15-R-1535_Amendment_0001.docx

M6785419R1535

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

The following have been added by full text:

Solicitation Questions and Responses

Q1. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.1 Major Component; Operator's Manual (hard and digital copy). Question: Will this be included with every scope? Can you please define your preferred media for the digital copy?

Response: One hard copy of the approved operator manual shall be included with each Squad Common Optic system. One digital copy of the approved operator manual shall be delivered to the Government via email or secure web-based file transfer service. Digital documents shall be in editable Microsoft Word.

Q2. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.2.1 Host Weapons. This is for the Infantry that will be pure fleeted with the M27. Question: There are no M4s in the USMC Infantry. Why would it need to be compatible with something that it will not be issued with?

Response: The Government’s requirement is stated in paragraph 3.1.2.1 of the Performance Specification. There are M4s in the infantry and infantry like units that the Squad Common Optic will need to interoperate with.

Q3. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.2.2 Ancillary Systems. The SCO shall interoperate with current visual augmentation systems, weapons accessories, lasers, and clip-on night vision devices, to include the Grenade Launcher Sight (SU-277-PSQ), Individual Weapon Night Sight-Thermal (AN/PAS-27), Individual Weapon Night Sight-Image Intensified (AN/PVS-24A), Mini-Integrated Pointer Illuminator (AN/PEQ-16A), Mini-Integrated Pointer Illuminator (AN/PEQ-16B), Advanced Target Pointer Illuminator Aiming Light (AN/PEQ-15), and Sniper Squad Range Finder (I-CUGR) using a MIL-STD-1913 rail interface. Question: When will these items be made available to industry to ensure compatibility?

Response: The Government will not provide Government Furnished Property in support of solicitation number M67854-19-R-1535.

Q4. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.4 Magnification Range. The SCO shall have a continuously adjustable magnification range from 1X ±0.05X through no less than 8X±0.50X. Question: This contradicts the 3.1.15 Target Acquisition requirement and the 4.5.15 Target Acquisition method. Magnification is one component of resolution. Optical quality, light transmission, and chromaticity are other important factors. Also using a night vision model designed for pixels in thermal optics is problematic for measuring direct view optics (glass riflescope). A good 6x riflescope can easily meet and exceed the tasks described in 4.5.15. Have you considered opening up these requirements to include a 1-6x optic?

Response: No, the Government’s requirement is stated in paragraph 3.1.4 of the Performance Specification.

Q5. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.6 Weight. Currently reads “The SCO shall weigh less than or equal to 33.6 ounces including optic, mount, turret caps, and battery. The SCO should weigh less than or equal to 23.6 ounces including optic, mount, turret caps, and battery”. Question: This is not clear. Is one a (T) Threshold and the other an (O) Objective?

Response: Refer to paragraph 1.0 of the Performance Specification for definitions of “shall” and “should”. Note: "Shall" statements referenced in this specification correspond to a threshold characteristic. "Should" statements referenced in this specification correspond to an objective characteristic.

Q6. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.9 Width. The SCO total tube diameter from objective to eye piece shall be no more than 40 mm. This diameter does not include adjustment knobs, mount, or throw lever. Question: What is the operational requirement that this is derived from?

Response: None. The dimension supports interoperability and a key system attribute.

Q7. SPEC Reference: Section 3.1.10 Operation with Gloves. All SCO functions including magnification adjustment, battery replacement, mount adjustment, light adjustment, elevation adjustment and windage adjustment shall be able to be performed while wearing Max Grip Flame Resistant Gloves (NSN 8415-01-547-1890, 8415-01-547-1893, 8415-01-547-1896, and 8415-01-547-1898), Intermediate Cold Weather Gloves (NSN 8415-01-640-8191, 8415-01-640-8192, 8415-01-640-8193, 8415-01-640-8194, 8415-01-640-8195). Magnification adjustment shall be performed while wearing Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Gloves (NSN 8415-21-921-2165, 8415-21-921-2167, 8415-21-921-2170, and 8415-21-921-2172). Question: Will the government provide these gloves? 17 Pairs of gloves to source and ensure compatibility with is a burden on industry.

