180306_M67854-18-R-1309_QA_II.pdf

Q&A II M67854-18-R-1309 Amendment 0003 PC Gen III (Carrier)

1. We are unable to view the pattern files. When we extract the files from the zip, they are all .tpm files instead of readable files.

Offerors shall use Accumark to read pattern files.

2. Note: The PD makes note of an FR requirement under 3.2.6 of the PD. However, our vendor, does not have an FR version of this fabric available. We were told by the vendor that they would be reaching out to the PC III team for further discussion. Please advise as to how industry should proceed with the PDMs.

The Government updated the Detail Specification (Attachment 2a). The update removed the

FR requirement for the outer laminate material in paragraph 3.2.6 of the Detail Specification.

Any laminate material that meets the requirements specified in 3.2.6 is allowed for use in the

Source Selection Samples.

3. 3.2.11 Low Profile Hook and Loop. Our vendor will only have Tann 499 available for PDMs and they will not go into production unless a relatively large minimum order is met. Will the Marine

Corps allow the use of Tan 499?

Per paragraph 3.5.3 of the Detail Specification, Tan 499 is acceptable.

4. 3.2.12 Fasteners, Laminated Circular Engagement (A.K.A. One Wrap). Our vendor will only have

Tan 499 available for PDMs and they will not go into production unless a relatively large minimum order is met. Will the Marine Corps allow the use of Tan 499?

Please see response to question #4.

5. 3.2.2 Cloth Plate Pocket. The PD states the fabric utilized is MIL-DTL-32439 Type IV Class2

(330D). However, the diagram shows that 500D should be used on the inner shell and the

Laminate should be used on the outer shell. Can the Marine Corps clarify which is correct—the diagram or the PD?

The Patterns and Specification are correct and shall be the default documents for building the system. The drawings (Attachment 3) are reference only. As stated in Attachment 3, the drawings are provided for reference only and do not form a part of the official PC Gen III Technical Data Package. The PC Gen III Detail Specification (Attachment 2a) and Patterns (Attachment 2b) comprise the PC Gen III Technical Data Package and will be used to evaluate submissions. Any discrepancy between the drawings and PC Gen III Technical Data Package (Detail Specification and Patterns), the PC Gen III Technical Data Package takes precedent.

6. Has the US government licensed or purchased First Spear’s patent # 9,565,922 B2 for laser cutting slits in laminate material that is required to build the plate carrier to submit for this solicitation?

No. The government has not licensed or purchased any patents in connection with this specification.

7. If the government has not licensed or purchased the First Spear patent # 9,565,922 B2, how can the plate carrier be a government owned design if it uses another companies patented intellectual property?

The Government has unlimited rights only to aspects of the PC Gen III plate carrier that it designed exclusively at its own expense.

8. Is it up to each individual company submitting for this solicitation to contact First Spear and purchase and/or license their patent # 9,565,922 B2 for laser cutting slits in laminate material to be able to submit for this solicitation?

Each Offeror is responsible for complying with applicable patent laws and regulations for any patent referenced in this solicitation.

9. If the US government has not licensed or purchased the First Spear patent # 9,565,922 B2, how will they protect other companies submitting for this solicitation from getting sued by First

Spear for violating their patent?

Please see response to question #9.

10. Has First Spear provided a written waiver that they will not take legal action against companies submitting on this solicitation and the companies that would be selected for award for patent #

9,565,922 B2 and related patents pending (US15431377, US20170150805A1)?

No. Please see response to question #9.

11. Due to the Source Selection samples utilizing all sizes (XS-XL), we will need to adjust all of the patterns outside of the base size MEDIUM, and make additional test samples to ensure our samples meet the dimensions. As the patterns currently are, they are unable to be sewn properly for the sizes outside of the size MEDIUM for proper evaluation. Would you either be able to grant an extension (we recommend 4 additional weeks), or would the Government be amenable to allowing us to submit all Source Selection samples in size MEDIUM only since the size MEDIUM is the only size not affected. Please note we also request an extension of 4 weeks due to needing to adjust the pattern pieces of hook and loop for laser cutting after the patterns are verified in the different sizes; and also The supply chain lead times are challenged on a few key components/fabrics to meet this deadline.

The Government updated Attachment 2b (PC Gen III Patterns) to correct the corrupted grading. Amendment 0002 to the solicitation extends the closing date to 30 March 2018.

Source Selection Samples shall be submitted in accordance with the sizing stated in Section

L.3.2.1.1.

12. The MOLLE orientation is not correct on the Side Plate Pocket, and is sitting sideways. This would prohibit the Side Plate Pouch to be able to be attached to the cummerbund and be functional. Also, the Label placement for the Side Plate Pouch is also sideways. Would the

Government be able to adjust the pattern or will that be the responsibility of the contractor to adjust?

