “Type B”. Please see RFP Attachment 14 for additional description and for required tests.

C. Suggested non-mesh knitted material to be used in addition to or instead of the Type A material for torso and/or mock turtle neck collar are: Cotton, rayon, polyester, spandex, blends or other knitted cloth. This material has been designated as “Type C”. Please see RFP Attachment 15 for additional description and for required tests.

D. Suggested material to be used as the backing material and an interfacing for the forearm pocket and shoulder pocket to reinforce the structure shall be woven cloth. This/these material(s) have been designated as “Type D”. Please see RFP Attachment 16 for additional description and for required tests.

Test Table, Type A Material.docx

Test Table, Type B Material.docx

Test Table, Type C Material.docx

Test Table, Type D Material.docx

In your proposal, under the technical section, you will be required to specify the materials you used for your proposed combat shirt. In addition, provide documentation validating that your materials meet or exceed the stated material test requirements.

2. As for the breathability, moisture-wicking and odor resistant requirements, do you have specific ASTM standards (or another standard) you wish the garment to meet and will you require that test/verification data by a certain date?

See answer to previous question.

3. What is the anticipated volume of garments you expect to require annually?

The maximum quantities have been indicated on the RFP as well as on the pricing models. With an IDIQ contract type, all that is given is maximum quantities and the minimum guarantee will be the post award conference as indicated in the RFP.

4. Has the USAF considered utilizing a different platform for the load carrying system, other than an H-harness? No

- If so, what other platforms has the USAF considered? Not applicable

5. Does the USAF have human performance testing scheduled to be conducted during the proposal evaluation process? No

- If so, how will the results of the human performance testing be factored into the evaluation of each quote? Not applicable

6. What is the preferred pattern/color of combat shirt, sage green or foliage green?

No preference, we are trying to help vendors minimize cost by being flexible and letting them use the same commercially available items or materials they use for other customers.

7. The pre-solicitation states the Department of the Air Force Office of Material Command intends to make one contract award for each of the two equipment categories but it also states it may make multiple awards. If there is a need to make multiple awards what would be the most likely distribution to the awardees. For example, what would the category and quantity of items per award?

Only one contract award will be made per category.

8. The pre-solicitation lists multiple shipping locations but does not show number of items, item types and respective weights to be shipped to each location. Will this information be provided in the solicitation?

No. The only information is the maximum quantities of the items and the locations which will be required for shipment of these items.

9. For the flashlight holder, the requirements state that the “Pouch shall hold a standard compact flashlight; adjustable to accommodate various versions of flashlights.” Would the Government please provide dimensions on the minimum and maximum size of the flashlight that the pouch will need to hold?

Holder shall be approximately 1.5” W x 4.5” D x 5.5” L. Adjustable flap to accommodate various versions of flashlights.

10. As 1000 Denier Cordura adds significant weight to the product, will the Government consider 500 Denier Cordura construction to lighten the weight of the nylon?

No. 1000 Denier Cordura is the standard due to quality issues.

11. The salient characteristics for the combat shirt call for anti-abrasion padded elbow patches. Are self-reinforcement fabric padded elbow patches acceptable or is Superfabric printed abrasion fabric or a similar equivalent required?

Yes, as long as it is padded and meets the definition of anti-abrasion.

12. Will there be a surge plan requirement?

No

13. The draft solicitation references 252.225-70001 Buy American and Balance of Payments Program, 252.225-7021 Trade Agreements, and 252.225-7036 Buy American-Free Trade Agreement-Balance of Payments Program. Does the Government intend to include all three of these clauses together?

Yes – All clauses are required.

14. The draft solicitation includes 52.219-6 Total Small Business Set Aside. Has the government considered adding Alternate I?

No

15. On the solicitation salient characteristics, the requirement states, “right & left sleeves shall contain: Air Force Digital Tiger Stripe Camouflage Print”. However on attachment 14, the requirement states, “The color shall be AF Sage Green or Army Foliage Green.” Can you please clarify the requirement?

Sleeves color shall be Air Force Digital Tiger Stripe. The torso can be either AF Sage Green or Army Foliage Green.

