REDUCED HAZARD TRAINING AMMUNITION (RHTA)

NOTE: The Request for Information (RFI) Number has changed from HSFLGL-RFI-00056 to HSFLGL-13-I-00012. Use this new RFI number in any submitted responses to this notice. NAICS: 332992 REDUCED HAZARD TRAINING AMMUNITION (RHTA) NOTE: AMMUNITION IS FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY The purpose of this sources sought notice is to determine how the Government requirements can be met. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), Glynco, Georgia is anticipating a purchase of Reduced Hazard Training Ammunition (RHTA) for multiple caliber types for use in the training programs for the FLETC sites. This applies to frangible and non-frangible projectiles and must meet the requirements stated below. THIS IS A MARKET SURVEY REQUESTING INFORMATION IN SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the government. Response to this questionnaire is purely voluntary and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this market survey or any follow-on information requests. Data submitted in response to this market survey will not be returned. No solicitation document exists at this time and calls requesting a solicitation will not be answered. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT: General: FLETC has a requirement for RHTA training ammunition of multiple calibers strictly for law enforcement officer (LEO) training purposes at multiple training sites in the United States. Types of RHTA needed are: CALIBER TYPE; Acceptable Bullet Weight Range 9MM Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 90 -105 10MM Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 100-135 .357 SIG Caliber Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 100-115 .38 SPL Caliber Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 110- .380 Auto Caliber Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 70-75 .40 S&W Caliber Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 100-135 .45 Auto Caliber Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 155- .223 REM aliber Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 50-55 .308 WIN Caliber Jacketed, Reduced Hazard; 165-168 12 Gauge Steel Shot Target Load, Reduced Hazard; #7 12 Gauge #00 Buckshot Full Recoil, Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 8 PELLET 12 Gauge #00 Buckshot Reduced Recoil, Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 8 PELLET 12 Gauge #00 Buckshot Full Recoil, Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 9 PELLET 12 Gauge #00 Buckshot Reduced Recoil, Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 9 PELLET 12 Gauge Rifled Slug Full Recoil, Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 1 OZ 12 Gauge Rifled Slug Reduced Recoil, Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 1 OZ 12 Gauge #4 Buckshot Full Recoil, Reduced Hazard, Frangible; 27 PELLET 12 GAUGE #4 Buckshot Reduced Recoil, Reduced Hazard; 27 PELLET 1.1 Environmental Health and Safety RHTA shall utilize components that minimize the hazards to personnel and the environment. The ammunition and all of the component parts shall be free of lead styphnate and other toxic materials listed on the 2010 CERCLA Priority List of Hazardous Substances. In addition, any and all ammunition components shall not cause the Action Levels (AL) or the Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) as established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000) to be exceeded in a training environment. Either of these conditions shall be cause for disqualification and/or rejection at the discretion of the FLETC. All RHTA and component parts shall be designed to minimize the generation of hazardous waste. All RHTA proposed for delivery must have the Material Safety Data Sheet(s) for all components pre-approved by the FLETC prior to shipment and delivery. Reloaded ammunition is unacceptable. Ammunition offered must perform in all brands of law enforcement weapons without requiring alterations or damaging such weapons. 1.2 Frangibility If the contract line item requires a frangible projectile, the round shall be designed for use with steel or other targets at a close distance where ricochet creates an unacceptable hazard. Offerors must provide frangible test data. The submission must be actual data, not projected results. Frangible projectiles must break up upon target impact, as follows: 1.2.1 Handgun - when fired against a vertical 3/8"x24"x24" armor steel plate (AR400 Brinnel or harder) at a 45 degree angle of impact, from a distance of 10 feet, shall fragment after a single impact, with the largest resulting fragment not exceeding 5 grains in weight and no 5 grain particle shall penetrate a 200 weight cardboard witness panel located 10 feet from initial impact. Only handgun ammunition producing fragments no larger than 5 grains will be considered as qualified for delivery to the DHS/FLETC. 1.2.2 Rifle/Shotgun - shot ammunition when fired against a vertical 3/8"x24"x24" armor steel plate (AR 400 Brinnel or harder) at a 45 degree angle of impact, from a distance of 21 feet, shall fragment after a single impact, with the largest resulting fragment not exceeding 5 grains in weight and no 5 grain particle (or larger) shall penetrate a 200 weight cardboard witness panel located 21 feet from initial impact. Only rifle/shotgun ammunition producing fragments no larger than 5 grains will be considered as qualified for delivery to the DHS/FLETC. 1.2.3 If a contract line item does not specifically state ‘frangible', it shall be deemed as not requiring these frangibility mandates. 1.3 Accuracy RHTA handgun and rifle projectiles should yield accuracy characteristics not to exceed 6" in diameter, and the mean center of the group shall not exceed an average of 3" from the mean center of the group fired with conventional (duty-type) ammunition. Handgun ammunition will be fired from a machine rest at 25 yards. Rifle ammunition will be manually fired from a sandbag rest at 50 yards. 