Attachment 0002 CFS QandA 20260922.pdf

Attachment 0002

Call for Solutions / Maritime Body Armor Load Carriage Systems (M-BALCS) / Questions and Answers

September 22, 2026

Q1: What is the estimated volume so we can provide more accurate volume pricing?

A1: For the purpose of providing a high-level pricing breakdown or Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for this Call for Solution, 3,000 to 3,500 units.

Q2: Can you provide a list and QTYs of each item included in the current LCS?

A2:

1. M-BALCS SEAL, SWCC, and CS Bundles

- Littoral / Land BAV

− Pouches

1...1. 3x M4 mag, single double

1...2. 3x M4 mag, single, maritime

1...3. 1x M4 mag, triple front panel (Bungee)

1...4. 1x M4 mag, triple front panel (Flap for MFF)

1...5. 1x M4 mag, triple Double front panel (Land Warfare)

1...6. 4 x 7.62 / 6.5 mag, single (Or vendor solution)

1...7. 2x Modular Supplemental Armor Protection (MSAP) Pouch

1...8. Pistol Mag Glock 9mm Double

1...9. Pistol Mag Glock 9mm Single

1...10. 2x Frag grenade, Single

1...11. Smoke grenade, Single

1...12. 2x Strip-Charge, Single, MC

1...13. SSE, Rollup, maritime, MC

1...14. General Purpose w/Divider (Half sized Mk 48 Height)

1...15. LCS, Pouch, SEAL repair Kit

1...16. Mk 46 Pouch

1...17. Mk 48 Pouch

1...18. External radio

1...19. Multi-purpose hanging pouch

1...20. 2x Double Tourniquet

1...21. Tactical Fanny Pack Pouch (Size Claymore Size)

1...22. Back Drop Modular Pouch (2x 5.56 Mags just above butt)

1...23. Battle book holder (Cargo Pocket All weather)

1...24. Smoke Pouch

1...25. 2x Crash Pouch

1...26. Hand Warmer

1...27. Assault back panel Breacher

1...28. Assault back panel General

1...29. 1L Water Bladder

1...30. 2L Water Bladder

1...31. 1L Hydration Panel

1...32. 2L Hydration Panel

1...33. IFAC Pouch Belt Mounted

1...34. Ratchet Retention Primary Weapons Retention System

- SEAL Harness

1...1. Frag grenade, Single

1...2. Smoke grenade, Single

1...3. General Purpose w/Divider (Half sized Mk 48 Height)

1...4. Multi-purpose hanging / Dangle pouch

1...5. 5.56 mag, triple, maritime

1...6. 7.62 / 6.5 mag, triple, maritime

1...7. Nalgene / Canteen Pouch, Single

1...8. Radio Pouch

- SEAL MIO BAV

1...1. 1x M4 mag, triple

1...2. 1x Frag grenade, Single

1...3. 1x Smoke grenade, Single

1...4. General Purpose w/Divider (Half sized Mk 48 Height)

1...5. 1L Hydration Panel

1...6. Radio Pouch

1...7. SEAC or HEEDs bottle accessory

1...8. Nalgene / Canteen Pouch, Single

1...9. Multi-purpose hanging / Dangle pouch

- SWCC MIO BAV

1...1. 3x M4 mag, single double

1...2. 3x M4 mag, single, maritime

1...3. 1x M4 mag, triple

1...4. 1x 7.62 / 6.5 mag

1...5. 2xModular Supplemental Armor Protection (MSAP) Pouch

1...6. Pistol Mag Glock 9mm Double

1...7. Pistol Mag Glock 9mm Single

1...8. 2x Frag grenade, Single

1...9. 2x Smoke grenade, Single

1...10. 2x Strip-Charge, Single, MC

1...11. SSE, Rollup, maritime, MC

1...12. General Purpose w/Divider (Half sized Mk 48 Height)

1...13. LCS, Pouch, SEAL repair Kit

1...14. Mk 46 Pouch

1...15. Mk 48 Pouch

1...16. External radio

1...17. Multi-purpose hanging pouch

1...18. 2x Double Tourniquet

1...19. Tactical Fanny Pack Pouch (Size Claymore Size)

1...20. Back Drop Modular Pouch (2x 5.56 Mags just above butt)

1...21. Battle book holder (Cargo Pocket All weather)

1...22. Smoke Pouch

1...23. Water bladder with hose with slick pouch (Size 1L)

1...24. 2x Crash Pouch

1...25. Hand Warmer

1...26. Assault back panel General

1...27. 1L water bladder

1...28. 1L Hydration Panel

1...29. IFAC Pouch Belt Mounted

1...30. Ratchet Retention Primary Weapon Retention System

- SWCC Harness

1...1. Frag grenade, Single

1...2. Smoke grenade, Single

1...3. General Purpose w/Divider (Half sized Mk 48 Height)