Response: The Government will not provide Government Furnished Property in support of solicitation number M67854-19-R-1535.

Q8. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.11.2 Scope Alignment. The SCO day optic shall be capable of horizontally aligning on top of the host weapon in the SCO mount so that the SCO reticle is not canted relative to the flat surface of the MIL-STD-1913 rail. Question: Within what tolerance? How many degrees?

Response: The Government’s requirement is day optic alignment shall be within ±0.02 degrees

Q9. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.11.3 Mount Attachment. The SCO mount shall attach to the host weapon's MILSTD-1913 rail using at least two throw-levers with a locking mechanism. Question: Throw lever mounts do not offer enough clamping force to ensure zero retention. Has the USMC considered another attachment method?

Response: No, the Government’s requirement is stated in paragraph 3.1.11.3 of the Performance Specification.

Q10. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.12.1 BUIS Removal. The SCO shall not require the removal of the host weapon's front and rear iron sights to be used on host weapon. Question: This is referring to the M27? The M4 does not have a removable front sight.

Response: The Government’s requirement is stated in paragraph 3.1.12.1 of the Performance Specification. The requirement refers to the M27 front and rear Backup Iron Sight (BUIS) and the M4/M4A1 rear BUIS.

Q11. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.13.5 Interference with Ancillary Systems. The magnification change lever shall allow quick magnification changes from lx to any other magnification level up to the maximum magnification without hitting or interfering with the ancillary systems properly attached to the host weapon. Question: Sections 3.1.13.2 through 3.1.13.5 are all saying the same thing. Why restate it four times?

Response: Performance Specification paragraphs 3.1.13.2 through 3.1.13.5 are not restatements of the same requirement. Paragraph 3.1.13.2 checks for interference “…without passing between the eyepiece and rail interface while mounted to the host weapon.” Paragraph 3.1.13.3 checks for contact “…without hitting the host weapon.” Paragraph 3.1.13.4 checks for interference “…with the function of the host weapon.” Paragraph 3.1.13.5 checks for interference “…with the ancillary systems properly attached to the host weapon.”

Q12. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.15 Target Acquisition. The SCO shall enable the operator to detect and acquire a moving, upright, man-sized target at 600m during mid-day conditions. The SCO should enable the operator to identify and acquire a moving, upright, man-sized target at 900m during mid-day conditions. Detection is defined as the range at which a potential target can be distinguished from the surrounding background conditions. Identification is defined as the range at which a potential target can be identified for specific military or commercial designation (e.g., weapon or non-weapon, AK-47 or broom). Question: This can be accomplished with a quality 6x optic. Will the government consider opening up the magnification requirement to include 6x?

Response: No. The Government’s requirement is stated in paragraph 3.1.4 of the Performance Specification.

Q13. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.17.1 Exterior Color. Except for light transmitting elements, all external SCO and mount surfaces shall be constructed of, or coated with, non-reflective materials in a flat, neutral, solid dark gray or black color. Question: Has the government considered IR reduction coatings to reduce their signature at night? These are available in black, but add cost and would need to be an objective to justify including them.

Response: The Government requirement does not request IR reduction for this optic.

Q14. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.18.1 Scratch Resistance. The SCO lenses shall be scratch resistant when operating without lens covers in place. Question: Is there a MIL-STD or MIL-PRF that the government will test this against?

Response: No. The Government test method is described in the Performance Specification paragraph 4.5.18.1.

Q15. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.18.2 Lens Coating. The SCO shall have non-reflective lens coatings. Question: Please define in what spectrum of light?

Response: The visible spectrum (380 nm to 750 nm).

