I. This is a special notice in accordance with the Qualification Requirements (FAR 9.2), intended for manufacturers of protective eyewear to support re-establishing the Qualified Product List (QPL) for protective eyewear, from which the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) is derived. The APEL provides eye protection for military combat and training in a manner that offers variety/choice of products to best suite mission needs. This announcement will constitute the only notification for QPL establishment. Any future acquisitions based on the QPL that results from this notice will be in accordance with the FAR and other pertinent Government regulations and requirements at the time of release. Questions related to this notice shall be submitted in writing to Lisa J. Yamakawa at
[email protected] . The purpose of this notice is to qualify products for the QPL for military combat eye protection. There is no funding associated with this action. Based on compliance with the requirements set forth herein, the Government will determine whether each product/proposal meets the needs of the QPL and notify each Offeror accordingly. Due to the extensive testing involved to qualify a product, the Government estimates it will take approximately 10 months to complete the qualification process and inform Offeror's of the status of their submissions. All Offerors shall be required to provide test data from an independent third party test laboratory approved by the Government. Third party test labs that have been approved by the Government for QPL testing are COLTS laboratories and ICS laboratories. Testing conducted with Government funds will be at a laboratory of the Government's choice. The Government intends to use data/feedback from Military Users to determine acceptability of products for military use in the field in accordance with MIL-PRF-32432. Successful products will be added to the QPL and be eligible for future procurement until such time that the QPL is no longer used by the Government or the product(s) is removed from the QPL. Initial listing applies only to products that use the same processes, materials and facilities as those used to produce the sample submissions in response to this notice. Once listed, any future changes to product design, processes, materials or facilities shall be submitted in writing to the Government for approval through an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process along with supporting test data from an independent laboratory. All ECPs shall include projected date of implementation. Listing on the QPL does not guarantee acceptance of the product in any future purchase. (Reference quote mark Provisions Governing Qualification: Qualified Products List and Qualified Manfuacturers Lists quote mark , available at http://www.assistdocs.com), for additional information). Once the QPL is re-established, periodic requests for new candidate submissions may be made and advertised to industry in FedBiz Ops and/or by other suitable means, and evaluated accordingly. Offerors are advised that minor Performance Specification changes, such as adjustments to product color to reflect changes in fielded military camouflage colors and patterns, may also be made periodically to remain current with military needs and advancements in technology. Such changes will be advertised to industry, along with a designated period for compliance, by suitable means to ensure all potential Offerors are informed simultaneously. Though Offerors are not under any obligation to modify their products to maintain compliance with specification changes, Offerors are cautioned that QPL products that no longer meet the Government's requirements/needs may be removed from the QPL. Offerors are encouraged to submit their best value product solutions to the Government. QPL submissions and subsequent listings are being restricted to no more than 3 spectacles, and no more than 3 goggles (to include hybrid goggles) per Offeror. Different MIL-PRF-32432 shades or sizes of the same product are not considered to be separate product solutions for the purposes of this QPL; the same product available in multiple MIL-PRF-32432 shades or sizes will be counted as one product. A product kit configuration proposed with all components necessary to qualify the product under more than one class of eyewear (as both Class 1 and Class 1a, for example) will also be counted as one product if supporting test data is provided for each class with which the product complies. Upon acceptance of the product for listing on the QPL, Offerors shall supply a configuration management package (to include drawings with critical item dimensions, material used to produce each component, lens coatings used, and source of manufacturing) within 30 days of notification by the Government for the products proposed and accepted for QPL listing. All information considered proprietary shall be marked quote mark These data are considered by the supplier to be submitted in confidence and furnished for the purpose of facilitating qualification testing. These data are not to be disclosed outside the Government nor to be duplicated, used, or disclosed in whole or in part, for any purpose other than to evaluate the product submitted for qualification testing. