SolicitationQuestions-16-46_16R0002_.pdf

Solicitation: W91CRB-16-R-0002

Questions 16-44

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: Pending.

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: Pending.

18. Based on earlier discussions with the US Army, Section 4.4.1 had been modified to remove the reference to “Full helmet assemblies with face shields” to be used for impact testing, on the basis that tests using the face shields were not possible with current drop tower impact test apparatuses used for this evaluation purpose. However, Section 3.4.1 still makes reference to the “finished helmet assembly”.

Our understanding is that the face shield will not be used in the helmet impact protection tests. Could the government confirm?

Answer 18: The Government will perform the drop test with a full helmet assembly with the face shield on.

19. When can the Offeror expect to have the sample provided with the submission returned?

Answer 19: The Government will return the proposal sample after all studies, evaluations, and post award activities are completed.

20. From TSN sections 3.2.5, 3.2.6, & 3.2.9: “This areal density includes the soft armor ballistic carrier pouching materials, but excludes the outer shell and inner shell of the suit.” Also on page 80 of the solicitation, there is a requirement to provide independent areal density measurement for all ballistic packages. Is there any requirement or grading method for determining the areal density?

Answer 20: There is no requirement or grading method for determining the areal density.

21. Soft armor testing will be conducted on 15x15 shoot packs. Will the shoot packs be tested with Cordura cover, or ripstop only?

Answer 21: Ripstop only.

22. Table IV, Testing Quantities, on page 22 of the TSN defines the quantities to be tested for LAT, but no lot size is indicated. What’s the lot size?

Answer 22: The lot quantity and tariff by size for the Phase II production/LAT requirements will be provided prior to the Phase II contract award.

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

Answer 23: Please see the answer to question 4.

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: Pending.

25. The solicitation also asks for independent areal density measurements for all ballistic packages.

Since this TSN no longer states the minimum areal density, is this still a requirement?

Answer 25: Yes, independent areal density measurements are required for all ballistic packages.

26. The solicitation states that TDP and associated articles are due within 15 days of contract award.

This means two representative suits and two sets of all ballistic packages are due as well. This is not really feasible unless the contractors fund this prior to contract award. Can this requirement be changed to providing the suits and panels with the HFE, once the TDP is approved?

Answer 26: The Government agrees that 15 days to provide complete bomb suit systems with the TDP submission is not realistic. As such, the two requisite TDP end items shall now be delivered with the CLIN #2 HFE samples 50 days after contract award, instead of with CLIN #1 Pre-FAT/TDP.

27. Reference the TSN section 3.22.2:

At the time of the bid submission we will not have had sufficient time to modify the existing rechargeable battery pack for the helmet fan. Can we get a waiver to use our existing system and non-standard battery? We recognize that we will have to be compliant with the TSN and Solicitation when we provide [the] TDP and follow on units for HFE.

Answer 27: The Government will allow a non-standard battery for initial proposal submission only. All follow-on units and the technical data package shall be compatible with TSN 3.22.2.

28. Reference Table 1 requirements, Key performance attribute 3, AoC. Key attribute 3 calls for “DOCUMENTATION: Technical narrative shall address proposed AoC for each ballistic package used” a.) Is the area of coverage for the 50% percentile male?

b.) If the same ballistic package is used in more than one area of the suit, do they want the coverage broken down by area or coverage in total or for each section of the suit?

Answers 28 a.) Reference TSN section 3.12.1 or the Statement of Work Background which both reference, “5th percentile female through 95th percentile male”. The figures in the appendix of the TSN apply to all sizes for suit.

b.) The technical narrative shall address the proposed area of coverage for each suit section as defined in TSN Section 3.

29. The stated understanding of the ABS GEN II is that it is meant to be a non-developmental item. Can you confirm that there will be no developmental funds available from the Government prior to Phase 2 contract award?

Answer 29: Correct, there will be no development funds used for the Gen II ABS. The Government will not provide funding above CLIN #1, CLIN #2, and Option CLIN #3. The Government does not intend to add funding for product development.

30. Planning for component availability, as per the government’s stated intentions, has required our organization to make numerous timing and cost commitments to secure supply of materials at requisite time to sequence in accordance with RFP requirements. In order to not cause further undue cost and potential timing hardships for Industry as well as to continue to uphold a fair and even playing field for all Bidders preparing their submissions, would the Government kindly agree to maintain the timelines provided currently within the RFP (i.e. bid closing, HFE and FAT dates)?

