Amendment_0003_dtd_16MAY2014_-_M67854-14-R-1010_EFRCE_RFP.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this Amendment to the EFRCE Request for Proposal is to make changes to Section D, Section F, Section J, Section L, Section

M, and the EFRCE Purchase Description as w ell as provide the latest "Question and Answ er" exchange betw een industry and the

Government (Marine Corps Systems Command, PMM-113, PdM-ICE). Note that, as a result of this Amendment, the due date for proposals has been extended.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 28

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 16-May-2014

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X M67854-14-R-1010

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

08-Apr-2014

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer X is extended, is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

16-May-2014

CODE

MCSC PDM ICE

2200 LESTER STREET

QUANTICO VA 22134

M67854 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

M67854-14-R-1010

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

AMENDMENT 0003

Amendment 0003 to EFRCE Request for Proposal M67854-14-R-1010

PLEASE NOTE – CHANGES TO SECTIONS D, F, J, L, & M OF THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ARE

INCORPORATED IN THIS MODIFICATION AND CAN BE VIEWED AFTER THE QUESTION AND

ANSWER PORTION OF THIS AMENDMENT. FURTHER, CHANGES TO SECTIONS D, F, J, L, & M

ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW AND BOLDED FOR EASE OF REFERENCE. OFFERORS SHOULD

READ THESE CHANGES PRIOR TO READING THE QUESTION AND ANSWER EXCHANGES IN

ORDER TO ACQUIRE NECESSARY CONTEXT FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S ANSWERS.

FURTHER, AMENDMENT 0003 INCLUDES REVISIONS TO THE ENHANCED FLAME RESISTANT

COMBAT ENSEMBLE (EFRCE) PURCHASE DESCRIPTION. REFER TO THE NEWLY MODIFIED

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION DATED MAY 2014. CHANGES WITHIN THE REVISED PURCHASE

DESCRIPTION ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW FOR EASE OF REFERENCE (WITH THE

EXCEPTION OF THE DRAWINGS, FIGURES 1 THROUGH 7 – THESE DRAWINGS ARE NOT

COMPATIBLE WITH HIGHLIGHT FORMAT, SO THE CHANGES ARE NOT ANNOTATED AS SUCH;

REGARDLESS, SOME OF THESE FIGURES HAVE BEEN ALTERED, ADDED, OR CHANGED AS A

RESULT OF THE NEWLY MODIFIED PURCHASE DESCRIPTION.)

IN ADDITION, PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT THE NEWLY MODIFIED PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

DATED 14 MAY 2014 INCORPORATES REVISIONS FORMALLY STATED IN “QUESTION #3 /

ANSWER #3” AND “QUESTION #4 / ANSWER #4” TO PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AMENDMENT 0001

IN SUPPORT OF THIS EFRCE SOLICITATION. THESE CHANGES ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN

YELLOW FOR EASE OF REFERENCE.

FURTHER, WITH REGARDS TO THE MODIFIED PURCHASE DESCRIPTION, SOME CHANGES

ARE SIMPLY ADMINISTRATIVE IN NATURE, NOT IMPACTING PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

REQUIREMENTS OR ALTERING THE MEANING OF THE PURCHASE DESCRIPTION. THESE

ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN GREEN IN THE PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

AND INCLUDE TABLE XI AND TABLE XII.

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE THE EXTENSION OF THE DUE DATE (06 JUNE 2014) FOR PROPOSAL

SUBMISSIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE ENHANCED FLAME RESISTANT COMBAT ENSEMBLE

PROCUREMENT (refer to change in Section L, paragraph L.2.1).

Question #1:

a. “Will Delivery Order 0002 for 70,000 sets commence after FAT approval?”

Answer #1(a): All production delivery orders (including delivery order 0002) will commence after FAT approval.

b. “Should solicitation read to be delivered within a 12 month period from FAT approval?”

Answer #1(b): Please see answer 1(a) of this Amendment.

Question #2:

a. “The estimated tariff quantities of 70,000 sets, is it delivered over 12 months?”

Answer #2(a): It is estimated that the first production delivery order (D.O. 0002) will be for 70,000 sets. These will be required to be delivered within 12 months of FAT approval.

b. “Also, please verify that the 187,500 sets (if ordered/required) would be delivered over the 4 year ordering period. We want to make sure of the quantities required per month/week.”

Answer #2(b): The Government has changed the delivery requirement from 187,500 EFRCE sets to 80,000 EFRCE sets over 12 months from date-of-order (refer to modifications to paragraph F.4, paragraph L.3.2.3.2, and paragraph M.2.1.4 within this Amendment.)

As of the publishing of this Amendment, Product Manager – Marine Corps Systems Command, Program

Manager Marine – 113, Product Manager - Infantry Combat Equipment has projected funding in place planned to support a probable order of 70,000 EFRCE sets (refer to Statement of Work paragraph 8.2).

Note, this is not a guarantee of order, as events may happen which impact the Government’s current

“funding readiness” posture with planned Delivery Order 0002. As such, please refer to the contract minimum in paragraph B.2 of the EFRCE Request For Proposal.

