CWGS IFB Questions_Answers through 18 April.docx

CWGS IFB W911QY-24-B-0001 Questions and Answers April 17

1. End item testing/Acquisition requirements. If required, mittens submitted will be tested by the Government. Acquisition documents should specify the following- if the mitten shells require testing by the Government. Where would you prefer the notice that we need the Government to perform the end item testing on the Mitten Shell (Type I & Type II), Glove and Liner? Is there any additional information required?

Answer: See Amendment 0001. All other terms and conditions remain the same.

2. Is seam taping required for the Type II Trigger Finger Mitten Shell described in MIL-DTL-32707A? The sixth sentence of section 3.4.1 Type I, full mitten shell , of MIL-DTL-32707A states; “The outer shell fabric’s inside seams are seam taped to provide waterproofing.” Section 3.4.2 Type II, trigger finger mitten shell in MIL-DTL-3207A does not include a similar statement requiring seam taping. This seems to indicate that there is no requirement for seam taping on the Type II Trigger Finger Mitten Shell. Please confirm.

Answer: There is no requirement to Seam Seal the TF mitten.

12 April

1. Label/Tag. Each glove requires a combination identification-size label and instruction label as well as paper tag. Are we able to submit bid samples with a hang tag only and artwork of what the combo labels will look like if awarded the contract?

Answer: Answer: No, bid samples must conform to the requirement and include the combination label.

2. GTA.Is the Graphic Training Aid (GTA) required for bid samples? If so, could you please provide the Government Furnished Information?

Answer: The draft GTA is included in the IFB as Attachment 0008 and is required for samples. However, Section C.3 states the GTA “shall be folded into a size that is able to fit comfortably into a pocket”. As the draft GTA is not formatted for folding, including it unfolded in the bid samples is acceptable.

9 April

1. Reference MIL-DTL-32707A, TABLE VI, Dimension A: Back of Hand Width (Type I) – Please reference below table and pattern piece dimensions. The widest part of the back of hand pattern exceeds the PD requirements for Dimension A (the pattern measurements do not include seam allowance). Please advise on how we should adjust either the pattern pieces or PD requirement to align with each other. This affects all sizes.

Answer: CAD measurements and finished dimensions are misaligned due to expected loss and makeup in production. Finished dimensions as outlined are what is expected using the pattern provided. Pattern should not be adjusted. If samples yield larger dimensions, table may be adjusted as needed in future.

2. Reference MIL-DTL-32709A, TABLE VI, Dimension D: Wrist Width, Relaxed – Please reference below table and pattern piece dimensions. The total of all the pattern dimensions yields a width measurement that exceeds the PD requirement for wrist width. Please advise on how we should adjust either the pattern pieces or PD requirement to align with each other. This affects all sizes.

Answer: CAD measurements and finished dimensions are misaligned due to expected loss and makeup in production. Finished dimensions as outlined are what is expected using the pattern provided. Pattern should not be adjusted. If samples yield larger dimensions, table may be adjusted as needed in future.

8 April

1. Reference MIL-DTL-32708A, TABLE VII, Dimension C: Wrist Cuff Width – Please reference below table and pattern piece screen shots. The total of all the pattern dimensions yields a half measurement that exceeds the PD requirement for cuff width. Please advise on how we should adjust either the pattern pieces or PD requirement to align with each other. This affects all sizes.

Answer: CAD measurements and finished dimensions are misaligned due to expected loss and makeup in production. Finished dimensions as outlined are what is expected using the pattern provided and accounts for insulation layer take up, and sewing etc. Pattern should not be adjusted. If samples yield larger dimensions, table may be adjusted as needed in future.

2. Reference MIL-DTL-32707A, Table II, Pattern parts, Types I and II – Please reference below picture. The pattern size for Lining Material - Back of Hand and Shell Material - Back of Hand has a discrepancy in size (Type I only) by approximately ½”. The resultant hem is not aligned and has a wrinkle/crease installed after closing. Please advise if pattern file will be adjusted, or if the Seam defect will be waived.

