DF-LCS2_Questions_and_Answers_from_Draft_RFP.pdf

DF-LCS2 Questions and Answers from Draft RFP 10 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.