Final RPP W911QY-25-R-NGIP.docx

Natick Contracting Division Request for Project Proposal

W911QY-25-R-NGIP

Agency: Department of the Army Office: Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground – Natick Contracting Division Location: Natick MA, USA Program Office: The Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO) for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRND) Joint Program Manager Protection (JPMP) RPP Number: W911QY-25-R-NGIP Date Issued: 04 AUG 2025 Preproposals Due: 04 SEP 2025 NLT 1600 EST

In accordance with Section III B of the announcement Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA) “JPEO-CBRND CWMD BOTAA-24-01”, the Government is hereby requesting formal submission of preproposals intended to execute a formal agreement under 10 USC 4022, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for the prototype project described below. Upon receipt of a preproposal submitted in response to this Request for Project Proposal (RPP), the next steps are as follows:

This competitive RPP is issued to request project proposals in compliance with USC 4022(b) and is being issued for planning purposes only. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to award an agreement, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited.

This RPP is for the requirement described in the Attachment 1 Statement of Objectives (SOO). Any award resulting from this RPP may be issued as an agreement under the authority of 10 USC 4022, with the expectation of a prototype testing event followed by final prototype development of the successful prototype. Follow on the purchase of quantities necessary for fielding and sustainment are considered.

A. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. In response to this RPP, Offerors shall submit preproposals that address the requirements in Attachment 1 Statement of Objective (SOO). The Government will review and evaluate the submitted preproposals for Government interest and the Agreements Officer may issue a request for full proposal (RFFP) in response to this RPP. The Government intends to award several agreements based on the proposal submission or may require submission of additional details. The award of prototype agreements shall be for the development of prototypes in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4022 for projects that are directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of military personnel and the supporting platforms, systems, components, or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the Department of Defense, or to improvement of platforms, systems, components, or materials in use by the Armed Forces. A prototype project can generally be described as a preliminary pilot, test, evaluation, demonstration, or agile development activity used to evaluate the technical or manufacturing feasibility or military utility of a particular technology, process, concept, end item, effect, or other discrete feature. Only a warranted Agreements Officer may obligate the U.S. Government to the expenditure of funds for awards under this Announcement.

2. Evaluation will be performed by JPEO-CBRND personnel, other Federal Agency Representatives or combinations thereof to enable the selection of the best preproposal submission, and/or subsequent full proposal submission. After evaluation and selection, an award will be made to the successful offerors. Subsequent awards depend upon the availability of funds and fulfillment of requirements and priorities determined to exist at the time of award. In some cases, funding priorities may change as certain scientific tasks are addressed, and new mission assignments arise. Award may also be dependent upon demonstration by the offeror that they have adequately addressed the requirements.

3. The U.S. Government may engage advisory and assistance services from Offerors (“Support Contractors”) in the review of pre-proposals and proposals. All Support Contractors have executed Non-Disclosure Agreements with their employer per the terms of their contracts with the Government, protecting confidential or sensitive information, intellectual property, third party information, and company inventions. In addition, the receiving agency requires any entities receiving any pre-proposal or proposal information to certify non-disclosure and personal financial interest prior to viewing any government or third-party information. Offerors submitting proprietary information in their pre-proposals and proposals may seek to further protect their information from unauthorized use or disclosure by executing a non-disclosure agreement with the Support Contractor company for as long as it remains proprietary and refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished. Prior to submitting pre-proposals, Offerors may contact the Agreements Officer (POC) for information about Support Contractors that may be involved in the pre-proposal evaluation process and to facilitate execution of any additional agreement. Offerors must provide any such additional agreements to the Agreements Officer. JPEO-CBRND obtains written agreements from all evaluators that information in the pre-proposal or proposal will only be used for evaluation purposes and will not be further disclosed. Proposals for funded projects may be subject to public release under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the extent that they are incorporated into an award document; proposals that are not selected for funding will not be subject to public release.

4. A conceptual approach of acquisition is to potentially award one or more performers to provide non-developmental or readily available prototype CB protective suits. Awarded prototype projects will require the Offerors to initially deliver 10 yards of material, and seven (7) suits for Segment 1 of the project within 45 days after the award. Results of testing on the material and initial suits, as well as available funding will determine which prototypes will move forward to Segment 2 and the exercise of the option that will require 350 suits. These optional suits must be produced and delivered in a short timeframe (6 months). Given the rapid need for Increment 1, suits will also need to be interoperable with current US Armed Forces CB protective ensemble elements (i.e., Molded AirBoss Lightweight Overboot (MALO) boots, Joint Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM) masks M50 and M53A1, and Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology Block 2 Glove Upgrade non Flame Resistant (JB2GUnFR) gloves).