Answer: Pattern will not be adjusted for either glove type. Ripstop ease was decided based on internal sample assessment and is different between type I and II. Comment is noted and based on photo provided, seam appearance will not be an issue.

2 April

1. Can you let us know the estimated breakdown between Type I and Type II mittens? The seam tape is a considerable cost on this project and will definitely affect pricing depending on the breakdown of Type I (with seam tape) and Type II (without seam tape) orders.

Answer: MIL-DTL-32707A covers both the Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) Full Mitten Shell and ECW Trigger Finger Mitten Shell. Type I is the Full Mitten Shell, and Type II is the Trigger Finger Mitten Shell. Both are required. Per multiple sections of the IFB, the CWGS Complete Kit includes the ECW Full Mitten Shells, ECW Trigger Finger Mitten Shells, ECW Trigger Finger Mitten Liners, and Intermediate Cold Weather Gloves. These must all be priced as part of the kit and individually as outlined in the CLIN structure.

2. MIL-DTL-32707A states:

3.5.15 Seam tape (type I only). The full mitten shell shall be seam taped, providing complete water proofing. All seams and stitch lines shall be seam sealed on the inside seams; seam tape shall be centered over the stitch lines. Attachment point tabs shall be created by folding the seam seal tape on itself. The cut length shall be 3 inches to form a 3/4-inch self-faced tab with a 3/4-inch length of single-layer seam seal tape on each side to affix to the specified locations. The mitten shall have a minimum of three attachment point tabs located at the tip of the thumb, the top of the mitten section, and the pinky side of the mitten section.

Please note that in the same spec, 3.4.2 - Type II, trigger finger mitten shell, it states: ...The mitten shell has an elasticized inner wrist...

When the elastic is sewn to the inner part of the wrist, it creates holes in the outside of the glove. When you seam-tape these holes shut on the inside, the seam tape removes the elastic's ability to stretch. So you can either have a glove that's fully seam taped with no elasticity, or a glove that's not fully seam taped with an elastic wrist.

Please let me know what the government is looking for with respect to the seam taping requirement on this one.

Answer: During the manufacturing process the elastic simply needs to be stretched when applying the seam sealing tape. 100+ samples have been manufactured and field trialed using this method successfully.

28 March

1. L.1.1. The government anticipates this Invitation for Bids (IFB) will result in the award of up to two, five-year firm fixed price indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts for the production of an estimated 194,000 CWGS with an award ceiling of $99 million.

We read "194,000 CGWS" as 194,000 complete kits. Can the Government confirm whether or not this is referring to kits, and if not, can the government provide an estimated breakdown of the 194,000 kits vs the individual components being requested?

Answer: Yes, the estimate of 194,000 is for complete kits, although individual items will also likely be procured as needed.

2. Reference MIL-DTL-32707A, 3.5.7 Elastic: please provide measurements or reference for exact placement of elastic and stretch stitch.

Answer: This is a mis-reference. 3.5.7 is for the buckle.

3. Reference MIL-DTL-32079A, 3.5.5 Elastic: please provide measurements or reference for exact placement of elastic and stretch stitch.

Answer: Elastic measurement reference Table 7, finished dimensions, see measurement D for wrist width relaxed to determine proper cut length of elastic (length should allow for cinching). Pattern notches on cuff palm nylon piece (which joins to palm leather) indicate placement of elastic, which runs seam to seam.

4. Reference MIL-DTL-32707A, 3.5.8 Adjustable lanyard: please provide cut and/or finished length. If possible, please also advise on knot position if a specified placement is required.

Answer: Regarding the adjustable lanyard finished length, no, it is not defined in the spec. Figures 1 & 3 can be used as a guide. The adjustable lanyard is attached to the hem, it is sewn into the pinky side inside lining seam. It is not detachable and is used to secure the mittens to the wrist when not in use. No knot position is specified however vendors can use a knot or cord lock stop after the cord lock at the end of the lanyard. Refence figures 1 and 3.