Answer 30: The Government reserves the right to revise the initial timelines as necessary.

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: Pending.

32. In the TSN document, section 2.2.1 references MIL-STD-461, however there do not appear to be any specific EMI/EMC requirements in the body of the document. The currently fielded ABS helmet and suit system has been validated to meet MIL-STD-461 requirements for electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility. We believe this is important for compatibility with some electronic countermeasure equipment for safety concerns, and when working near improvised explosive devices susceptible to electromagnetic emissions.

Please confirm that there is a requirement for the ABS GEN II electronics to be tested in accordance with and be compliant to MIL-STD-461?

Answer 32: There is no defined testing requirement for electromagnetic interference in the TSN. The suit shall be compliant to MIL-STD-461, however, no testing to the standard will be conducted during

FAT.

33. It is our understanding that the required evaluation factor of Past Performance (Factor 4) will consider ‘unknown’ past performance as ‘acceptable’? This means that Bidders unable to demonstrate relevant past performance are not fairly differentiated from Bidders that can demonstrate consistently acceptable past performance on the production and delivery of a product that is fully comparable to the ABS Gen II. Would the Government agree to better differentiate this evaluation factor to properly recognize a Bidder’s past performance in relative environments for such a significant contract?

Answer 33: The Government does not plan to “better differentiate” the Past Performance evaluation factor. Past Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the FAR and the RFP.

34. In the solicitation, there is a requirement to provide Test Documentation from a 3rd party NIJ certified laboratory, using only one fragment simulating projectile per body component/region.

However, the TSN Section 4.2, has V50 minimum protection performance requirements for up to 5 different fragment simulating projectiles (i.e., 17 gr FSP, 2 gr, 4 gr, 16 gr, 64 gr RCCs) for each component/region. If not, we are concerned that the integrity of the HFE trials may be at risk if the design can be modified at FAT, or post HFE trials, in order to comply with all the V50s for each fragment and each component. How will the Government ensure that samples received are fully compliant to the RFP/TSN if valid test data for all FSPs is not required as part of bid submission?

Answer 34: The HFE design must be the same design as the suit presented for FAT. No design modifications to the GEN II ABS will be allowed from receipt of proposals to FAT submission. Regarding the FSP requirement, the Government selected the largest ballistic requirement, 64 grain RCC ambient, as an indication of the ballistic performance in order to conduct best value trade-off for Phase I award.

Further, the Government did not ask for independent data across the fragment spectrum for the suit in order to lessen the burden to industry. All fragment protection requirements will be verified during FAT.

35. With regards to CLIN0002, we would appreciate any further detail the Army could provide about the coordination of the HFE trials. How much time will be permitted for Contractor training of participants and/or participant trainers on ABS Gen II equipment prior to conducting HFE trials? Are there any restrictions on the format for this Contractor training? CLIN0002 does not specify the size distribution for the 7 suits to be provided. If this is up to the Contractor’s discretion, will the Army be able to provide a breakdown of participant sizing?

Answer 35: Details regarding the HFE trials will be provided when CLIN 0002 is awarded. The size tariff for the seven suits is based on 5th percentile female through 95th percentile male.

36. With regards to CLIN0001, it is not clear what physical equipment deliverables are required.

Paragraph 2.2.1 in the SOW indicates a need for dry ballistic layups for all suit sizes however, TSN paragraph 4.1.1.1 (Pre-First Article Testing) indicates a need for two complete 50th percentile suits and two complete dry ballistics layups. Would the government clarify by means of a list of all CLIN0001 deliverables?

Answer 36: TSN 4.1.1.1 is the list of items required for the TDP. Note: the answer to question 26 indicates a revised submission date for the TDP bullet 1: Two (2) suits sized for the 50th percentile male Soldier. Dry layups are required for all suit sizes as indicated in the SOW section 2.2.1.

As found in TSN 4.1.1.1, the complete list of items required for the TDP are as follows, Pre-First Article Testing (TSN 4.1.1.1):

• Two (2) suits sized for the 50% percentile male soldier. One (1) each for DCMA and PM Standard Samples. (Note: this item is required but shall be delivered in accordance with the answer to question 26.)

• Two (2) dry lay-ups for each unique ballistic package. One (1) each for DCMA and PM Standard

Samples.

• The dry lay-up shall not be sewn together or compressed and shall be placed inside the cloth ballistic cover that shall be heat sealed on only three sides allowing for the ballistics to be taken out/put in.