5. Provide prototype Individual Protective Ensembles. The developed prototype(s) have their material tested with the best performing being selected for system level field tests at a relevant military exercise to be determined, to obtain real world feedback from potential future users.

6. Further considerations

a. Suits and suit materials should demonstrate protection capability as defined in the SOO Appendix 1

b. Suits must be compliant with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 225.7002-1 Restrictions, which implements 10 U.S.C. 4862 (the “Berry Amendment”).

c. Ensembles may qualify for an exception as provided in subsection DFARS 225.7002(n)) as an item of chemical warfare protective clothing if sourced from a qualifying country as defined by DFARS 225.003.

d. It is essential that the response to the RPP identify if the ensemble is “Berry Amendment” compliant or if it is produced in a qualifying country with the specification of that country.

e. It is essential that the response contains an assurance that any teaming or subcontracting arrangement extends across the life of any potential follow-on agreement or contract.

7. The U.S. Government does not fund preparation of proposals or support work efforts or tasks that are inferred from discussions with technical project officers. The Offeror will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred prior to the effective date of any agreement. There are certain post-employment restrictions on former Federal officers and employees as defined in 18 USC 207 and FAR 3.104-4(c). If an offeror believes a post-employment restriction or conflict of interest exists, notification should be sent to the Agreements Officer prior to initiating efforts on a full proposal.

8. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 USC 552) provides a statutory basis for public access to official U.S. Government records. “Records” are defined to include documentation received by the U.S. Government in connection with the transaction of public business. Certain types of information (i.e. a proposal, proposal abstract, and supporting documents; a business plan submitted on a confidential basis; and technical information submitted on a confidential basis) submitted to the Government in a process having the potential for award of an OT are exempt from disclosure requirements of FOIA for a period of five (5) years from the date the Government receives the information. The types of information listed above may continue to be exempted, in whole or in part, from disclosure after the expiration of the five (5) year period if it falls within an exemption to the FOIA such as trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential. Offerors should mark business plans and technical information that are to be protected for five years from FOIA disclosure with a legend identifying the documents as being submitted on a confidential basis.

9. The Government is prohibited from soliciting and awarding actions to awardees that have engaged or are suspected of having engaged in criminal, fraudulent, or seriously improper conduct.

10. Prospective awardees shall complete electronic annual representations and certifications at https://beta.sam.gov/. By submission of an offer, the Offeror acknowledges the requirement that prospective awardees MUST be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to submitting an invoice and through final payment of any contract resulting from this RPP. Offerors that are not registered should consider applying for registration immediately upon receipt of this solicitation. To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, the Offeror is required to review and update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration (or subsequent updates) its information in the SAM database to ensure it is current, accurate and complete.

11. Data submitted that cannot be disclosed to the public for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes, shall be marked on the title page with the below legend and mark each data sheet as follows:

a. TITLE PAGE LEGEND: This Proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed--in whole or in part--for any purpose other than to evaluate this Proposal. If, however, an agreement is awarded as a result of--or in connection with-- the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting award. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets];

b. DATA SHEET MARKING: Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend: Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.

12. Questions regarding this announcement may be submitted by email to usarmy.detrick.dod-jpeo-cbrnd.mbx.baa@army.mil prior within 10 business days prior to the closing date.

13. In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), the Government may award a follow-on production contract or Other Transaction (OT) for any OT awarded under this BOTA if: (1) that participant in the OT, or a recognized successor in interest to the OT, successfully completed the entire prototype project provided for in the OT, as modified; and (2) the OT provides for the award of a follow-on production contract or OT to the participant, or a recognized successor in interest to the OT.

14. Following successful completion of the prototype there is a possibility that the Government may enter into a procurement for up to 4,000,000 suits over a multi-year period. This requirement does not include follow-on production.

15. Proposals, brochures or other descriptions of general organizational or individual capabilities will not be accepted as a preproposal. An email will acknowledge receipt of a proposal. Generally, the Project Manager of the submitting organization should receive a decision letter or email upon completion of the evaluation and determination.

16. Administration: The Government will retain comments and information received in response to this RPP. Do not use Government security classification markings. All written responses must be received by the due date. Submission must be identified with a Subject Line of Responding Organization and RPP Title. Material that is advertising only in nature is not desired. Late submissions will not be considered.

