--Lightweight Chemical-Biological Protective Garment (LCBPG)

The following are Questions and Answers related to the Request For Information (RFI) posted March 22, 2007 for the LCBPG: 1) It is our understanding that the RFI is seeking a fully developed garment system and not just materials for use in a lightweight garment. In addition to a non-developmental and/or commercial garment offering, submission of white papers or product conce pts not yet commercially available are encouraged as a prelude to follow-on CB protective ensemble projects. Is this understanding correct? Answer: The acquisition strategy for LCBPG is still in development. Accordingly, this RFI is not limited to fully-developed garments, information on materials that may be used in development of a Government-Owned design are also sought, as well as white papers, product concepts, material samples, etc. 2) What performance attributes with identified [O] have higher priority for the intended user community? Will submissions that meet all or most of the performance [O] have any advantage over submissions that simply provide minimal acceptable performance [ T]? Answer: There is no priority ranking among the requirements. Cost and performance may both be factors for any future LCBPG acquisition. For example, if an item meets all [O] requirements but requires a cost increase of 50%, this would be an identifiable trade-off. 3) What test method will be used for determining volume and will the volume be measured in a vacuum packaged storage form and in an out-of-bag form? Answer: In the event testing is conducted on sample materials or items received in response to this RFI approved ASTM, Military Standards, and AVLAG test operating procedures will be utilized. Vendors may submit modifications to ASTMs and Military Standa rds (but not AVLAG) if they can technically support in their responses that the material technology warrants adjustments to the test method. 4) Will vapor and aerosol challenges be performed using live chemical agents? If so, what test method will be used? Answer: In the event testing is conducted on sample materials or items received in response to this RFI approved ASTM, Military Standards, and AVLAG test operating procedures will be utilized. Vendors may submit modifications to ASTMs and Military Standa rds (but not AVLAG) if they can technically support in their responses that the material technology warrants adjustments to the test method. 5) How will noise acceptability be determined - operational trials or lab/chamber tests? Answer: In the event testing is conducted on sample materials or items received in response to this RFI approved ASTM, Military Standards, and AVLAG test operating procedures will be utilized. Vendors may submit modifications to ASTMs and Military Standa rds (but not AVLAG) if they can technically support in their responses that the material technology warrants adjustments to the test method. 6) What exactly does 'Be capable of operation in 5% to 100% relative humidity' mean and how will the capability be determined? Answer: The requirement 'Be capable of operation in 5% to 100% relative humidity' means the Government is seeking a material solution that will be capable of performing in multiple climates which includes a range of RH from 5% - 100%. The RH pertains to both the physical properties of the material and CB protective performance. If the question is a test methods question then we reserve the right to measure material performance such as breathability, moisture permeation, insulative properties, and CB perm eation using approved ASTM, Military Standards, and AVLAG TOPs. Vendors may submit modifications to ASTMs and Military Standards (but not AVLAG) if they can technically support in their responses that the material technology warrants adjustments to the te st method. 7) In previous JPMO-IP Programs, protection after saturation from sea or fresh water has been determined using two different water t reatment methods: immersion of the material sample in water and application of 2ml of water on the top of the material sample. Which saturation treatment method will be used? Answer: In the event testing is conducted on sample materials or items received in response to this RFI, the Government reserves the right to utilize either immersion or application of water to material samples with respect to the saturation requirement. All information is subject to change by the government.