THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This Request for Information (RFI) is a mechanism for obtaining feedback from industry in regard to the requirements stated below, for information and planning purposes pursuant to FAR 15.201 (e). This is not a synopsis preceding the issuance of a solicitation. Rather, it is market research issued solely for information purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP or Broad Area Announcement (BAA). The Government has no specific plans for procurement at this time. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. Acquisition Services Directorate and Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness are not at this time seeking proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay any cost incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Any information provided by industry to the Government as a result of this sources sought is voluntary. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP or BAA. If a solicitation is released, it will be distributed via the Federal Business Opportunities (http://www.fedbizopps.gov) website. It is recommended that interested parties monitor this website for any information that may pertain to this RFI. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Summary: This is a request for information for the purpose of obtaining market research for pre-certified body armor. The government is seeking to find types of body armor that are commercially available, and the companies that are currently offering them. RESPONSE DATE: 12/11/2009 DESCRIPTION OF INFORMATION REQUESTED:The government is looking for body armor, helmets, and inserts. All sought after items need to have been previously certified by either the National Institute of Justice or Department of Defense. Examples of which could include but are not limited to: Outer Tactical Vest Deltoid Protector Assembly Sets Side Torso Ballistic Plates Modular Tactical Vests Combat Integrated Releasable Armor Systems Concealable Body Armor Naval Flack Vests Tactical Flotation VestESAPI Plate Advanced Combat Helmet Lightweight Helmet The Government is looking for armor that has already been certified and approved in the following types of certifications and standards. NIJ Standard?0101.04, "Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor," is an equipment standard developed by the Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It is produced as part of the Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). MIL-STD-662F, MILITARY STANDARD, V50 BALLISTIC TEST FOR ARMOR (18 DEC 1997)., The purpose of this standard is to provide general guidelines for procedures, equipment, physical conditions, and terminology for determining the ballistic resistance of metallic, nonmetallic and composite armor against small arms projectiles.ASTM D6193 This practice covers the requirements and characteristics of stitches and seams used in the fabrication of sewn items. The Government is also looking for other standards and certifications that are commonly in practice. STRUCTURE FOR RESPONSES:All interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements are invited to submit in writing, complete information describing their ability to provide body armor matching or similar to the above mentioned capabilities, along with information on the certifications and approvals attained. Responses should include the name and telephone number of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss responses with Government representatives. Only electronic submissions of information provided to the email address specified will be accepted. RFI responses should be sent to the following email address:
[email protected] all emails should include in the subject line the RFI number and the submitting organizations name. To the extent possible, all responses should be unclassified and for general access by the Government and other evaluators working with the Government. All material provided (responses, discussions, questions/answers, and other data) that is not related to competition sensitive or contractor proprietary material may be provided (without attribution) to other respondents. Any material provided may be used in development of future solicitations. Any proprietary information submitted must be clearly and separately identified and marked and will be appropriately protected. The Government will NOT be responsible for any proprietary information not clearly marked. Contracting Office Address: Acquisition Services DirectorateATTN: Ryan Pregot381 Elden Street, Suite 4000 Herndon VA 20170 Point of Contact(s): Ryan Pregot -Contracting SpecialistEmail:
[email protected]