Q16. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.18.3 Lens Covers. The SCO shall include detachable protective covers that protect both lenses of the SCO while mounted to the host weapon during non-mission usage periods. The SCO should include captive protective covers that protect both lenses of the SCO while mounted to the host weapon during non-mission usage periods. Question: Threshold and Objectives are not properly labeled making this hard to read. Are the asking for a bikini cover as a Threshold?

Response: Refer to paragraph 1.0 of the Performance Specification for definitions of “shall” and “should”. To meet the threshold, the SCO shall include detachable protective covers that protect both lenses of the SCO while mounted to the host weapon during non-mission usage periods.

Q17. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.1.19.1 Foreign Matter. The SCO and mount shall be free of foreign matter such as dirt, fingerprints, dust, loose material, and moisture. Question: On the inside only or on the outside as well?

Response: Workmanship applies to the inside and outside of the optic.

Q18. PSPEC Reference: Section: 3.1.19.2 Moving Parts. All SCO and mount moving parts shall move freely and not bind, creep, or stick. Question: How does the government define “creep”?

Response: For the purpose of this solicitation, creep is defined as “to move or slip out of place; shift gradually; become displaced”.

Q19. PSPEC Reference: Section: 3.2.1 Illuminated Reticle. Illuminated Precision Aimpoint. The SCO reticle configuration shall offer an illuminated central aiming point no greater than 1.5 MOA that is visible during daylight conditions. The SCO reticle configuration should offer an illuminated central aiming point no greater than 0.5 MOA that is visible during daylight conditions. The aiming point shall be the diameter of a filled dot type at the SCO highest magnification setting. Question: Has the government considered properly marking thresholds and objectives so that the document is readable?

Response: Refer to paragraph 1.0 of the Performance Specification for definitions of “shall” and “should”. Note: "Shall" statements referenced in this specification correspond to a threshold characteristic. "Should" statements referenced in this specification correspond to an objective characteristic.

Q20. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.2.1.1 No Power Conditions. The SCO reticle shall be usable through the entire magnification range in the event of a no-power situation in daylight levels of twilight to unobscured full sunlight conditions. Question: This requirement eliminates all FFP optics. If this is the case, has the government considered a SFP reticle?

Response: Yes, a second focal plane reticle was considered. The Government’s requirement is stated in paragraph 3.1.5 of the Performance Specification. The SCO shall have a first focal plane reticle.

Q21. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.2.2.3 Etched Reticle Lines. Reticle lines shall be thin enough so as not to obscure targets, but thick enough to be easily seen. Question: This is arbitrary and subjective. Can the government define these in a requirement that is testable, measurable, and achievable?

Response: For the purpose of this solicitation, not less than 150 microradians (0.5 minutes) and not more 600 microradians (2.0 minutes) visual angle.

Q22. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.4.1.1 Elevation Adjustment Range. The SCO elevation adjustment shall have an end-to-end range of no less than 15 mrad. The SCO elevation adjustment should have an end-to-end range of no less than 30 mrad. Question: Is one of these a threshold and the other an objective?

Response: Refer to paragraph 1.0 of the Performance Specification for definitions of “shall” and “should”.

Q23. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.4.2.4 Windage Adjustment Consistency. The SCO windage adjustment shall be consistent in movement, tactile, and require no settling rounds within the windage adjustment range. Tactile is defined as perceptible by touch or able to be felt by touch. Settling rounds are defined as initial host weapon live fire that causes the reticle to move initially but stabilize after the live fire on the host weapon. Question: This is at odds with the detection requirement. Tactile knobs require adjustments that are audible. Is there an operational scenario where the Marine will be making adjustments to their scope while hiding from the enemy? These will be zeroed and then capped until needing to be re-zeroed when placed on another rifle.

Response: Refer to paragraph 3.1.17.2 of the Performance Specification for audible detection distance and lighting condition requirements.

Q24. Question: In the Performance Specification section 3.1.11, what is the maximum allowable mrad shift during mount and remount of the optic utilizing the throw levers detailed in sections 3.1.11.3 and 3.1.11.4?

