Question_ _Answer__2.pdf

HSBP1016R0004 – Pre-solicitation Notice // DHS Level IIIA Body Armor Pre-solicitation Question and Answer #2

(1) Question: Currently NIJ requires only front panels to be tested for female or non-planar armor as long as the back panel is certified under NIJ 0101.06 and is the same threat level.

Is that the requirement of the DHS also for female models?

Answer: For “Female” designated armor models that utilize the same build specification for front and back panels, all additional ballistic testing (above and beyond NIJ Compliance Testing) shall be done using front (structured or non-planer) panels only. If the “Female” designated armor model utilizes different build specifications (i.e. different models) for the front and back panels, then the vendor needs to submit a complete set of ballistic data (including all NIJ certification data as well as additional ballistic data) for both front and back panels. Further, areal density and thickness testing for “Female” designated armor models shall be done on non-structured (planar) 15”x15” shoot packs that must be identical in construction and build specifications to the front panel of the armor package being submitted for consideration.

(2) Question: A question has been raised about fragment testing on female models. If the construction is (layers) the same as the submitted male front/back, is there a need to test fragments against a structured female front?

Answer: Fragmentation testing must be done for each NIJ Ballistic Model being submitted, even if construction is the same between models. For “Female” designated models, this is to be done using a non-structured (planar) 15”x15” shoot packs. In addition, if the back and front panels for “Female” designated armor are different construction and build specifications (i.e. different models), then test data must be submitted for both.

(3) Question: I had a vendor ask me if they test a male model (front and back) and they have a female model with the same back as the male. Will they need to supply two sets of data on the same back panels? One for the male (front and back) and one for the female (front and back)?

Answer: If the “Female” designated armor model utilizes different build specifications (i.e.

different models) for the front and back panels, then the vendor needs to submit a complete set of ballistic data (including all NIJ certification data as well as additional ballistic data) for both front and back panels unless the back panel is the same model as the “Male” designated model being submitted. If this is the case, the vendor should include a statement that the back panel model is the same as the “Male” designated armor contained within their proposal.

(4) Question: Also per section 4.1.11.3 its states “Test sample sizes for each test round shall be in accordance with section 4.1.1.1, Table 1 of the NIJ 0101.06 Standard (to exclude Ballistic Limit Testing for the .44 Mag). (4 samples for .357 Sig and 3 samples for .44 Mag, for a total of 7 armor samples). Template sizes shall include both C-1 and C-5.” Does this mean we are testing 7 samples or 7 complete vests (7 Front and 7 back for a total of 14 test)?

Answer: This test sample size is intended to duplicate the NIJ requirement (with the exception of the Ballistic Limit Testing for the .44 Mag).

(5) Question: All RCC V50 testing to be performed on clay?

Answer: Ballistic Limit testing for fragmentation is to be performed on clay, as per Section

7.9 of the NIJ 0101.06 Standard.

(6) Question: Can we or does the conditioning (Tumbling) have to be performed all at the same time?

Answer: Conditioning procedures for each test group shall follow the procedures specified in Section 5 of the NIJ 0101.06 Standard.

(7) Question: Is any of the new and used lot tested conditioned wet per NIJ “New” armor requirements?

Answer: There will be no conditioning required of armor tested under the quality assurance section of the SOW.

(8) Question: Under NIJ 0101.06, there is a typo in the standard. It states that for V50 we must get 3 perforations, 6 partials and 3 either at or below are range of results of 90 fps. The 90 fps is not followed by NIJ. Do you want us to follow that rule as stated in the your standard or can we deviate from that?

Answer: Yes, 90 fps shall be used.

(9) Question: Section 4.1.10 does not specify if the RCC testing is on clay or “in air” with a witness plate, please specify.

Answer: V50 Ballistic Testing should be done against clay, in accordance with the Ballistic Limit test protocol found in the NIJ Body Armor Standard 0101.06, Section 7.9.

(10) Question: Section 4.1.10.6 states “three perforations, six stops, and 3 either; within a velocity range of 90 ft/s,” does this mean 3 pairs of stops and perforations within 90 ft/s?

Answer: No, this means individual stops and perforations, and is the minimum penetration results. There can be more stops and perforations provided they are within a 90 ft/s range.

(11) Question: Table 4.1.9 states “9mm 124 grain GDHP 1153 fps +/- 30fps Speer

53617,” but Addendum 1 states “9mm 124 FM.” Which is the correct threat?

Answer: Speer 53617 9mm 124 grain GDHP is the correct reference. SOW Addendum 1 has been updated and will be attached to the RFP when released on or after April 8, 2016.

(12) Question: Are the cost of goods for manufacturing a part of the formula to figure out the

51% on small business for the new contract?

Answer: The RFP will include FAR 52.219-14 - Limitations on Subcontracting (Nov 2011). Please see (c)(2) below:

“Supplies (other than procurement from a nonmanufacturer of such supplies). The concern shall perform work for at least 50 percent of the cost of manufacturing the supplies, not including the cost of materials.”