W15QKN15R0002-0002.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. Contract ID Code Page Of

2. Amendment/Modification No.

3. Effective Date

4. Requisition/Purchase Req No.

5. Project No. (If applicable)

6. Issued By Code 7. Administered By (If other than Item 6) Code

8. Name And Address Of Contractor (No., Street, City, County, State and Zip Code)

9A. Amendment Of Solicitation No.

9B. Dated (See Item 11)

10A. Modification Of Contract/Order No.

10B. Dated (See Item 13) Code Facility Code

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

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

Offers 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 ____________ copies of the amendments: (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 ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS

It Modifies The Contract/Order No. As Described In Item 14.

A. This Change Order is Issued Pursuant To: 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 data, 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.)

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)

16A. Name And Title Of Contracting Officer (Type or print)

15B. Contractor/Offeror 15C. Date Signed 16B. United States Of America 16C. Date Signed

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

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

PREVIOUS EDITIONS UNUSABLE

30-105-02 STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

SEE SCHEDULE

X

Firm Fixed Price

0002 2015DEC04

W15QKN

ARMY CONTRACTING COMMAND - NJ

PICATINNY ARSENAL, NJ 07806-5000

VINCENT FRANK TURCO

EMAIL: VINCENT.F.TURCO.CIV@MAIL.MIL

W15QKN-15-R-0002

2015AUG28

X

X

/SIGNED/

2 signed

SEE SECOND PAGE FOR DESCRIPTION

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CONTINUATION SHEET

Reference No. of Document Being Continued Page of

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

SECTION A - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Buyer Name: VINCENT FRANK TURCO

Buyer Office Symbol/Telephone Number: ACC-NJ-SW/(973)724-2016

Type of Contract 1: Firm Fixed Price

Kind of Contract: Supply Contracts and Priced Orders

*** End of Narrative A0000 ***

MHS-Amendment # 0002 - Section A

AMENDMENT 0002

At this time the hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is not extended.

It remains at Thursday, 1 PM 28 Jan 2016.

*** END OF NARRATIVE A0003 ***

MHS-Amendment # 0002 - Section A________________________________

AMENDMENT 0002______________

INDUSTRY QUESTIONS / GOVERNMENT RESPONSES AND UPDATES_____________________________________________________

TO THE MODULAR HANDGUN SYSTEM FINAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL_________________________________________________________

Amendment 0002 to the Modular Handgun System (MHS) Request for Proposal (RFP) addresses the following items:

1) Section B - Clarify the number of decimal places regarding pricing quotes on the Pricing Sheets

2) Section L

A) Clarify License Rights for Ammunition section L.4.1.4.4

B) Clarify Small Business Participation calculations section L4.1.9.2

C) Remove Section B from the fill-in instructions section L.4.1.10.1

3) Section M - Corrections/clarifications to sections M.3.2.2.3.2 change maximum impact ranges from 25 meters to 50 meters to match

Purchase descriptions

4) Update to RFP Section A, to include industry questions with Government responses. Questions start at number 35 as they are being are numbered sequentially starting from the last question in Amendment 0001.

Section B Pricing Sheets_________________________

Decimal places regarding pricing quotes on the Pricing Sheets

An Offeror can propose 4 digit pricing for ammo. However, for evaluation purposes the proposed price is rounded to the nearest two decimal places. The pricing sheets allows the Offeror to input prices that are more than two decimal places although it will round them to the nearest two decimal places.

Section L.4.1.4.4_________________

Clarify the earliest use of the License Rights for Ammunition

Change From:____________

L.4.1.4.4 The license rights are desired to be delivered as follows:

Ammunition - The license rights to the technical data and the Offerors background patents are desired to be delivered to the Government within two (2) years of contract award with sufficient technical data rights and background patent rights to allow for full and open competition of the Modular Handgun System associated ammunition design and potentially secure a second source of each of the ammunition types including ball, Special Purpose, dummy, and blank rounds. The earliest use of the technical data rights and background patent rights will be on the next ammunition contract that will follow the completion of the five (5) year Modular Handgun System ammunition contract. It is highly desirable to receive the technical data with sufficient technical data rights and background patent rights to allow for future full and open competition of the ammunition design upon the selection of a single Awardee.

The submission shall include a complete license rights proposal that clearly outlines all the terms and conditions required to grant license rights with a clear definition as to what conditions are to be met to provide license rights. This may be accomplished through a royalty, minimum units to be purchased, lump sum license fee, or alternative approach for the license rights. If the Offeror elects to submit a lump sum fee for license rights, the Offeror shall specify that portion of the proposed lump sum price that is associated with

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W15QKN-15-R-0002 0002

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

the cost to the Government to obtain these rights to background intellectual property. The pricing shall be provided for each separate item of data or software for which limited rights or background patent rights are claimed. The Offeror shall provide a brief description of the methodology or rationale used in determining the value of license rights for each separate item of data claimed.

