U.S. ARMY SOLDIER SYSTEMS COMMAND, ACQUISITION DIRECTORATE, ATTN AMSSC-AD, NATICK MA 01760-5011

A -- MODULAR BODY ARMOR/MODULAR LOAD SYSTEM SOL DAAK60-96-R-9012 DUE 080596 POC Judith L. Uthoff, Contracting Officer, Datafax - 508-233-5286, (Site Code DAAK60) The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command and U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center is seeking sources with the facilities and capabilities to perform the design, development, functional integration and initial production of both the Modular Body Armor (MBA) and Modular Load-bearing System (MLS). The MBA will provide small arms, flechette, and fragmentation multiple threat protection. Its modular design will enable individuals to remove the front and back small arms protective inserts in the event small arms/flechettes are not a threat. The modular design will also allow for component upgrades as technology progresses, such as lightweight small arms protective inserts, or improved soft ballistic fabrics with superior ballistic performance. To ensure compatibility with load carrying capability, the MBA will be developed concurrently with the MLS. The MLS will also be mission tailorable, rapidly re-configurable, and will enable the soldier to accommodate unique loads, such as those of radio operators, SAW gunners and Grenadiers. Both the MLS and MBA will be functionally compatible with one another and will be compatible with currently fielded equipment. The Government anticipates a Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF) contract for the design and development phases, with Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract option for the pre-production/validation (1000 to 3000 items) and initial production with Value Engineering Incentives (up to 70,000 items) options. The contract phases are as follows: PHASE I ( 7 months): The contractor shall design, and produce six (6) initial prototypes of the Modular Body Armor (MBA) and Modular Load System (MLS). Upon delivery of the items to the government, the design feasibility (including form, fit and function) of the initial prototypes will be evaluated via an obstacle course with user and contractor participation. The MBA and MLS will be run through the course together as a system, as well as individually. This ''test & fix'' approach will be used throughout the contract to help maximize user acceptance of the final items. A System Design Review (SDR) shall then be conducted to discuss design, results of the obstacle course evaluation, identify potential item cost drivers and alternatives, and recommend any design changes as needed. The contractor shall refine the design and produce one (1) refined prototype each of the MBA and MLS. A Preliminary Design Review (PDR) shall be conducted. Final design changes, if any, will be recommended at the PDR. Options to purchase additional items (for up to 15,005 items) are included. PHASE II (6 months): The contractor shall produce thirteen (13) prototypes each of the refined MBA and MLS prototypes from Phase I with an equivalent number of DRAFT Use and Care manuals. The government shall conduct a Customer Evaluation (CE) with user and contractor participation to assess the operational feasibility of the system/designs, and the ability to meet the performance requirements. The contractor shall use the CE as a tool to further refine the system/designs. The government may also conduct laboratory testing during this Phase. Based on the results of the evaluations, each contractor shall submit one (1) prototype each of the further refined MBA and MLS system/designs, with Use & Care manuals. A design review will be held to determine whether the design is ready for Developmental and Operational Testing. An option for twelve (12) test items is also included for early initiation of Developmental testing, if needed. Options to purchase additional items (for up to 15,010 items), as well as 15 yards of each material used in the MBA and MLS designs, are included. PHASE III (12 months, including Test and Evaluation): The contractor shall construct one-hundred fifty two (152) MBA and MLS test items, up to thirty (30) additional small arms plates, and up to sixty (60) fragmentation panels for Development and Operational test evaluation of the Phase III designs. Options for up to one-hundred (100) additional test items and 15 yards of each material used in the MBA and MLS designs are included. A use and care manual shall be delivered with each item. The government will test and evaluate the items, after which a Production Readiness Review will be conducted. NOTE: The contractor will be required to submit FFP proposals for Phases IV and V prior to entering these phases. A minimum of 60 days following FFP proposals submission(s) will be required for Government evaluation of the cost proposal(s) and negotiations. NOTE: The government will determine production readiness at the end of this Phase. PHASE IV (7 months): Validation of the specifications and verification of the producibility of the items will take place during this phase. The contractor shall produce 1000-3000 each of the MBA and MLS, with Use & Care Manuals. The contractor shall begin to refine the manufacturing process at this time and shall recommend changes to the specifications as necessary to ensure quality items. NOTE: If necessary, the contractor will be required to submit a final FFP proposal for Phases V prior to entering this phase. A minimum of 60 days following FFP proposal submission will be required for Government evaluation of the cost proposal and negotiations. PHASE V (12 months for initial production run): This phase will consist of an initial production run of MBA and MLS systems (20,000 items), with Use & Care Manuals. Options for additional quantities (up to 50,000) of each item will also be included as part of this Phase. It is the Governments intention to award the contract through full and open competition. The selection process will be based on technical/functional performance and ''Best Value'' considerations. Up to three (3) contractors may initially be selected. The government will reserve the right to obtain rights in data and computer software for any design or design component, as necessary to satisfy subsequent acquisitions. Contractors handling the MBA portion of the contract will be required to have or obtain, and maintain, a DoD Facility Security Clearance (FSC) and Personnel Security Clearances (PSC) up to the SECRET level. Final Request for Proposal DAAK60-96-R-9012 should be released in the late July/early August time frame. All firms who received the Draft RFP DAAK60-96-R-9012 will automatically receive the final version of the RFP. Firms which did not receive the Draft RFP DAAK60-96-R-9012 may request the final RFP either by regular mail or datafax (number 508-233-5286). Telephonic requests will not be accepted. RFP DAAK60-96-R-9012 will be released as full and open competition. Responses to this synopsis are due within 15 days of publication in the CBD. The address to request the final RFP is: U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command, Acquisaition Directorate, ATTN: AMSSC-AD (J. Uthoff/o45), Kansas St., Natick, MA 01760-5011.(0200)

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