Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) Gear
THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. The 109th Airlift Wing (AW) at Stratton Air National Guard Base, New York is conducting Market Research to identify, as potential sources, companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities and experience to support the recurring procurement of Extreme Cold Weather Gear in support of the 109th's Polar Mission in both Greenland and Antarctica. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ)/Invitation for Bid (IFB)/Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFQ, IFB or RFP in the future. This notice does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service. Potential vendors are requested to submit price lists or any background information necessary to determine market capability and potential costs. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Submittals will not be returned to the responder. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future RFQ or IFB or RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Government wide Point of Entry. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the Government Wide Point of Entry for additional information pertaining to this requirement.
The 109th AW is seeking responses from all responsible sources, including both Large Businesses and Small Businesses in all socioeconomic categories (including, 8(a) Business Development Program, Small Disadvantage Business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Women-Owned Small Business concerns).
Results of this Sources Sought Notice will be used to determine potential levels of competition available in the industry, and establish an acquisition strategy, whether full and open, small business set-aside or sole source. Additionally, while the Government desires to minimize the number of awards resulting from a potential RFP, if one is issued, results of this sources sought will be used to determine whether a single company can provide all requested items; if not, a multiple award strategy may be considered.
If a solicitation is issued as a small business set-aside, FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting will apply. Note that, if there is sufficient demonstrated interested and capability among small business contractors, a key factor in determining if an acquisition will be a Small Business Set-Aside is that two or more potential small business prime contractors must be capable of performing at least 50% of the effort, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting. If it is determined that a small business set-aside is appropriate and your company anticipates submitting a proposal as the prime contractor for a small business set-aside, please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR clause 52.219-14 would be achieved, including specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses will be used. Teaming and/or subcontracting arrangements should be clearly delineated and previous experience in teaming must be provided. Companies may be contacted directly if we need further information to fully understand the marketplace.
The 109th AW anticipates a recurring need for the following Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) clothing and equipment, suitable for performing military operations in extreme cold, ice, snow and wind. The intent is for all items to be available "Commercial Off the Shelf" (COTS). The prospective requirement is intended to be broken down into two classes of gear; SURVIVAL ITEMS and DUTY ITEMS:
**ALL ITEMS SHALL BE BERRY AMENDMENT COMPLIANT**
SURVIVAL ITEMS: These items are intended to be stored on the aircraft and utilized in survival situations in order to provide maximum survivability and cold weather thermal injury prevention in case of emergency:
•1) 1) ECW Expedition Bag: Weather resistant, single compartment duffle bag used to contain all ECW survival items. The bag must be a volume of at least 150L with shoulder straps for carrying. Full access, heavy duty zipper. Red in color to aid in emergency signaling. Applicable NAICS code is 314910 with a Small Business Size Standard (SBSS) of 500 employees.
•2) 2) -60F Degree Temperature Rated Waterproof Boot with Removable Liners: Manufacturer's given temperature rating and waterproofing ensures adequate warmth and protection when in extreme cold and snow. Waterproof synthetic upper, drawstring closure, waterproof rubber outsole. Removable liner to allow drying. Applicable NAICS code is 316210 with a SBSS of 1,000 employees.
3) Merino Wool Mountaineering, Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks: Heavy weight construction provides high level of warmth for extreme cold. High density knitted merino wool composition, over the calf height. Applicable NAICS code is 315110 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•4) 4) Waterproof ECW Mittens with Removable Liners: Designed to protect in extreme conditions. Waterproofing keeps hands warm and dry in snowy conditions. Removable mitten liners offer members better dexterity while preventing contact frostbite or complete exposure to the elements. Kevlar stitching and water-resistant leather palm to ensure durability. Elasticized wrist. Fully seam-taped. Applicable NAICS code is 315990 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•5) 5) 32 oz non-metallic water bottle: Wide mouth and screw top makes for ability to open and fill while wearing ECW mittens. Non-metallic material is necessary to prevent contact frostbite. Bottle and Cap must be shatter and crack resistant, even in extreme cold (-60F). Applicable NAICS code is 326160 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•6) 6) 200g Merino Wool Thermal Crew Top and Bottom with Fly: Used as a base layer; retains warmth when wet; moisture wicking and fast drying, non synthetic, antimicrobial. Applicable NAICS code is 326160 with a SBSS of 315990.