Change To:__________

L.4.1.4.4 The license rights are desired to be delivered as follows:

Ammunition - The license rights to the technical data and the Offerors background patents are desired to be delivered to the Government within two (2) years of contract award with sufficient technical data rights and background patent rights to allow for full and open competition of the Modular Handgun System associated ammunition design and potentially secure a second source of each of the ammunition types including ball, Special Purpose, dummy, and blank rounds. The earliest use of the technical data rights and background patent rights will be on the next ammunition contract. It is highly desirable to receive the technical data with sufficient technical data rights and background patent rights to allow for future full and open competition of the ammunition design upon the selection of a single Awardee.

The submission shall include a complete license rights proposal that clearly outlines all the terms and conditions required to grant license rights with a clear definition as to what conditions are to be met to provide license rights. This may be accomplished through a royalty, minimum units to be purchased, lump sum license fee, or alternative approach for the license rights. If the Offeror elects to submit a lump sum fee for license rights, the Offeror shall specify that portion of the proposed lump sum price that is associated with the cost to the Government to obtain these rights to background intellectual property. The pricing shall be provided for each separate item of data or software for which limited rights or background patent rights are claimed. The Offeror shall provide a brief description of the methodology or rationale used in determining the value of license rights for each separate item of data claimed.

Section L.4.1.9.2__________________

Clarify Small Business Participation calculations to use the maximum program value as the denominator in the percentage calculations.

Change From:____________

L.4.1.9.2 This provision applies to every Offeror (U.S. and non-U.S.), regardless of size status or locations of working facilities or headquarters. For proposal preparation purposes, the Offeror's Small Business Participation proposals shall be consistent with any subcontracting references/identification contained elsewhere in any other Factor Volume. Percentages are calculated using the proposed total contract price as calculated in accordance with L.4.1.7. This price becomes the denominator and includes first-tier subcontractors only. For the purpose of evaluating Small Business Participation, the total contract price determined above is again used as the denominator, and the total contract value directed to Small Business is the numerator. A ratio is then determined and converted to a percentage for consideration. Offerors shall also explain their rationale as to why the percentage of SB participation being utilized for this effort is appropriate for their company. Offerors shall describe their approach and efforts undertaken to utilize small businesses (SB). SB targets will be incorporated into any resulting prime contract and contractors will be required to report SB participation.

Change To:__________

L.4.1.9.2 This provision applies to every Offeror (U.S. and non-U.S.), regardless of size status or locations of working facilities or headquarters. For proposal preparation purposes, the Offeror's Small Business Participation proposals shall be consistent with any subcontracting references/identification contained elsewhere in any other Factor Volume. Percentages are calculated using the maximum program value, $580.217M, as the proposed total contract price. This price becomes the denominator and includes first-tier subcontractors only. For the purpose of evaluating Small Business Participation, the total contract price determined above is again used as the denominator, and the total contract value directed to Small Business is the numerator. A ratio is then determined and converted to a percentage for consideration. Offerors shall also explain their rationale as to why the percentage of SB participation being utilized for this effort is appropriate for their company. Offerors shall describe their approach and efforts undertaken to utilize small businesses (SB). SB targets will be incorporated into any resulting prime contract and contractors will be required to report SB participation.

Section L.4.1.10.1__________________

Remove section B from the fill-in instructions.

Change From:____________

L.4.1.10.1 Each Offeror shall complete (fill-in and signatures) the solicitation sections indicated below using the file (without modification to the file) provided with the solicitation. An authorized official of the firm shall sign the SF 33 and all certifications requiring original signature. An Acrobat PDF file shall be created to capture the signatures for submission.

Section A through M Fill-ins as required:

Section A Standard Form 33 (SF 33), Solicitation, Offer and Award

Section B Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

Section G Contract Administration Data

Section J Contract Data Requirements List (DD1423) with blocks 17 & 18 completed

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Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

Section K Completed Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offeror

Small Business Subcontracting Plan shall be submitted in accordance with FAR 52.219-9

Change To:__________

L.4.1.10.1 Each Offeror shall complete (fill-in and signatures) the solicitation sections indicated below using the file (without modification to the file) provided with the solicitation. An authorized official of the firm shall sign the SF 33 and all certifications requiring original signature. An Acrobat PDF file shall be created to capture the signatures for submission.

Section A through M Fill-ins as required (Excluding B):

Section A Standard Form 33 (SF 33), Solicitation, Offer and Award

Section G Contract Administration Data

Section J Contract Data Requirements List (DD1423) with blocks 17 & 18 completed

Section K Completed Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offeror

Small Business Subcontracting Plan shall be submitted in accordance with FAR 52.219-9

Section M.3.2.2.3.2____________________

Corrections/clarifications to sections M.3.2.2.3.2 Change maximum impact ranges from 25 meters to 50 meters to match Purchase

Descriptions.

