Contracts Group, NAVAIRSYFCOMHQ, Bldg 441, Unit 7, 21983 Bundy Road, Patuxent River, Md 20670-1127

84 -- JOINT PROTECTIVE AIRCREW ENSEMBLE PROGRAM SOL N000421-00-R-0183 DUE 022900 POC Matt Marshman, Contract Specialist, (301) 757-8958 E-MAIL: marshmanmm@navair.navy.mil, marshmanmm@navair.navy.mil. The purpose of this sources sought synopsis is to obtain information from sources that feel they are capable of supporting the Joint Protective Aircrew Ensemble (JPACE) program. The JPACE program is a joint Service program with US Army (USA), US Navy (USN), US Marine Corps (USMC), and US Air Force (USAF) participation. The JPACE program is addressing the needs of all fixed wing and rotary wing aviation personnel from all four military Services and special operations for below-the-neck (B-T-N) chemical biological (CB) protective clothing. This includes body coverage as well as interfaces for hand and foot protection. It is anticipated that two ensembles, with different levels of protection will need to be developed by the JPACE team. These two ensembles will be referred to as Mission A and Mission B. Mission A ensemble will include protection from a 10g/m2 liquid challenge, a 5000ct vapor and aerosol challenge. The Mission B ensemble will include protection from a 5 g/m2 liquid challenge and a 5000ct vapor and aerosol challenge. Both Mission A and Mission B shall provide protection from helicopter rotorwash driven chemical agents. Mission A ensemble may also face a more demanding operational environment with respect to durability degradation than the Mission B ensemble. In all other respects, the requirements for the Mission A and Mission B ensembles are the same. It is anticipated the requirement will be broken down into the following CLINs: Mission A Garment, Mission B Garment. When the official Request for Proposal synopsis is issued, it is anticipated that the government will use a Phased-type evaluation process in order to award to that offeror(s) who represent the best value to the government with respect to technical capability and price. Offeror's will be required to submit proposals as a team. This team shall consist of, but is not limited to, the fiber(s) producer, fabric(s) producer(s) and finisher(s), and garment manufacturer (cut & sew) for the life of the development effort and production.The team's approach to the product development and manufacturing will be considered in the source selection. It is not the government's desire to have the same CB Filter or Barrier Fabric and Cut and Sew Vendors participating on more than one team. It is the intention of the government to limit the number of proposals from each team to one for the Mission A CLIN and one for the Mission B CLIN. However, team's are encouraged to submit proposals for both Mission A and Mission B CLINS, if their technology is appropriate. These limitations will be imposed as a cost saving measure for the government as well as delivery schedule adherence in the event of multiple awards. In phase I, the government anticipates evaluating both material systems as swatches and actual prototypes (3), created using government provided designs and patterns, submitted by the offeror against the criteria of the technical performance, Manufacturing Capability, Past Performance and Financial Stability and Price (DT II A). This phase will include some pass/fail criteria. If offerors cannot meet some of the key performance parameters, their proposal will not be considered for award in future phases. It is the Government's desire to award a Fixed Price type contract to multiple vendors (more than 1, less than 6). These successful offerors will be issued an order for production of pre-production prototype garments in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and yardage of fabric for system risk reduction testing (DT II B). Limited discriminating testing and evaluation of the systems and fabrics will take place. From this phase, another downselect will take place in which those offerors representing the best overall value will proceed into phase II. Under Phase II, the offerors will be issued orders for production of test article garments in all sizes for full system testing (DT II C). Another downselect will take place and phase III will begin. Phase III orders will be issued to those successful offerors who represented the best value to the government. Phase III orders will be for production of test articles for operational field-testing and post wear testing (DT-IID) as well as yardage of fabric for additional material testing. Whichever offerors are selected from Phase III will be awarded the Production Lot of the contract. This Lot will be for full rate production quantities for an estimated three years. Again, this is not a formal Request for Proposals. At this time, it is requested that interested parties submit a capability statement/documentation (under 10 pages) specifically addressing any concerns with above described approach and/or the proposed industry teaming arrangement, general corporate information, business size, and intended use of foreign vendors as part of their industry team. This effort is in coordination with the Joint Protective Aircrew Ensemble Foreign Comparative Testing Program. Therefore, information regarding the origination of fibers, fabrics and garments will be required in the formal proposal to be submitted at a later date. Responses from foreign, domestic and combined foreign/domestic teams are encouraged. Responses shall be submitted no later than Tuesday, 29 February 2000, to the Contracts Department, Attn: Matt Marshman Code 254228, NAWCAD, 21983 Bundy Road, Building 441, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1127. Responses may also be emailed to marshmanmm@navair.navy.mil This announcement is NOT a Request for Proposal. This is a sources sought and does not commit the Government to award a contract under the above listed terms. It is anticipated that a request for proposals will be available through the NAVAIR homepage approximately June 01, 2000. Posted 01/31/00 (W-SN420360). (0031)

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