Next_Gen_Soldier_Protection_1_-_Project_Announcement_TC_2-23-18.pdf

Project Announcement

Part I: Overview Information

A. Project Announcement (PA) Title: Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III - High Strength, Inherently Fire and Ballistic Resistant Co-polymer Aramid Fibers Project

1. Project Announcement Number: #1

2. Purpose: This announcement is to solicit for production technology White Papers for the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Program managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and executed with acquisition support provided by the Army Contracting Command-New Jersey (ACC-NJ) and program support provided by the Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier, US Army, Ft. Belvoir, VA.

3. Point of Contacts:

a. Contracting Point of Contact (POC) - White Papers shall be addressed to the following:

Mr. Giuseppe Tropiano, US Army Contracting Command-New Jersey Email: giuseppe.tropiano.civ@mail.mil

4. White Paper Due Date and Time: Thirty (30) days from date this announcement is published in FedBizOpps.gov.

NOTE: Any White Paper, modification or revision received after the exact deadline specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered except at the discretion of the Contract Officer / Agreement Officer. Early White Paper submission is encouraged.

5. Submission: White Papers will be addressed to the Contracting POC in Part I, A.3 of this Section.

B. Solicitation Request: ACC-NJ is soliciting White Papers (technical and cost volumes) using the requirements set forth under Part II of the Broad Agency Agreement (BAA)

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1. Brief Program Summary: This project is to establish domestic, economically viable, merchant supplier production capabilities in the manufacturing of copolymer aramid, a high strength, inherently fire and ballistic resistant fiber capable of being made into durable, lightweight soft-armor and durable, lightweight, fire-resistant hard armor composites.

2. Estimated Program Cost: $40M Government share plus minimum 50/50 recipient cost share to the maximum extent practicable.

3. Estimated Program Schedule:

a. Estimated Total Period of performance (POP). This timeframe consists of an estimated Technical Period of Performance (TPOP) and final report.

i. 36 months

Estimated TPOP: 30 months

Estimated Final Report completion: 6 months

b. Estimated Monitoring Phase (after POP).

i. 24 months

4. Anticipated Number of Awards: The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards, a single award, or no award based on technical solutions proposed and funding availability.

5. Communication Between Prospective Offerors and Government

Representatives:

a. All questions will be addressed in writing to the contracting POC identified in Part I Section A3. Questions and answers may be posted by the Government if warranted.

b. Discussions with the Contracting POC does not constitute a commitment by the Government to subsequently fund or award any proposed effort. Only Contracting/Agreements Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government.

6. Address any questions to: (see Part I Section A3)

Part II: Full Text Announcement

A. Program Description: ACC-NJ and Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier are soliciting White Papers on the following project: High Strength, Inherently Fire and Ballistic Resistant Co-polymer Aramid Fibers Industrial Capability Project

1. Statement of Objectives: The objective of this DPA Title III Project is to establish domestic industrial capability to produce high strength, inherently fire and ballistic resistant co-polymer aramid fibers capable of being made into durable lightweight Warfighter armor protective items.

The U.S. Army has a need to acquire lightweight, high-performance, personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide to the Warfighter. High-strength, inherently fire- and ballistic-resistant fiber technologies are key components of these PPE systems. A next-generation co-polymer aramid fiber would increase ballistic performance over existing high-strength, inherently fire-resistant fibers.

The next generation of co-polymer aramid fibers are approximately 30 percent lighter than previous fibers used in PPE systems. Increased use of this type of fiber will save Warfighters’ lives and is essential to the national defense.

Without Title III funding, industry would minimize production capacity of next generation co-polymer aramid fiber based on equipment costs it is willing to bear.

Industry’s approach would be to provide initial small quantities of the next generation fiber in hopes of growing the market, waiting for adoption of the new fiber and increasing scale. Due to the extensive qualification requirements typical for articles providing safety and protection, there is a long delay between commercial production capability and revenue generation. This results in such high financial risk that, without DPA Title III support, commercial suppliers will not take on the capacity as quickly as it is needed in the field.

DPA Title III will be used to fund equipment and manufacturing technology purchases that will allow commercial suppliers to take on the higher cost, higher business risk of increasing production capacity of next generation co-polymer aramid fiber on a timeline that that meets the Warfighter’s needs. This funding incentive is the most cost effective, expedient, and practical alternative because without it, potential suppliers would not meet capacity thresholds necessary for DoD. In addition, use of DPA Title III funds will increase the overall competitiveness of the United States in regards to this industry, which will ultimately result in a lower cost of this vital product to DoD.