Further, for the remainder of the base year and out-years (year two; year three; and year four) of the

EFRCE contract, Product Manager - Infantry Combat Equipment cannot fully anticipate future funding posture for the EFRCE program nor usage data of the Fleet Marine Force. That being said, “best guess” estimates (subject to availability of funds) for future ordering are as follows:

EFRCE Contract

Year One

EFRCE Contract

Year Two

EFRCE Contract

Year Three

EFRCE Contract

Year Four

Woodland

MARPAT

EFRCE Sets (Set

= Blouse plus trouser)

70,000 Sets 15,584 Sets 15,583 Sets 15,583 Sets

Desert MARPAT

EFRCE Sets (Set

= Blouse plus trouser)

0 15,584 Sets 15,583 Sets 15,583 Sets

Navy NWU II

(Desert) Sets 4,500 Sets 4,500 Sets 4,500 Sets 4,500 Sets

Navy NWU III

(Woodland) Sets 1,500 Sets 1,500 Sets 1,500 Sets 1,500 Sets

Again, the above represents “best guess” estimates subject to availability of funds. Of note, the requirement for the capability to delivery 80,000 EFRCE sets in a given 12 month period still stands (for example, if another war breaks out and the Marine Corps needs to buy additional EFRCE uniforms, the 80,000 sets in twelve months would become critical).

Question #3:

“On Page 62 of 73 in the Solicitation, the manufacturing plan calls for the offeror to substantiate the claim of being able to manufacture and deliver 187,500 EFRCE sets or 375,000 individual EFRCE items. Please provide clarification if the U.S. Government requires three manufacturing plans for the proposal as such:

One for 187,500 ensembles

One for 375,000 Blouses

One for 375,000 Trousers”

Answer #3:

Please refer to changes in Section F, paragraph F.4; Section L, paragraph L.3.2.3.2; and Section M, paragraph

M.2.1.4 for context. These paragraphs have been changed and impact Answer 3 to Question 3.

Among other things, the aforementioned paragraphs indicate that the offeror must substantiate its ability to manufacture and deliver 80,000 EFRCE sets vice individual EFRCE articles. As such, only one manufacturing plan for 80,000 EFRCE sets delivered over a twelve month period is sufficient.

Question #4:

“Please see below our question regarding the above subject solicitation.”

# RFP

SECTION

PARAGRAPH

NUMBER

PAGE

NUMBER

REFERENCE QUESTION

1 L.3.3 1 63 Offerors shall gather these Past Performance Questionnaires (Attachment 05) from respective customers and submit these as part of their solicitation. Offerors shall submit at least two (2) completed Past Performance Questionnaires as part of their solicitation. These past performance questionnaires shall be submitted as Volume II – EFRCE Past Performance Proposal

Are only the Past Performance

Questionnaires to be submitted as

Volume II?

Answer #4:

Offerors may submit additional information, but only the past performance questionnaires are required. Please note, per paragraph L.3.3 of the EFRCE Request for Proposal, “the Government reserves the right to use and evaluate independently obtained past performance data (e.g. Past Performance Information Retrieval System data, Federal

Awardee Performance Information and Integrity System data, etc.) in order to determine a past performance rating.”

Question #5:

Section

Paragraph

Number

Page

Number

Reference Question

2 L.3.2.3 6 62 Proposal type shall be no smaller than a font size of eleven (11), Courier New, and may be single-spaced

Would the Government consider allowing other fonts in a size no smaller than 11 pt?

Answer #5:

Yes, please refer to the changes in Section L, paragraph L.3.2.3 at the end of this Question and Answer portion of

Amendment 0003.

Question #6:

Section

Paragraph

Number

Page

Number

Reference Question

3 L.3.2.2 3 61 Each PDM shall be assembled in accordance with the MIL-PRF- EFRCE (Attachment 01).

Furthermore, each PDM will meet all requirements of MIL-

PRF-EFRCE Purchase

Description, including end item visual and finished dimensions.

The lone exceptions for PDM submissions are permethrin content, bite protection, and certain label requirements.

PDM submissions, due to the small sample size, are not expected to be Permethrin sprayed for purposes of this solicitation. In addition, each PDM

Would the Government accept the use of substitute materials for the PDMs?

will be packaged in accordance with

Section D of this document. Label requirements which may be ommitted on

PDMs are as follows:

the “insect protection” label requirements

(refer to MIL-PRF-

EFRCE paragraph

3.4.3.1.3, paragraph

3.4.3.1.4, paragraph

3.4.3.2.3, paragraph

3.4.3.2.4, paragraph

3.4.3.5.2, and paragraph 6.9); the

“Bar Code Label” requirement referenced in MIL-

PRF- EFRCE

paragraph 3.4.3.5.1;

the “Garment Lot

Designation” label requirement for PDMs as stated in MIL-PRF-

EFRCE paragraph

3.4.3.4. All other label

requirements shall be required for all PDMs.

Answer #6:

The Government will accept “equal” woven and / or knit materials (see Purchase Description - paragraph 3.3.1.1 and 3.3.1.2) for Product Demonstration Model (PDM) submissions providing the data requirements referenced in paragraphs L.3.2.3 and M.2.1.3 are met (note – these aforementioned paragraphs tie into the Purchase Description).

Please note the added data submission requirements in support of PDMs submitted made of “equal” woven and / or knit materials. For related information, offerors may refer back to “Question #1 / Answer #1” within previously published Amendment 0001 in support of this EFRCE solicitation.

Question #7:

“Milliken has been unable to provide PDM fabric to date. Is there going to be a delay in the closing date of this

Solicitation?”

Answer #7:

The EFRCE proposal due date has been extended to 06 June 2014. Please refer to change in Section L (paragraph

L.2.1), located after the Question and Answer portion of this Amendment.

Question #8:

“The Thread referenced in 3.4.2.1 for the bobbin/looper (Aramid, Tex Size 40) is it also used on the needle?”

Answer #8:

See revised Purchase Description paragraph 3.4.2.1. The thread is also used on the needle.

Question #9:

“Thread color on Knit fabric. We would like clarification of the thread color to be used on the basic knit material.