16. Additionally, reading through the requirements I do not see if there is an NIR compliance requirement?

Will this combat shirt require NIR?

No, NIR is not required for the combat shirt.

17. Will Contract award be a set aside?

Yes total small business set aside

18. What Fire Resistant (FR) specifications does the Load Carriage System need to meet?

FR is not required.

18.1. - If FR is required, what is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Military Standard (MIL-STD) and/or Military Specification (MIL-SPEC) the equipment must meet?

FR is not required.

19. What ASTM, MIL-STD, and/or MIL-SPEC testing requirements data is required/ needed to be considered for award?

19.1. - What performance criteria is required for the system?

Materials Requirements List (applies to all items)

a. 1000 denier Cordura (or the like) in Air Force Digital Tiger Stripe (AFDTS) print (MIL-C-43734 Class III)

b. Nylon Webbing, Foliage 504 (A-A-55301, MIL-W-17337 Class 2)

c. Binding Tape, Foliage 504 (MIL-PRF-5038 Type III)

d. Hook and Loop, Foliage 504 (AA-55126 Type II Class 1)

e. Mesh, Foliage 504 (MIL-C-8061 Type II)

f. Thread, Foliage Size tex no. 68 (nominal) (also identified as Size E)

g. Bungee and Elastic, Foliage 504 (MIL-PRF-5664 Type II Class 1)

h. Plastic Hardware, Foliage 504

i. Eyelets and Snap Fasteners, brass with black chemical finish, button cap shells should have a Foliage 504 baked-on enamel finish (MS-27980-1B, MS-27980-2B, MS-27980-6B, MS-27980-7B, MS-27980-8B)

j. Zipper closure shall be stainless steel (Foliage 504) NOTE: Air Force Sage Green 1641 may be used instead of Foliage 504

Test Requirements (applies to all items) The Air Force reserves the right to have all submittals independently tested to ensure construction and materials requirements are met. Along with the requested sample, each offeror shall submit independent lab test reports, applicable certifications for materials, and a statement of construction techniques.

20. Will multiple manufacturers be considered or is this is a single source acquisition?

One award will be made per category

21. Will affiliation with a NIB subsidiary be a consideration for award?

This is a Small Business Set-aside, no preference will be given to Source America

22. The Defensor Fortis – Load Carrying System 2 (DF-LCS2) shall: Item number 2.states "Double-walled and multi-layer construction is required throughout all items to ensure durability". If alternate materials are used in place of doubled walled construction, to reduce overall weight, has better durability characteristics, a material that is stronger than 1000d CORDURA®, will the product be accepted?

Yes, but proof of like material performance will be the offerer’s responsibility

22.1. - Will alternate fabric that exceeds durability of 1000D be considered?

Yes, but proof of like material performance will be the offerer’s responsibility

22.2. - What is the ASTM, MIL-STD and/or MIL-SPEC for the material, sewing and performance?

Materials Requirements List (applies to all items)

a. 1000 denier Cordura (or the like) in Air Force Digital Tiger Stripe (AFDTS) print (MIL-C-43734 Class III)

b. Nylon Webbing, Foliage 504 (A-A-55301, MIL-W-17337 Class 2)

c. Binding Tape, Foliage 504 (MIL-PRF-5038 Type III)

d. Hook and Loop, Foliage 504 (AA-55126 Type II Class 1)

e. Mesh, Foliage 504 (MIL-C-8061 Type II)

f. Thread, Foliage Size tex no. 68 (nominal) (also identified as Size E)

g. Bungee and Elastic, Foliage 504 (MIL-PRF-5664 Type II Class 1)

h. Plastic Hardware, Foliage 504

i. Eyelets and Snap Fasteners, brass with black chemical finish, button cap shells should have a Foliage 504 baked-on enamel finish (MS-27980-1B, MS-27980-2B, MS-27980-6B, MS-27980-7B, MS-27980-8B)

j. Zipper closure shall be stainless steel (Foliage 504) NOTE: Air Force Sage Green 1641 may be used instead of Foliage 504

Test Requirements (applies to all items) The Air Force reserves the right to have all submittals independently tested to ensure construction and materials requirements are met. Along with the requested sample, each offeror shall submit independent lab test reports, applicable certifications for materials, and a statement of construction techniques.