•7) 7) Knitted Polyester Quarter-zip Thermal Top and Bottom: Used as a mid-layer. High warmth to bulk ratio allowing for mobility and breathability. Pill resistant, fast drying and durable. Highly elastic construction. Available in tall sizes. Applicable NAICS code is 315210 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•8) 8) Wind-stopper Balaclava: Provides close fitting, full head, face, and neck coverage. Material provides warmth while preventing wind from penetrating to skin. Single opening (eye) which can be completely covered by cold weather goggles. Must allow member to breathe freely while allowing moisture to escape. Applicable NAICS code is 315210 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•9) 9) ECW Hat: Extra Warm, Bomber style hat for prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. Wind-blocking. Fur visor and earflaps. Applicable NAICS code is 315210 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
DUTY ITEMS: These items are intended to be used on a daily basis to provide maximum cold weather thermal injury prevention while maintaining durability, dexterity and maneuverability for personnel performing maintenance operations, both inside and outside the aircraft:
•1) 1) 40L Backpack: The bag used to carry key items that will be used on a daily basis, in a quickly and easily accessible location. Zippered lid pocket and asymmetrical full-access zipper for ease of access. Stretch side pockets. Hip belt. Mesh back panel. Applicable NAICS code is 316998 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•2) 2) Insulated Waterproof Work Gloves: Intended for short-term exposure to extreme temperatures when crew duties require high level dexterity. Abrasion-resistant nylon shell with leather palm for durability. Waterproof breathable outer-layer with built-in insulation. Applicable NAICS code is 315990 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•3) 3) UV Goggles and Hard Case: Provides full eye coverage and protection from wind, snow, and 100% protection from UV light. Intended for use outside of aircraft and during engine running offload procedures. Must be cold weather rated to prevent frostbite around points of contact and resist fogging. Case prevents damage when not being worn. Applicable NAICS code is 315990 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•4) 4) UV Sunglasses: Protects members' eyes from harmful UV rays. Intended for use inside the aircraft. Black non-metal frames. Dark rose colored lenses with 100% UV protection to block sun and glare while highlighting snow definitions. Applicable NAICS code is 315990 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•5) 5) Wind-stopper Hat: Wind-proof hat with flat seems provides warmth and prevents wind from penetrating to skin. Must cover ears and retain warmth even when wet. Applicable NAICS code is 315210 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•6) 6) Polar Fleece Hood: Provides adjustable head, face, and neck coverage. Easily fits over aircrew headsets which allows hearing protection features of headset to function properly. The ability to pull hood over headset microphone lets crew members block wind and engine noise enabling clearer communication and preventing boom mic from freezing. Windproof with drawstring opening. Applicable NAICS code is 315210 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•7) 7) Merino Wool Hiker Full Cushion Boot Socks: Wool regulates temperature, remains warm when wet, wicks moisture and dries quickly. Boot sock height. Applicable NAICS code is 315110 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
•8) 8) Water Repellant Jacket and Bibs: Heavy weight Insulated, Water Repellant, wind blocking, durable and warm. Intended to hold up to the extreme wear and tear aircrew members experience during daily operations. 1000-denier nylon shell for both jacket and bibs. Bibs should have double reinforced knees to improve durability and zip to hip leg zippers with wind flaps to allow donning and doffing over boots. Arctic Lining. Available in big and tall sizes. Applicable NAICS code is 315210 with a SBSS of 500 employees.
In response to this sources sought, please provide:
1. Name of the firm, point of contact, phone number, email address, DUNS number, CAGE code, and a statement regarding small business status (if applicable) and the corresponding NAICS code.
2. Identify whether your firm is interested in competing for this requirement as a prime contractor or not. Identify subcontracting, joint ventures or teaming arrangement that will be pursued, if any.
3. Information regarding previous experience (indicate whether as a prime contractor or subcontractor) on similar requirements (include size, scope, complexity, timeframe, government or commercial), pertinent certifications, etc., that will facilitate making a capability determination.
4. Information to help determine if the requirement is commercially available, including pricing information, basis for the pricing information (e.g., market pricing, catalog pricing), delivery schedules, customary terms and conditions, warranties, etc.
5. Identify how the 109th AW can best structure these contract requirements to facilitate competition and/ or improve responsiveness from industry participants.
6. Identify any condition or action that may be having the effect of unnecessarily restricting competition with respect to this acquisition.
7. Recommendations to improve the approach and/or specifications for acquiring the identified items.
8. Please send responses to this sources sought directly to the following email addresses and include the subject line as "109th AW - ECW Gear Sources Sought Company Name": nicholas.b.bastiani.mil@mail.mil and Kathleen.a.reilly2.mil@mail.mil.
Nicholas Bastiani, Contracting Officer, Phone 5183442477, Email nicholas.b.bastiani.mil@mail.mil - Kathleen A Reilly, contracting Officer, Phone 5183442487, Email kathleen.a.reilly2.mil@mail.mil