Should the same color thread be used throughout the garment? For example, utilizing the same color scheme throughout a given Cloth/Thread Type could yield contrasting results on the bottom hem since the knit is one color for all styles of the combat shirt while the thread colors change.”

Answer #9:

The thread colors are correct as specified in Purchase Description paragraph 3.4.2.1.1, regardless of camouflage type.

Question #10:

“Table VII. List of blouse pattern parts. Neither the pattern parts table nor the pattern file contain information regarding the foam. Can the USMC provide additional detail regarding the cut pattern piece, placement, and/or additional detail regarding construction regarding this?”

Answer #10:

See corrected Table VIII of the Purchase Description. The zipper flap reinforcement piece was incorrectly listed as a

“woven cloth” pattern piece. The foam shall be cut using the zipper reinforcement piece and sewn inside the zipper flap, sandwiched between the two fabric layers.

Furthermore, for the purpose of clarity, please note that the aforementioned change made to Table VIII in the

Purchase Description did not necessitate a corresponding change to the presently published garment construction patterns. As such, there has been no revision to the garment construction patterns for the EFRCE as a result of this question and answer. Garment construction patterns initially published in support of EFRCE solicitation M67854-

14-R-1010 remain the same.

Question #11:

“In reviewing the solicitation, we did not see where the quantity per box was stipulated. Could you provide that information? Also relative to packaging, will the EFRCE be bagged and shipped as a set, or will they be bagged and shipped separately (shirts in one box, trousers in another).”

Answer #11:

EFRCE end items (individual articles) will be packed and palletized separately, 25 trousers per box and 30 blouses per box. Further, individual EFRCE articles shall not be individually bagged.

Please refer to revision in Section D, incorporated within this Amendment (after the Question and Answer portion of this Amendment 0003).

Question #12:

“Regarding the labels for the top, does the Marine Corps want blouse or shirt as the descriptor?”

Answer #12:

See Paragraph 6.7 within the newly modified Purchase Description as a result of this Amendment 0003.

Question #13:

“We started to produce the samples and it seems that the pattern piece "waistband lining" is missing from the file ( I do not see it in the zip file nor in table IX Trouser pattern parts) This is the part used to cover the 1" elastic on the waist. Please note 3.5.3 says that you can use printed seconds for the waistband lining so the part is mentioned in the PD. Please advise.”

Answer #13:

Correct, there is no pattern part, the waistband lining can be cut from seconds or off a roll.

Question #14:

“We came across another issue which is the addition of the Pattern piece on the Trouser "Gusset." It does not seem that the other parts were adjusted to be able to accept the Gusset. Please advise.”

Answer #14:

For the purpose of clarity, please note that there has been no revision to the garment construction patterns for the

EFRCE as a result of this question. At present, garment construction patterns initially published in support of

EFRCE solicitation M67854-14-R-1010 remain the same. The following answer is offered in an attempt to assist in better understanding what has been published.

Please note the garment construction pattern piece labeled “BACK (ABBREVIATION)” / “Back

(NOMENCLATURE)” as referenced in Table IX, "List of Trouser Patter Parts - First Quality," in the Purchase

Description. Looking at the aforementioned piece within the garment construction pattern parts, one should notice a slight adjustment to the back panel. Beyond this aforementioned “slight adjustment,” no other adjustments have been made to accommodate the gusset. The gusset is an addition, not a replacement for removed fabric.

Question #15:

“As an SBA HUBZone Certified company with numerous direct OEM relationships, we've been watching and developing a response to this solicitation since its posting. Can you verify one key element for us please? The

NAICS code associated herein is stated as "manufacturing/315210 - Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors". What, if any, direct textile production involvement (beyond tagging, logistical coordination, invoicing, etc....) does this

NAICS code require from the successful awardee (your interpretation)? As a contractor who procures through almost every major textile manufacturer, we're extremely interested in formulating a competitive response and want to ensure we meet all of the required elements prior to doing so.”

Answer #15:

The EFRCE procurement is a HUBZone set aside under NAICS code 315210. Please refer to clause 52.219-3 in

Section I of this Request For Proposal.

Question #16:

“Crye Precision, LLC has represented that Intellectual Property under U.S. Pat. No. 7,636,948 is applicable on the

United States Marine Corps Solicitation M67854-14-R-1010 for the EFRCE Blouse. Please provide clarification if the U.S. Government acknowledges this claim represented by Crye Precision, LLC.”

Answer # 16:

The Marine Corps received a written question (shown below) from a particular vendor. Regarding this question, the

Marine Corps is first providing some background information to help explain the context of the question, which will be followed by the question and the Marine Corps' response:

BACKGROUND: In general, the U.S. Marine Corps is aware that a potential offeror has received correspondence from a representative of Crye Precision LLC and LineWeight LLC to inform that potential offeror that LineWeight

LLC is the owner, and Crye Precision LLC is the exclusive licensor, of U.S. Patent No. 7,639,948 (Patent). This correspondence further asserted that Crye Precision LLC is of the belief that the blouse component described in

United States Marine Corps Solicitation M67854-14-R-1010 would require the use of Crye's protected technology, and that the design and technical characteristics for the blouse, which are further described in the purchase description (See Solicitation at Section 3.4.1.1 ), are directly covered by one or more claims in Crye's Patent.

The Marine Corps received the following written question from a particular vendor, which is followed by the

Marine Corps' response:

QUESTION: "Crye Precision, LLC has represented that Intellectual Property under U.S. Pat. No. 7,636,948 is applicable on the United States Marine Corps Solicitation M67854-14-R-1010 for the EFRCE Blouse. Please provide clarification if the U.S. Government acknowledges this claim represented by Crye Precision, LLC.”