22.3. - What is the durability standard of durability or performance (ASTM, MILSTD and/or MIL-SPEC)

See response to question 22.2, systems that meet or exceed stated material requirements, required construction methods and the other specified salient characteristics meet our required level of durability

22.4. - What is the performance criteria and/or rationale for doubled walled and Multi-layer construction?

Durability

23. In the salient characteristics item number 15. states "Non-magnetic and noncorrosive materials." Yet item number 18. states "zipper closures shall be heavy-duty stainless steel." What is the requirement for a zipper and can an alternative be substituted?

“Non-magnetic” will be removed from salient characteristics. Zipper closures shall be heavy-duty stainless steel. Alternative closure devices will not be accepted when zipper required as stated.

23.1. - Item number 17. States "Eyelets and snap fasteners shall be made of brass with a black chemical finish." Are brass eyelets and snaps required or will an alternative material or design that performs the same function be considered?

Brass eyelets and snaps are required as stated. Alternative material will not be accepted.

24. Several items call for the following sizes "XS, S, M, L, XL." What is the desired height and waist measurements of these sizes?

The combat shirt sizes are found in the salient characteristics. Below are the sizes for the h-harness and padded equipment belt. Rigid belt insert characteristics rewritten to state “Adjustable to accommodate use in conjunction with the padded equipment belt”.

H-HARNESS

SIZE HEIGHT WAIST

X-Large 74” - 82” 34” - 50” Large 68” - 78” 32” - 50” Medium 63” - 70” 30” - 36” Small 50” - 65” 24” - 32” X-Small 54” - 59” 20” - 26”

PADDED EQUIPMENT BELT

SIZE LENGTH WIDTH (MIDDLE) WIDTH (FRONT)

X-Large 43.5” 5.5” 3.5” Large 38.5” 5.5” 3.5” Medium 32.5” 5.5” 3.5” Small 27.5” 5.5” 3.5” X-Small 22.5” 5.5” 3.5”

24.1. - Are the sizes listed above unisex?

Yes

24.2. - What equipment/pouches are required on the H-gear (e.g. M9 mag pouch, radio case, hand cuffs, and holster...)? Rationale: Waist dimensions are required to determine all required equipment fits around the Airmen's waist.

Requirements vary by unit; however, one should expect to wear at a minimum: single pocket M9 magazine pouch, chemical spray holder, expandable baton holder, dual handcuff pouch, radio pouch, latex glove pouch, and flashlight holder.

25. Rifleman Kit, item number 2. and 3 Single Pocket M-4 Magazine Pouches, states Pouch shall hold two (2) and/or three (3), thirty (30) round 5.56 mm magazines in a stackable configuration; retention device to securely hold magazines in place (e.g.,elastic straps or bungee cord). What is meant by stackable?

A stackable configuration is defined as upright, back-to-back when placed in pouch. Side-by-side configuration will not be acceptable.

25.1. - Can magazines be side by side, to reduce to profile and keep the weight closer to the users body?

Magazines must be in a stackable configuration.

25.2. - Does retention have to be over top of magazine?

There is no specification on where retention device shall be placed, so long as the magazine(s) is secured.

26. Item number 5. Dual Pocket M-9 Single Magazine Pouch with KYDEX® Insert. What is the purpose of the "KYDEX® Insert"? Is there an alternative material that can be used instead?

KYDEX insert will be deleted from salient characteristics.

26.1. - Does the KYDEX® in have to be hard sewn into the pouch?

KYDEX insert will be deleted from salient characteristics.

26.2. - What is the performance criteria and/or rationale for the KYDEX® insert?

KYDEX insert will be deleted from salient characteristics.

27. Item number 8. and 9. Expandable Baton Holder, state "Pouch shall securely hold a six (6) or eight (8) inch collapsed baton; requires positive retention capability (e.g., retention teeth, snug fit, etc." Is there a requirement or time Security Forces personnel will need to stow their baton in a opened condition? An example of this would be, after an Security Forces member uses their baton to generate compliance and needs to secure their baton in the open mode to handcuff a subject.