Change From:____________

M.3.2.2.3.2 The Offerors system will be evaluated for how the proposed Special Purpose cartridge compares to the terminal performance of the M882 cartridge when fired from the M9, when observed from 0-14 inches in 20% ballistic gelatin at velocities simulating impact at ranges of up to 25 meters. The greater the tissue damage potential created by a candidate systems ammunition as compared to the M882 round, the more favorable the rating will be received. Projectiles that are evaluated as having a high risk of not exceeding the tissue damage potential of the M882 projectile will be considered as having not met the requirement. In addition, the Special Purpose cartridge will be evaluated for penetration and collateral damage potential. The final penetration depth in gelatin, of the deepest portion of the projectile will be observed in test in accordance with paragraph 3.5.1 of AR-PD-179 and verified in paragraph 4.5.1. Penetration beyond

14 inches increases level of risk of collateral damage.

Change To:__________

M.3.2.2.3.2 The Offerors system will be evaluated for how the proposed Special Purpose cartridge compares to the terminal performance of the M882 cartridge when fired from the M9, when observed from 0-14 inches in 20% ballistic gelatin at velocities simulating impact at ranges of up to 50 meters. The greater the tissue damage potential created by a candidate systems ammunition as compared to the M882 round, the more favorable the rating will be received. Projectiles that are evaluated as having a high risk of not exceeding the tissue damage potential of the M882 projectile will be considered as having not met the requirement. In addition, the Special Purpose cartridge will be evaluated for penetration and collateral damage potential. The final penetration depth in gelatin, of the deepest portion of the projectile will be observed in test in accordance with paragraph 3.5.1 of AR-PD-179 and verified in paragraph 4.5.1. Penetration beyond

14 inches increases level of risk of collateral damage.

*** END OF NARRATIVE A0004 ***

MHS-Amendment # 0002 - Section A

AMENDMENT 0002

INDUSTRY QUESTIONS / GOVERNMENT RESPONSES

QUESTION 35:____________

AR-PD-179 &180 PURCHASE DESCRIPTIONS AMMUNITION

TERMINAL PERFORMANCE In both ammunition Purchase Descriptions it is noted that the M882 fired from the M9 will be used as a baseline for this test. The M882 baseline data provided with the Tissue Damage Model resulted in a TDM score of 21.8. Please provide confirmation of the 21.8 score and a clarification on how it was obtained. We respectfully request an extension to the bid sample submission date equal to the delay this issue has caused industry.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 35:_______________________

The example model provided with the TDM is only valid for muzzle velocity for the M882. The 21.8 is within the expected performance variation at muzzle velocity. The 21.8 rating is at the top end and 17.2 rating is at the bottom of the range at the muzzle velocity.

No extension to the RFP closing date is being considered at this time.

QUESTION 36:____________

AR-PD-177 PURCHASE DESCRIPTION MODULAR HANDGUN

3.4.5.e SIGHTS This section states that the sights (plural) shall be drift-adjustable for windage. This implies that both the front and rear sights need to be drift-adjustable. Due to the smaller and more delicate nature of the front sight, and since the rear sights

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Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

adjustment is all that is needed for windage regulation, can the Government confirm that it also wants the front sight to be drift-adjustable?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 36:_______________________

If the vendor chooses to allow the drift adjustment only on the rear sight or only on the front sight, then that is acceptable. Please note: Even if the vendor chooses to only make the rear sight drift adjustable in accordance with AR-PD-177, paragraph 3.4.5.g requires that both the front and rear sights be removable and replaceable.

QUESTION 37:____________

3.4.5.e SIGHTS Our innovative sight design (reference attached presentation) features a windage adjustment that provides many advantages to traditional, dovetail, drift-adjustable sight system. Does the Government consider this design acceptable?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 37:_______________________

The submitted information shows that the sights move left and right for windage adjustment and are removable/replaceable. As such they should comply with AR-PD-177, paragraphs 3.4.5.e & 3.4.5.g.

QUESTION 38:____________

3.4.5.e SIGHTS In the January 30, 2015, Question & Answer set, the Governments answer to question #37 is unclear. "Answer: Yes, drift adjustable does mean left or right directions. No, an adjustable sight system that has a finite number of small incremental shifts left and right is not desirable." Can the Government clarify that if by "not desirable" it means that it is not allowed (and would be disqualified) or that it is not preferred (but would still be considered).

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 38:_______________________

Target style adjustable sights with a finite number of small incremental shifts left and right would not be disqualified. The sights would still be evaluated against the requirements of section 3.4.5.

QUESTION 39:____________

3.4.8.c MAGAZINE RELEASE In this section, the ability to operate the magazine release using only the firing hand without shifting the users grip from the firing position is classified as an Objective (O) requirement. In the corresponding Section 4.5.8.d, on the other hand, it is noted that the nonconformance will result in the sample being rejected, implying a Threshold (T) requirement. Can the

Government clarify this apparent contradiction? (Note: As most pistols magazine releases will not be reachable by small handed shooters without shifting of the grip, we recommend this remain an Objective requirement).