17. Eligibility: The Awardee must be eligible for an Other Transaction Authority for Prototype Agreement in accordance with 10 USC § 4022(d)(1)(A) as they are non-traditional defense contractor, attesting to “An entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the one-year period preceding the solicitation of sources by the Department of Defense for the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the Department of Defense that is subject to the full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to Section 1502 of title 41 and the regulations implementing such section”, or otherwise meet the statute.

18. Requirements: See Attached Statement of Objectives (SOO).

19. Submissions: Preproposals must be limited to eleven pages (not including cover sheet) and include a description of the relevant technology including supporting data, the scope of the proposed effort including a high-level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and a description of the proposer’s research, development, manufacturing, past performance, or other special qualifications. The preproposal must also include an anticipated rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost for the efforts described in the preproposal, including a high-level breakdown of the elements of cost for consideration (labor, hours, materials, ODC’s, other costs, indirects and fee) based on fiscal year. Preproposals shall be submitted in accordance with CWMD BOTAA-24-01 W911SR-24-R-CWMD III. OTHER TRANSACTIONS FOR PROTOTYPES: Subsection b “Submission Procedures” to below listed mailboxes only:usarmy.detrick.dod-jpeo-cbrnd.mbx.baa@army.mil

B. EVALUATION FACTORS:

The following factors will be considered during evaluation (in no particular order):

1. Technical Merit: The proposed plans, methods, techniques, and procedures must be feasible, clear, valid, adequately referenced, and state-of-the-art. The proposed high level Integrated Master Schedule must be reasonable. This factor will consider an overview of the Technical Data, Safety and Environmental Documentation, PFAS usage, Manufacturing Capability and Quality Management approach. Literature searches are recommended for documenting the strengths of the proposed project.

2. Military and Program Relevance: Projects must support the development of Next Generation Individual Protection. Proposals should address an outstanding requirement and balance or reduce the programmatic risk. This factor encompasses an overview of the Modernization Plan to include PFAS removal.

3. Funds Availability: JPM Protection must have funds available to support the proposed work. JPM Protection funds are for purposes of warfare defense against JCS validated CBRN warfare threats.

4. Project Objectives: The stated objectives must be clear, valid and logical. Projects that demonstrate an innovative approach are desired.

5. Key Personnel Qualifications: Document the qualifications, capabilities and experience of the proposed Project Manager and other key personnel in sufficient details to demonstrate that the proposed staff has the knowledge and skills to achieve the proposed objectives.

6. Facilities: Describe the proposed facilities and equipment, or unique combinations of these, in detail to demonstrate that the organization has, or may access, the necessary facilities required for accomplishing the proposed objectives.

7. Budget/Cost: The budget must reflect the actual needs of the proposed work and be fully justified to include a minimal Bill of Materials so that the U.S. Government can evaluate and determine the cost to be fair and reasonable and commensurate with the complexity and nature of the work proposed.

8. Best value: Award will be made to the Offeror whose proposal provides the best overall value to the Government based on an integrated assessment of the non-cost and cost related factors.

9. Past Performance: Offerors must provide satisfactory performance record. If an offeror is without a record of relevant past performance or information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

10. Suits must be compliant with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 225.7002-1 Restrictions, which implements 10 U.S.C. 4862 (the “Berry Amendment”).

11. Ensembles may qualify for an exception as provided in subsection DFARS 225.7002-2(n)) as an item of chemical warfare protective clothing if sourced from a qualifying country as defined by DFARS 225.003.

12. The enforceable assurance that any teaming or subcontracting arrangement extends across the life of any potential follow-on agreement or contract.

C. SELECTION FOR AWARD: Subject to availability of funds, if agreeable terms are reached after evaluation of the proposal and negotiations, an award will be made to offerors that best meet the Evaluation Factors.

ATTACHMENT 1

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

DISTRIBUTION A. Authorized for public release; distribution is unlimited.

1.0 PROJECT TITLE: (CWMD-BOTAA_CWMD+BOTAA-24-01):

Next Generation Individual Protection (Next-Gen IP)

2.0 BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION:

The Next-Gen IP program on behalf of the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) will utilize an incremental approach to find an upgradable/modular CB protective ensemble solution that can ultimately achieve the desired end state identified in Attachment 1. Due to lessons learned from pervious CB protective suit programs, the program office realizes it will require time to fully achieve the desired end state; therefore, the initial submission is readily available CB protective suits that provide a rapid solution that at least meet the minimal viable threshold requirements (MVTR) listed in Appendix 1. Prospective ensembles must allow the wearer to be able to conduct various operations from combat to day-to-day operations while maintaining a CB protective posture. The suits must minimize burdens to the wearer’s mobility in contaminated environments under threat of CBRN exposure. The expectation is that when wearing the ensemble or an ensemble comprised of such materials will enable users to remain mission capable in all operational environments, for extended periods of time, while reducing the hazards experienced when a wearer is exposed to chemical and biological agents.