2. Scope: This project is to establish domestic industrial capability to produce copolymer aramid, a high strength, inherently fire and ballistic resistant fiber capable of being made into durable Warfighter protective items. The fiber manufacturing process must produce high quality fiber capable of being converted into high ballistic mass efficiency fabric and unidirectional structures.

a. The required copolymer aramid fiber properties are: a minimum 34 grams per denier tenacity when tested in accordance with ASTM Standard D7269/D7269M-11, a minimum elongation to break of 3.5% when tested in accordance with ASTM Standard D7269/D7269M-11, a minimum modulus of 900 grams per denier when tested in accordance with ASTM Standard D7269/D7269M-11, and a minimum limiting oxygen index of 28 when tested in accordance with ASTM Standard D2863. The fiber shall be capable of being woven into fabrics or made into a unidirectional cross-plied laminate for soft armor and hard armor backing applications. A 15 inch by 15 inch sample made from water repellent treated copolymer aramid woven fabric with a number of layers not to exceed an areal density 0.78 pounds per square foot shall have a minimum ballistic limit (V50) of 1700 feet per second for 9 millimeter (124 grain Full Metal Jacket) bullets and a minimum ballistic limit (V50) of 1950 feet per second for 17 grain fragment simulating projectiles.

b. The offeror will be capable of creating manufacturing facilities for making the copolymer and then spinning it into the high strength, inherently fire and ballistic resistant durable fiber. The fiber will be manufactured in such a way that it is capable to be made into woven, knit, felted or unidirectional structures for use in lightweight, high performance protective articles

c. The offeror will create manufacturing facilities capable of producing over one million pounds of fiber per year. Further, the offeror shall develop and execute strategic business and marketing strategies that support the adoption of the fiber in commercial applications.

3. Background: Para-aramids have been used to make body and vehicle armor to protect our warfighters for decades. The inherent fire resistance and durability of para-aramid fiber and the ability to make fabrics and unidirectional structures are still desirable traits, but there is a need to further reduce the burden on dismounted soldiers and to lightweight military vehicles. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has helped with weight reduction, but at the penalty of using a combustible material and eliminating the ability to make the highly flexible ballistic structures needed to protect Warfighter extremities. UHMWPE structures are also sensitive to delamination at the modest elevated temperatures that can occur inside a vehicle sitting outside on a sunny day. The high strength fiber manufacturing capacity goal of the DPA Title III project shall maintain the durability and fire resistance of para-aramids while increasing the thermal stability and reducing the end-use article weight.

4. Objectives: The objectives identified below in Part II Sections 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are standard requirements for a Title III project. The objectives identified in 4e are the specific technical requirements for this particular project.

The recipient will be a viable, world-class domestic manufacturer who is responsive to customer requirements with respect to quality, delivery, and price.

Attention will be paid to enhancing merchant supplier capabilities to effectively serve the broad DoD and commercial communities.

Substantial involvement by the Government program official will be required through participation in recipient’s periodic reviews of project progress, revisions of plans for future efforts, and possibly business matters. See Part II section B:

Deliverable Items.

a. Program Management, Administration, and Reporting

i. Manage and implement the project. Monitor and control the project's cost, schedule, and performance parameters.

ii. Establish a cumulative monthly expenditure profile baseline for the government funds. Track the actual monthly expenditures and cost shares if applicable against the baseline and report it to the government each month.

iii. Participate on the project's Integrated Product Team (IPT) and interface with Title III project managers and contracting (agreements) personnel.

iv. Conduct regular technical update meetings/teleconferences calls and Quarterly Program Management Reviews (PMR). Up to two PMRs in any year may be conducted at the recipient's facility, and at least one PMR per year may be conducted at PEO Soldier. Remaining PMRs shall be conducted by conference call. Key sub-recipients and/or subcontractors should actively participate in PMRs.

v. Conduct a Technical Project Kickoff Meeting no later than 60 days following award.

vi. Update and provide the Government Equipment Property List at the time of quarterly PMRs and as required. If equipment is procured using Title III funding, prepare for a Monitoring Phase (MP) after the conclusion of the technical effort to demonstrate acceptable utilization and maintenance of the government equipment in support of the long-term goals of this project.

vii. Establish and track Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) with DPA Title III IPT concurrence. Baseline capabilities, Threshold (minimum), and Objective (stretch) targets should be established for at least two KPPs in each of the following four categories: Technology, Manufacturing, Financial, and Marketing. Report KPP performance at quarterly PMRs and as required. Conduct initial and final manufacturing demonstrations to validate the baseline and final capabilities. Demonstrations may be conducted concurrently with planned production if feasible.

b. Strategic Business and Marketing Planning

i. Prepare, submit, and implement a Strategic Business and Marketing Plan that addresses the key aspects of commercial manufacturing facility for co-polymer aramid fiber for use in Warfighter protective items, vehicle armor, and for commercial uses.

ii. The comprehensive strategic business planning should cover a minimum outlook of 24 months (estimated), including all financial statements, actual and forecasts.

iii. The strategic marketing plan should address current and future customer needs (domestic and foreign, civilian and military) for the co-polymer aramid fiber.

c. Technical Requirements

i. Develop and implement a comprehensive plan detailing all necessary engineering, equipment, facility expansion, sub-recipient requirements, materials, labor hours, and processes required to build copolymer aramid production capacity

ii. Install and commission a copolymer aramid fiber manufacturing plant.

iii. Establish product specifications and quality control measures to ensure high quality copolymer aramid fiber production.

d. Proposal Submission (see Parts II & III for WHITE PAPER and FULL

PROJECT PROPOSAL: CONTENT, PREPARATION AND

SUBMISSION respectively, under the BAA): In the event that a White Paper is given an evaluation rating of “Promising”, a request may be made for a full and complete Proposal based upon the availability of funds, with details of technical, cost and schedule to meet the requirements above. Unsolicited proposals will not be accepted.