1...4. Multi-purpose hanging pouch

1...5. 3x M4 mag, single, maritime

1...6. Body armor plate bag attachment assembly

- SEAL & SWCC C2, RTO, JTAC Bundle

1...1. 2x 40MM grenade, double

1...2. 40MM grenade, triple

1...3. Radio/Magazine Pouch, Adjustable

1...4. Radio Pouch, Universal (MBITR/152/163)

1...5. Admin Battle Book Pouch Chest Attachable (Compatible with EUD)

1...6. 12x 40MM Bandelier

1...7. ISLID Pouch

- SEAL & SWCC AW Harness

1...1. 4x Mk 48 7.62 or 6.5 Link Pouch

1...2. 4x Mk 46 SAW 5.56 Link Pouch

- Additional LCS Pouches

− Breacher Static electric resistant charge back pouch

− LAAW Rocket Holder

- MIO BAV, and Harness Floatation Support Inserts

− Vendor Dependent TBD

- Littoral/ Land BAV Floatation Support Inserts

− Vendor Dependent TBD

Q3: Could you please provide additional details regarding the Assault Back Panel LCS accessory referenced in the requirements?

A3: The Assault Back Panel is a modular LCS accessory that shall interface with the BAVs and harnesses. It must attach via zipper (#10 / T10 tooth size, self-locking fastener) or other rapid means and provide mission-configurable capacity (e.g., hydration, tools, or other mission items) while remaining low-profile.

Q4: Is there a specific currently fielded system or configuration that serves as the baseline or intended example?

A4: The Government is seeking innovative, next-generation models and concepts to address this requirement.

Q5: If available, could you provide photos, drawings, NSNs, part numbers, or other reference information for the current solution?

A5: No, the current solution is proprietary to the vendor. Offerors must propose independent solutions designed to meet the functional performance outcomes specified in the CFS.

Q6: What specifically are the "2K structural inserts" referenced in the requirements

A6: CFS has been amended to remove “2K structural inserts.”

Q7: How are “2K structural insert” intended to integrate with the harness system?

A7: See A6.

Q8: Are there specific performance, dimensional, material, or load-bearing requirements that these inserts must meet?

A8: See A6

Q9: Manufacturer product description omitted. Would a solution of this type be considered responsive to the intent of the requirement?

A9: If the product meets the requirements of the Call for Solutions, it will be considered.

Q10: Is there a specific requirement for the carrying case to be a hard-sided case, or would a soft-sided duffel-style bag constructed from fully Berry-compliant materials be acceptable?

A10: Both hard and soft side cases will be considered.

Q11: Is the carrying case required to accommodate only the assembled carrier, or must it also contain all accessories and components included within the kit?

A11: Carrying case will carry a fully loaded BAV and accessories.

Q12: Looking ahead to the M-BALCS carrier/vest requirement, will units be required to be delivered fully assembled as part of the program, or will component-level delivery be acceptable?

A12: Only the BAV with cummerbund will be required to be pre-assembled

Q13: Do the listed values, for example, Maritime Interdiction at 30 pounds (T) and 40 pounds (O)—represent the required pounds of buoyant force/displacement?

A13: Yes.

Q14: Are these values required to be provided entirely through inherently buoyant, closed-cell foam, or do they represent the total buoyancy of the complete BAV system?

A14: The complete BAV system.

Q15: At what conditions will buoyancy be measured and verified?

• At the water’s surface or at a specified depth?

• In freshwater or saltwater?

• With the BAV alone or in a fully configured operational condition?

A15: Buoyancy will be measured from 3 ft in freshwater to the surface. Gear/equipment represents the negative weight referenced in the buoyancy table.

Q16: Do the Threshold and Objective values include buoyancy provided by the specified Mustang emergency flotation systems, or should the closed-cell foam independently meet the listed values?

A16: Closed-cell foam only.

Q17: Will the Government provide the specific Mustang systems, if included in buoyancy, to be considered (and related buoyancy for the relevant Mustang systems) for each of the products listed in section 3b.13?

• Maritime Interdiction

• Littoral/Land

• AW Harness

A17: The Government will not provide the Mustang systems. Auto flotation devices are not included in the buoyancy calculation.

Q18: Regarding the LCS, are there specific pouch types required or preferred?

A18: See A2.

Q19: Regarding MSAP, does this CFS require us to provide components for the MSAP armor (side plate pouches/groin protector pouches), or should we integrate with the current/legacy MSAP pouches?

A19: Side plate pouches need to be provided. No groin pouches.

Q20: Regarding the Assault Back Panel LCS Accessory, if not submitting for any of the harness system, is a modular Assault Back Panel expected as LCS for the BAV submissions? If so, is there a preferred mounting methodology.

A20: See A3; It is expected as an LCS submission. Minimum connection points will be MOLLE standard but should also be compatible with zippers

Q21: Can we submit a single offering as a solution for both LL and MI BAVs?

A21: Yes.

Q22: Confirm whether the intention for this requirement is to remain strictly a small-business-only set-aside throughout all phases of the effort?