The minimum viable platform (MVP) is defined as a readily available CB protective suit that can provide a rapid solution to the MVTR requirements (Appendix 1). The Government intends on making multiple awards for initial prototypes of Next-Gen IP based on availability of government funding.

The MVP prototypes will be tested over a maximum 60-month period, divided into two segments. Based on results from Segment 1 testing, the Government will determine which vendors will move into Segment 2. Vendors must have submitted and been selected for Segment 1 to participate in Segment 2.

For Segment 2, the vendor must be able to produce and deliver 350 suits within 6 months of award of Segment 2. The suits must be interoperable with current US Armed Forces CB protective ensemble elements (i.e., Molded AirBoss Lightweight Overboot (MALO) boots, Joint Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM) masks M50 and M53A1, and Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology Block 2 Glove Upgrade non-Flame Resistant (JB2GUnFR) gloves).

A MVP prototype is considered successful upon meeting the MVTR listed in Appendix 1 and provides a clear roadmap to reach desired end state requirements identified in Appendix 1. In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4022, and upon a determination that the prototype project for this transaction has been successfully completed, any competitively awarded prototype Other Transaction Authority (OTA) as a result of this Request for Project Proposal (RPP) may result in the award of a follow-on production contract, or transaction without the use of competitive procedures. If follow-on production is pursued, the potential magnitude could include up to 4,000,000 systems in support of operations and sustainment.

The vendor must provide a modernization plan, including recommendations and timelines, outlining how they will leverage upgradeable, modular components to evolve their minimum viable platform prototype into the desired end state identified in Appendix 1. This plan should address potential changes to materials, interfaces, and design, as well as proposed modifications or additions of ensemble components to achieve full platform functionality.

3.0 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO):

This Statement of Objectives will potentially lead to the development of multiple suit prototypes for assessment to meet the objective of CBR percutaneous protection against Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) and Biological Warfare Agents (BWA), radiological particulate threats (alpha and beta only), and Non-Traditional Agent threats while improving mobility, comfort, and logistical sustainability. This system will develop and field using an iterative, phased approach, allowing for rapid fielding of initial capability solution, continuous user-drive refinement, and long-term adaptability.

Solutions proposed should provide percutaneous protection to military personnel against CWA, BWA, Radiological Materials, Nuclear Particulates, which can be present in liquid, vapor, or aerosol forms. Solutions should seamlessly integrate with legacy and developmental Individual Protective Equipment (IPE): MALO, JB2GUnFR and JSGPM M50 and M53 masks.

Vendors shall include test plans and reports and any other relevant documentation to support claimed performance characteristics including CBRN protection, durability, mobility, comfort and logistical sustainability. In addition, vendors shall disclose any unique test methods required to assess the performance of their solution.

The vendor will use this SOO as a basis for preparing a draft Statement of Work (SOW), which will be included as an integral part of the proposal. The vendor shall propose a delivery schedule in the SOW to include the number of suits that can be produced per month. The vendor shall also provide logistic details including packaging, handling, storage, and transportation requirements, as well as logistical footprints and shelf-life estimates.

This project is currently UNCLASSIFIED.

The Government prefers unlimited rights to the prototype, to include the detailed design drawings and the technical data package.

Technical maturity, item cost and performance will be assessed during submission evaluation.

The following objectives are required by the Government for each delivery:

Segment I Objective (ten (10) yards of material and seven (7) suits) The vendor shall deliver ten (10) yards of material for testing. Fabric shall be representative of the complete system and if fabric has independent layers, then material shall include all layers. Along with the material, the vendor shall deliver seven (7) complete suits to be used for early soldier touchpoints. At least four (4) of the suits must fit the following measurements:

· Height – 70 in

· Neck – 15.25 in

· Sleeve (bent) – 33.5 in

· Sleeve outseam – 27 in

· Chest – 37 in

· Waist – 30.5 in

· Head circumference – 22.375 in Sizes for the additional three (3) suits will be negotiated during the request for full proposals. These touchpoints will check for integration with ensemble components and human factors evaluation.

