BACKGROUND: Product Manager - Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE) is seeking sources and information relating to the possible production of Tier I - Protective Under Garment (PUG). The prevalence of IEDs during dismounted operations in Operation Enduring Freedom is causing a greater number of injuries to the lower body such as blast injuries surrounding the groin area affecting the colon, femoral artery, and genitalia. The current Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) add-on groin protector equipment only offers protection from frontal threats. PM-SPE believes a two-tiered system will provide the optimal combination of protection and user acceptance. The Tier I - PUG, part of the Pelvic Protection System, is an item that will provide protection against ground based IED threats. The PUG is worn next to the skin and provides protection of the pelvis, femoral arteries, and lower abdominal organs in a blast or fragmentation event. The PUG will also help reduce the penetration of dirt and fine debris into a wound area thus aiding in infection prevention. PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS: At a minimum, the Tier I Protective Under Garment (PUG): -Shall provide the Soldier with femoral artery and soft tissue protection, including the genitals, perineum, anus, and inner thigh against sand, debris, and small fragmentation threats. The system shall be capable of providing a ballistic resistance (V50) against 2gr Right Circular Cylinder (RCC) of at least 700 ft/s. The system shall provide enhanced protection of the genital region with a ballistic resistance (V50) against 2gr RCC of at least 1000 ft/s. A minimum of 235 in2 of fragmentation protection is required for covering the genitals, perineum, anus, and inner thigh. The genital region shall provide a minimum of 42 in2 of enhanced protection, as specified above. -Shall allow increased protection of the femoral arteries with removable ballistic inserts capable of a ballistic resistance (V50) against 17gr Fragment Simulating Projectile of at least 1,120 ft/s. Ballistic inserts shall provide protection to the front thigh and shall not interfere with normal walking or running motion. One (1) set of inserts (right and left) shall be provided for every three (3) PUGs. Ballistic inserts shall provide a minimum 40 in2 of coverage each. Area of coverage shall scale proportionately with size in accordance with best industry practices. -The weight of the finished garment shall not exceed 5.5 oz. for a size medium system, not including the removable ballistic inserts. Weight shall scale proportionately with size in accordance with best industry practices. -Shall be similar in style to male boxer briefs, including a fly front, and able to be worn underneath the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) trousers. A minimum of 3 in. overlap of ballistic material is required at the fly opening to prevent any gaps in protection. -Shall be available in multiple sizes to fit 5th percentile female through 95th percentile male waist circumference. -Shall be constructed using breathable fabrics, each with air permeability of at least 240 cfm/ft2 when measured in accordance with ASTM D737. -Fabrics shall exhibit Moisture Vapor Transfer of 500 g/sq. m/day. -Fabrics shall not melt or drip when tested in accordance with ASTM D6413. -The system shall have a Drying time after complete saturation of 4 hours. -After 25 washes the system shall exhibit antimicrobial properties having a threshold of not supporting growth of bacteria and an objective of 95 percent bacteria reduction. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Responses shall include the following information: a.Company Name, Street Address, Point of Contact (name, e-mail, phone#) b.Capability Statement to include: technical capability to meet the Government's requirements to include experience of personnel, organizational history on meeting this or similar requirements, and corporate acumen in managing multiple government contracts of the same or similar nature. The capabilities statement must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses the necessary mission area expertise and experience. c.Vendor shall provide a schedule that shows when the first Protective Under Garment will be delivered after contract award, and the monthly production rate to produce up to 300,000 PUGs. d.Information of vendor's past performance on recent and relevant contracts within the last three (3) years (agency, award date, contract number, contract amount). e.If available, vendor shall provide: vendor Cage Code and NAICS code. f.Vendor shall identify if they are small, large, or other socioeconomic type business. g.Interested firms shall provide cost information (unit price) for three (3) PUGs and one (1) set of Ballistic Inserts h.Submission format: Written response (PDF or WORD Document) shall not exceed ten (10) pages. Point of Contact: Karen Gibson, 410-278-5405,
[email protected] Respond By: No Later than 10:00am, EST on Thursday, 05 April 2012. Send Responses to Submission Requirements to:
[email protected]. This is a Sources Sought Notice Only. This is not a Solicitation. Responses to this request are not offers.