FA8056-17-R-0001_Final_RFP_Q&A_posted_02_02_17.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

FINAL RFP Q & A

FA8056-17-R-0001

Final RFP Comments & Responses

Topic Index Page #

A. Error! Reference source not found. 1

A. Specifications

Date

Posted

On FBO

1. Question: Attachment 5 - 1.3.2 Weight states “Structural Fire Fighting Helmet with a

Nomex® or equivalent ear/neck protector and NFPA 1971 compliant faceshield shall not exceed 53 oz.”

The nominal NFPA compliant weight of our model offered, with the 4” faceshield but excluding the non-NFPA accessories leather front and d-ring hang-up loop, is 55.08 oz. as weighed in our ISO 17025 Laboratory on a calibrated scale. Though slightly more than the specified 53 oz. the weight distribution/center of gravity of this product is among the lowest, if not the lowest in the industry, due to its superior FYR-Glass shell technology. As such the extra 2.08 ounces are not felt by the wearer as would be the case in top heavier helmets with lesser shells separate. Would this be acceptable to the government?

Answer: Government will accept helmet weights of 56 oz. or below.

2. Question: Attachment 5 - 1.3.3. Profile states “Helmet shall be a modern/contemporary style with a condensed side and rear brim design to facilitate search of restricted spaces with reduction of weight and SCBA interference. It shall have a bottom length of no more than 13-inches measuring the bottom brim from front to back, and a bottom brim width of no wider than 10 ¾-inches behind the faceshield attachment hardware points.” (Also 1.4.3 and 1.53)

The profile of the Morning Pride Brand helmets being offered is 0.4375” longer than specified. The reason for this is:

• To accommodate a user serviceable/removal/replaceable d-ring hang up loop accessory instead of using a non-serviceable riveted on d-ring hang-up loop as most fire helmets have.

• To reduce any un-necessary Face Shield Fatigue and Breakage due to the products’ inherent Sensitivity to Excess Mechanical Long Term Force (*)

(*) The term “Sensitivity to Excess Mechanical Long Term Force” is the terminology coined and used by the Owner and lead technical advisor of Paulson Manufacturing in Temecula, California who is a shared supplier of face shields among the North American fire helmet manufacturers, particularly on gold coated face shields. Paulson Manufacturing questioned and offered some concern as to mounting of their face shields to 10.75” width brim and how that might negatively impact the longevity of the face shield in such applications as their design was based on the average of full-size fire helmet widths found across all brands and styles (modern or traditional).

02-02-17

FINAL RFP Q & A

FA8056-17-R-0001

Final RFP Comments & Responses

• Their face shields are designed to have a range-of-installation for width. Exceeding that range, either wider or during the rotation of the face shield between the stowed and deployed positions. The Morning Pride HD-Rescue models are within the lowest end of the acceptable installation range.

• All of Paulson’s current fire helmet face shield products are injection molded in one mold, then after trimming and coatings, the mounting points on the ears of the face shield are machined to fit each of the individual helmet manufacturers’ choice of mounting system.

Would this be acceptable to the government? narrower, exerts an extra level of physical stress to the face shield that is exacerbated

Answer: Brim length measurements are applicable to the brim shell and not inclusive of accessory or D-Ring mounting. Government’s requirements do not restrict faceshield mounting techniques. Government will accept a bottom brim width of no wider than 11 -inches behind the faceshield attachment hardware points.