RESPONSE: At this time, the U.S. Marine Corps is not making any statement concerning the applicability of U.S.

Patent No. 7,636,948 on United States Marine Corps Solicitation M67854-14-R-1010 for the EFRCE Blouse.

Moreover, at this time, the U.S. Marine Corps cannot make any representations regarding the final validity determination for U.S. Patent No. 7,636,948.

Please note: The solicitation for the EFRCE Blouse includes FAR clauses, 52.227-1, 52.227-2, and 52.227-3.

Question #17:

“We have the following questions about the EFRCE Blouse & Trouser:

a. The Blouse is made using the Knit Fabric. We have a concern about the Hem Bottom of Blouse. The operation description is in the Specification Page # 25. With the Knit Fabric, it is too hard to make the

Hem Bottom using the SEAM TYPE EFB-1. We are recommending the Coverstitch as a method to make the Hem Bottom. What is the Hem Bottom seam type?”

Answer #17(a): Please see corrected paragraph 3.6.1 of the modified Purchase Description – bottom hem shall be finished using seam type EFa-2.

b. “The quantity of Stitches per Inch is not determined in the Specification. This needs to be specified in all operations.”

Answer #17(b): Please see paragraph 3.6.1 of the modified Purchase Description – all SPI requirements have been included.

c. “Page 19 of end item specification Mil-PRF-EFRCE, starting in paragraph 3.4.3.2. indicates that trousers shall have 3 labels : FROG label, Combination label, and the insect protection /brand label and it says that all 3 labels are going on the left back pocket. There is not enough space on the left back pocket to put all 3 labels. We need clarification.”

Answer #17(c): Please see paragraph 3.4.3.2 and following subparagraphs (particularly subparagraph 3.4.3.2.3 and subparagraph 3.4.3.2.4) as well as Figure 6 in the modified Purchase Description for corrected label placement.

d. “Page 17 of end item specification Mil-PRF-EFRCE , paragraph 3.4.2.4. does not indicate that Loop tape shall be FR. Is this correct ? Please clarify.”

Answer #17(d): FR loop tape is not required.

e. “Lastly we like to request the closing date be extended once these questions are addressed.”

Answer #17(e): The EFRCE proposal due date has been extended to 6 June 2014. Please refer to change in

Section L, paragraph L.2.1, incorporated within this Amendment 0003.

Question #18:

a. “The current EFRCE specification documents don’t call for a Tack in the trousers where the past FROG specifications did (please refer to the two attached JPG files). Was this an omission and is the Tack required in the

EFRCE trouser?”

Answer #18(a): (Note – for context to the above question, please refer to “vendor provided pictures” in the form of two JPG files, both of which are attached to this Amendment 0003) As specified in Table XI of the Purchase

Description, there is a bartack stitched at the bottom of the fly superimposed on the J stitching. It does not appear that you used the tack in your photograph entitled “Without Tack.”

b. “Per the EFRCE Shirt specification, the foam is stitched to the zipper flap.

- How is the zipper flap reinforcement attached? Does it go around the foam and then encased in the zipper flap?

The placket pattern is similar to the pattern piece used in previous versions of the FRCE Shirt.

- Is the placket used and if so how does it fit into the shirt with the zipper flap? We are having difficulty trying to attach the placket and zipper flap.

We can assemble the zipper assembly without the placket and with the zipper flap. However the placket is listed as a pattern part.

Is there a technical drawing or sample garment available that better illustrates the zipper assembly?”

Answer #18(b): See corrected Table VIII within the modified Purchase Description. The zipper flap reinforcement piece was incorrectly listed as a “woven cloth” pattern piece. The foam shall be cut using the zipper reinforcement piece and sewn inside the zipper flap, sandwiched between the two fabric layers.

Furthermore, for the purpose of clarity, please note that the aforementioned change made to Table VIII in the

Purchase Description did not necessitate a corresponding change to the presently published garment construction patterns. As such, there has been no revision to the garment construction patterns for the EFRCE as a result of this question and answer. Garment construction patterns initially published in support of EFRCE solicitation M67854-

14-R-1010 remain the same.

c) “In section 3.4.2.4 of the Purchase Description Document, you refer to and define loop tape without specifying where the tape is to be used. Could you provide further clarity on where this loop tape 1 +1/16 is used?”

Answer #18(c): Please see Figure 1 for loop tape placement within the modified Purchase Description. Also, please refer to paragraph 3.4.2.4 within the modified Purchase Description. Please note, per aforementioned paragraph 3.4.2.4, the loop tape shall finish 2”x 2”.

d) “In section 3.4.3.4 of the Purchase Description Document, you refer to Garment Lot Designation. If placed according to spec, it will be on the outside of the garment. Could you provide further clarity on where to put the lot number?”

Answer #18(d): Please refer to revised paragraph 3.4.3.4 within the modified Purchase Description.

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

The following have been modified:

PACKAGING & MARKING

PACKAGING

Packaging of items procured must be in accordance with the contractor’s best commercial practices in compliance with MIL-STD-129P. Shipments must be packaged, packed, palletized and marked in compliance with ASTM-

D3951. Shipments that are not in compliance with MIL-STD-129P will be returned to the contractor. The contractor shall implement an expedited replacement order to fulfill the requirement. Additonal transportation costs will be borne by the contractor. Refer to MIL-PRF-EFRCE Purchase Description (Attachment 01) for additional details

(e.g. MIL-PRF-EFRCE paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2).