B. Deliverable Items

1. Data Items: The following are reporting requirements:

a. Recipient’s Progress through regular technical update meetings/teleconferences calls (i.e., fortnightly or monthly as needed)

b. Strategic Business and Marketing Plan (3 months after receipt of Agreement and semi-annually thereafter until completion of contract)

An outline will be provided by the government as guidance for recommended structure and detail in the report. The report can be tailored to allow the Recipient's format. One copy of the report shall be provided to the POC (see Part I Section A3).

Report may be submitted via e-mail (see Part I Section A3).

Strategic Business and Marketing Plan submissions to the Government are exempt from disclosure requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552 (Freedom of Information Act - Exemption 4 thereunder) for a period of five years from the date the Department receives the information. The Recipient shall mark such information with a legend identifying the documents as being submitted on a confidential basis.

c. Property Control List (see BAA Part 10 Section10e Permanent Equipment)

d. Presentation Material and meeting minutes (As Required)

2. Other Deliverables:

a. Deliver 50 shootpacks (tactical vest simulants) as US Army test and evaluation validation tests.

C. Other Requirements:

1. Program security classification: Unclassified

2. Export Control

a. Contractors shall comply with all U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 through 130, and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730 through 799, in the performance of this contract. In the absence of the available license exemptions/exceptions, the Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the appropriate licenses or other approvals, if required, for exports of (including deemed exports) hardware, technical data, and software, or for the provision of technical assistance.

b. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining export licenses, if required, before utilizing foreign persons in the performance of this contract, including instances where the work is to be performed onsite at any Government installation (whether in or outside the United States), where the foreign person will have access to export-controlled technologies, including data or software.

c. The Contractor shall be responsible for all regulatory record keeping requirements associated with the use of licenses and license exemptions/exceptions.

d. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that the provisions of this clause (and any required DFARS clause) apply to its subcontractors as applicable or required.

3. Propose Cost Sharing or Matching

a. The Government is required to seek cost sharing in the amount of 50%

Recipient and 50% Government to the maximum extent practicable pursuant to DoDGARS Part 37.215 for TIAs. Cost share other than 50/50 requires preparation and approval of a waiver. If the proposal does not include a cost share of at least 50%, provide justification which should address, in detail, factors that demonstrate vested self-interest and/or commitment to the success of the project as discussed in DoDGARS Part 37.215.

b. Types of Cost Share proposed must be in accordance with DoDGARs 37.530 through 37.555

Part III: Award Information

A. Anticipated Award Date: 90 days after receipt of proposals.

B. Anticipated funding Funding Profile

FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 Total

Government

Receipt Cost Share

Total Program

This funding profile is an estimate only and not an obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

C. Contractor Support Companies ByteCubed 2231 Crystal Drive #401 Arlington, Virginia 22202 info@bytecubed.com 571-336-7225

Part IV: White Paper Development And Submission Information

A. Overview: White Papers submitted shall be developed in accordance with the BAA (Part II of BAA: White Paper Content, Preparation and Submission) and this Project Announcement.

Offerors should be alert for any PA amendments that may permit extensions to the proposal submission date.

As noted in the BAA, only White Papers that receive and evaluation of “Promising” may receive a follow-on request for a full proposal. In the event that a White Paper is given an evaluation rating of “Promising”, a request will may be made for a full and complete Proposal, with details of technical, cost and schedule to meet the requirements above.

Unsolicited proposals will not be accepted.

B. White Paper Submission

1. Content and Form - Refer to Part II of BAA: White Paper Content, Preparation and Submission

2. Technical/Management - The White Paper shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of the research and the technical approach to meet the requirements in Part II of this Project Announcement. Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included as attachments to the technical proposal. See Part III of BAA for requirements for Full Project Proposal requirements.

a. In support of evaluation criterion Manufacturing Capability and Experience, evidence may include, but is not limited to, existing component testing, demonstrations, and/or qualification efforts, existing manufacturing capability, intellectual property, technical specifications for existing components, and dossiers of key personnel.

b. The offeror shall provide test results from an independent laboratory indicating they can meet the above requirements in Part II section A2a-A2b Part II section 4B2. For ballistic testing, the offeror shall provide test results from a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified ballistic laboratory.

c. In support of evaluation criterion Quality of Technical Approach, evidence may include, but is not limited to: component product/production road maps including product qualification plans, value stream maps, equipment specifications, production flow diagrams, process operation plans, and quality control plans (test and inspection plans).

d. This volume shall include a SOW detailing the technical tasks proposed to be accomplished under the proposed effort and suitable for incorporation into the Agreement.

e. Prior to submission of the White Paper, questions concerning the SOW preparation shall be referred to the POC in Part I Section A3.