USMC Pack

Added: Apr 08, 2011 4:34 pm Modified: Jun 22, 2011 11:29 amTrack Changes The purpose of this pre-solicitation modification is to advise potential offerors that Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Product Group 16, Program Manager Individual Combat Equipment, will be hosting a USMC Pack sample viewing on 6 July 2011, at Kalman & Company. Inc located at 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 301, Stafford, VA 22554. The event will commence at 9:00AM and conclude at 4:00PM, local time, 06 July 2011. This event is strictly for the purpose of viewing a like-USMC Pack model. It is not an exact representation of the product detailed in the Purchase Description. Registered participants will be allotted 25 minutes, during their scheduled time-slot, to view the like-USMC Pack model.

No electronic media, such as cameras, cellular telephones, computers etc., will be allowed in the viewing area. Questions concerning the forthcoming RFP and/or the like-USMC Pack model will not be entertained during this event.



Offerors wishing to attend the USMC Pack sample viewing must be registered no later than 01 July 2011, 10:00AM local time, by emailing the following: (Telephonic requests will not be entertained.)



Ms. Peggy Smith at Peggy.L.Smith1@usmc.mil

AND

MAJ Amy Cahoon via email at amy.cahoon@usmc.mil



A 25 minute time-slot for the viewing on 06 July 2011 will be assigned and will be on a first come, first served basis beginning at 9:00AM local time. A confirmation email, to include the assigned viewing time, will be sent to the point of contact provided in the registration.

Only one company will be allowed to view the USMC Pack during each 25 minute time-slot. No-shows or missed time-slots will not be re-assigned new times.



Requests for attendance at the USMC Pack sample viewing shall include:

Company Name

Point of Contact Name, Email Address and Phone Number

Name(s) and Title(s) of all Attendees**

**Participation is limited to four persons per company.

Added: Apr 08, 2011 4:34 pm Modified: Jun 15, 2011 1:44 pmTrack Changes The purpose of this pre-solication modification is to provide responses to industry questions concerning the USMC Pack procurement. Accordingly, the following is provided:



Q1. Will there be a kitting requirement for the components of the pack? I.E. Will it be shipped fully assembled?



A1. The Pack must be shipped fully assembled.



Q2. Will MARCORSYSCOM allow for more than one bid submission per vendor?



A2. Submission limitations will be outlined in the Request for Proposal.



Q3. Has MARCORSYSCOM established any socioeconomic subcontracting goals for this contract?



A3. Socioeconomic subcontracting goals will be outlined in the Request for Proposal.



Q4. DRAFT Purchasing Description specification for FILBE, Paragraph 3.12.2.1 and 3.12.2.2 (Page 15) references a specification MIL-R-6576 material.

Is it possible that this is a typo and spec required is ASTM-D-6576

(which superseded MIL-R-6130) and is for Standard Specification for Flexible Cellular Rubber Chemically Blown.



A4. The MIL-R-6576 reference was incorrect. The specification should reference ASTM-D-6576. The correction has been made to the purchase description and will be provided in the revised document at time of RFP release.

Added: Apr 08, 2011 4:34 pm Modified: May 25, 2011 11:53 amTrack Changes The purpose of this pre-solicitation modification is to advise offerors that the USMC Pack sample viewing date has been postponed. The exact time, date and location will be provided when the USMC Pack Request for Proposal is released. The purpose of the viewing has not changed. The event will be strictly for the purpose of viewing a like-USMC Pack model - which is not an exact representation of the product detailed in subject solicitation. All participants will be required to register prior to the event. Registered participants will be allotted 30 minutes, during their scheduled time-slot, to view the like-USMC Pack model. No electronic media, such as cameras, cellular telephones, computers etc., will be allowed in the viewing area.

Questions concerning the solicitation and/or the like-USMC Pack model will not be entertained during this event. Instructions for registration will be provided as an amendment to this pre-solicitation notice once the definitive date and location have been established. As such, interested offerors are encouraged to monitor this pre-solicitation notification for future updates.

Added: Apr 08, 2011 4:34 pm Modified: May 23, 2011 1:02 pmTrack Changes The purpose of this modification is to provide responses to industry questions concerning subject pre-solicitation notice. Accordingly, the following is provided:



Question (1): Please confirm that the connection point at the tube tip (where the bite valve detaches from the tube) must be compatible with the USMC filter.

Answer (1): The female connection point on the hydration bladder shall be compatible with the USMC microbiological filter and currently fielded hydration tube.



Question (2): Can the test method for measuring resistance to static load be provided?

Answer (2): The bladder filled to capacity shall be laid flat and compressed at the midline with a 20 in round anvil on an Instron test machine with a 1000 lb cell.

It shall be set at 500 lb cyclic compression. Mechanical valves that restrict the flow of water to the bite valve shall be open during the test. There shall be no damage or leakage after three cycles at a speed of 0.5 in/min.



Question (3): Is it possible to pre-certify an alternative Hydration Bladder System as an equivalent?

