United States Special Operations Command, Directorate of Procurement (SOAC-KB), 2418 Florida Keys Ave., MacDill AFB, FL 33621-5316

84 -- COMMERCIAL BACKPACK AND MODULAR COMPONENTS SYSTEM SOL USZA22-98-R-0002 DUE 112797 POC Susan M. Keeler, Contracting Officer, (813)840-5476 WEB: Special Operations Acquisition Center (SOAC), Procurement, www.soac.hqsocom.mil. E-MAIL: United States Special Operations Command Contracting Office, keelers@soac.hqsocom.mil. The United States Special Operations Command has a need for a commercial backpack and modular components (i.e. "backpack system" which is comprised of a backpack, butt pack and patrol pack) to be utilized by joint Special Operations Forces (SOF). This Request for Proposal (RFP) represents a phased approach as part of a significant modernization effort for the joint Special Operations Forces called SPEAR (Special Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advanced Requirements). The Government invites commercial suppliers to participate in this innovative acquisition effort. Phase I of this effort will supply up to fifty (50) commercial backpack systems for developmental and operational testing. Phase II will produce up to 70,000 systems for joint SOF fielding and replacement over a five year period. Spare parts for the fielded systems will also be included. This shall be a competitive procurement with one contract award for all phases, although the Government reserves the right to make multiple awards for the Phase I effort and then downselect to one contractor for the remaining phases. The backpack itself shall have a minimum volume of 4000 cubic inches and support a 120 lb load. The butt pack shall have a volume of 350 cubic inches (minimum) with an objective of 500 cubic inches and support a 20 lb load. The patrol pack shall have a volume of 2000 cubic inches (minimum ) with an objective of 3000 cubic inches and support a 50 lb load. The backpack system will be utilized in conjunction with a corresponding body armor and equipment load carrying system (ELCS, i.e. load-bearing vest), therefore, compatibility with the body armor and ELCS manufacturers will be required. A demonstration model will be required with submission of proposal. SIC code 2394, Size standard 500 employees, note 42. (0276)

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