Question_ _Answer__1.pdf

HSBP1016R0004 – Pre-solicitation Notice // DHS Level IIIA Body Armor Preliminary Question and Answer

(1) Question: Are we allowed to bid multiple options for ballistic solutions? If that is the case, we can make multiple samples with different ballistic solutions for the wear test.

Answer: While the solicitation has not been issued to date, it will contain FAR 52.212-1 – Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items. Subsection (e) within 52.212-1 allows the offeror to submit multiple offers.

(2) Question: Do any of these apply - I am assuming no to both, but always want to check.

~Berry Amendment - no bc you are not part of the DoD ~Buy American Act - did not see it listed anywhere, but...

Answer: While the solicitation has not been issued to date, it will contain HSAR 3052.225-70

REQUIREMENT FOR USE OF CERTAIN DOMESTIC COMMODITIES (MAR 2013)

(DEVIATION 13-01). Through this clause, the Kissell Amendment applies.

(3) Question: The 9 sets of Armor to include - one (1) concealable carrier, one (1) standard outer garment carrier, one (1) set of ballistic panels (including trauma pad), and one (1) carry bag to be used for those vests for comfort and fit testing will be returned at the end of the comfort fit and testing? or are they permanently staying with CBP?

Answer: These items become property of CBP and will not be returned.

(4) Question: Are all expenses at the contractors expense? for travel, packages, fitting, etc. - if so how many will you be asking to partake in these meetings, etc and will price/value/quality be evaluated already?

Answer: All expenses are the contractor’s expense. The measurement and wear testing of the 9 sets of armor is only one part of the evaluation. The remainder of the evaluation criteria will be detailed in the solicitation to be posted in early April.

(5) Question: The first is if the vendor has to provide all of the specific armors that are required by the solicitation or can one specific armor like the SPEAR/BALCS with all the carriers and accessories ballistic and non ballistic be provided.

Answer: Vendor must be able to provide all items required by the SOW.

(6) Question: Another question is if the C1-C5 size range also applies to the SPEAR/BALCS option since the C1 option is barely 10" wide at the most, and may not adequately accommodate rifle plates that are usually 10" x12".

Answer: C1-C5 is for concealable cut ballistic panels. SPEAR/BALCS cut armor has predetermined sizes and cut, based on the SPEAR/BALCS requirements.

(7) Question: And the final question is if the DEA body armor test protocol can be considered as a valid test for complying with the fragmentation and special threat requirements specified in this solicitation.

HSBP1016R0004 – Pre-solicitation Notice // DHS Level IIIA Body Armor Preliminary Question and Answer

Answer: No, the DEA protocol is not a substitute for any additionally required ballistic testing contained in the SOW.

(8) Question: We have a question concerning Sec 4.7.4 with regard to the Quick release system.

Is this a single action, one hand to release everything simultaneously or single hand use requiring multiple actions to release system?

Answer: This is intended to be a one hand, single action to release everything simultaneously.

(9) Question: SOW Section: 4.2.13 Ballistic panel coverings shall exhibit high standards of construction, particularly the sealed edges. There shall be nothing sewn or stitched to the ballistic panel cover as this would compromise the waterproof integrity of the panel cover.

SOW Section 4.2.14 Ballistic panels shall be suspended inside the concealable carrier from the top corner areas of the panels, so as to prevent sagging and curling of the bottom panel edge. The method of suspension is up to the vendor, provided that it does not affect the waterproof nature of the panel cover.

We do sew/stitch a hook suspension piece to the tops of the panel above the seam seal so we do not compromise the waterproof integrity of the panel cover. We believe this meets your requirement at 4.2.14 and does not compromise the panel cover in any way. Can you confirm that this is an acceptable method and meets your requirement?

Answer: So long as the integrity of the waterproof seal is not compromised it would be acceptable. The statement of work is updated as follows:

SOW Section: 4.2.13 Ballistic panel coverings shall exhibit high standards of construction, particularly the sealed edges. There shall be nothing sewn or stitched to the ballistic panel cover in a way that would compromise the waterproof integrity of the panel cover around the ballistic panels.

SOW Section 4.2.14 Ballistic panels shall be suspended inside the concealable carrier from the top corner areas of the panels, so as to prevent sagging and curling of the bottom panel edge. The method of suspension is up to the vendor, provided that it does not affect the waterproof nature of the panel cover around the ballistic panels.