The MOLLE orientation is correct. The zipper for the side plate pocket runs perpendicular to the cummerbund. The Government updated Attachment 2b (PC Gen III Patterns) to add annotations to clarify the orientation.

13. After we are able to view the samples, will the questions be reopened for a short timeframe in case there is a need for additional questions? The drawings, PDs, and additional documents are very detailed, but they still leave openings for interpretation. Currently questions end on 2/16 before the viewing.

Offerors may submit questions at any time. The Government will publicly post answers to all questions it received prior to 16 February 2018. The Government will answer and post questions it receives after 16 February 2018 to the maximum extent practicable.

14. The webbings note “Producer colored”. Can you please clarify what that means? Example, MIL-

PRF-5038 appears it should be solution dyed, but solution dyed yarns only come in 500 denier, not 210 denier warp, which is called out in the spec.

Producer colored refers to the color of the yarns. Webbings should match the color of the final product as specified in paragraph 3.5.3 of the Detail Specification.

15. Specification DTL-17001A0029 Section 3.2.6 Outer Laminate Material is listed as Brookwood

Spectra or equivalent. The correct name is Brookwood Squadron.

The Government updated paragraph 3.2.6 of the Detail Specification (Attachment 2a) to read

“Brookwood Squadron or any equivalent material that meets the specified requirements”.

16. Specification DTL-17001A0029 Section 3.2.6 Outer Laminate Material requires a 200 pound force Tearing Strength minimum. Brookwood Squadron does not meet a tear strength of 200 pound force. We suggest using ASTM 2261 with values of 40 lb min in the warp and 35 lb min in the fill.

The Government updated paragraph 3.2.6 of the Detail Specification (Attachment 2a) to change the tear strength requirement for outer laminate material. The update also changes the tear strength test standard.

17. The inner cummerbund appears to have a pocket for a ballistic insert. However, there does not appear to be a pattern for an inner cummerbund ballistic insert. Does the Inner Cummerbund

Assembly include a ballistic insert?

Inner Cummerbund Assembly does not include a ballistic insert and therefore, does not have a ballistic pocket.

18. The sizing for the side plate pockets in the Detail Specification is 6” x 6” & 6” x 8”. The sizing in the patterns provided for the side plate pocket is XS, SM, MD, LG, & XL. Which sizing is correct?

The sizing for the side plate pockets are 6”x6” and 6”x8” as specified in the Detail

Specification. The Government updated Attachment 2b (PC Gen III Patterns) to correct the corrupted grading.

19. In regards to the pattern grading, please see the attached document with details on the grading issues. The following component patterns do not grade at all: Inner Cummerbund, Outer

Cummerbund, and Side Plate Pocket Carrier.

Inner Cummerbund and the Outer Cummerbund do grade. The sizing for the side plate pockets are 6”x6” and 6”x8” as specified in the Detail Specification (Attachment 2a).

grading.

20. Past Performance Assessment Questionnaires (L.3.2.2 Volume II – Past Performance Section 4)

The deadline for PPQs is a little unclear. The Solicitation states the “POC shall electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and email the entire questionnaire to the Contract

Specialist within thirty (30) calendar days of the solicitation’s release. The POC shall send completed questionnaires via e-mail to kathryn.hurd@usmc.mil. within 20 calendar days after the solicitation’s release.” These 2 deadlines seem to be in conflict with each other. Instead of the deadlines referenced above, would the government be willing to extend the deadlines for

PPQs to the Solicitation’s actual due date? This would provide industry more time to obtain and secure responsive PPQs? If not, please clarify the Solicitation’s statement referenced above to ensure timely completion of the PPQs.

The Government updated Section L.3.2.2 to state the “POC shall electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and email the entire questionnaire to the Contract Specialist no later than the solicitation’s closing date. A list of all POCs to whom the Offeror sent the questionnaire shall be provided to the Contract Specialist via email no later than the solicitation’s closing date also.”

21. Is the government willing to consider a different foam for PDM samples if it is called out in our response? We are encountering severely long lead time issues with the named foam in the PD as well as alternative foam providers. Alternatively, we request an extension of at least 6 weeks. Many of the supply chain manufacturers have not been prepared to respond to our requests for PDM yardage and material. Nor do they have the materials readily produced.

The Government will allow foam that is not in accordance with paragraph 3.2.13 of the Detail

Specification (Attachment 2B) for Source Selection Samples ONLY. The Government will evaluate the Source Selection Samples in accordance with Section M.2.1.1. The Government will not evaluate the foam during Source Selection. However, any systems delivered after contract award shall be in accordance with paragraph 3.2.13 of the Detail Specification. The foam will be evaluated in First Article Testing in accordance with Attachment 6 (PC Gen III FAT

Plan).