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 39:_______________________

The ability to operate the magazine release using only the firing hand without shifting the users grip from the firing position is an objective requirement per 3.4.8.c. Section 4.5.8.d describes how it will be tested and by "rejected" the Government means the results indicating the failure of the sample to meet the objective requirement will just be recorded.

QUESTION 40:____________

4.8.1.1.b MATERIAL RELIABILITY In this section, the rigidity of integrated rail shall be assessed by checking the zero position of the

"rail mounted accessory". What rail mounted accessory will be used? If the AN/PEQ-14 is the intended accessory, how will the Government know if any shift in zero is due to the pistol rail or to the accessory itself? Also, shooting an extensive reliability/durability test with a heavy weight always attached to the rail does not appear to be representative of in-field use and could result in premature failures. Can the Government please clarify if testing of the pistol for reliability/durability will be performed with the AN/PEQ-14 (or other accessories) mounted on one or more of the pistols during some or all of the test? If so, will the reliability and durability requirements for those pistols remain the same as those specified in the RFP/PD?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 40:_______________________

The AN/PEQ-14 will be used to check accessory fit on the rail, which may include some limited test firing, but the AN/PEQ-14 will not be used during any reliability/durability testing. For rail rigidity, the plan is to secure the weapon, by the rail, in a holding fixture.

A Faro Arm measuring device is used to measure and compare various repetitive reference points on the slide, in relation to points on the rail throughout the service life of the handgun. This data will be utilized to determine any shift of the rail in relation to the slide of the handgun.

QUESTION 41:____________

4.8.1.1.c FIRING SCHEDULE We require a clarification of the service life and the definition of unserviceable condition (6.7.p). If the serialized component exhibits cracks but still functions in a manner that meets the reliability requirements, will the Government consider this an unserviceable condition?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 41:_______________________

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Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

If the serialized component exhibits cracks but remains functional and safety is not impaired, the Government would not consider the weapon unserviceable. Cracks will be photographed, measured, and monitored during testing.

QUESTION 42:____________

3.5.9 HIGH PRESSURE RESISTANCE

a. Who is responsible for performing the Proof Test on the samples being provided? The Army or the Vendor?

b. If the Vendor is responsible for performing this test, does it submit a certificate of conformity or should this be included as part of the Safety Assessment?

c. The PD states that the MH should be proofed with a test cartridge conforming to SAAMI-Z299.3 specification. We would prefer to proof fire them only once using the CIP Proof ammunition (we are able to provide a certificate stating that the pressure levels of the CIP proof ammunition are within the SAAMI pressure requirements). Is this acceptable?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 42:_______________________

a. The Vendor is responsible for the Proof Test.

b. The Vendor will be required to apply a proof test acceptance mark (Section C.3.1.12.2.e of the RFP "e) The barrel of the MHS shall have a proof marking, certifying that the barrel was tested with a high pressure round" and it shall be addressed in the Safety

Assessment

c. For bid samples, the CIP proof is acceptable in either stamping or certificate form. Yes, you will need to provide a certificate stating that the pressure levels of the CIP proof ammunition are within the SAAMI pressure requirements as part of the safety assessment.

QUESTION 43:____________

3.5.8 AMMUNITION COMPATIBILITY

States that the MHS cartridge shall be in accordance with Small Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer Institute dimensional standards but may exceed SAAMI allowable pressures. It also states that the MH shall function safely with both military and SAAMI specification ammunition. Is there any other SAAMI requirements that the MH must meet?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 43:_______________________

The system will be assessed on its ability to meet all requirements in the purchase descriptions.

QUESTION 44:____________

AMMUNITION TYPES FOR TESTING - Which bid sample testing (prior to downselect) will be conducted with the Ball Ammunition and which tests will be conducted with the Special Purpose Ammunition?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 44:_______________________

Bid sample tests will be conducted with Special Purpose ammunition and Ball ammunition in accordance with the RFP.

QUESTION 45:____________

L.1.5.8. RANSOM REST INSERTS Our pistols Ransom Rest grip inserts are thicker than standard inserts and require extra-long bolts to properly install them onto the Ransom Rest. Is the Army willing to install these longer bolts on its Ransom Rest if we provide them with our inserts?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 45______________________

Yes, the Government will accept and use the vendor provided long bolts.

QUESTION 46:____________

BALLISTIC GELATIN TESTING PROCEDURE (dated 17 August 2015, Revision A)

3.8 Shot Placement on the Gelatin Block - Shot placement shall be sufficiently centralized to contain the entire event. Based on the language and schematic shown in paragraph 3.8 of the Ballistic Gelatin Procedure our understating is that only one round can be fired into each individual gelatin block. Is this understanding correct?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 46:_______________________

Yes, your understanding is correct.

QUESTION 47:____________

MHS Industry Day: 29 July 2014, MHS Questions and answers dated 10 September 2014

Number 88-What torque is used on the Ransom Rest for testing? Answer: The Government intends to use vendor provided torque values for all submissions.

