SOURCES SOUGHT
84 -- New pack suite consisting of four packs to better meet the mission requirements of the Special Operations Force.
- Notice Date
- 2/15/2006
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- Contracting Office
- RDECOM, Natick (Soldier Support Branch), ATTN: AMSRD-ACC-NM, Building 1, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5011
- ZIP Code
- 01760-5011
- Solicitation Number
- W58P05-06-R-0001
- Response Due
- 2/23/2006
- Archive Date
- 4/24/2006
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Description: Special Operations Command is requesting information from industry regarding an improved Back pack suite to replace the current issued SPEAR BALCS Pack. The BALCS Pack consists of the Butt pack, the Patrol pack and the Rucksack. The Butt pack volume is 350-450 ci, the Patrol pack is 2000 ci and the Rucksack is 7000 ci with a total system weight of 21.25 lbs. Of great interest is information regarding the reduction of weight and packed volume while maintaining other operational capabilitie s of the pack system. Desired characteristics: The new pack suite will consist of four packs instead of three to better meet the mission requirements of the Force. The shoulder/courier style pack (700-1000 ci, 2 lb threshold, 1 lb objective), the Assault pack (2800-3000 ci, 5 lb threshold, 4lb objective), the Patrol pack (4000-4500 ci, 8 lb threshold, 5 lb objective) and the Recce pack (6000-6500 ci, 11 lb threshold, 7 lb objective). Consideration is given to the lighter weight greater capacity pack. The p ack suite may consist of internal, external and hybrid or modular framesets. Ideally the Patrol and Recce pack backs would be interchangeable on one modular frameset to reduce overall system weight and bulk. Note: F2153-01 Standard Test Method for Measurement of backpack volume will be used as the baseline Volumes required is un-extended backpack capacity, main compartment + lid. Pockets and additions will be measured separately. Salient characteristics for all packs: The frame and/or its supporting elements shall be ergonomically efficient and sized to optimize compartment and equipment placement (Minimum number of sizes with minimum number of adjustments). Provide adjustments (straps, cords, or other mechanism) to al low the shifting of the load from the shoulders to hips and vice versa to minimize local discomfort/muscle strain in those areas while wearing the system. The majority of the weight should be placed on the hips. The shoulder straps will provide a clean s urface to the front which will not interfere with shouldering and firing the weapon. The External frame and Hybrid frame must be ALICE pack bag compatible. The ALICE pack bag is the old Vietnam era Army ruck sack found in any Army / Navy store. Provide for well padded and easily adjustable (in the opinion of the SOF operator) hip belt, lumbar support and shoulder straps to allow for changes in waist size and back and shoulder lengths. Environmental conditions cannot degrade the system to the extent that it cannot be used for its intended mission: 1. Must withstand the effects of the full range of operational environments 2. Must be rot, mildew, POL, chlorine, UV light and salt water resistant 3. Must have a shelf life of not less than three years. Color choices should be consistent with Load Carriage Systems, Ranger green and Khaki, Coyote. Are these colors available in the marketplace? Will provide for an internal radio pocket positioned high against the pack frame with tie down straps capable of holding a suite of SOF radios to include the AN/PRC 117E (3.2H x 10.5W x 13.5D). Utilizing a minimum amount of MOLLE webbing provide for the attachment of external items with minimal interference to the SOF operators movement Will provide a means for hydration and communications pass thrus. 1. The Recce pack requirements also include the following: a. Have a top flap and 2 pleated pockets on the exterior sides of the rucksack that are easily accessible in the opinion of the SOF operator. The pockets will be capable of holding one of the following (for sizing purposes): At least 1 x M18Al Claymore mine complete An MRE Wet weather gear (top and bottom) Poncho Poncho liner Map case Spotting scope Tent poles (16 inches) b. The pockets will be tunneled to allow elongated equipment such as skis, poles, ice axes etc to be stowed vertically without affecting the load capacity of either the pocket or main compartment . c. Have a lower compartment that is separate from the main compartment by means of a reach through divider. This second compartment accessed via an external zipper will be large enough to place the sleeping bag, extreme cold into it. Berry Amendment. This sources sought is subject to the Berry Amendment, 10USC 2533a. Vendors who believe they have a product(s) capable of meeting this requirement are requested to provide literature, brochures, price lists, warranty coverage, business siz e and any other relevant information. Of specific interest is in house design and manufacturing capabilities. Responses shall be submitted no later than 1:00 PM (E.S.T) 23 February 2006 to: Natick Soldier Systems Command, Individual Protectorate Division, SOF Warrior Protection, Attn: Scott Williams, 4 Kansas St Rm D-218, Natick MA 01749. Materials submitted will not be returned. This is not a request for quotation or proposal. No solicitation document exists. This is not to be construed as a commitment by the government to procure these items, nor does Natick Soldier Systems Command intend to award on the basis of this sources sought/market research or otherwise pay for the information solicited. Point of Contact Scott Williams, Project Officer, IPD-SOF, phone 508-233-5953, fax 508-233-4660, email scott.m.williams1@natick.army.mil.
- Place of Performance
- Address: RDECOM, Natick (Soldier Support Branch) ATTN: AMSRD-ACC-NM, Building 1, Kansas Street Natick MA
- Zip Code: 01760-5011
- Country: US
- Zip Code: 01760-5011
- Record
- SN00988853-W 20060217/060215212400 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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