5. Reference MIL-DTL-32707A, 3.5.11, Cord lock: please provide cut and/or finished length and placement of nylon tape attachment piece relative to bottom hem.

Answer: There is no specified cut length. Length needs to be sufficient to secure the cord lock. Reference figures 1 and 3 for approximate placement.

6. Reference MIL-DTL-32079A, 3.5.12, Cord lock: please provide cut and/or finished length and placement of nylon tape attachment piece relative to bottom hem.

Answer: There is no specified cut length. Length needs to be sufficient to secure the cord lock. Reference figures 1 and 3 for approximate placement.

7. Reference MIL-DTL-32707A, 3.5.13, Clasp: please provide cut and/or finished length and placement of nylon tape attachment piece relative to bottom hem.

Answer: There is no specified cut length. Length needs to be sufficient to secure the clasp. Reference figures 1, 2 and 3 for approximate placement.

8. Reference MIL-DTL-32079A, 3.5.14, Clasp: please provide cut and/or finished length and placement of nylon tape attachment piece relative to bottom hem.

Answer: There is no specified cut length. Length needs to be sufficient to secure the clasp. Reference figures 1, 2 and 3 for approximate placement.

27 March

1. Does the Army have some sort of size/demand tariff with expected percentages of each size / CLIN being ordered? I don't see anything in the solicitation. We're running some preliminary costing models right now and demand tariffs at this quantity make a massive difference in pricing.

Answer: Below is a generic/notional tariff for gloves. Vendors should understand that the Government may choose to order completely different tariffs at any point during performance of the contract. They should make their best effort to average the costs for their bids.

2. Reference all MIL-DTL, 3.5.1 Basic Shell Material: the material is delayed and still has not been received. We respectfully request a 30-day extension to the proposal due date to account for material delays and PDM production.

Answer: Vendors who cannot get the required materials must find alternate but like materials for production of PDMs and submit them to the KO for approval. An extension will not be granted as this is an urgent requirement for the Army.

26 March

1. Regards to Production Readiness Review, if the production facility is at overseas, would the PRR take place at such production facilities? If not, how does a virtual PRR take place in this case?

Answer: Production facility must be within the United States. The requirement for the CWGS shall be Berry Amendment compliant. Please reference M.3.2.1.2. and C.7.5 of the IFB.

2. As per 52.225-18 PLACE OF MANUFACTURE (AUG 2018), contractors need to disclose where is the place of the Manufacturer. Is the place of manufacture considered as a determining factor of a winning bid? Does this IFB require or favor Domestic end products over Foreign-end products? Made in USA v.s. Non-Made in USA?

Answer: The CWGS and all components must be manufactured and have a Place of Performance within the United States to meet Berry Amendment compliance. Please reference M.3.2.1.2. and C.7.5 of the IFB.

3. G-3. PAST PERFORMANCE POINT OF CONTACT (POC): When should the contractor participate in the online evaluations, before or after the bid open?

Answer: Section G Past Performance evaluations will occur during the lifecycle of the awarded IDIQ contract(s) in response to this solicitation.

22 March

1. This is MIL-DTL-32707A. See figure 3 below:

Now, please read the below description:

3.5.14 Nylon tape. Nylon tape shall be used to secure the cord lock (see 3.5. 11 and figures 1 and J ) to the pinky side outer seam of the cuff. The tape shall be nylon, 3/8 or 5/16 inch in width, and conform to type III of MIL-DTL-5038

Based on the wording above, the nylon tape securing the cord lock should be lowered onto the cuff/hem underneath the stitch line. NOT where is it located in figure 3, which is above the stitch line. Please confirm where you intend the nylon tape that affixes the barrel lock to the glove to go.

Answer: The construction is correct as described and drawn. Nylon tape is secured above the cuff/hem stitchline. I attached a photo for reference. (See Reference 0001).