Does the Government intend to use the standard washers and tightening knobs provided by Ransom International to secure the grip insert

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Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

onto the Ransom Rest or has the Government modified the Ransom Rest in any way to use standard nuts and washers. If the answer is yes, can you please provide the sizes of the nuts and washers being used?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 47:_______________________

Yes, the Government will use non metric standard nuts and washers.

QUESTION 48:____________

MHS Industry Day: 29 July 2014, MHS Questions and answers dated 10 September 2014

Number 86. Can the procedure for the Ransom rest be provided? Answer: "The candidate weapon.....High Pressure Resistance."

Is it the Governments intent to only fire one target for accuracy once the pistol has been secured in the Ransom Rest as defined in the answer to question 86, or will the Government be firing multiple targets through each candidate weapon once the weapon is mounted and secured onto the Ransom Rest?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 48:_______________________

The Government will fire the samples in accordance with Purchase Description AR-PD-177, paragraph 4.5.1.1. The Government will fire all required targets, for a specific range, once the weapon is mounted, secured and seated (5 rounds in the Ransom Rest). The Government will not remove the weapon from the mount and remount/continue testing on another day.

QUESTION 49:____________

FAR clause 52.216-4 Economic Price Adjustment was originally included in the draft solicitation, but has been removed from the final solicitation. Will the government consider re-instating the EPA clause to allow for the best possible pricing to be proposed?

The government responded as follows:

"No, the Government will not consider re-instating the EPA clause at this time. The final solicitation governs and all prior draft solicitations are overridden. The Government reserves the right to reinstate the EPA at a later date."

We respectfully request the government provide clarification to the statement of "at this time" and "reserves the right to reinstate the

EPA at a later date" and reconsider incorporating the EPA provision into the solicitation at this time.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 49:_______________________

The original question asked if the Government would consider re-instating the EPA clause. To clarify the Government response given "at this time" means at a specific point in time. The purpose of this choice of words is to convey to the reader that this is the

Governments decision as of now. The words "reserves the right to reinstate the EPA clause at a later date" is to inform the reader that the Federal Acquisition Regulation does not prohibit the clause from being added at a later time. At this time, the Government is not reconsidering incorporating the EPA provision into the solicitation.

QUESTION 50:____________

The intent of the question was to query the Lot Acceptance Requirement that 100% of all production weapons be fired from a ransom rest per Table III and 4.5.1.1 of AR-PD-177. We understand that isolated accuracy will be evaluated from the ransom rest for the bid sample.

We must point out that firing 100% of the weapons during production acceptance from a ransom rest poses far more complications and concerns, such as:

a. permanent deformation to the frames, and

b. the inefficiency in the ransom rest firing process.

Is it the governments intent to require the ransom rest acceptance testing for accuracy against all (100%) of the weapons produced over the entirety of the program?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 50:_______________________

It is the Governments intent that all handguns (100%) are to be fired from a ransom rest during Lot Acceptance Testing.

Prior to production: The Contractor is required to submit a Lot Acceptance Test Plan, which will be reviewed and approved by the

Government. The Contractor can propose any changes to the Lot Acceptance Test procedures in the Plan, to include sample sizes, at that time.

During production: If over the course of several Lots, the Contractor has demonstrated consistent Quality of the handguns, the

Government may consider revising/relaxing the Lot Acceptance Test requirements.

QUESTION 51:____________

The industry standard for acceptance testing for accuracy is the hand firing method. If it is the governments intent to test each production weapon for accuracy as above, we respectfully request the option of hand firing as an alternative to the ransom rest testing method. Will the government amend the solicitation to include the hand firing method as an alternative to, or replacement of, the 100% ransom rest method?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 51:_______________________

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PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

It is the Governments intent that all handguns (100%) are to be fired from a ransom rest during Lot Acceptance Testing.

Prior to production: The Contractor is required to submit a Lot Acceptance Test Plan, which will be reviewed and approved by the

Government. The Contractor can propose any changes to the Lot Acceptance Test procedures in the Plan, to include firing method, at that time. The government will not be amending the solicitation at this time.

QUESTION 52:____________

It is this vendors belief that the requirement to sight weapons at 35 to 50 meters tests the weapon operators aiming skills more so than assessing the accuracy and repeatability of the weapon. If it is the governments intent to test each production weapon for accuracy, we respectfully request the option of conducting the accuracy testing at 10 meters and extrapolating the accuracy to 35 meters and 50 meters. This would allow more efficient sighting of the weapon as well as reduce the requirements of the test facilities. This request is similar to that of the prior approved accuracy testing procedures. Will the government amend the solicitation to incorporate testing at 10 meters and extrapolating accuracy to 35 and 50 meters?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 52:_______________________

It is the Governments intent that the handguns shall be fired at the prescribed distances.

Prior to production: The Contractor is required to submit a Lot Acceptance Test Plan, which will be reviewed and approved by the

Government. The Contractor can propose any changes to the Lot Acceptance Test procedures in the Plan, to include target distances, at that time. The Contractor will need to provide evidence that the proposed test methodology still meets the requirements. The government will not be amending the solicitation at this time.