22. In the new PD it calls for a fabric Ripstop FR for the cummerbund Shroud inner fabric. Besides that, our vendor says they do not have an FR ripstop the cummerbund we viewed seems to have the same fabric on the outside and body side? I would appreciate if you can clarify

In accordance with Attachment 2b (PC Gen III Patterns), a 70D FR Ripstop nylon is used between the outer laminate layer and stiffener layer of the Outer Cummerbund. The Government updated the Char Length Requirement for the Cummerbund Shroud material in paragraph 3.2.7 of the Detail Specification (Attachment 2a). The Government will accept any material that meets the requirement in paragraph 3.2.7 of the Detail Specification.

23. There is a Shoulder Pads Alt component in the patterns but this is not included as a vest component, not included in the carrier drawings (Att_3_-_PC_Gen_III_Drawings)and not included in the viewing samples. Is this component part of the base System or should we omit it?

The Government updated Attachment 2b (PC Gen III patterns) and Attachment 2a (PC Gen III Detail Specification) to remove the Shoulder Pads Alt component as it is not part of the base system.

24. 2 shoulder straps and 2 repairable male buckles are some of the components required for the repair kit. Are the male buckles supposed to be assembled in the shoulder straps?

No, the male buckles do not need to be assembled on the shoulder straps in the repair kit.

25. The divider sleeve (17029-SPP-DIVIDER SLEEVE) in the patterns provided doesn’t match the divider sleeve on the sample and the drawings. Is this pattern going to be updated?

The Patterns and Specification are correct and shall be the default documents for building the system. The drawings (Attachment 3) are reference only. As stated in Attachment 3, the drawings are provided for reference only and do not form a part of the official PC Gen III Technical Data Package. The PC Gen III Detail Specification (Attachment 2a) and Patterns (Attachment 2b) comprise the PC Gen III Technical Data Package and will be used to evaluate submissions. Any discrepancy between the drawings and PC Gen III Technical Data Package (Detail Specification and Patterns), the PC Gen III Technical Data Package takes precedent.

26. On the PD PARA. 1.2.2 it specifies that the sizes for the Harness are Small, Medium and Large.

However in “Att_3_-_PC_Gen_III_Drawings” it shows measurements for sizes XS through XL (5 sizes). Even though the patterns grading don’t look correct, they also shows 5 sizes. What are the correct sizes for the Harness?

In accordance with Section L.3.2.1.1, Offerors shall submit 2 Small Harnesses, 2 Medium Harnesses, and 2 Large Harness as Source Selection Samples. Upon contract award the Government will update Attachment 2b (PC Gen III Patterns) and Attachment 3 (PC Gen III Drawings) to remove the Extra Small and Extra Large sized Harnesses. The successful Contractor will only be required to delivery Small, Medium, and Large sized Harnesses.

Additionally, the Government updated Attachment 2b (PC Gen III Patterns) to correct the corrupted grading. As stated in Attachment 3, the drawings are provided for reference only and do not form a part of the official PC Gen III Technical Data Package. The PC Gen III Detail Specification (Attachment 2a) and Patterns (Attachment 2b) comprise the PC Gen III Technical Data Package and will be used to evaluate submissions. Any discrepancy between the drawings and PC Gen III Technical Data Package (Detail Specification and Patterns), the PC Gen III Technical Data Package takes precedent.

27. We are having significant issues with the patterns outside of Size Medium. We believe that there are grading issues on all of the pattern pieces including the Tegris. In addition, we only see one size of the cummerbund both inner and outer. We also only see the 6” x 6” pocket an no 6” x 8” pocket. Will the Marine Corps be releasing an updated pattern file addressing these issues?

grading.

28. While the pattern file has all of the cut shapes of the hook and loop, it is unclear on the pattern as to which piece would go where. The pattern has indication of hook and loop placement, but does not have a diagram/template of where the actual shaped piece would fall exactly. As such similarly shaped/sized could be used in the incorrect place as there is no definitive indication on exactly where each hook/loop piece should be used in the pattern.

Attachment 2b (PC Gen III Patterns) includes all hook and loop pieces as cut parts and the name of the piece indicates location on pattern for placement.

29. Given the pattern issues, would the Marine Corps be willing to amend the PDM requirements to only size Medium?

No. Source Selection Samples shall be submitted in accordance with the sizing stated in Section L.3.2.1.1.

30. 3.4.6, Subsection B. The PD calls out for 1-1/8” spacing between rows of webbing. However, the pattern indicates 1” spacing between rows of webbing. (To note: the Army’s PD for the MSV Gen 2 also call’s this 1-1/8” requirement out in the PD, but will be changing the language to 1” as per the pattern).

Patterns take precedence and should be followed as stated in 3.3.1 in the Detail Specification (Attachment 2a). The Government updated Attachment 2a (Detail Specification) paragraph 3.4.6.b to reflect 1” spacing.