In addition, EFRCE “end items” (individual articles) will be packed and palletized separately, 25 trousers per box and 30 blouses per box. Further, individual EFRCE articles shall not be individually bagged.

MARKING INSTRUCTIONS

All shipping containers shall be marked with durable, legible print that includes quantities, lot numbers, weight, cube dimensions, the contract number, delivery order number, and the Contractor’s name and address and stamped,”Permethrin Treated”. All marking and packaging will be in accordance with current versions of MIL STD

129 and MIL STD 130. In addition, every box containing permethrin treated uniforms must be labeled according to

EPA requirements as stated in Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodentcide Act (FIFRA). Refer to MIL-PRF-

EFRCE Purchase Description (Attachment 01) for additional details (e.g. MIL-PRF-EFRCE paragraphs 5.1 and

5.2).

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

DELIVERY INFORMATION

CLIN DELIVERY DATE QUANTITY SHIP TO ADDRESS UIC

0001 N/A N/A M21571

SUPERVISOR

BARSTOW STAP OPERATIONS

WHSE 3 A STREET NEBO ANNEX

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE

BARSTOW, CA 92311

M21571

0002 N/A N/A M21571

BARSTOW STAP OPERATIONS

WHSE 3 A STREET NEBO ANNEX

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE

0003 N/A N/A M21571

BARSTOW STAP OPERATIONS

WHSE 3 A STREET NEBO ANNEX

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE

0004 N/A N/A M21571

BARSTOW STAP OPERATIONS

WHSE 3 A STREET NEBO ANNEX

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE

0005 N/A N/A M21571

BARSTOW STAP OPERATIONS

WHSE 3 A STREET NEBO ANNEX

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE

0006 N/A N/A TMO M/F N8146A CHEATHAM ANNEX

CIF

N8146A

ATTN: DAVID GEHL (757-462-3568)

YORKTOWN CHEATHAM ANNEX

D STREET, BLDG 4

WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185

(757) 887-7552

0007 N/A N/A TMO M/F N8146A CHEATHAM ANNEX

ATTN: DAVID GEHL (757-462-3568)

YORKTOWN CHEATHAM ANNEX

D STREET, BLDG 4

N8146A

0008 N/A N/A TMO M/F N8146A CHEATHAM ANNEX

ATTN: DAVID GEHL (757-462-3568)

YORKTOWN CHEATHAM ANNEX

D STREET, BLDG 4

0009 N/A N/A TMO M/F N8146A CHEATHAM ANNEX

ATTN: DAVID GEHL (757-462-3568)

YORKTOWN CHEATHAM ANNEX

D STREET, BLDG 4

0010 N/A N/A N/A N/A

F.1 Per Section E – Inspection and Acceptance, the contractor is advised that upon Government inspection and acceptance at “Origin” of an EFRCE lot, the vendor is responsible to ship this respective lot to the shipping addresses in Section F at no additional cost to the Government. Please refer to clauses 52.247-34 “F.O.B.

Destination” and 52.247-48 “F.O.B. Destination – Evidence of Shipment” for additional information.

F.2 CLIN 0001, First Article Test units shall be delivered to the specified location AFTER approval of FAT articles by the Government. Intention of Government is for Marine Corps Systems Command personnel and DCMA personnel to jointly inspect FAT articles at the contractor’s production facility upon completion and submission of

FAT articles in accordance with Statement of Work, paragraph 5.0. Of note, per Statement of Work, paragraph 5.0, FAT articles are to be delivered by the Contractor for inspection by Government personnel, no later than 60 days after contract award.

F.3 For CLIN 0010, Contract Data Requirements List information deliverables (Section J), please refer to

Attachment 02 of this contract for delivery location email address inboxes.

F.4 For CLINs 0002 through 0009 for production lot deliveries, the contractor shall be required to deliver up to 80,000 EFRCE sets (set = blouse plus trouser) or 160,000 individual EFRCE articles (or any variation thereof) within a 12 month period from award date of a respective delivery order associated with this base contract. For Delivery Order 0002 (anticipated for 70,000 EFRCE sets - refer to Statement of Work paragraph 8.2), the time clock in terms of the 12 month delivery requirement will commence beginning on the date of formal written FAT approval by the Government Contracting Officer. The contractor shall propose a monthly delivery schedule for each respective delivery order executed in support of this contract.

In addition to complying with the annual delivery rate specified, this monthly delivery schedule must be proposed and accepted by the Government prior to executing delivery orders in support of this contract.

SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - ATTACHMENTS LIST

Attachment # Nomenclature Date

Attachment 01 MIL-PRF-EFRCE Purchase

Description

Dated May 2014

Attachment 02 Contract Data Requirements List Dated April 2014

Attachment 03 ANSI/ASQ Z1.4, American

National Standard, “Sampling

Procedures and Tables For

Inspection by Attributes”

Attachment 04 Material Matrix Dated April 2014

Attachment 05 Past Performance Questionnaire Dated April 2014

Attachment 06 Size Tariff for Delivery Order

0001 (notional – estimate only to support planning efforts)

Dated April 2014

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.1 EVALUATION PROCESS OVERVIEW

The diagram below provides a visual representation of the acquisition approach to this procurement:

Company A

Company B

Company C

Company D

Company E

1. Proposals Submitted by Industry One (1) proposal for the USMC EFRCE consisting of:

• Volume I - Technical Proposal , Volume II – Past Performance Proposal, and Volume III– Business Proposal

• Production Demonstration Models (PDMs) – 6 Complete USMC Woodland EFRCE sets OR 6 Complete USMC

Desert EFRCE sets (set = blouse and trouser)