Personnel will not have to stow the baton in an opened condition.

28. Item number 14. "Medical/Bleeder Control Pouch: Pouch shall have a zipper closure device;

dimensions large enough to hold an individual first aid kit (IFAK)." Does the pouch have to have a zipper closure, or is there an alternate closure method that can be used? Rationale: if an Security Forces member is injured in the line of duty and is required to use their Medical/Bleeder Control Pouch to execute self-aid, it will very hard or awkward for the Airmen to open the pouch to access medical supplies.

Salient characteristics will be updated to reflect a closure device capable of being opened with one hand.

28.1. - Is the Medical/Bleeder Control Pouch a storage pouch or is it a true lifesaving instrument?

Storage pouch.

29. Item number 15. "Hydration Pouch: Pouch shall hold one (1), one hundred (100) fluid ounce hydration kit" is the hydration pouch MOLLE/PALS attachment only or can it be used standalone with shoulder straps?

In addition to the pouch being MOLLE/PALS combatable, salient characteristics will be updated to include shoulder straps for standalone use.

29.1. What is the shape of the hydration system LXWXH, which system, brand, is there a standard hydration bladder for USAF Security Forces and/or which specific models? This information will better allow industry manufacture a pouch that meets the needs of USAF Security Forces.

The standard reservoir used by Security Forces is a 100 fluid ounce hydration kit sold by CamelBak (Part # 60430)

30. Item number 19. "All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) Adaptor:

Adaptor shall be compatible with legacy equipment using ALICE clips; adaptor shall be PALS compatible." What equipment in the Security Forces inventory has ALICE attachments, that aren't covered by the pouches requested in this solicitation?

The ALICE adaptor is still required for some equipment. An example would be a compass.

30.1. - Which way does it adapt, Alice to pals or pals to Alice?

ALICE to PALS.

31. Item number 20. "Flashlight Holder: Pouch shall hold a standard compact flashlight; adjustable to accommodate various versions of flashlights." What are the estimated sizes of "standard compact flashlight" Security Forces Airmen use? This information will allow industry to design and manufacture a pouch to accommodate the various sizes.

Holder shall be approximately 1.5” W x 4.5” D x 5.5” L. Adjustable flap to accommodate various versions of flashlights.

31.1. - What is the performance criteria of the Flashlight Holder, (rapid deployment or containment)

Containment.

32. M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Gunner Kit: item number 3. Two-hundred (200) Round Ammo Pouch: Pouch shall securely hold two-hundred (200) linked 5.56 mm rounds. What are the dimension of a (200 linked 5.56mm rounds) box?

The dimensions of the ammo boxes are:

M240: 5”L X 3”W X 6.5”H

M249: 8”L X 3”W X 6.5”H

33. Multi-Mission Kit: Item number 1. What is the Multi Mission Pack and side pouches designed to carry (e.g. 72 hrs of sustainment items, uniforms, boots, special equipment, and/or laptop)? This information will help industry design and manufacture a pack to support the equipment and attempt to prevent potential injuries from carrying the load. Additionally, is an internal frame, adjustable back and waist belt required? These items assist Airmen carry the load and prevent potential injuries.

The multi-mission kit serves as a 72 hr pack. A waist belt is required, but not an internal frame.

Waist belt shall contain mechanism to tightly and neatly secure straps when not in use.

33.1. - What is the load configuration for USAF Security Forces

WEAPON BASIC COMBAT

M4 120 240 M9 30 45 M240 800 800 M249 200 600

33.2. - Does the Multi Mission Pack have an airborne operations requirement, to support the Airborne Security Forces units?

No airborne requirements are requested.

33.3. - What are the dimensions LxWxH on the back or on the table.

On the table.

34. Is the HQAFSFC/FPCC and 771st ESG planning on conducting an Industry Day with subject matter experts to listen to manufactures product performance capabilities and innovations to enhance DF-LCS2 overall performance?

No

35. Does the print requirement for the ABU sleeves need to be pigmented or non-pigmented?

There is no preference as long as the final product meets the characteristics/standards that are listed.