The Segment I materials will enter Testing and Evaluation (T&E) Phase I to be evaluated and tested at the swatch level. T&E Phase I will include Aerosol Vapor Liquid Assessment Group (AVLAG) testing (HD/GD), Low-Volatility Agent Permeation (LVAP) testing (VX), Aerosol Swatch testing and Physical Properties testing. After T&E Phase I testing is complete, the Government will decide if the vendor will be authorized to move forward to Segment II.

In addition, for those vendors that are selected to move forward to Segment II, the Government will perform T&E Phase II testing on the prototype material provided under Segment I. The material will be tested for chemical protection using longer more robust swatch testing (e.g. Chemical/Biological Agent Resistance Test (CBART) and LVAP with Non-Traditional Agents (NTAs)). Any modifications to the prototypes must be pre-approved by the Government.

Segment II Objective (Option for 350 Suits):

Vendors entering Segment II shall deliver the optional 350 prototype suits for T&E Phase II system level testing. The sizes for these suits will be negotiated during the request for final proposals. T&E Phase II testing will continue on the 350 suits and will consist of improved Aerosol System Testing (iAST), and Man-in Simulant Testing (MIST). At the conclusion of T&E Phase II testing, the Government will determine which vendor’s prototype suits will enter T&E Phase III testing, based on previous T&E phase testing, and available funding.

The Government will conduct a user assessment during T&E Phase III to assess the agility, mobility, and durability of the prototype. T&E Phase III testing will also include a wear trial, operational assessment, Contaminated Doffing, and follow-on worn swatch testing (e.g. CBART and LVAP with Battlefield Contaminants (BFC)).

4.0 DATA DELIVERABLE(S):

The vendor will submit all reports to the Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR) in the final negotiated formats. The Government and vendors will agree on format and content.

4.3 Technical Data Package (TDP). The vendor will develop and deliver a TDP, that includes detailed drawings Cage Code, and Bill of Materials (BOM), upon delivery of the manufactured prototypes. The TDP will be in accordance with MIL-STD-31000B. The TDP shall be delivered with the prototypes in Segment 1.

4.4 Safety and Environmental Documentation. The SOW will address the provisions of the Safety Assessment Report (SAR), Safety Data Sheets, and Storage/Disposal criteria. The SAR will summarize safety and health hazard data, provide a comprehensive evaluation of the safety and health risks, and identify procedures/precautions required for safe use of the system/subsystem and prototypes. All Safety and Environmental Documentation shall be delivered with the prototypes in Segment 1.

4.5 Berry Amendment Compliance. The vendor shall verify that they meet the specified domestic sourcing standards outlined in the Berry Amendment. Vendors will provide detailed information on all items manufactured or sourced from outside of the United States, per the RPP.

4.6 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl solutions (PFAS) usage. While the use of “forever chemicals” including but not limited to PFAS is not prohibited at this time. The vendor shall disclose all uses of PFAS within their system, including but not limited to materials, products, and processes that may contain or utilize PFAS. The vendor shall provide detailed information regarding the specific types and quantities of PFAS used, as well as their intended purpose and potential environment and health impacts. The use of PFAS will not exclude potential solutions from being awarded, but the removal of PFAS should be included in the modernizing strategy of the minimum viable platform prototype.

4.7 Manufacturing Capability. The vendor shall provide an overview of their manufacturing capabilities and quality system, current production rates, as well as their ability to scale production for higher demands.

4.8 Quality Management Plan: The Vendor shall provide a comprehensive Quality Management Plan (QMP) that outlines their approach to ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and deliverables throughout the contract period. This QMP must address key areas such as quality control processes, defect tracking and resolution, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.

5.0 PROTOTYPE DELIVERABLE(S):

The Government will negotiate specific deliverable due dates and the terms of acceptance in the SOW, after selections from the preproposals have occurred. However, the contractor shall deliver Segment I deliverables within 45 days of project award.

6.0 PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

The vendor will propose a delivery schedule in its SOW to include material and suit delivery. Prototype development will be conducted at the vendor’s facilities. The Government anticipates that initial delivery and any required test support will occur at Battelle Hazardous Materials Research Center (HMRC), located in West Jefferson, Ohio.

7.0 AGREEMENTS OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (AOR):

Bobby Brooks Next-Gen IP bobby.brooks@usmc.mil 703-617-2476

Unclassified SOO Appendix 1 –INCREMENT 1 THRESHOLD REQUIREMENTS