QUESTION 53:____________

Could USG please provide details under which color scheme Threshold and Objective Requirements for M.3.2.2.1 Sub-Factor 1 and M.3.2.2.2

Sub-Factor 2 will fall and which gradient (colors from X to Y) will be applied for values that fall in between (T) and (O) requirements.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 53:_______________________

No. Further details will not be provided.

QUESTION 54:____________

Written Technical has no sub-factors.

As the topics, in this section, have a wide spread with regards to content it seems hard for evaluators to combine the respective sub-scores to a single factor score. We ask USG to consider the introduction of sub factors as it did with many other factors that have differing subjects among one main factor.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 54:_______________________

The Government sees no benefit in using sub factors for the above mentioned topics, therefore the USG will not use sub factors for the written technical factors.

QUESTION 55:____________

The PD describes the only allowable tools as common tools to be the Small Arms tool kit NSN: 5180-01-559-5981 and/or Multi-tool (NSN

5110-01-394-6252). It is not realistic that those to tool kits comprise sight changing tools for MHS candidates other than the in-service M9. Please confirm that the RFP leads this requirement thus special tools for sight adjustment/change to be allowed.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 55:_______________________

Yes, the RFP governs the requirement.

QUESTION 56:____________

A UID Label shall be firmly affixed to the receiver assembly. Each MH shall be identified by a serial number which shall appear on the receiver and on the UID Iabel.

Does the term -shall appear on the receiver and on the UID label- mean, that the weapon serial number shall independently from being stamped into the serial number plate and being encoded into the UID Code additionally be printed in plain writing on the UID label itself?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 56:_______________________

Yes. It is required to be encoded into the UID Label as well as stamped or engraved on the serialized part.

QUESTION 57:____________

The color range of the major MH components, including the slide and frame, shall be Coyote 498 not lighter than Coyote 481, in

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PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

accordance with FED-STD-595 #20150 not lighter than #20220: flat dull finish (T). The MH shall have advanced signature management capabilities to reduce detection by sight and IR/EM sensor systems (O).

Can USG please provide information about the measurement methods to meet the objective shade of color? The measurement of e.g. oiled or fully degreased slide surfaces might show drastically different measurement results. Please specify which surface condition is used to determine the objective color (Coyote 498) and its corresponding limit sample (not lighter than Coyote 481)? Is there another limit sample (e.g. not darker than Coyote YX)?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 57:_______________________

Refer to AR-PD-177 paragraph 4.5.15 Exterior Surfaces.

QUESTION 58:____________

With the description in TOP-3-2-045 it was not possible to determine the exact Viscosimeter/setup for the mud test. According to TOP-3-2-

045 a Brookfield Viscosimeter with spindle No.3 and a container with diameter greater than 7cm should be used. Also, the spindle speed should be 10 rpm and measured for 1 minute. There are so called LV (low viscosity) spindles as well as RV/HA/HB (medium/high viscusity) spindles also with a No.3 designation. Even by specifying the containment diameter and the revolution of the spindle, no clear conclusions on an LV or RV unit could be drawn.

This raises the question whether an LV or RV / HA / HB viscosimeter for measurements shall be used? A unique device name by which the tests are carried out by the viscometer would be very helpful.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 58:_______________________

The model RVT Brookfield Viscometer will be used for the mud test with the No. 3 spindle. The No. 3 has a disc 1.3658 inch diameter and is .065 inch thick.

QUESTION 59:____________

Vendor has tried the mud as in 3-2-045 top described and measured with two devices (LV & RV / HA / HB). Unfortunately we could not reach the specified value of 4600 centipoises.

Could USG please confirm respectively verify the specified mixing ratio which top 3-2-045 describes.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 59:_______________________

The specified mixing ratio is in accordance with TOP 3-2-045.

QUESTION 60:____________

L.2.3.1.b (page 320): The Price Factor shall be contained on a separate CD from non-price Factors. Price breakdown will include MS Excel spreadsheets with formulae intact.

L.4.1.9.6 (page 320): The Offeror shall provide information for small business participation and subcontracting in a table format in accordance with the following example [Contract Total Price: $43.00]. L.4.1.9.7 (page 330): Small Business List (a) This data shall be provided in a table format in accordance with the following example [Total $ (in Millions]

Question: Par. L.2.3.1.b implies that pricing information is to be exclusively contained within Volume III Price Factor. Sections

L.4.1.9.6 and L.4.1.9.7 implies that pricing also be contained in Volume VII Small Business Participation Plan. For purposes of completing the tables responding to Sections L.4.1.9.6 and L.4.1.9.7, is it possible to provide only percentages rather than the bid prices provided within Volume III Price Factor. Please clarify.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 60:_______________________

Offerors are encouraged to follow the instructions as provided in Sections L.4.1.9.6 and L.4.1.9.7 for the small business participation factor. For the contract total price used in the denominator, please use the maximum program value ($580.217M). Amended language to section L.4.1.9.2 for this factor is included in this amendment on page 3.