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in such data if it is obtained from another source. quote mark Upon written notice by the Government, the quote mark APEL quote mark logo and certification sticker shall be applied to any product intended for the US military once that particular product is listed on the APEL, in accordance with specification requirements. Only APEL products using the same processes, materials and facilities as those certified may bear the APEL logo and certification sticker. Offerors with products listed on the APEL shall abide by the requirements of this notice and the quote mark Provisions Governing Qualification: Qualified Products List and Qualified Manfuacturers Lists quote mark (available at http://www.assistdocs.com). II. Requirements. (a) Offerors shall have legal ownership of the eyewear design(s) proposed. (b) All products submitted in response to this notice shall meet the requirements of MIL-PRF-32432 (Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) System Performance Specification), unless otherwise noted herein, for one or more class(es) of eyewear. Submissions shall be commercial products or in final development. (c) Non-Prescription compatible eyewear submissions shall comply with class 1, class 2 and/or class 3 MIL-PRF-32432 performance specification requirements. Universal Prescription Lens Carrier (UPLC) compatible submissions shall be capable of being configured both with and without the UPLC and shall contain all necessary components (with the exception of the UPLC product, NSN 6540-01-600-6532) to do so within the proposed kit. Prescription compatible products shall comply with class 1a, class 2a, and/or class 3a MIL-PRF-32432 performance specification requirements when assembled in the prescription configuration, and shall comply with class 1, class 2 and/or class 3 performance specification requirements when assembled in the non-prescription configuration. Adapters/mounting points for mounting the UPLC in prescription compatible configurations shall allow the UPLC to properly sit in front of the wearer's eyes for vision correction. All submissions shall have easily interchangeable (without the aid of tools) clear and sunglass lenses. Size(s) shall accommodate 5th percentile female through 95th percentile male and shall ensure quality optics are maintained when fitted across the User population for which the size is intended. For the purposes of initial submissions, products need not initially meet the color or marking requirements of MIL-PRF-32432 to be considered. The following MIL-PRF-32432 colors are preferred, however, if available: black for spectacles, and Tan 499 (solid and/or with multicam pattern) for goggles. (d) Flame Resistant protective sleeves are desired for all goggles (reference paragraph 3.12.2 of MIL-PRF-32432). For the purposes of this notice, flame resistant sleeves shall be demonstrated, though are not required to be included on each and every product sample submitted. NOTE: The Government will determine the implementation of a flame resistant sleeve after the execution of this notice based on product performance, price and any impact FR sleeves may have on the base item. (e) All products submitted shall be compliant with the Buy American Act (BAA), Trade Agreement Act (TAA), and Berry Amendment. (f) All Offerors shall have and maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) and shall submit to audits of the QMS employed at their facility and subcontractor facilities. (g) All Offerors shall review and comply with quote mark Provisions Governing Qualification: Qualified Products List and Qualified Manfuacturers Lists quote mark (available at http://www.assistdocs.com). Once listed on the QPL, this includes, but is not limited to, complete recertification (qualification every two years on a Government specified schedule for all manufacturers, and upon any changes to the design, process, or material used for the product; supporting test data for recertification shall be from an independent laboratory; data shall include, but is not limited to, separate test reports for each lens mold and lens manufacturer qualified to produce the product for US military use) and periodic submission of new test data (every 6 months on most recent production for retention on the QPL to ensure continued quality assurance). Testing for the purposes of 2-year recertification and 6-month retention shall be no older than 3 months from the submission date and be conducted on the most recent production of each approved product to ensure the most current quality assurance data is reported. All reports provided to the Government shall include clear identification/description of the product, the frame and lens date clock/stamp information, the mold/cavity markings, all results and any