2. Evaluation of Proposals

• Evaluation of Technical Proposal

• Factor 1: Technical Acceptability

•Subfactor 1: End Item Visual Evaluation

•Subfactor 2: End Item Dimensional & Fit Evaluation

•Subfactor 3: Compliance with Performance Requirements •Subfactor 4: Manufacturing Capability

• Evaluation of Past Performance Proposal

• Factor 2: Past Performance

• Evaluation of Business Proposal

• Factor 3: Price

3. Discussions, if Needed, and Establishment of the Competitive Range

4. Technical Acceptability

Determination and Award of

(1) Contract

The Government anticipates awarding one (1), forty-eight (48) month (4-one year ordering periods), Firm Fixed

Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract using Lowest Price Technically Acceptable

(LPTA) source selection procedures. Each Offeror shall submit its proposal for the EFRCE in accordance with the instructions presented herein. Evaluation of proposals will consist of product demonstration model (PDM) evaluations, a review of Offerors’ written technical information, past performance and price. Based on initial results, the Government may elect to make award on initial offers. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms, as revisions may not be permitted. In the event that discussions are deemed necessary a competitive range will be established.

L.2 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

L.2.1 Address and Due Date

Sealed proposals, including Volumes I, II, III and PDMs shall be received at the following location no later than 2:00

PM LOCAL TIME 06 JUNE 2014.

Commander

Contracts Directorate, CT 2.1, PdM-ICE, PMM-113

Marine Corps Systems Command

2201A Willis Street

Quantico, VA 22134-6050

Attn: Erik Halverson, RFP: M67854-14-R-1010

L.2.2 Package Labeling

All packages/boxes submitted in response to this solicitation shall reflect the following on the address label:

Solicitation Number: M67854-14-R-1010 EFRCE

The legend "TO BE DELIVERED UNOPENED TO ERIK HALVERSON”

The volume and copy number of written material contained in each package/box.

Quantity of Product Demonstration Models (PDMs)

L.3 PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

L.3.1 General Proposal Format - Offeror shall submit technical, past performance and business proposals as separate volumes in loose-leaf three ring binders. Offeror shall submit one (1) original technical proposal, one (1) original past performance proposal and one (1) original business proposal. Each copy shall have a cover sheet marked with the copy number (e.g. Copy 1 of 2), title, RFP identification, and classification (i.e. EFRCE) and

Offeror's name. Be sure to apply all appropriate markings including those prescribed in accordance with FAR

52.215-1(e), Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data, and 3.104-4, Disclosure, Protection, and Marking of

Contractor Bid or Proposal Information and Source Selection Information. Documents shall be stamped “For

Official Use Only and Source Selection Sensitive - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104.”

Original and numbers of copies required are provided below:

VOLUME CONTENT COPIES

Volume I EFRCE Technical Proposal

(1) Original

(2) Duplicative Copies

(1) Electronic Copy

Volume II EFRCE Past Performance

Proposal

(1) Original

(1) Duplicative Copies

(1) Electronic Copy

Volume III EFRCE Business Proposal

(1) Original

(1) Duplicative Copy

(1) Electronic Copy

L.3.2 Volume I – Technical Proposal(s)

L.3.2.1 Technical Proposal Submission

Each Offeror may submit only one (1) full and complete proposal for the EFRCE. Each technical proposal must include the required number of Product Demonstration Models (PDMs) and all required written technical documentation.

L.3.2.2 Product Demonstration Models (PDMs) – (Correlates to Section M, Factor 1, Subfactors 1, 2, and 3)

Each Offeror shall submit the following items as part of its technical proposal to demonstrate form, function, aesthetic/uniform requirements and technical effectiveness:

EFRCE Proposal: Six (6) USMC Woodland or six (6) Desert EFRCE PDM sets (set = blouse and trouser). Refer to MIL-PRF-EFRCE Purchase Description (Attachment 01) for fabric, construction, and other requirements. All PDMs submitted shall be size Medium Regular (MR).

Each PDM shall be assembled in accordance with the MIL-PRF-EFRCE (Attachment 01). Furthermore, each PDM will meet all requirements of MIL-PRF-EFRCE Purchase Description, including end item visual and finished dimensions. The lone exceptions for PDM submissions are permethrin content, bite protection, and certain label requirements. PDM submissions, due to the small sample size, are not expected to be Permethrin sprayed for purposes of this solicitation. In addition, each PDM will be packaged in accordance with Section D of this document. Label requirements which may be ommitted on PDMs are as follows: the “insect protection” label requirements (refer to MIL-PRF-EFRCE paragraph 3.4.3.1.3, paragraph 3.4.3.1.4, paragraph 3.4.3.2.3, paragraph

3.4.3.2.4, paragraph 3.4.3.5.2, and paragraph 6.9); the “Bar Code Label” requirement referenced in MIL-PRF-

EFRCE paragraph 3.4.3.5.1; the “Garment Lot Designation” label requirement for PDMs as stated in MIL-PRF-

EFRCE paragraph 3.4.3.4. All other label requirements shall be required for all PDMs.

NOTE – for PDM labeling requirements referenced in MIL-PRF-EFRCE paragraphs 6.7 and 6.8, the “CONTRACT

#:” shall be labeled “M67854-14-R-1010” and the “Apparel USA” nomenclature shall be replaced by the offeror’s respective company name.

L.3.2.3 Written Technical Proposal(s) - (Correlates to Section M, Factor 1, Subfactor 3)

Each written technical proposal shall consist of no more than (30) pages, with each page numbered sequentially from 1 to 30. The written technical proposal shall include supporting data and information verifying that the contractor meets the requirements in the MIL-PRF-EFRCE Purchase Description (Attachment 01).