Response: The Performance Specification does not identify this requirement.

Q25. Question: In the Performance Specification sections 3.4.1.3 and 3.4.2.3 and corresponding verification tests in section 4.8.1.2, 4.8.1.3, 4.8.2.2, and 4.8.2.3, the contractor requests clarification on the determination of 2% accuracy.

Response: The Performance Specification requires 2% accuracy at each elevation and windage increment step.

Q26. Question: In the Performance Specification section 4.5.16, the contractor requests clarification on the ground speed and angle of the marathon targets relative to the shooter as well as dimensions on the barricades.

Response: Marathon target ground speed and angle is 3-5 mph at 45 degrees in the oblique. Barriers are door and window, no standard size.

Q27. Question: In the performance specification section 3.5.13, the contractor requests clarification of the preparation to achieve hard packed earth condition.

Response: Performance Specification paragraph 4.9.13 describes the test procedure to complete the drop shock test.

Q28. PSPEC Reference: Section 3.2.2 / Reticle. Question: The Performance Specification calls out MRAD adjustment and MIL reticle markings. Will the reticle markings be in Gunner MILs (not MRAD)?

Response: No. The Government requirement is for the reticle markings to be in milliradian (MRAD).

Q29. SOW Reference: 3.2.6 Maintenance and Supportability Demonstration. CLINs 0005, 0006, and 0007 are identified as Interim Contractor Logistics Support Level (1, 2, and 3) Repair whereas the SOW paragraph indicates the Government’s intention to “transition to full organic support conducted by the USMC.” Question: How and when does the Government intend to transition from Contractor Logistics Support (repair) to full organic support (repair) conducted by USMC?

Response: The Government will transition from Contractor Logistics Support to full organic support when all activities and deliverables identified in Statement of Work paragraphs 3.2, 3.8, 3.9, and 3.10 are complete.

Q30. RFP Reference: SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE. In regards to Second, Follow-on, and Multiple Delivery Orders paragraphs (F.2, F.3 and F.4 respectively) all identify a “maximum” delivery rate of 800 systems for subsequent deliveries (after initial delivery). However, the last sentence of paragraph F.4 indicates that “deliveries in excess of 800 SCO systems per month is acceptable.” Question: Is the 800 quantity intended to be the minimum monthly delivery instead of the maximum monthly delivery?

Response: Quantity 800 is the maximum monthly delivery. The maximum monthly delivery rate was referenced to assist industry with production planning. Early deliveries and monthly delivery rates greater than 800 Squad Common Optics systems per month would be acceptable.

Q31. Question: The contractor requests clarification of the days after contract award to start of acceptance testing and total duration of testing.

Response: Acceptance testing will begin immediately following receipt of the 30 Squad Common Optic systems ordered on Delivery Order 1. The total duration of acceptance testing is anticipated to last approximately two months.

Q32. Question: In section F of the Solicitation, the contractor requests clarification of anticipated days after the post award conference for the first delivery order F.1. The contractor anticipates delivery order F.1 to be approximately 30 units to support the Acceptance Testing detailed in the Performance Specification.

Response: The first Delivery Order will be issued at the time of contract award.

Q33. Question: These requirements seem so very narrowly written to the extent it appears that the Government has already selected their material solution. Is it the Government’s intent to sole source this requirement?

Response: No, the Government is not procuring the Squad Common Optic as a sole source acquisition. The Government requirements contained in the PSPEC address valid Marine Corps requirements, and are based on capability gaps in the Fleet Marine Forces. There is no correlation between PSPEC requirements and a particular manufacturer’s product.

Q34. The USMC has already purchased and fielded the MK8 1-8 in significant quantities, has the USMC conducted a DOTmLPF-P analysis as required by DOD Policy? The policy directs the government to first rule out “little M” acquisition of expanding existing equipment basis of issue.

Response: The Government has a validated capability requirements document.

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