2.0 Functioning and Ammunition Defects 2.1 DHS/FLETC provides training for more than 80 agencies; numerous manufacturers' weapons are used during firearms training (some are FLETC-owned and some other-agency owned). Any RHTA delivered under this contract must function in a satisfactory manner in any law enforcement weapon, regardless of the weapon manufacturer. 2.2 Functioning is defined as feeding, chambering, locking, firing, unlocking, extracting, ejecting and cocking. No more than one ammunition-related failure per 1,000 round sample of RHTA will be considered acceptable for the duration of the contract. Ammunition-related failures shall not include failures that are shooter induced, caused by an improperly maintained weapon, or caused by a weapon defect. 2.3 Ammunition-specific defects include, but are not limited to: deformed case, inverted primer or bullet, inert or defective primer, squib load, inconsistent bullet seating depth, inconsistent powder charge, excessive residue build up in the weapon, excessive primer or bullet sealant, case not within recommended specifications of the SAAMI, blown primer (excluding those caused by something other than ammunition). Ammunition shall not result in visible damage to FLETC-owned or Agency-owned firearms through normal law enforcement training. Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with the replacement of damaged firearms and/or parts. 2.4 Bullet Integrity RHTA projectiles must remain intact until impact with hard barriers. Projectiles shall not fragment in the bore, while in flight, or when striking paper targets with cardboard backs. The projectile (except shotshells using birdshot or buckshot) must stabilize in flight at all distances out to: 25 yards for handguns, 50 yards for shotgun slug rounds , and 100 yards for rifle rounds, so that a single round hole is created in the target medium, specifically paper targets and cardboard backing. 2.5 Lot Formation/Primer Lots Primer sensitivity data must be on file for each lot of primers produced. Alternate lot testing or any discontinuous testing of primer lots is not allowed. MSDS for the specific primer mix for match must be provided. Each lot shall be assigned a lot number in accordance with an established lot numbering system; only one type and weight of propellant shall be used in a lot. Each cartridge lot shall contain no more than two lots of primers and one lot of propellant. A primer lot shall consist of a specific product, made on consecutive work shifts, with no break in the production of that specific product. 2.6 Shelf Life RHTA shall have a manufacturer's warranted shelf life of a minimum of two years from the date of shipment when stored dry in the manufacturer's packaging. Exterior of cases shall indicate a "USE BY (month & year)" date that will be 3 months prior to the expiration of the shelf life. 3.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS 3.1 General. This specification lists performance requirements for the acquisition of reduced-hazard training ammunition (RHTA). 3.2 Non-Government publications. ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3-1993: Voluntary Industry Performance Standards for Pressure & Velocity of Center Fire Pistol & Revolver Ammunition for the use of Commercial Manufacturers - Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer's Institute (SAAMI),P.O. Box 262, Frankfort, NY 13340 ISO 9001:2000, Quality Management Systems Requirements - International Organization for Standardization, 1, rue de Varembe, Case postale 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland 4.0 RHTA REQUIREMENTS 4.1 Packaging and Marking DHS/FLETC requires that all RHTA be packaged in 200, 250, 500 or 1000 round cases, in plastic trays of 50 or 100 rounds per box as approved by the DHS/FLETC for the particular round. Exterior product shipping case and individual boxes shall be clearly marked with manufacturer's name, caliber/style & grain, and lot number. 4.2 Cartridges 4.2.1 Cartridge Marking Cartridge shall be head stamped with the manufacturer's symbol and cartridge designation, as well as distinct and easy to read designation that the round is reduced hazard in nature. 4.2.2 Cartridge Material RHTA shall be constructed of new, unfired components. The ammunition supplier will disclose, in writing, the manufacturer of any component not produced by the supplier and provide the DHS/FLETC an MSDS and any applicable test data required for the particular component. 4.3 Quality System The manufacturer must have a quality system that is commensurate with ISO 9001: 2000, Quality Management Systems Requirements. 4.4 Workmanship Metallic components and the completed cartridges shall be manufactured using established industry standards; unacceptable workmanship includes (but is not necessarily limited to) folds, wrinkles, deep draw scratches, scaly metal, dents, burrs, deformed case, improperly seated primer, inert primer, hard primer, inconsistent bullet seating, sheared/broken projectiles and other defects. All components and the completed cartridge shall be free of foreign material including (but not necessarily limited to), corrosion, dirt, oil, grease, smears of lacquer and metal chips. Ammunition rejected due to failures under this paragraph will be replaced or a refund of the cost paid will be made to the DHS/FLETC (or other ordering entity). 5.0 PACKING, PACKAGING & DEFINITIONS 5.1. Packing: All material shall be packed for shipment in such a manner that will insure acceptance by common carrier and safe delivery at destination. Shipping containers shall comply with the Interstate Commerce Commission Regulations, Uniform Freight Classification Rules, or regulations of other carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation. 