• Bomb Suit technical documentation shall contain the following information:

• Build Sheet

• Design Nomenclature

• Material Types, Model/Part Numbers, Nomenclatures, etc.

• Number of plies, Orientation, Weave, Denier, Weight, etc.

• Areal Density

• Stitch Pattern

• Component Dimensions

37. How long after the completion of the HFE evaluation will the results and rankings be published?

Answer 37: An Offeror’s HFE evaluation results will be discussed if a post-award debrief is requested by the Offeror or during the kick off meeting, if the Offeror is an Awardee.

38. The Government is requesting a fully integrated system for ballistic testing (Q&A 15) and not individual components. Yet the Government has stated it will be weighing (TSN 3.6 and Q&A 14) and has the option to purchase components individually (Factor 3 - Price on page 35). The Government has also stated "the Army is seeking to leverage dramatic improvements in cooling system technology by incorporating an enhanced integrated cooling system into the suit." (SOW Background on page 5). As such, wouldn't it be in the best interest of the Government to evaluate 3rd part cooling technologies that are PPE agnostic?

Answer 38: No, the Government is seeking an integrated cooling system and for the contract’s scope of work a Prime offeror shall cover all responsibilities related to delivering complete end items ready for issue to Soldiers.

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: Pending.

40. Can you better define what a "cooling system" is for this project? Is it new material used in the suit that prevents heat retention? Is it an active cooling system? Does it have to be operable independent of the bomb suit?

Answer 40: The cooling needs to be an “active” cooling system integrated with the suit which does not require the donning of a separate suit. See TSN 3.22.3.

41. Will core temperature studies be performed in determination an effective cooling system? What will be the method for evaluation?

Answer 41: No core temperature studies will be performed. The HFE is the method of evaluation per the RFP and answer 40. Soldiers will evaluate the cooling system as part of the HFE. The assessment of the suit and helmet’s ability to mitigate the effects of heat retention will be part the overall suitability and use rating. Offeror’s have the design flexibility, beyond the TSN stated requirement, to develop a complete and effective cooling 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: Pending.

43. By having an integrated approach, you are tasking ballistics focused companies with a human performance and cooling task which they do not specialize in. Therefore, wouldn't it be in the best interest of the Government to evaluate 3rd part cooling technologies that are PPE agnostic in addition to the cooling systems provided with the EOD Suite? Some may be able to integrate with EOD suits to make both better. Would the Government consider this?

Answer 43: As occurs in many requirements, it is incumbent upon the Prime Offeror to provide the completed end system whether portions of the system are subcontracted out by the Prime Offeror or not. The Government does not determine what the best strategy is for an Offeror. Accordingly, for the requirement, the Government does not intend on sourcing 3rd part cooling technology but does expect to receive the complete, submitted proposed systems as part of this solicitation.

44. Will the Army be paying for the submitted (1) medium regular bomb suit plus helmet? As you may be aware the cost on a COTS suit is upwards of 20K.

Answer 44: No, the Government will not compensate Offerors for their submitted proposal end items.

However, the Government is aware of the estimated cost of these items thus, as indicated in the answer to question 19, “The Government will return the samples after all studies and evaluations are completed as well as all post award activities.”

45. What is going to be the lot size for Delivery Orders resulting from a Phase II contract awarded to the

SRO?

Answer 45. Please reference the answer to question 22 above.

46.

a.) Question 3. States, “For CLIN 1, the solicitation states that the TDP and Use and Care Manual are due within 15 days. It goes on to state that offerors shall reference the TSN for the complete TDP requirement list. In addition to the TDP and Use and Care Manual, when are the 2 representative samples pre-FAT and dry layups due?

b.) We understand that CLIN 0001 physical product delivery is part of Phase 1 contract award and not what is due in the solicitation response; however, in order to effectively respond to the government’s request, and plan for the delivery, we need to understand what is specifically due. The government states that all TDP items are due within 15 days after contract award. If this is the case, 2 representative samples and 2 sets of dry layups would need to be procured by any potential awardee, prior to an award. This is because of the lead times. Is it the government’s intent for any and all potential bidders to have to procure material and produce product prior to the award, in order to meet the requested CLIN 0001 delivery date of 15 days ADA?

Answer 46 a. and b.:

a.) See Answer 26. Although the TDP items are due within 15 days after contract award. the two requisite TDP end items shall now be delivered with the CLIN #2 HFE samples 50 days after contract award, instead of with CLIN #1 Pre-FAT/TDP. The list of required TDP items can be found at TSN 4.1.1.1.