QUESTION 61:____________

L.2.3.1.b (page 320): The Price Factor shall be contained on a separate CD from non-price Factors. Price breakdown will include MS Excel spreadsheets with formulae intact.

L.4.1.9.6 (page 320): The Offeror shall provide information for small business participation and subcontracting in a table format in accordance with the following example [Contract Total Price: $43.00]

L.4.1.9.7 (page 330): Small Business List (a) This data shall be provided in a table format in accordance with the following example

[Total $ (in Millions]

Question: Since the pricing instructions specify that pricing is provided by ordering period with varying quantities, It is not clear which prices should be used in the "denominator" of the tables within Sections L.4.1.9.6 and L.4.1.9.7. Please clarify.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 61:_______________________

For the contract total price used in the denominator, please use the maximum program value ($580.217M). Amended language to section

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L.4.1.9.2 for this factor is included in this amendment on page 3.

QUESTION 62:____________

L.2.3.1.b (page 320): The Price Factor shall be contained on a separate CD from non-price Factors. Price breakdown will include MS Excel spreadsheets with formulae intact.

L.4.1.10.1 (page 3231): Each Offeror shall complete (fill-in and signatures) the solicitation sections listed below using the file

(without modification to the file) provided with the solicitation...Section B Supplies or Services and Prices /Costs.

Question: Since Par. L.2.3.1.b implies that pricing information is to be exclusively contained within Volume III -Price Factor, it is inconsistent with L.4.1.10.1 that also requires offerors to complete pricing information in Section B of the solicitation, B Supplies or Services and Prices / Cost. Please clarify if providing pricing information only in Volume III Price Factor- as required in

L.2.3.1.b is sufficient, or the offeror must duplicate pricing information in Volume VIII Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents and

Certifications / Representations / Small Business Subcontracting Plan- by completing and submitting Section B Supplies or Services and

Prices / Cost.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 62:_______________________

Section B is the pricing section of the solicitation. The individual prices per item per ordering period must be placed into the spreadsheets found at section J, attachments 0026 & 0027 and submitted as volume III, Price factor separate from the other non-price factor volumes. Section L.4.10.1 contains instruction for volume VIII, Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents and Certifications/

Representations/ Small Business Subcontracting Plan. The Offeror does not need to duplicate the pricing sheets of Volume III in section

L.4.10.1. Amended language to section L.4.10.1 for this factor is included in this amendment on pages 3 and 4.

QUESTION 63:____________

Sec. M.3.2.10.1 implies that the Government will only consider and evaluate the offerors small business participation submitted with its proposal. However, it is inconsistent since under sec. I-160(j) of the solicitation, the subcontractors are also required to submit their small business subcontracting plans. Please clarify if offerors small business plan and subcontracting plan submitted in Volumes

VII and VIII are responsive to solicitation requirements, or in addition, offeror must also provide subcontracting plans from its subcontractors even though these plans are not evaluated.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 63:_______________________

Offerors small business plan and subcontracting plan submitted in Volumes VII and VIII are responsive to solicitation requirements.

Offerors do not need to provide subcontracting plans from its subcontractors to be responsive.

QUESTION 64:____________

M.3.2.9.2 - Major/key subcontractors are defined as those that will be providing critical hardware or whose subcontract is for more than

25% of the total proposed price. C.3.1.7.1.1 - A major Sub-Contractor is defined as a Sub-Contractor that produces or provides 10% or more of the unit on a cost basis of the handgun.

Questions: Of those two definitions of "Major subcontractor" what is the relevant one for the MHS bid proposal purpose? The one in

Section M or in C? Please provide further clarification on what USG understands by the term "critical" hardware?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 64:_______________________

These are two (2) different areas where one does not override the other. Section M.3.2.9.2 relates to a Past Performance evaluation for the entire system (both handgun & ammunition). 25% of the total (both handgun & ammunition) proposed price is the cut-off for subcontracts in this evaluation. Section C.3.1.7.1.1 relates to subcontractors performing work on this current project for the handgun only. 10% of the unit on a cost basis of the handgun only is the cut-off for subcontractors in this area. The term "critical hardware" means those parts of the MHS that without, the MHS cannot function.

QUESTION 65:____________

Upon receipt and review of the ARDEC Tissue Damage Model (TDM), terminal ballistic gelatin testing of the M882 cartridge from the

92FS/M9 pistol was completed to establish a baseline TDM score for that weapon system. An applicable score was generated at a distance of 50 meters per the procedures outlined within AR-PD-179 and AR-PD-180. The baseline score generated for that weapon system at 50 meters is 13.9. The ARDEC TDM disc that was provided in September included a Microsoft Excel file for executing the TDM model that was titled Baseline-M882. The resulting score that outputs from that USG provided M882 baseline is 21.8. Based upon this testing, the velocity depicted on the USG provided M882 baseline is representative of a muzzle velocity from the M9 weapon system than a 25 or 50 meter velocity. Additionally, we have not observed M882 projectile penetration into validated 20% ordnance gelatin at the depth indicated by the USG provided M882 baseline. Additional detail is requested regarding the 21.8 baseline score provided with the TDM software. More specifically, does the 21.8 score and the subsequent TDM variable inputs associated with that score represent a given range from the muzzle of the M9 weapon system?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 65:_______________________

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The example model provided with the TDM is only valid for muzzle velocity. The 21.8 is within the expected performance variation at muzzle velocity. The 13.9 is within the expected performance variation at 50 meters.

