Ballistic Helmets with Ballistic Ear Covers

This is a Notice of Proposed Contract Action under the FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This notice is for information only; a solicitation will not be issued. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. No contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 339113 with a small business size standard of 750 Employees. The Government requires the purchase of ballistic helmets with ballistic ear covers that contain the following features: Ballistic Helmet One-hand adjustable fit system Left eye dominant option Adjustable/replaceable comfort pad system Light-weight NVG compatible shroud/mount interface Removable/replaceable side rail mounting system (picatinny-style) Color- Coyote Brown Performance characteristics: Ballistic - NIJ Level III-A Fragment - 17gr V50 ? 2400 ft/s (731 m/s) Backface Deformation- 9mm FMJ RN @ 1400 ft/s (425 m/s), BFD < 25.4 mm all locations Blunt Impact - meet/exceed current ACH Blunt Impact Protection requirements (per AR/PD 10-02) Shell Weight <2 lbs Complete System Weight <3 lbs Sizing to fit head circumference 20.5in - 24.5in (hat size 6 5/8 - 7 7/8) Berry Amendment compliant Ballistic Ear Covers 21-22 in2 additional ear coverage Removable/replaceable One ear cover size fits all helmet sizes Ballistic Performance - 17gr V0 ? 731 m/s (2400 ft/s) Berry Amendment compliant The Government intends to compete a contract for Brand Name only items. The purchase is for the helmets and ear covers described above. The identified Brand Name manufacturer of these items is as follows: Team Wendy 17000 St. Clair Avenue, Bldg. 1 Cleveland, OH 44110 The Government has determined that no other source can meet this requirement. The Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmets with the EXFIL Ballistic Ear Covers are standard issue items for USAFEOD. This standardization allows for continuity of safety and form factor for other standardized equipment accessories such as communication equipment and visual enhancements. Switching to another helmet will reduce the standardization in safety and form factor for the warfighter and will not meet the USAFEOD programs requirements . The USAFEOD program has currently fielded 1,541 Team Wendy Exfil helmets. Because of this significant existing investment, the Government has determined that award to another manufacturer would result in a substantial duplication of costs not expected to be recovered through competition. Given the unique mission of EOD Professionals, ballistic ear covers are required as part of the helmet apparatus. The Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Ear Covers are compatible with USAFEOD communications equipment and safety requirements. Team Wendy is also the only known ballistic helmet manufacturer that offers removable/replaceable ballistic ear covers. There are multiple distributors that can provide Team Wendy gear and the Government intends to compete this as a Brand Name only requirement. This is a notice of proposed contract action and NOT a request for competitive quotations; however, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. All inquiries should be sent by email to matthew.todd.12@us.af.mil. Responses must be submitted by the date/time listed on the notice. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government in future procurements. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government anticipates an award date on or before 28 February 2023 .