observations for each sample tested, and the manufacturing location of the lenses, frames and prescription lens carriers (as applicable). Reports shall include the name of the laboratory that conducted the testing, test dates, test report number, and be signed. Materials used to make the lenses, frames, coatings, prescription lens carriers and the prescription lenses tested (as applicable) shall be provided. (h) If a product submission is not compliant with the shade and/or marking requirments of MIL-PRF-32432 upon initial submission, the Offeror shall demonstrate production of the product in a compliant shade and with appropriate markings within 6 months upon notification of acceptance, should the product be chosen for QPL listing.. The Offeror shall also be willing to provide part numbers, descriptions, and prices to support replacement parts for any approved items upon notification of approval. (i) Offerors shall be able to supply product of good and consistent quality, with focus on deliveries of 5000 or more, in a timely manner and be responsive to Government needs. (j) Physical product samples are required of each Offeror for each product proposed. All product samples shall be at no cost to the Government. See paragraph lll (h) for quantities required. III. Submissions As part of the proposal, the Offeror shall submit a written proposal and physical samples as outlined below. The written proposal shall not exceed 20 pages. All reports shall be dated, clearly identify what products were tested, and include all observations. Supporting reports/test data, signed BAA/TAA/Berry Amendment forms, and letter(s) to PM SPE do not count toward page limit. Letters to PM SPE may be incorporated into one overall letter addressing each requirement. Submissions are limited to 3 spectacles and 3 goggles (to include hybrid goggles) per Offeror. Different MIL-PRF-32432 shades and/or sizes of the same product are not considered to be separate submissions. A product kit configuration proposed with all components necessary to qualify the product under more than one class of eyewear (as both Class 1 and Class 1a, for example) will also be counted as one product if supporting test data is provided for each class with which the product complies. (a) Each submission shall include a summary of the Offeror's facilities and capabilities, along with a summary of the Offeror's products being submitted for qualification in response to this notice. Each submission shall consist of what the Offeror proposes as the best combination of product features to meet the Government's needs for a given basic design while balancing cost (i.e., what the Offeror considers their 'best value' solution to the requirements). To maximize variety and optimize choice for our service men and women, product submissions from each individual Offeror shall be diverse in nature (with the exception of sizing within the same product) and not simply variations of the same base product. The following shall be included as part of the summary: 1. The total number of spectacle kit designs and total number of goggle kit designs being proposed; 2. The MCEP class(es) for which each product is being proposed; designs proposed to qualify as more than one class of eyewear shall contain all components to be compliant with each class for which it is proposed in order to be considered as a single product submission; 3. The material make up and sources of supply for each product, to include: * Materials used to produce each component; * Name and location of source(s) used to mold the lens; * Name and location of source(s) used to cut the lens (if applicable); * Name and location of source(s) used to produce the frame; * Name and location of source(s) used to produce each textile component that is part of the kit; * Name and location of source(s) used for product assembly; * Percent of end item cost associated with each source; and * Color(s) proposed for each component (with the exception of lenses) 4. The number of sizes associated with each product along with part number and product description for each size, size tariff (if applicable), sizing/fitting instructions (if applicable), monthly sustainable production rate, and maximum production rate. For single sized products, an explanation of how the product accommodates the target audience (5th percentile female to 95th percentile male), to include preservation of quality optics when fitted across the population, shall be included. 