A22: This Call for Solutions is unrestricted by business size—it is open to both small businesses and large businesses (other-than-small), provided the offeror meets the definition of an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) as defined in A29.

Q23: Confirm whether there are any participation pathways for large businesses, such as:

o teaming or subcontracting under a qualified small business prime?

o participating in later phases (e.g., prototype OTA follow-on)?

o submitting our products/solutions through the Army Open Solicitations

(AOS) Active Capability Gap (ACG) pathway instead of this call?

A23: See A22

Q24: Does the M-BALCS BAV require accommodation or integration of soft-ballistic armor panels? If so, please identify the required panel cut, sizes, coverage area, ballistic performance specification, and whether reference panels will be provided for Phase 2 evaluation.

A24: No, the BAV does not require the integration of soft-ballistic armor panels

Q25: Please identify the complete current and legacy SPEAR LCS inventory against which interoperability will be evaluated. Can drawings, interface dimensions or representative samples be provided as part of the Phase 2 evaluation?

A25: See A2; Drawings, interface dimensions, or representative samples will not be provided.

Q26: Will the Government provide or loan reference samples of Gen V Swimmer Cut plates, LOTSAP, MSAP, side plates, LCS items, Assault Back Panels, 2K structural inserts, F-CDW and Mustang inflatables?

A26: No, the Government will not provide or loan reference samples of these items during the solicitation phase.

Q27: For a submission covering only one vest or harness, what constitutes the minimum acceptable accompanying LCS suite?

A27: See A2

Q28: Please provide the required anthropometric range and size tariff for BAVs and harnesses.

A28: 5% to 95%

Q29: Please clarify what constitutes OEM status when the offeror owns the design and configuration but uses domestic contract sewing or component manufacturers.

A29: OEM status is established when the offeror owns the design and configuration of the proposed solution. Use of domestic contract sewing or component manufacturers is acceptable provided the offeror retains design ownership and configuration control.

Q30: Does Berry Amendment compliance apply only to the LCS, as stated in the system description, or to all BAVs, harnesses, cases and textile components? Must demonstration prototypes already be Berry compliant?

A30: Berry Amendment compliance applies to all BAVs, harnesses, LCS components, carrying cases, and textile components. Demonstration prototypes for Phase 2 are not required to be Berry compliant; however, any resulting production items must be fully Berry compliant.

Q31: If we are responding to one or more of the systems, should we provide white papers for each individual component, or can they all be included in one white paper?

A31: A single white paper is acceptable. However, each proposed system must be presented in a dedicated, clearly labeled section to facilitate independent evaluation

Q32: The MI BAV paragraph contains the statement, “and seamlessly integrate modular closed cell/passive flotation and emergency inflatable life preservers without reducing available pouch surface area.” Does this mean that the MI BAV must accept the emergency inflatable life preservers called out in 3b, Section 1, or does it mean that it must have organic emergency inflatables built into the BAV?

A32: The MI BAV must accept the emergency inflatable LPUs called out in 3b. M- BALCS only concern is passive flotation.

Q33: In the section detailing the SEAL Tactical Harness, you specifically call out the “LOTSAP” plate carriers. Can you send us a list of the fielded LOTSAP carriers?

A33: FirstSpear - Slick™ - Ultra Lightweight Plate Carrier - Swimmer Cut

Q34: Can you detail what “2k structural inserts” are?

A34: See A6

Q35: Could you please provide additional details regarding the Assault Back Panel LCS accessory referenced in the requirements? Is it a backpack, MOLLE panel, plate bag, or another configuration? Is there a specific currently fielded system or configuration that serves as the baseline or intended example?

A35: See A3

Q36: In the LCS section, it calls out the need for an “individual reinforced carrying case.”

Is this intended to be a rolling soft duffel, hard case, duffel bag, or another type of carrying case?

A36: See A10 and A11.

Q37: Can we get clarification on what the SPEAR MSAP entails? What are the components?

A37: Consist of 2x 6x6 side plates.

Q38: Under 3b, Section 1, the document says that the system must not restrict or delay emergency release. The RATIS MD-1500 mounts to both the front and rear plate bags, which will inherently restrict emergency doffing of the system via the shoulders. Can you provide clarification on this requirement?

A38. The MD-1500 connected to both front and back portions of the BAV restricts cut-away. It is desired that the MD-1500 be attached so the front and back portions of the

BAV can be unclipped, allowing the operator to doff in the water without pulling the BAV over the head.

Q39: Can you clarify what the different flotation designations are in the table under Section 13? What do “T” and “O” stand for?

A39: “T” = Threshold, “O” = Objective. These values are the required pounds of positive buoyancy provided by passive flotation integrated into the BAV.

Q40: Can we get a complete list of the SPEAR load carriage items that this system must be compatible with?

A40: See A2

Q41: In relation to the Call for Solutions for Maritime Body Armor Load Carriage Systems (M-BALCS) Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) Only, would your organization consider receiving solicitations from manufacturers that qualify as large businesses?

A41: See A22