SolicitationQ A_16 17 23 _24 31 39 42 47-50_16R0002__.pdf

Solicitation: W91CRB-16-R-0002

Questions 16, 17, 23, 24, 31, 39, 42, 47, 48, 49, 50

Questions:

16. For the Static Field of View test, the TSN makes reference to the NIJ 0117.01 Standard for the test methodology. However, Section 3.8.7.1 of the TSN suggests angles that go beyond the NIJ requirements and are not technically viable for the EOD application. Previous analysis has demonstrated that even a bare head form (without a helmet on), cannot meet the “inferonasal” requirement of 41 degrees listed in the TSN. It is recommended to amend Section 3.8.7.1 and use instead the requirements included in NIJ 0117.01 which have been adjusted for the ASTM field of view methodology selected in the NIJ

0117.01 standard.

Answer 16: TSN Table II in Section 3.8.7.1 shall remain the same.

17. Impact Protection, Head Based on industry day discussions with representatives from the Army and the analysis of the current TSN document, our understanding of the Head Impact protection requirements (Sections 3.4.1 and 4.4.1) is that the impact tests at the ambient condition will be conducted with an impact velocity of 22 ft./s against a flat surface, while the tests at the hot and cold conditions will be conducted as per the NIJ 0117.01 requirements, i.e. at 6.0 m/s (19.7 ft./s) against both the hemispherical and flat anvils. Could the government confirm this is still the case to avoid some ambiguity in the language that currently exists? It is also our understanding that the thresholds listed in Section 3.4.1 (maximum average and peak accelerations) apply to all conditions (hot, cold and ambient).

Could the government also confirm?

Answer 17: The Army confirms the requirements in Sections 3.4.1 and 4.4.1. The hot or “high temp” conditions will be conducted in accordance with the NIJ 0117.01 Standard and the ambient conditions will be in accordance with TSN 4.4.1 with the following modifications: Ambient drops onto a flat surface shall be done at 22 ft. /sec. Pass/fail criteria shall be tested as stated in section 3.4.1.

23. Due to the extensive amount of information required for a complete response, we respectfully request a 30 day extension.

Answer 23: The current proposal submission date is 29 February 2016.

24. Solicitation states [under Submission Requirements, Technical Proposal (Factor 1), Test Documentation, i], that [“] Non-ballistic testing will be in accordance with TSN, Tables III and IV[“]. Do these line up with the TSN correctly? TSN tables III and IV are FAT/LAT requirements and quantities.

Answer 24: Non-Ballistic testing shall be down in accordance with TSN Tables III and IV.

31. In order to allow all Bidders requisite time to plan for component availability to sequence in accordance with RFP requirements and to prepare their final bid submissions without late or undue changes to the RFP, would the Government consider applying a final date for submission and receipt of any clarifications surrounding this RFP? For example, all clarifications must be posed no later than Monday, February 1, 2016 and receipt of all responses by February 8, 2016?

Answer 31: No further questions on the RFP will be accepted as of COB 22 February 2016 and the Government will provide responses to those questions no later than COB 25 February 2016.

39. Q&A 15: If the Army's number one objective for the GEN II ABS is to reduce weight, by 15% to 40%, then why is the cooling technology excluded from the full system weight as defined in TSN 3.6?

Answer 39: The weight of the cooling system will not be included in the weight of proposed suit in order to enable a direct comparison to the weight of the legacy ABS system.

42. For the Phase 1 Human Factors Evaluation (HFE), is the suit supposed to be designed to minimize heat retention? Or is there a more advanced cooling system?

Answer 42: Please see the answer to question 40.

47. Reference the TSN, Section 3.25 (Launderability/Washability), the section states it will be tested IAW

4.24.1. However, this section relates to Shelf Life. Can you adjust this to reference 4.25 instead?

Answer 47: Yes, the Government will change TSN 3.25 to indicate testing will be IAW 4.25.

48. Section 3.4.2 in the Solicitation states the Shelf Life shall be 7 years. Service Life shall be 365 days (Section 3.4.1). In the TSN, Section 3.24, it states that the Shelf Life shall be not less than 10 years. We assume that since the TSN is more stringent, that the Shelf Life shall be 10 years, correct?

Answer 48: That is correct and SOW section 3.4.2 in the solicitation will be modified to read 'ten (10) year' instead of a seven year shelf life.

49. Reference page 87 of the conformed solicitation in the Small Business Participation Section it requests: A copy of the System for Award Management (SAM) profile for each of the firm(s) included in the plan. [Can you describe what the SAM profile is?]

Answer 49: A vendor’s SAM profile is the summary information found in the “Entity Record” tab at the SAM.gov website, to include the Vendor’s header information at the top of the page. Please do not send your entire SAM record.

50. Can you please advise your allowable file size?

Answer 50: File sizes close to 10MB and beyond may not come through the e-mail system. Please ensure you send your files early enough to be able to resend them if a transmission problem should arise. Late e-mail files/proposals will not be accepted.