5. Product description along with material safety data sheet (MSDS) for material used for each component. (b) Each product shall be supported by test documentation for each class of eyewear for which it is proposed. For sized items, documentation shall be included for each size. Supporting test data for the most predominant size proposed shall be from an approved third party Independent Laboratory. Third party test labs that have been approved by the Government for QPL testing are COLTS laboratories, Oldsmar, FL and ICS laboratories, Brunswick, OH. Source for test data for additional sizes shall be either from the Offeror's in-house quality assurance laboratory or from an independent laboratory. Test data shall be for samples produced using the same manufacturers/processes/materials that were used to produce the products submitted in response to this notice. Data shall include the following: 1. MIL-PRF-32432 military ballistic fragmentation test data; and 2. ANSI Z87.1 test data; Note: ANSI Z87.1 2003 data for a product may be supplemented with pertinent tests from 2010 to demonstrate ANSI 2010 compliance. ANSI Z87.1 2010 data for a product may likewise be supplemented with ANSI Z87.1 2003 data for flammability; and 3. Test data for the following MIL-PRF-32432 tests: optical distortion, luminous transmittance, neutrality, chromaticity, UV absorption, abrasion, chemical resistance. For goggles, textile flammability (vertical flame) test results for the goggle strap shall also be provided (reference paragraphs 3.12.2and 4.4.9.2 of MIL-PRF-32432). NOTE: If the same coating is used on multiple products (sized products, for example), then abrasion and chemical resistance test results need only be conducted on one of those products. Proposals shall clearly specify which products abrasion and chemical resistance test data pertain to in this case. For each product submission, the Offeror shall also: 4. Provide an image of the size and location of where quote mark APEL quote mark would be placed on the item should the product be added to the APEL list (this may be supplemented with a prototype sample, if available); 5. If applicable, provide a letter of request for test cost assistance to the PM SPE if submitting as a qualified small business firm, per FAR 9.204(a)(2). (c) For Offerors proposing goggle designs, a flame resistant (FR) goggle sleeve solution shall be proposed for each design. Information provided shall include: 1. The material from which the proposed sleeve(s) are made; 2. Material safety data sheets for any Flame Resistant finishes used (if applicable); and 3. Internal or external laboratory test data demonstrating performance of each proposed sleeve material using the Standard Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test) (reference paragraphs 3.12.2and 4.4.9.2 of MIL-PRF-32432). The proposal shall also include any potential impacts the proposed FR sleeve may introduce to the goggle configuration (chemical interactions or otherwise) if adopted. (d) Each proposal shall provide a detailed written description of how each submission complies with: 1. The Buy American Act (BAA); 2. The Trade Agreement Act (TAA); and 3. Berry Amendment at the time of submission. 4. In addition, each proposal shall include a signed copy of: 5. The quote mark Buy American Act (BAA) and Trade Agreement Act (TAA) Compliance quote mark ; and 6. The quote mark Berry Amendment Compliance quote mark . These certificates are provided as an attachment to this notice. All certifications shall be signed by a company representative with binding authority. (e) Each proposal shall provide a summary of the Quality Management System (QMS) employed at the Offeror's facility and primary subcontractor facilities, along with agreement to submit to an audit of the QMS employed at their facility and primary subcontractor facilities. If a manufacturer has recently been subjected (within a year's time) to a Quality audit for combat eye protection, then the previous audit data may be leveraged for the purposes of this effort. Should an audit be required, the audit will include a survey of inspection systems, quality assurance programs, test facilities, processes, materials, production facilities, test capability, incoming inspection, training and product traceability, and verify that the manufacturers has an effective self-audit program. The audit will be conducted to ensure compliance and or registration to ISO 9001 2008. The audit will be successfully passed prior to addition of an item on the APEL. (f) Each proposal shall also include a letter to the PM SPE stating: 1. The Offeror has reviewed Provisions Governing Qualification: Qualified Products List and Qualified Manufacturers Lists (SD-6, Feb 2009) and the requirements herein and is willing to comply should any of the Offeror's submissions be selected for APEL listing; this includes, but is not limited to periodic testing of the qualified product, and 2. The Offeror shall demonstrate shade compliance and provide part numbers, prices, and descriptions of any replacement parts required to support any of the Offeror's submissions, should any of the submissions be selected for APEL listing. (g) Each submission shall include Past Performance information documenting performance with similar items. Emphasis shall be on recent, relevant experience within the past 5 years and shall include references. References shall include: 1. Points of contact; 2. Phone numbers; 3. Email addresses; 4. Relevant contract numbers: and 5. A brief description of the product provided. (h) Price for each complete MCEP kit proposed, listed with product