Of note, as long as the offeror’s proposal and PDMs use the basic materials for woven and knit (reference MIL-

PRF-EFRCE paragraph 3.3.1.1 and 3.3.1.2 respectively) in the EFRCE Purchase Description (Attachment 01), their proposal will not be evaluated for the following: Antimicrobial Properties (refer to paragraph 3.3.1 – Table II, paragraph 3.3.15, paragraph 4.4.5 – Table XII, and paragraph 4.4.5.9); Instrumented Manikin Test (refer to paragraph 3.3.14, paragraph 4.4.5 – Table XII, and paragraph 4.4.5.8) Thermal Protective Performance (refer to paragraph 3.3.1.1 – Table I, paragraph 3.3.1.2 – Table II, paragraph 4.4.5 – Table XII), Thermal Shrinkage (refer to paragraph 3.3.1.1 – Table I and paragraph 4.4.5 – Table XII), permethrin content (refer to paragraph 3.3.9, paragraph 4.4.5 – Table XII, and paragraph 4.4.5.5) and bite protection (refer to paragraph 3.3.9, paragraph 4.4.5, and paragraph 4.4.5.6). Offerors who comply with the basic materials for sample PDM production MUST provide supporting data for all characteristics contained in MIL-PRF-EFRCE, Attachment 01 (minus the aforementioned exceptions). Supporting data MUST be provided which complies with test methodologies outlined in MIL-PRF-

EFRCE (Attachment 01), paragraph 3 entitled “Requirements,” and paragraph 4 entitled “Verification.” An offeror must provide the aformentioned information, minus the previous exceptions indicated.

If an offeror submits a proposal and PDMs made from alternative (“or equal”) knit and / or woven material not specified in MIL-PRF-EFRCE, the offeror MUST provide supporting data for ALL characteristics contained in

MIL-PRF-EFRCE (Attachment 01). The lone exception is data for permethrin content (refer to Purchase

Description paragraph 3.3.9, paragraph 4.4.5 – Table XII, and paragraph 4.4.5.5) and bite protection (refer to

Purchase Description paragraph 3.3.9, paragraph 4.4.5, and paragraph 4.4.5.6). Supporting data MUST be provided which complies with test methodologies outlined in MIL-PRF-EFRCE (Attachment 01), paragraph 3 entitled

“Requirements,” and paragraph 4 entitled “Verification.” An offeror MUST provide the aformentioned information for all requirements contained in MIL-PRF-EFRCE (Attachment 01), minus the exceptions of permethrin content and bite protection.

Finally, the Government reserves the right to test any and all PDMs during the source selection process in order to verify PDM performance claims.

One (1) electronic version of the proposal (CD - Microsoft Word or compatible) shall be provided in addition to the hard copies. Should conflicts arise between the material presented in the hard copy and the electronic copy, the hard copy marked “Original” will govern. Evaluators will read only up to the maximum number of pages specified-all information on pages past the maximum number will not be evaluated. Proposal type shall be no smaller than a font size of eleven (11), font-type similar to Courier New, and may be single-spaced. Page size shall not exceed

8½” x 11”. Drawings, pictures, fabric certifications, and other written documentation provided shall be counted in

8½” x 11” increments (e.g., an 11” x 17” document will count as two pages). Items like title pages and tables of contents will not count towards the overall page limit; however, such items shall be limited in use. Offeror will be required to ensure each page indicates proper identification in the header or footer. The Technical Proposal shall be VOID of any proposal price information.

L.3.2.3.1 Raw Material Written Information – (Correlates to Section M, Factor 1, Subfactor 3)

Offeror shall provide a concise list/table/matrix of all fabrics and trim materials used in the fabrication of the PDMs and reference to an appendix of the written technical proposal(s), test data and/or Certificates of Conformance if applicable. The list/table/matrix does not count against the technical proposal page limit and shall be submitted as an appendix. The list/table/matrix may be incorporated in the final contract and be used for quality assurance purposes. For a sample matrix of this table, please refer to Attachment 04. Of note, while the aforementioned matrix attachment (Attachment 04) is only a template, offerors may submit the table in their own format. However, offerors are required to address the minimum information listed in the table.

L.3.2.3.2 Manufacturing Capability – (Correlates to Section M, Factor 1, Subfactor 4)

Proposals shall include the following:

a. If available, offerors shall submit signed Manufacturing Agreements with first tier subcontractors (if applicable). If unavailable, at a minimum, offerors shall submit a list of first tier subcontractors with whom, upon contract award, they intend to partner with in order to accomplish EFRCE production. Offerors need to include the percentage of work that will be performed by each first tier subcontractor (note – signed

Agreements do not count towards the 30 page limit for technical proposals). If utilizing a Permethrin subcontractor, offerors SHALL provide the subcontractor EPA Permethrin Registration that is up-to-date and valid. If the offeror maintains the Permethrin capability as part of its function as the prime on this contract, the offeror MUST PROVIDE its own EPA Permthrin Registration that is both up-to-date and valid.

b. In order to ensure Quality Assurance in the performance of the EFRCE contract, offerors shall submit an up-to-date ISO 9001 certification certificate or equivalent certification certificate as part of their proposal.