2. MIL-DTL-32707A, part 3.5.8 – Adjustable Lanyard does not define a finished length. Can you please confirm that a length is not required, and if a length is required, could you tell us what you want the length to be?

Additionally, is the adjustable lanyard a single component, or loop, that goes around the wrist, or is it a piece that is detachable from the hem?

Answer: Regarding the adjustable lanyard finished length, no, it is not defined in the spec. Figures 1 & 3 can be used as a guide. The adjustable lanyard is attached to the hem, it is sewn into the pinky side inside lining seam. It is not detachable and is used to secure the mittens to the wrist when not in use.

20 March

1. After reviewing the IFB, we wanted to gain clarity on the below- 52.246-11 Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement (Dec 2014)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the higher-level quality standard(s) listed below.

ISO 9001:2015 or equivalent

Our understanding is that the Contractor must comply with the standards of ISO 9001:2015 not that they necessarily need the certification, correct? If they do need the certification, do they need it at time they submit their response, or if they are in the process and will have in time for award, would that meet the requirement?

Answer: A third-party certification is not required. The Contractor will need to provide documented evidence that they have a Quality Management System in use at the company that conforms to the ISO 9001-2015 standard. A quality management system (QMS) is defined as a formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives. The QMS should define the Responsibilities of Management; Management of Resources and an organization’s work environment; Product realization, including the steps from design to delivery; Measurement, analysis, and improvement of the QMS through activities like internal audits and corrective and preventive action. QMS coordinates and directs an organization’s activities to meet customer and regulatory requirements and improve its effectiveness and efficiency on a continuous basis.

Quality management systems should address an organization’s needs; however, the elements all systems have in common include and may not be limited to:

14 March

1. Follow-up question: You wrote on March 7th:

Answer: There is a leather pinky gusset which is seamed along the side of the ring finger. Due to the visual angle of the drawn figure (below), it is not pictured.

Can the government confirm that this is ALSO a single needle topstitch?

Answer: It is also a single needle topstitch for the stitch within the green circle.

13 March

1. Do you by chance have the ability to send the patterns in a DXF or DXFMA format?

Answer: Pattern files for CWGS will only be provided in Gerber AccuMark format. Please refer to Section L.2.1.1. of the solicitation: “Government patterns will be provided in electronic format in a recent Gerber AccuMark version. For contractors without access to compatible AccuMark CAD and/or plotting capabilities it is recommended to utilize a 2nd party Pattern Service for pattern conversion and/or plotting.”

2. (Grammatical edit to answer of previous question on March 6th) - Can the government please read the bolded statements below pulled from the solicitation and clarify exactly how they would like everything to be packaged?

D.1 PACKAGING AND MARKING

Contractor shall package the CWGS as complete kits. A CWGS kit shall contain one pair (a pair consists of one left and one right component) of each of the four CWGS components of matching sizes. The CWGS kits shall be packaged in clear plastic bags.

The plastic bags shall have a white sticker label stating the item nomenclature (“Cold Weather Glove System”), contract number, Delivery Order number, and the CWGS kit Management Control Number (MCN) in human readable and barcode formats. Each CWGS kit shall include a Graphic Training Aid (GTA) as outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

Once bagged, the CWGS kits shall be packaged in accordance with the Attachment 0005 – Shipping Instructions) included in Section J.

The individual component pairs shall be packaged in clear plastic bags. The plastic bags shall have a white sticker label stating the component nomenclature, contract number, Delivery Order number, and appropriate National Stock Number (NSN) in human readable and barcode formats. Only Intermediate Cold Weather Glove pairs shall be packaged with a GTA as outlined in section C.3 of this SOW.

Once bagged, the individual component pairs shall be packaged in accordance with the Shipping Instructions included in Section J.