name and part number, under separate cover; for goggle products, the base price shall be with a non-flame resistant goggle sleeve. The additional cost that a flame-resistant goggle sleeve would introduce to the product shall be included alongside the base price of the goggles. Each submission shall provide the following physical product samples, in stages. Samples with multiple sizes shall be provided using the most predominant size, unless otherwise noted herein. A total of 10 clear assemblies, 53 complete kits (for single-sized products) or 73 complete kits (for multi-sized items, with the quantity of each size being in accordance with the tariff), 15 goggle sleeves (if applicable) and 5 goggle straps (if applicable) shall be packaged and delivered for each product submission as follows: 1. Package A: This package shall contain the following: a) Three (3) complete kits for each configuration being proposed. If multiple sizes are offered for any given configuration, then 3 kits of the most predominant size shall be provided along with one (1) representative sample of each additional size. Each complete kit shall include: * Eyewear (with clear or sunglass lens installed); * Spare lens (grey or clear lens not already installed in frame; with nosepiece, if applicable) * Carrying case; * Instruction booklet; * Cleaning cloth; * Anti-fog reapplication; and * A retaining strap. * Class 1a, 2a and 3a eyewear kits shall also include any adaptors necessary to interface with the Universal Prescription Lens Carrier (UPLC) system depicted in Drawing 5-0005-0001 (previously offered to interested manufacturers under Solicitation Number W91CRB-12-R-0043). Each kit shall be clearly labeled with product name and part number. b) Ten (10) clear eyewear assemblies for each configuration being proposed (enclosed together in a bag or box). If the product is prescription compatible, then the assemblies shall be assembled in the prescription configuration (minus the UPLC carrier itself). If the product uses a removable facefoam, the assemblies shall be assembled without the facefoam. If the product is a sized product, only the most predominant size shall be included. Each bag/box shall be clearly labeled with the product name and part number. Products may be subjected to environmental and/or ballistic fragmentation testing. c) Fifteen (15) flame resistant goggle sleeves proposed for use with the offered goggle design(s) (enclosed together in a bag or box; only required if goggles are being submitted as part of the Offeror's proposal); if more than 1 goggle design is proposed and the goggle sleeve material differs between designs, then 15 of each sleeve type shall be submitted and bagged separately. Sleeves shall be clearly labeled as to which product(s) they pertain to and may be subjected to Government vertical flame testing. d) Five (5) goggle straps for each goggle design proposed (only required if goggles are being submitted). Straps shall be clearly labeled as to which product(s) they pertain to and may be subjected to Government vertical flame testing. The package shall be labeled as quote mark Package A: Visual Evaluation, Environmental, Ballistic Fragmentation, and Flame Resistance Samples quote mark and include the Offeror name, product name(s) & part number(s), and notice number. If multiple submissions are made, each submission shall be bagged/boxed separately and clearly labeled. If multiple boxes are required for packaging purposes, each box shall be also be labeled with the box number and total number of boxes (i.e., box 1 of 6, 2 of 6, etc). Package A is due at the time of proposal submission and shall be shipped to the address specified in paragraph V below. 2. Package B: The package shall be labeled as quote mark Package B: User Evaluation Test Samples quote mark and include the Offeror name, product name & part number, and notice number. This package shall contain either, 35 complete kits (for single sized products) or 45 complete kits (for sized products), for User evaluation. If sized products are provided the quantity of kits provided shall be split between the number of sizes available and based upon the size tariff recommended by the Offeror. Should the product be a quote mark sized product quote mark , the following shall also be included in the package: * A size tariff and sizing/fitting instructions; and * The number of each size provided in accordance with the tariff. Eyewear shall be clearly labeled by size or as quote mark one size fits all quote mark , as appropriate. If multiple submissions are made, each submission shall be packaged separately and each box clearly labeled with the box number and total number of boxes (i.e., box 1 of 6, 2 of 6, etc) Package B shall be sealed and held by the Offeror during the initial evaluation stage. Pending the initial evaluation and cost/schedule considerations, the Offeror will be notified by the Government to ship Package B to a location to be determined by the Government. The package shall be received within 10 days of notification. Shipping location will be within the Continental United States. 