Request for Quotations - Questions and Answers SAM

RFQ 19ES6027Q0003 – Q&A

INL BALLISTIC HELMET AND SHIELD SUPPLY

1. Section I.1.1 lists the helmet as "Brand name: Ops-Core FAST SF Next Generation Headborne System," while the cover page and Block 20 work statement say, "Ops-Core FAST SF or equal." Please confirm that "or equal" helmets from other NIJ-compliant manufacturers will be considered technically acceptable.
A/ Helmets from other NIJ compliant manufacturers will be considered as long as they meet all other requirements such as: NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA ballistic protection, fragmentation protection, compression and impact resistance, environmental resistance, and functional compatibility with NVG and other required accessories.
2. If equal products are allowed, which characteristics in Section I.1.1 are salient (minimum) requirements, and which describe the brand-name product? Please clarify the following:
a. Weight ("approx. 557 g / 1.23 lb, size L, excluding accessories"): Does this refer to the bare shell? Will a helmet of comparable or slightly higher weight be acceptable if it meets all ballistic requirements?
A/ Yes, a slightly higher weight can be acceptable as long as it meets the ballistic requirement. Offerors must declare the helmet weight by size and indicate whether the value includes accessories. Weight will be evaluated together with compliance with the ballistic protection requirements and the specified functional characteristics.
b. Shell thickness ("0.170 in or equivalent") and shell material ("aramid/UHMWPE hybrid or equivalent"): Will an all-aramid shell meeting the NIJ and fragmentation requirements be acceptable?
A/ Yes, Aramid shells or other equivalent materials may be considered if the technical documentation demonstrates compliance with the protection, compatibility and performance requirements of the solicitation.

c. Accessory rails: Will a helmet with Picatinny-style side rails, or ARCcompatible rail adapters, satisfy the "integrated ARC rails (Ops-Core or compatible standard)" requirement?
A/ Integrated ARC rails are required; equivalent systems could be analyzed to meet this requirement. Picatinny-style rails or systems that require adapters may be evaluated if the offeror identifies the included components and demonstrates that the complete configuration allows secure and functional mounting, compatibility with NVG and other accessories, without compromising protection, fit, or the use of the other required accessories.