Answer (3): Pre-certification of components within the USMC Pack System will not occur. Request for “Equivalent” status is the responsibility of the interested party.



Question (4): Part number 90817 is currently unavailable as a commercial item. Can samples, drawings and technical information be made available so that competitors can properly determine equivalency?

Answer (4): The government does not maintain control of the drawings or technical information for P/N Camelback 90817 Antidote Mil Spec Low Profile OEM Reservoir 100oz.





Question (5): Is there a performance basis for the minimum puncture force requirement?

Answer (5): The hydration bladder film shall meet a minimum puncture force of 90N when tested to ASTM F1306-90 with a stylus of 3.2mm diameter moving at a velocity of 25mm/min.



Question (6): Will submission of a single operation integrated twist shut off mechanism be allowed as equivalent?

Answer (6): No. The shut off valve shall be a single operation type either by a level or slide pull action.



Question (7): By “automatically seal”, could you verify that this means that the tube must seal automatically when the bite valve is detached from the tube?

Answer (7): When the male tube connector is detached from the female connection point on the hydration bladder, the female connection point on the hydration bladder shall automatically seal, preventing liquid from leaking from the bladder.

When the bite valve is detached from the bite valve female connection point and the shut off valve is in the “off” position, liquid shall not leak out of the bite valve female connection point.

Note: If the bite valve is lost or removed, the Marine shall be able to drink liquid directly from the bite valve female connection point by turning the shut off valve to the “on” position. To stop the flow of liquid, the Marine will manually turn the shut off valve to the “off” position.



Question (8): Will submission of an angled valve be allowed? If so, will an appropriately shortened tube also be allowed?

Answer (8): No, submission of an angled valve will NOT be allowed. The Bite Valve shall be one component and be a straight design.

The tube length shall be a minimum of 100 cm long.





Question (9): Is it the USMC's intent to have contract award in FY 2011? Production start Q1, FY12?

Answer (9): It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded in 4th quarter FY11. The required delivery schedule will be provided in the Request for Proposal.



Question (10): Will the contract include production of the entire FILBE system or strictly the backpack?

Answer (10): The contract will require delivery of complete USMC Pack system as well as associated spares/replacement components. The USMC Chest Rig, USMC Equipment Pouches independent of the USMC Pack System, USMC Holster, USMC Corpsman Assault Pack, and Individual Water Purification System will not be included in this contract.

Added: Apr 08, 2011 4:34 pm Modified: Apr 27, 2011 12:07 pmTrack Changes The purpose of this modification is to provide teh responses to industry questions concerning subject pre-solicitation notice. Accordingly, the following is provided:



Q1. I was reviewing the USMC Pack Pre-Solicitation that is out with a couple of colleagues and we saw in the Q&A that was released yesterday, you have listed as being included with the pack, a "repair kit." Is there any way that you can be a little more specific about the type of "repair kit" is being requested?



A1. The items to be contained in the repair kit will be identified in the Request for Proposal package.



Q2. Please, if you would be so kind, advise me where I might purchase current products being made for the USMC Pack.

I understand these products are similar to the Army's MOLLE system but with some variations.



A2.

The Purchase Description contains the information necessary to identify components of the USMC Pack. Please conduct market research using available resources such as the world wide web to identify manufacturers and/or distributors capable of providing the components.



Q3. Would it be possible to get the NSN Numbers if they exist for the following items? "Per the Draft Purchase Description Family of Load Bearing Equipment dated 8 April 2011, section 1.3, The USMC Pack will contain the following components: (1) main pack; (1) assault pack; (1) assault pouch; (2) sustainment pouches; (2) hydration pouches; (1) hydration carrier; (1) hydration bladder system; (1) sternum cinch; (1) sub-belt; (1) repair kit; (1) care and use manual.



A3.

National Stock Numbers (NSNs) will not be provided.

Added: Apr 08, 2011 4:34 pm Modified: Apr 20, 2011 2:06 pmTrack Changes The purpose of this modification is to provide the responses to industry questions concerning subject pre-solicitation notice. Accordingly, the following is provided:



Q1: Can you confirm the class (color) of the pack?

A1: The anticipated class of the USMC Pack system is Class 1 - Coyote Brown 498.



Q2: "The NAICS code is 315299, All Other Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing, with a size standard of 500 employees." Does this mean that offerors must have less than 500 employees?

A2: The size standard information was added as an oversight. The procurement is unrestricted - not reserved as a set-aside.



Q3: I was doing a quick review of the pre solicitation notice for the USMC pack and if I’m reading it correctly it will also include a Chest Rig, Multiple Pouches, hydration Bladders and a Water Filter System?? Is that correct?

A3: With respect to your question, the following is provided:



"Per the Draft Purchase Description Family of Load Bearing Equipment dated 8 April 2011, section 1.3, The USMC Pack will contain the following components:

(1) main pack

(1) assault pack

(1) assault pouch

(2) sustainment pouches

(2) hydration pouches

(1) hydration carrier

(1) hydration bladder system

(1) sternum cinch

(1) sub-belt

(1) repair kit

(1) care and use manual



The Main Pack will consist of one frame, one Shoulder Harness Assembly, one Hip Belt, and one Main Bag.

