PFD Questions and Answers 3_Presolicitation.docx

PFD Questions and Answers 3 – Pre-solicitation Question 1. In the KSA Section it states that APA 2 Continued the PFD system weight shall not exceed 3.4 pounds and each packed bladder component shall not exceed L= 8 inches, H= 5 inches, and T= 2.5 inches (T), 2 pounds and each packed bladder component shall not exceed L=6.25 inches L, H=2.75 inches, D=2.25 inches (O).

Should we interpret this to mean there should be more than one bladder in the PFD system? Or is it simply stating that “All Bladder Components” cannot exceed the dimensions listed and has nothing to do with quantity of bladders?

Answer: The Additional Performance Attributes (APA) are requirements that are not at the level of the Key Performance Attributes (KSA) which absolutely must be met.

In this case, the rational was for the new PFD to be smaller and lighter than the legacy systems that all used a two bladder system. The overall weight of the new PFD is expected to meet the APA 2 (3.4 lbs or less), and the total volume of the new PFD is not expected to exceed the total packed volume of the combined two bladders. PFD proposals that are significantly different than "legacy type designs" may need undergo additional measures to evaluate form, fit, function, and interoperability. We are not directing a specific number of bladders, and APA 2 what is a known quantity.