Request for Information (RFI) - Sources Sought Protective Over Garment (POG) BACKGROUND: Product Manager - Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE) is seeking sources and to collect information for the possible production of the Tier II - Protective Over Garment (POG). The prevalence of IEDs during dismounted operations in Operation Enduring Freedom has caused a greater number of injuries to the lower body. These include 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 II - POG - part of the Pelvic Protection System - is an item that will provide protection against ground based IED threats. The POG is worn over the Army Combat Uniform trousers and provides protection of the pelvis, femoral arteries, and lower abdominal organs in a blast or fragmentation event. The POG will also reduce the penetration of dirt and fine debris into a wound area to prevent infections. PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS: At a minimum, the Tier II Protective Over Garment (POG): - Shall consist of three (3) distinct areas of ballistic protection to provide an optimum balance of protection and mobility. The front section shall provide at least 69 in2 of ballistic protection, the center section shall fit between the legs and provide at least 50 in2 of ballistic protection, and rear section shall provide at least 52 in2 of ballistic protection for a size medium system. - Front and rear sections shall provide ballistic protection which conforms to the base vest requirements of FQ/PD 07-05E. Center section shall provide ballistic resistance (V50) of at least 1120 ft/s against 17gr Fragment Simulating Projectile (FSP). Wherever there is no continuous ballistic material, a minimum 1 in. overlap shall be maintained to prevent gaps in coverage. - Front, center, and rear ballistic materials shall be removable/replaceable. - Ballistic filler areal density of front and rear sections shall not exceed 1.10 lb/ft2 with a maximum 0.30 in. thickness. Ballistic filler weight of center section shall not exceed 0.40 lb/ft2 with a maximum 0.10 in. thickness. - Shall provide a secure fastening mechanism to prevent flapping or shifting during use. The system shall be compatible with currently fielded personal protective equipment and combat uniform and shall attach either to the body armor and/or the belt loops of the trousers. - Front section shall be capable of being disconnected from the center/rear section and worn as a standalone item, with the option of fastening to the belt or Improved Outer Tactical Vest. Shall provide a secure fastening mechanism to prevent flapping or shifting during use. - Attachment point(s) connecting the front section to center section must be able to withstand a peak load of 150 lbs break strength in accordance with ASTM D-5043 - Attachment points/seams connecting the rear panel to center section must be able to withstand a peak load of 600 lbs break strength in accordance with ASTM D-5043 - Shall be capable of donning and doffing without removing the belt from the Army Combat Uniform trousers - Must be available in multiple sizes to fit 5th percentile female through 95th percentile male waist circumference. - Outer facing cloth shall be constructed with the following camouflage pattern: US Army Operational Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Responses shall include the following information: a. Company Name, Street Address, Point of Contact (name, email, 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 an additional statement advising the Government if their item is available commercially, available to the general public, and/or non-governmental entities. d. Vendor shall provide a schedule that shows when the first POG will be delivered after contract award, and the monthly production rate to produce up to 100,000 POGs. e. Information of vendor's past performance on recent and relevant contracts within the last three (3) years (agency, award date, contract number, contract amount). f. If available, vendor shall provide: vendor Cage Code and NAICS code. g. Vendor shall identify if they are small, large business, or other socioeconomic type business. h. Interested firms shall provide cost information (unit price). Also indicate if any quantity price breaks for which production quantities. i. Submission format: Written response (PDF or WORD Document) shall not exceed ten (10) pages. Point of Contact: Lisa Yamakawa at
[email protected] Respond By: No later than 4:00 pm eastern standard time on Monday, April 16 2012 This is a Sources Sought Notice Only. This is not a Solicitation. Responses to this request are not offers.