The hydration bladder system will include one hydration bladder, one hydration tube with cover, and one hydration bite valve with cover."



Q4: Is there any way go get the drawings prior to the release of the RFP?

A4: Drawings will not be available until RFP release.



Q5: Is there/ are there any packs you are looking at that could possibly be modeled after the current solicited pack?

A5: No, the USMC Pack will be government owned design.



Q6: I understand the current pre solicitation is for the pack only. Are the other parts of the Load bearing Equipment family going to be available for solicitation in the future?

A6: At this time, a requirement to issue a solicitation for other parts of the Load Bearing Equipment family does not exist.



Q7: Where can we obtain copies of the drawings mentioned in the document?

A7: Please see response A4.

Added: Apr 08, 2011 4:34 pm This Presolicitation Notice is being posted in advance of Solicitation No. M67854-11-R-3019 for the USMC Pack System. The forthcoming solicitation will be issued on the basis of full and open competition. Information contained in this notice is subject to change. No proposals are being requested at this time.



The Marine Corps System Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Program Manager for Infantry Combat Equipment (PM ICE), has a requirement for government-designed USMC Pack systems. The USMC Pack system is specifically intended to provide the Marine with a load carriage system that fully integrates with currently fielded body armor systems. The estimated maximum quantity is 245,721 USMC Pack systems in addition to associated sustainment components.

The NAICS code is 315299, All Other Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing, with a size standard of 500 employees.



The Government anticipates awarding Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts to no more than two (2) offerors that are each capable of producing at least 123,000 Pack systems within twelve (12) months of contract award. Each ID/IQ contract will cover a five (5) year ordering period. Evaluation factors will be set forth in the forthcoming solicitation. Potential offerors are advised that Evaluation will require offerors to submit a minimum of (2) product demonstration models for compliance to a USMC Pack system drawing package and product description (PD).

A draft version of the PD is included as Attachment A to this presolicitation notice. Interested offerors are advised that the PD, as included in this announcement, is in draft form and is subject to change. The final version of the PD, as well as the drawing package, will be released with the solicitation.



With respect to the PD, the following additional information is provided for section 2.5 of the DRAFT Purchase Description Family of Load Bearing Equipment dated 8 April 2011: "The USMC Pack drawings will be added upon completion as an amendment to the USMC Pack RFP (to be released as Solicitation No. M67854-11-R-3019). Anticipated USMC Pack drawings tentatively include:

A) Main Pack

a. Frame

b. Shoulder Harness Assembly

c. Hip Belt

d. Main Bag

B) Assault Pack

C) Assault Pouch

D) Sustainment Pouch

E) Hydration Pouch

F) Hydration Carrier

G) Hydration Bladder System

H) Sternum Cinch

I) Sub-Belt (also known as "Girth Hip Belt")"





Solicitation Number M67854-11-R-3019 is anticipated to be issued within the next sixty (60) days and will be posted on the internet at the Federal Business Opportunities website located at the following address: https://www.fbo.gov and the Navy Electronic Commerce Online (NECO) website at https: www.neco.navy.mil.

The online version of the solicitation will include all documents of the solicitation package. No hard copies of this solicitation will be issued. Amendments, if any, will be posted at the same location as the original solicitation. The complete solicitation package, including amendments, should be received and reviewed prior to submitting a proposal. Proposals will be due no later than thirty (30) days after solicitation issuance and shall be submitted in hard copy form only. No electronic submission of proposals will be accepted. Those responding to the solicitation have the responsibility to obtain all amendments and/or other applicable documents. Offerors are instructed to hold all questions until the solicitation has been issued.

Offerors shall submit ALL questions in writing to Peggy.L.Smith1@usmc.mil. No phone calls will be accepted. All items, materials, and components thereof submitted shall be in full compliance with the Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a). Offerors may be required to provide detailed information certifying compliance. In order to be eligible for award, interested parties much be registered into the Central Contractor Database (CCR), http://www.ccr.gov.



Interested offerors are further advised that MARCORSYSCOM, PM ICE, may host a USMC Pack sample viewing during the week of 6 June 2011 (date is tentative) at a location still yet to be determined. This event will be strictly for the purpose of viewing a like-USMC Pack model - which is not an exact representation of the product detailed in subject solicitation.

All participants will be required to register prior to the event. Registered participants will be allotted 30 minutes, during their scheduled time-slot, to view the like-USMC Pack model. No electronic media, such as cameras, cellular telephones, computers etc., will be allowed in the viewing area. Questions concerning the solicitation and/or the like-USMC Pack model will not be entertained during this event. Instructions for registration will be provided as an amendment to this pre-solicitation notice once the definitive date and location have been established. As such, interested offerors are encouraged to monitor this pre-solicitation notification for future updates.