3. Package C: The package shall be labeled as quote mark Package C: Human Factors Test Samples quote mark and include the Offeror name, product name & part number, and notice number. Package C shall contain either 15 complete kits (for single sized products) or twenty five (25) complete kits (for sized products) for Human Factors evaluation. If sized products are provided the quantity of kits provided shall be split between the number of sizes available and based upon the size tariff recommended by the Offeror. Should the product be a quote mark sized product quote mark then the package shall also include: * A size tariff; * Sizing/fitting instructions; and * The number of each size provided, in accordance with the tariff. Eyewear shall be clearly labeled by size or as quote mark one size fits all quote mark , as appropriate. If multiple submissions are made, each submission shall be packaged separately and each box clearly labeled with the box number and total number of boxes (i.e., box 1 of 6, 2 of 6, etc) Package C shall be sealed and held by the Offeror during the initial evaluation stage. Pending the initial evaluation and cost/schedule considerations, the Offeror will be notified by the Government to ship Package C to a location to be determined by the Government. The package shall be received within 10 days of notification. Shipping location will be within the Continental United States. IV. Evaluation (a) The Government will list products on the QPL resulting from this notice for those responsible Offerors whose offers conforming to the notice that will be most advantageous to the Government. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: 1. Technical Compliance (to include quality assurance); and 2. Past Performance For the purposes of this notice, Technical and Past Performance are of equal importance. Offerors deemed as high risk based on past performance history and/or products deemed technically unacceptable will not be included on the QPL. Offerors are advised that subsequent notices for products, once listed on the QPL, may introduce other evaluation factors (such as, but not limited to, price and schedule), and may place emphasis on factors differently. (b) For the purposes of this notice, Order of inspection/evaluation is anticipated to be as follows: 1. The kits shall be visually inspected and physically manipulated and otherwise inspected for: * System Configuration; * Color; * Marking; * Weight; * Carrying case; * Instruction manual; * General system retention; * Component changes (to include interchangeable lenses); * Uniformity of dimensions; * Potential skin irritants; * Pantoscopic tilt; and * Any obvious visual impact on faceform angle of the UPLC (for UPLC compatible products only). Items will also be examined to determine if: * All components are present; * Items are in compliance with the basic configuration requirements; and will be inspected for * Any obvious design features that would interfere with currently fielded military equipment; and * Workmanship. Products that do not conform to shade or marking requirements will be given 6 months time to conform in the event the product is selected for the QPL. 2. The proposed products shall be reviewed for ANSI Z87.1 testing, ballistic fragmentation testing, MCEP MIL-PRF-32432 specification testing, optical distortion, Luminous Transmittance, Neutrality, Chromaticity, ultraviolet absorption tests, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance performance; vertical flame testing will also be reviewed for goggle products 3. Environmental testing will be conducted. This may include subsequent ballistic fragmentation testing. Vertical flame testing may also be conducted on goggle sleeves and/or straps at this point. 4. Data on the product in a field environment with Military Users will be obtained and used to assess acceptability of the product in a field environment in accordance with MIL-PRF-32432. NOTE: The Government reserves the right to conduct some testing in parallel, or stagger testing if needed, to optimize schedule. Testing may be halted for a given product at any point in the test sequence at which time a test failure is observed for that product. The Government reserves the right to subject products to independent testing to verify performance in accordance with the specification. V. Proposals shall be submitted electronically to
[email protected] and
[email protected] no later than 10:00 a.m. EST on 08 July 2013. Initial Physical sample submissions (Package A) shall be shipped to the following address: US Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center Attn: RDNS-WPP (M. Markey/D. Phelps) Building 4 Room 218 Kansas Street Natick, MA, 01760-5019 IMPORTANT NOTE: All boxes shall be labeled with the notice number and quote mark To Be Opened by Addressees Only quote mark , and documentation of the shipment shall be submitted electronically to the contracting office point of contact listed above for proposal submission.