QUESTION 66:____________

As indicated in question 65, we have not been able to duplicate the 21.8 TDM baseline score for the M882 published by the Government.

Respectfully, it is our opinion that the 21.8 TDM baseline score is inaccurate. If this is true, initial efforts in determining the optimal ammunition choice to exceed the 21.8 baseline score and optimize Early Warfighter Acceptance have been misguided, and recommendations by the Ammunition Manufacturer to the Handgun Manufacturer of the optimal ammunition choice have been invalid. All parties to the MHS solicitation need the Government to publish an accurate M882 TDM baseline score in order to conduct meaningful product selection. If this is true and a revised TDM baseline is published, efforts to determine the optimal ammunition choice must begin again. An extension to the proposal date must be offered equivalent to the time lapse from August 28, 2015 (publication date for the final RFP) to the time of revised TDM baseline publication.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 66:_______________________

There will be no extension to the proposal submission date.

QUESTION 67:____________

Please clarify the interrelationship between Section L.4.1.4.4, which states that the Army will not use any MHS rights granted by the contractor until the procurement that follows the completion of the 5-year ammunition contract, and Section M.3.2.5.3, which provides for a Marginal/Yellow rating if the contractor does not "allow for obtaining a MHS Purpose Rights License within three (3) years from the date of notification of award to a single vendor." Specifically, if a contractor agrees to provide an MHS license as of the date of down select, but limits the use of those rights in accordance with Section L.4.1.4.4, will the offeror have met the criterion of

"providing the Government with the capability to obtain a MHS Purpose Rights License from the date of notification of award to a single vendor" applicable to a Blue rating under Section M.3.2.5.3?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 67:_______________________

The Government is seeking data rights in advance of five years in order to use in a competitive solicitation so that deliveries will not be interrupted upon transitioning from one contract to the next. Solicitation of the follow on contract would need to occur prior to the completion of the first five ordering periods.

QUESTION 68:____________

It is assumed that Bid Sample Ammunition (required by Section L.1.5.11) shipped to Aberdeen Proving Ground can be packed in a commercial pack. No Bar Codes will be applied to the packaging of the Bid Sample Ammunition. No Ammunition Data Cards will be provided for the

Bid Sample Ammunition.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 68:_______________________

Commercial pack for ammunition is acceptable for BID SAMPLE SUBMISSION.

QUESTION 69:____________

Section L.4.1.6 Factor 6, Production/Manufacturing.

Paragraph 2. CAPACITY. Paragraph states that the offerors plan will be assessed to determine the understanding of the Governments production requirements and existing capability to meet the ammunition production rates identified in Section F of the RFP.

Can you please advise if the overall requirement for the contract is 160,075,000 rounds annually or 160,075,000 rounds of ammunition total?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 69:_______________________

Section L.4.1.6 is requesting information for the Government to assess the Offerors ability to meet foreseen minimum requirements. The schedule in Section B exceeds the foreseen minimum requirements in order to provide for the ability to procure quantities up to the maximum needs.

QUESTION 70:____________

Section D - PACKAGING AND MARKING; AMMUNITION.

Paragraph 1.b. Ammunition Requirement (SOW Part B). Paragraph states that production quantities shall be packed into fiberboard cartons with foam/plastic packing trays as applicable to prevent gross movement in the carton.

Question: Does this mean that use of a packing tray within the carton is optional as long as there is no gross movement of the product in the carton?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 70:_______________________

No, the packaging trays are not optional. The material of the packing trays is optional. The packaged ammunition will undergo

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packaging tests in accordance with the Purchase Description, and will likely not meet those requirements without the packaging trays.

QUESTION 71:____________

Section C.5.2.5.19 High Pressure Test Cartridges

This paragraph states that the contractor will be responsible for the development of a plan, applicable product descriptions, and acceptance criteria for a high pressure test cartridge that is analogous to the aforementioned XM1152 and XM1153 cartridges. The contractor shall be responsible for providing a plan to furnish high pressure test cartridges needed for future pressure proof testing of the MH. The Test and Evaluation Program Plan shall be submitted, DI-NDTI-81284 (CDRL A043) for Government approval and concurrence after award of the first production order.

Question: What quantity of High Pressure Test Cartridges will be required? Should this requirement be added to Section B as a CLIN and added to the Pricing Matrices?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE 71:_______________________

The Government does not intend to purchase HPT rounds on this contract. The Contractor will utilize the HPT rounds during inspection/acceptance.