In lieu of an ISO 9001 certification certificate or equivalent certification certificate, offerors may submit a

Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) that details the internal processes and procedures for establishing and controlling quality of raw materials, works in process, and end items including procedures for notification and quarantine of defective raw materials and finished items. The QAP is a single document that incorporates the details of relevant subcontractors’ QAPs. The QAP does not count against the technical proposal page limit and shall be submitted as an appendix. The QAP may be incorporated in the final contract and be used for quality assurance purposes.

c. Monthly maximum manufacturing capacity available to produce the EFRCE. Offerors shall provide a schedule that shows the ability to deliver 100 FAT EFRCE sets (set = blouse plus trouser) to the

Government no later than (60) days after contract award (estimated to be 30 September 2014) as well as a schedule that shows the capability to deliver 80,000 EFRCE sets (set = blouse plus trouser) within a 12 month period subsequent to FAT approval by the Contracting Officer (estimated FAT approval date is 1 March 2015).

Finally, please refer to paragraph 8.2 and Section F for details regarding delivery expectations for estimated initial delivery orders associated with this to-be-awarded EFRCE contract. Offerors may refer to the size tariff (Attachment 06) incorporated in this solictation for planning purposes. At this time, the size tariff is not to be construed as a formal guarantee of order, and is provided solely to manage expectations while assisting with coordination and planning.

L.3.3 Volume II – Past Performance Proposal

Offerors shall provide recent (defined as within 5 years prior to issuance of this solicitation), and relevant (defined as contract orders, commercial and otherwise, for “cut and sew” end items that are similar in order quantity, delivery timeframes, and complexity as the EFRCE garment proposed within this solicitation) past performance information.

Offerors shall send the Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 05) to customers who have purchased or are presently purchasing “cut and sew” end items affiliated with contracts that are both recent and relevant. Offerors shall gather these Past Performance Questionnaires (Attachment 05) from respective customers and submit these as part of their solicitation. Offerors shall submit at least two (2) completed Past Performance Questionnaires as part of their solicitation. These past performance questionnaires shall be submitted as Volume II – EFRCE Past

Performance Proposal (refer to L.3.1 – note, electronic copies may be submitted on CD as Adobe PDF files or compatible).

While the burden of providing thorough and complete past performance information remains with the offeror, the

Government reserves the right to contact individuals who fill out Past Performance Questionnaires in order to validate and/or clarify responses. Also, offerors shall ensure that anyone providing past performance information, whether an individual or an organization, consents to the release of said information to the Government for purposes of evaluation under this source selection. Furthermore, the Government reserves the right to use and evaluate independently obtained past performance data (e.g. Past Performance Information Retrieval System data, Federal

Awardee Performance Information and Integrity System data, etc) in order to determine a past performance rating.

L.3.4 Volume III – Business Proposal

The Business Proposal shall include a completed, signed copy of the entire solicitation, with all appropriate “fill-in” sections and statements completed. Failure to provide a complete business submission may result in disqualification of an Offeror’s proposal from competition. If any exceptions are taken to the terms and conditions of the solicitation, they shall be clearly set forth in a cover letter; and they shall be explained by the Offeror with the understanding the exceptions may render the Offeror’s proposal unacceptable to the Government. Should conflicts arise between the hard copy written material, marked “original,” presented in the Business Proposal and the electronic version (CD – Adobe PDF or compatible) submitted, the hard copy written material, marked “original,” in the Business Proposal shall govern. There is no restriction on page count for the Business Proposal. The

Business Proposal shall include the following:

L.3.4.1 The Offer - a completed, signed copy of the entire solicitation, with all appropriate “fill-in” sections completed as follows:

Section A: An official having the authority to bind the firm contractually must sign the SF33. If this individual is not an officer of the company, the proposal shall be accompanied by some form of written evidence of the individual’s authority to bind the company, under contract, to a particular course of action. This might include such evidence as a written delegation of said authority, signed by an officer of the company. As a reminder, in Section A, Block 15A, a prospective offeror must include its company name, respective CAGE code, and DUNS number to the Government, in order to facilitate referencing of Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) data within the

Systems for Award Management (SAM) database.

Section B: Follow the below instructions for particular CLIN pricing:

o Fill-in Section B CLIN prices/amounts in accordance with the paragraph B.3, Section B, Pricing Instructions.

o Offerors are further advised that the pricing for each CLIN is to remain valid for the duration of the contract ordering period which shall be from date of contract award through forty-eight

(48) months.

Section K:

(a) Complete all the required certifications, representations, and acknowledgments for the prime contractor and subcontractors as applicable. In Section K, offerors shall “fill out” provisions

252.209-7993 and 52.225-18, and return these as part of their offer to Request-For-Proposal

M67854-14-R-1010 (EFRCE). Note, for provision 52.225-18, “United States” (per FAR part

25.003) is defined as “the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and outlying areas.” “Outlying areas” includes Puerto Rico and is explicitly defined in FAR 2.101.

(b) In addition, provision 52.204-7 is included by “full-text” in Section I. This provision ties into

Section K provisions 52.204-8, 252.2004-7004 Alternate A, and 252.204-7007 Alternate A.

Furthermore, Section K provision 52.204-8 ties into provision 252.204-7007 Alternate A.

(c) Per paragraph K(b) and the provisions there in, offerors need to ensure all applicable and required information regarding various referenced representations and certifications contained within the aforementioned provisions is up-to-date in their ORCA profile at time of proposal submission.

The Government shall pull this data to validate compliance with respective “fill-in” provisions based on the CAGE code and DUNS number provided as part of Section A.

Amendments: Acknowledge amendments to this solicitation. Amendments must be acknowledged by signature of an official having the authority to bind your firm contractually by the completion of the

SF30 or appropriate annotation on the SF33.

Certification: Offerors shall also execute and include the following Certification in the Business

Volume:

“I hereby certify our offer dated (INSERT DATE) in response to solicitation M67854-14-R-1010…