5.2. Packaging: Packaging of all ammunition shipments shall be in accordance with all Federal regulations (non-military) regarding explosive materials. For all palletized ammunition, shipments shall be safely positioned on shipping pallets and shall be stretch wrapped and/or banded to insure that contents are secure during movement of the pallet. Ammunition may be palletized in accordance with the best commercial practices; however, the cases must be placed on the pallets in a manner that will facilitate counting of cases at destination. The number of cases per pallet layer must be marked clearly on at least 2 exterior sides of each pallet. Pallets containing ammunition that is stacked haphazardly or in uncountable layers may be rejected and returned to the vendor. 5.3. Definitions: For purposes of this contract, a box is defined as the smallest unit of packaging and a case is defined as the unit of packaging that contains the boxes. 6.0 MARKING 6.1. Case Markings: Each case shall be marked in accordance with Federal Standard 123 (Marking for Domestic Shipment) on the outside surface with the nomenclature, quantity, lot number, and manufacturer's part or item number. Each case shall also be marked with a "USE BY (Month &Year)" date. The contract number and delivery order number shall also be marked on the outside surface of each exterior shipping container. 6.2. Lot Number: Within 10 days after award, the contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer (CO) a notice explaining the contractor's intended lot numbering system. No change to the lot numbering system shall be allowed without prior notification being provided to the CO. The manufacturer must print, emboss or label the words "LOT NO." followed by the manufacturer's lot number on either the inside or outside surface of each box. The marking must be easily identified. The words "LOT NO." followed by the manufacturer's lot number must be clearly marked on the outside surface of each case. 6.3. Pallet Marking: For all palletized ammunition, a unique, visual 8 ½ " x 11" sign identifying the ammunition as reduced hazard shall be positioned on each pallet's vertical exterior side. A simple sign is sufficient, but it must be readily identifiable by a color contrasting with the color of the shipping container. 6.4. Special Markings: Special markings, if any, shall be as otherwise stated within this contract or as stated on Delivery Orders issued under this contract, all within the scope of the applicable provisions of Federal Standard 123. 7.0 PACKING LIST A packing list or other suitable document shall accompany each shipment and shall show (a) name and address of vendor, (b) name and address of consignee, (c) Government contract and delivery order number, (d) Government bill of lading number covering shipment, if any, and (e) description of material shipped, including nomenclature, lot number(s), quantity (per lot), number of containers, and package number (if any). INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRE: 1. Number each response with the appropriate question number. You do not have to repeat the question in your response; 2. If you cannot answer a question, please indicate "No Response." 3. If a response will satisfy another question, state: "See response to question XXX." 4. Include relevant sales and product manuals. If providing an ACROBAT formatted manual, annotate the manual to indicate which material is applicable to the questions. 5. If your sales media and/or manuals contain a restricted distribution statement, issue a release statement indicating that the restricted material may be distributed to FLETC personnel involved with this Market Survey. 6. Spell out any acronyms in their first instance. QUESTIONNAIRE: 1. Company Name: 2. DUNS Number: 3. Mailing Address: 4. Point of Contact Information to include: name, title, telephone number, and email address. 5. How long have you been in business? 6. Are you a large or small business for North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)? 7. If small business, are you: Small Disadvantaged - or - 8(a) In a Hubzone Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Women Owned 8. If large business, are you capable of partnering with small business for this requirement? 9. Are you a manufacturer? 10. Does your company currently produce and/or sell any of the training calibers listed above? If yes, provide a list of your Government customers to include agency name and a point of contact with phone number or email address. 11. Describe your production facilities and capabilities. 12. Describe your quality assurance program. 13. What is your experience in working with your customers to identify and correct potential quality issues? 14. Are you capable of producing any of the training calibers listed above to meet the stated performance requirements? 15. Are you capable of producing large quantity orders of any training caliber specified with a short turnaround time of 30-60 days? 16. What would your lead time be for an order of 2 million rounds of a single type listed above? 17. If you were awarded a contract for some of the calibers listed above, submitted a production lot of one million rounds and that lot or portion of the lot was not accepted, would you be able to replace that order with an additional one million rounds within 60 days? 18. Do you have the resources and mechanisms required to endure the recalling or rejection of production lots of ammunition: What is your plan for mitigating this risk? 19. Provide information to include material safety data sheets and retail price lists for all caliber types and components of training ammunition. 20. Where would production take place? Responses to this market survey questionnaire should be sent via email to [email protected] with subject line reading: Response to Market Survey for RHTA Training Ammunition; RFI HSFLGL-13-I-00012 . Any product literature that cannot be emailed may be sent to: Department of Homeland Security Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Procurement Division, Building 93 Attention: Ammo Buyer 1131 Chapel Crossing Road Glynco, Georgia 31524 Please annotate front of package with - Response to Market Survey for RHTA Training Ammunition; RFI HSFLGL-13-I-00012 . Responses are due not later than 3:00PM (EST), Thursday May 23, 2013.