SOURCES SOUGHT
84 -- Plate Carrier
- Notice Date
- 12/4/2007
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- Contracting Office
- M67854 Quantico, VA
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- M6785408I3004
- Response Due
- 1/15/2008
- Point of Contact
- Ms. S. Leigh D'Lugos Phone: 703-432-3187 Cell: 540-455-8037
- E-Mail Address
-
susan.dlugos.ctr@usmc.mil
- Description
- SOURCES SOUGHT DESCRIPTION MARKET RESEARCH. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS.The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is conducting market research for potential sources and best practice information towards designing, developing, and buying a Plate Carrier for Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (SAPI) to provide torso direct fire ballistic protection with integrated and scalable load-carrying capabilities for individual Marines. The SAPI (the currently fielded E-SAPI and future X-SAPI plates) consist of interchangeable plates that are inserted into the front and back of a Marine?s Modular Tactical Vest (MTV). The inserts, which provide a Marine increased protection from small arms rifle fire and indirect fragments, include recent enhancements in comfort and operational effectiveness as compared to its predecessor protective plates. The Plate Carrier is one of the latest Marine Corps body armor initiatives being executed to develop fully integrated and scalable systems for use by Marines in combat and training missions. Similar to the Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) approach used for increased levels of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protection, we envision Marine Corps body armor systems that enable the individual Marine to configure modular, fully integrated components to meet specific mission requirements based upon threat and environmental conditions. This approach, referred to as Armor Protection Level, allows Commanders to determine the level of protection required based on the threat. Marines will be able to easily add and remove components without sacrificing fit, comfort, and usability. Consequently, the Plate Carrier must be compatible with the MTV cummerbund and associated components. The Plate Carrier must be designed to carry a Marine?s assault load (i.e. magazines, water, grenades, etc.) as well as provide integrated soft body armor meeting current performance requirements for OTV/ MTV and use of the currently issued E-SAPI plates and future X-SAPI plates. The carrier will use state of the art load carriage techniques to optimally distribute the load over the torso. The USMC envisions at this time a modular/scaleable integrated armor system, that will enable individual Marines to configure components to best meet specific mission requirements while optimizing/balance human factors (e.g. comfort and usability), protection (from enemy threats and environment) and cost (production and maintenance). For example, an infantry Marine may utilize the Plate Carrier for jungle operations, or for sniper or close quarter battle purposes; alternatively, a Marine may configure the currently issued MTV for urban fighting by adding all the ballistic protection and a n increased ammunition load out. The Berry Amendment will apply to any future procurement. In designing/developing the Plate carrier, companies are expected to apply best practice human-factors, casualty reduction analysis and business analysis to meet the needs of Marines. The USMC is currently performing market research to learn applicable/proven best practices. The Plate Carrier requirements are not yet complete and a formal solicitation has not yet been developed. Within that effort, the USMC wants to leverage its expertise in USMC operational/capability needs and related constraints with industries? established expertise and capabilities to design, develop, produce, and support best value products. Therefore, the USMC is taking the following market research steps: INDUSTRY DAY To help industry best understand the USMC performance capability needs and performance evaluation methodologies, a Plate Carrier Industry Conference will be held at the Kalman & Co. Inc., Suite 303, 50 Tech Parkway, Stafford, VA 22556 on January 8th, 2008 beginning at 0900. This open forum session will provide an overview of current issues, uses, capability needs, constraints, and provide other information and answers to relevant questions or concerns. Attendees are highly encouraged to submit questions and or concerns in writing to susan.dlugos.ctr@usmc.mil prior to the conference date. The USMC is eager to hear industry best-practice ideas used in other/similar projects (commercial and Federal). In recognition of probable proprietary concerns, a limited number of individual sessions can be arranged with the acquisition team to discuss company-specific ideas and concerns. Such one-on-one sessions will not exceed one hour each and will include a discussion of company qua lifications, similar-relevant past performance information, and best practice ideas towards creating a successful Plate Carrier. Due to resource demands, time is limited. Companies wishing to attend the conference and/or meet on a one-on-one basis should register by no later than 21 DECEMBER 2007 via email addressed to Leigh D?Lugos at susan.dlugos.ctr@usmc.mil. Session requests should include a list of company attendees, limited to no more than three individuals. REQUEST FOR WRITTEN RESPONSES Respondents are requested to include literature, brochures, and capabilities summaries directly addressing their ability to meet the anticipated Plate Carrier requirements. Additional information is requested identifying business size, manufacturing capability and facilities. Furnished written materials and any proprietary information will be protected when clearly identified as proprietary. No telephonic responses will be accepted. Responses shall be submitted not later than 15 JANUARY 2008 to Leigh D?Lugos, at email address susan.dlugos.ctr@usmc.mil or via FEDEX/UPS deliveries to Commander, Leigh D?Lugos, CTQ3LD, MARCORSYSCOM, 2200 Lester Street Quantico VA 22134-6050. Any questions regarding submission of materials should be addressed to Leigh D?Lugos at 703-432-3187, or susan.dlugos.ctr@usmc.mil. THE SUBMISSION OF THIS INFORMATION IS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES, NOR FOR THE GOVE RNMENT TO PAY FOR THE INFORMATION RECEIVED. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS.
- Record
- SN01463246-W 20071206/071204225339 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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