223_RITA_-_Vendor_Questions.pdf

HSBP1015R0025 - 223 RITA

Vendor Questions

1. Extension –

a. To ensure that the most economical and best performing product is submitted in response to this bid request we respectfully request that the bid due date be extended to July 10, 2015. Extension to June 22nd

b. Given Government and Industry holiday and loss of associated production time, we would like to request an extension to June 22. Granted

2. Projectile –

a. It is stated that “The projectile shall be copper jacketed”. We plan to utilize a “copper alloy” bullet jacket. It is noted that most if not all copper jacketed bullets are actually copper alloy. It is understood the jacket material is not pure copper.

b. It is also stated that the average nominal bullet weight of the projectile shall be +‐ 1.5%.

The ANSI/SAAMI designation for projectiles less than 100 grains in weight is nominal bullet weight ± 2.0%. We request that the requirement for projectile weight be adjusted to +‐ 2% of nominal bullet weight. The SOW bullet weight tolerance is changed to ±2%.

c. Specifications in the SOW indicate an allowable bullet weight of +/‐ 1.5% allowing a bullet weight variation of only 0.896 gr. Typically bullet weights are held to +/‐ 1.5 grains. Is the specification for bullet weight variation correct? The SOW bullet weight tolerance is changed to ±2%.

d. In lieu of ¼” tip color, can entire projectile be colored (not Purple No. 17100 of FED‐STD‐

595)? As long as the coloring process does not affect safety, accuracy, function, bore wear, or leave a residual in the bore or action, coloring of the entire projectile is acceptable.

e. In reference to the .223 Remington Caliber Readily Identifiable Training Ammunition statement of work, there is a concern regarding the allowable means for making the cartridge “readily identifiable”. The draft SOW released on February 10, 2015 as part of

RFI20084128‐JTC indicated that only a cartridge that is electroplated, anodized, or dyed with a purple color to readily distinguish it from duty or other special purpose ammunition was acceptable. The most recent SOW released with HSBP1015R0025, alternatively allows for ¼” of the projectile tip to be painted with a purple water based acrylic coating. We do not believe that the application of only tip identification paint, that would typically not be visible while the cartridge is in a 20 round box, is providing a

“readily identifiable” cartridge solution nor would it provide a visual reference of the spent shellcasing that the proper ammunition was being fired while training.

Additionally, the US Army and US Marine Corps have already final type qualified a

HSBP1015R0025 - 223 RITA

Vendor Questions

5.56mm cartridge (Mk301 Mod 0) that incorporates purple tip identification paint. That particular cartridge is designated as a “dim” tracer cartridge. See the attachment. Any submission on this DHS solicitation could potentially look identical to the Mk301 round and would be at risk for:

i. Chambering a 5.56mm round in a rifle dedicated for .223 Rem use only

ii. Potentially firing tracer rounds on a range not equipped for it

Both of these items pose safety concerns and appear to prevent the objective of servicing a “readily identifiable” cartridge. No question to answer. These potential issues have been considered.

3. Case ‐ Bunter lead time to provide a headstamp compliant product for this ammunition may be greater than the 30 day allowable timeframe for bidding. Would it be possible to submit submission samples with manufacturer’s standard headstamp and provide a drawing of the proposed headstamp for the bid submission? The SOW will be changed to read “Cartridges shall be head stamped with, as a minimum, the manufacturer’s symbol/initials and the cartridge designation.”

4. Changes to standard product typically increase price. In order to provide the lowest cost ammunition, would it be possible to provide a headstamp typical of manufacturer standards (i.e.

standard SAAMI or manufacturer/dated headstamp) for the contract? The SOW will be changed to read “Cartridges shall be head stamped with, as a minimum, the manufacturer’s symbol/initials and the cartridge designation.”

5. Packaging ‐ Our automated equipment is designed to print the date code on both the exterior of the “shipping cases” and on the cardboard tray on the inside of the “individual cartridge boxes”.

It will be our intent to utilize this method/placement of dated codes to maximize savings to the

Government. The SOW will be changed to read “f. Manufacturing lot number (on shipping case exterior and on exterior or interior on individual cartridge box)