Body Armor Requirement

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has a future requirement for Body Armor.  We are currently in the Market Research phase.  The USMS is seeking to obtain information on the recent technological improvements of the body armor industry.  Potential offerors will have an opportunity to illustrate their products' features/capabilities, developments, etc., prior to a USMS formal solicitation request for a multi-year contract for a ballistic protective system (body armor kit).

All interested companies shall furnish a sample of a soft (undercover) armor, tactical ballistic vest and/or a plate carrier as part of its proposal.  All samples must meet NIJ 0101.06 Standards.  Samples themselves can have identifying marks as to manufacturer or distributor.  USMS personnel will be available to review the samples at the USMS Training Division facility located in Glynco, GA.  Vendors may set up appointments to demonstrate their products, or the products that they are authorized to distribute for.

Vendors that choose to simply mail their samples must have them arrive at the USMS facility no later than Monday June 2, 2014.  Samples can be mailed to:  U.S. Marshals Service, Training Division, 1131 Chapel Crossing Road, Building # 20, Glynco, GA  31524.  (912) 267-2276.

All packages shall be clearly labeled with company's name, & the Market Research Identification Number (DJM-14-A41-TD-0500).

If a vendor fails to submit a sample(s) on time, or fails to make its appointed time slot, the Government reserves the right to decline to use the sample for market research purposes.  Samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government (FOB DESTINATION), and shall be returned to the vendor at the vendor's expense, as well.  Liability for the sample body armor components shall rest solely with the applicable vendor the entire time, including the time when in the hands of the USMS.  The USMS will use the utmost care when viewing the samples.

Vendors choosing to set up an appointment shall call the aforementioned telephone number and request to speak with Mr. Kenneth Fuller.  The dates will be June 4 - 6, 2014, in the AM hours.

Company representatives shall carry a company identification badge, along with a visitor's badge, to gain access to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and Training Division (TD).  These company's will bring their body armor samples with them, but shall provide FEDEX billing information for the return of the subject samples.  All samples will be returned no later than seven (7) working days from the time that they arrive at the FLETC facility.

Vendors have the option to provide certain non-pricing information as part of an attachment with the samples.  Please ensure that attachments total no more than three (3) pages per sample.  Failure to comply with these terms may result in the subject sample not being viewed for market research purposes.

Equipment Condition- Samples shall only be brand new items, no remanufactured or gray market items will be accepted.  These items shall be covered by the manufacturers' warranty.

Any questions as a result of this notice shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer on/before May 28, 2014.