This sources sought announcement is for information and planning purposes only; it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. A contract may not be awarded as a result of this sources sought announcement. Only sources within a 40 mile radius need respond if interested due to the fitting requirement of the protective gear. The Department of Labor (DOL), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM), Security Center (SEC), seeks to acquire information about vendor offerings regarding Protective T-Shirts with level III-A inserts for the back, front and sides, also to include carriers for 14 Protective Service Agents. Body armor is critical safety equipment that law enforcement officers need for personal protection. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) establishes and updates voluntary minimum performance standards for body armor, conducts testing against these standards to ensure that body armor complies with the standards, and sponsors research to improve body armor. DPO wishes to procure protective vests that meet or exceed the NIJ standard for 14 agents to be used in carrying out their mission as a protective detail to the Secretary of Labor. • Agents will be measured by vendor or vendor will train agents to measure vests. • Once sizing and fitting is completed, vests will be special ordered for each agent. • Vests will be picked up or delivered within 3 weeks of fittings. Ballistics Specifications Ballistic Material: 100% Dupont Kevlar Ballistic Weight: 1.15 lbs.sq. ft. Ballistic Panel Thickness: .23 inches NIJ Certified: Type III-A NIJ Ballistic Limit/V50: 1,882 feet per second Fragmentation: Meets/Exceeds USASOC requirements 2 grain RCC 3152 fps 4 grain RCC 2733 fps 16 grain RCC 2199 fps 64 grain RCC 1880 fps Back Face Signature: 9mm - 27mm .44 Magnum - 39m Additional Information: Meets/Exceeds DEA test protocol Based in part on the feedback received in response to this RFI, DOL may issue a Request for Quote (RFQ). Any information provided is strictly voluntary and will be provided at no cost to the Government. The DOL anticipates the future procurement of the Protective T-Shirts with level III-A inserts and carriers. Responses from both Federal agencies and commercial providers are welcomed. This sources sought is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Government to issue a Request for Quote or award a Purchase Order. The Government does not intend to award a Purchase Order on the basis of responses nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted, for the vendor-sponsored demonstration or the Government's use of such information. Sources responding to this sources sought should submit the minimum information necessary for the government to make a determination that the source is capable of satisfying the requirements. Acknowledgment of receipt of responses will not be made, nor will respondents be notified of the Government's evaluation of the information received. However, should such a requirement materialize, no basis for claims against the Government shall arise as a result of a response to this Request For Information or the Government's use of such information as either part of our evaluation process or in developing specifications for any subsequent requirement. Responses are due no later than 12:00 P.M. (EST) on September 22, 2015. All interested parties must submit their responses via email to
[email protected]. Questions regarding this RFI will NOT be entertained at this time. Telephone calls regarding this RFI will not be accepted. The government reserves the right to compete any acquisition resulting from this survey among small businesses or to make an award to an 8(a) firm or to GSA schedule holders, based on the responses received. This Request for Information notice is for planning purposes only and does not commit the government to pay for the information requested, issue a solicitation, or award a contract. No solicitation document exists at this time. Primary Point of Contact: Jeremy B, Keator Contract Specialist
[email protected]