All kits and components must include labeling in accordance with labeling instructions provided in Section J. Individual components do not need to be bagged separately within a kit It says that individual components do not need to be bagged separately at the end, but above that, it says that each bag has to have the NSN and other info on the outside of the bag. In that case, that would suggest that in order to adequately label everything, each part of the CGWS DOES need to be bagged separately inside one large bag that also has a label indicating CGWS Kit.

Answer: The gloves will be required to be delivered in two possible configurations: 1. Complete Kits or 2. Individual Components. This is outlined in the CLIN structure. When delivered as Complete Kits, the individual components do not have to be individually bagged. Instead, all the components are packaged in one large kit bag that includes the four unbagged components. When delivered as Individual Components, then each pair must be packaged in a bag.

11 March

1. Can you confirm that patterns are available on DIBBs?

Answer: They are not available on DIBBs. Pattern requests shall follow the procedures listed in Section L.2.1.1. of the IFB.

7 March

1. The stitch circled in RED appears to be a single-needle topstitch, but is not referenced anywhere in the specification MIL-DTL-32709A. Can your team confirm that this is supposed to be a single needle topstitch, double needle topstitch, or clean finish?

Answer: This should be a single needle topstitch

2. Look at the green circle. The pattern file shows a seam here. Can you confirm whether or not there should be a seam here? Can you also confirm the date of the most recent pattern file (and send to me if possible)?

Answer: There is a leather pinky gusset which is seamed along the side of the ring finger. Due to the visual angle of the drawn figure (below), it is not pictured.

6 March 1 Is the Government able to update the specifications in a way that allows us to copy and paste text? It appears that the text in all three specs for the CGWS is rasterized as outlined paths instead of text that you can highlight. This makes it extremely challenging to navigate the document as we cannot use the Find feature to search for keywords.

Answer: Vendors can use the text recognition function in PDF in order to make the files searchable. Additionally, vendors can choose to use PDF to convert the files to Word format if they wish to copy/add text as they work on their proposals. We put two identical files for Attachments 0002, 0003 and 0004 are posted on SAM. One larger file has already gone through text recognition.

2 Can the government please read the bolded statements below pulled from the solicitation and clarify exactly how they would like everything to be packaged?

D.1 PACKAGING AND MARKING

Contractor shall package the CWGS as complete kits. A CWGS kit shall contain one pair (a pair consists of one left and one right component) of each of the four CWGS components of matching sizes. The CWGS kits shall be packaged in clear plastic bags.

The plastic bags shall have a white sticker label stating the item nomenclature (“Cold Weather Glove System”), contract number, Delivery Order number, and the CWGS kit Management Control Number (MCN) in human readable and barcode formats. Each CWGS kit shall include a Graphic Training Aid (GTA) as outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

Once bagged, the CWGS kits shall be packaged in accordance with the Attachment 0005 – Shipping Instructions) included in Section J.

The individual component pairs shall be packaged in clear plastic bags. The plastic bags shall have a white sticker label stating the component nomenclature, contract number, Delivery Order number, and appropriate National Stock Number (NSN) in human readable and barcode formats. Only Intermediate Cold Weather Glove pairs shall be packaged with a GTA as outlined in section C.3 of this SOW.

Once bagged, the individual component pairs shall be packaged in accordance with the Shipping Instructions included in Section J.

All kits and components must include labeling in accordance with labeling instructions provided in Section J. Individual components do not need to be bagged separately within a kit It says that individual components do not need to be bagged separately at the end, but above that, it says that each bag has to have the NSN and other info on the outside of the bag. In that case, that would suggest that in order to adequately label everything, each part of the CGWS DOES need to be bagged separately inside one large bag that also has a label indicating CGWS Kit.

Answer: The gloves will be delivered to be delivered in two possible configurations: 1. Complete Kits or 2. Individual Components. This is outlined in the CLIN structure. When delivered as Complete Kits, the individual components do not have to be individually bagged. Instead, all the components are packaged in one large kit bag that includes the four unbagged components. When delivered as Individual Components, then each pair must be packaged in a bag.

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