N6133126SNQ31-Sources Sought Announcement For Improved Maritime Ballistic Plate (IMBP)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Purchase Description (PD) for the Improved Maritime Buoyant Plate (IMBP). The IMBP is designed to provide protection against rifle threats for U.S. Navy forces performing Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Anti-Terrorism (AT) duties. When used in the Maritime Armor System (MAS) or Naval Security Forces (NSF) Tactical Vest (NTV), it offers protection from specific 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifle rounds. The IMBP is classified as a critical safety item.

• Scope: Protection against rifle threats for VBSS and AT duties.

• Classification: IMBP shall be one type in various sizes (X-Small to X-Large).

• Construction: Materials must meet performance, operational, and environmental requirements. Covers must mitigate frontal spall, increase durability, and decrease environmental deterioration. Spray coating and bonding assembly methods have specific requirements.

• Production Data: Requires data on inspection, supplier lot information, traceability, test data (First Article, conformance, validation), and durable marking with serial numbers.

• Workmanship: Must conform to established quality standards, with emphasis on durability, consistency, and protection of components.

• Uniform Areal Density: Required throughout the entire surface area, with specific exceptions for edge materials.

• Operational Requirements: Must be neutrally buoyant, multi-curve, hard armor plates. Must be easily insertable into MAS and NSF Tactical Vest plate pockets without special training or tools.

• Weight: Specific threshold and objective weights are defined for each size.

• Dimensional Measurements: Must conform to specified drawings and tolerances.

• Thickness: Maximum 1.0-inch uniform thickness.

• Color: Black, matching a standard sample.

• Labels/Markings: Must be approved by NAVSEA, including "STRIKE FACE" and "HANDLE WITH CARE" labels, and a Unique Identification (UID) label with Human Readable Information (HRI) and Machine Readable Information (MRI) (Data Matrix code).

• Health and Safety: Must be non-hazardous, non-explosive, and have no toxicological or electromagnetic radiation effects. Must be free of sharp edges or conditions that could cause injury.

• Durability: Must withstand drops from a specific height without detrimental effects.

• Operating Environment Requirements: Must maintain ballistic performance after exposure to various environmental conditions including weatherometer, extreme temperatures, fluids (JP-8, oil, salt water), altitude, and temperature shock. Must have a specified buoyancy.

• Performance Requirements: Includes V50 Ballistic Limit, V0 Ballistic Resistance, Back Face Deformation, and Shatter Gap Resistance.

• The document specifies requirements for testing, including First Article Testing (FAT) and Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT).

• Various standards are referenced, including MIL-DTL-32075, MIL-STD-130, MIL-STD-662, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-3027, and others from ASTM, ANSI, and NIJ.

• The document details extensive testing protocols for FAT and LAT, including specific requirements for resistance to penetration (RTP) and backface deformation (BFD).

• Rejection criteria for FAT and LAT are clearly defined based on test results.

• Not specified in this document.

• Comments, suggestions, or questions should be addressed to Program Manager Expeditionary Missions.

• The document is a DRAFT and dated April 10, 2026.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for the Contractor to produce and deliver the Improved Maritime Ballistic Plate (iMBP) for U.S. Naval personnel.

• The Contractor shall fabricate and deliver iMBPs in six sizes: X-Small (XS), Small-Short (SS), Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), and X-Large (XL) torso plates.

• Production must adhere to the requirements specified in the PWS and the Purchase Description NQ/PD 26-01 (Attachment J-1).

• Commercial products and standard parts are to be used unless otherwise specified in NQ/PD 26-01.

• Product improvements are encouraged but will not be considered prior to contract award.

• First Article Test (FAT): Contractor must deliver iMBP for non-ballistic and ballistic requirements within sixty (60) days of contract award. The Government will conduct FAT. If the contractor fails FAT, they will bear the cost of subsequent FATs.

• Lot Acceptance Test (LAT): End item testing will be conducted on all lots presented to the Government. Failure on two consecutive lots will result in a Stop Work order.

• Quality Assurance: The Contractor shall provide measurements and Certificates of Conformance for inspections. DCMA QAR and/or Technical Warrant Holder will select components for Lot testing.

• Configuration Management: The Contractor must maintain a configuration management process for raw materials and production, including traceability and Certificates of Compliance.

• Not explicitly stated in this section, but delivery of First Articles is due within 60 days of contract award.

• Warranty: A five-year warranty for workmanship, materials, design, compliance, shelf life, and service life is required.

• Technical and Support Documentation: The Contractor must submit Contract Status Reports, System Safety and Environmental Information Reports (SSEIR), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and Configuration Management documentation.

• Security: Access to classified information up to SECRET level may be required. Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must be handled according to specific DoD policies.

• Distribution Limitation: The document is for authorized Department of Defense and DoD Contractors only, for administrative/operational use.

Sources Sought Announcement

This announcement is a market survey to identify sources capable of manufacturing the Improved Maritime Ballistic Plate (iMBP). The iMBP is a critical safety item intended to provide ballistic protection for rifle threats during Law Enforcement and Antiterrorism duties in both land and maritime environments.

• NAICS Code: 339999 – All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing
• Size Standard: 550 employees
• This is NOT a Request for Competitive Proposals. The Government is not obligated to solicit or award a contract based on this notice.

Written responses are requested, limited to 10 single-spaced pages (12pt Times New Roman font).

Content should include:

• Company Profile: Name, address, POC, SBA classification, employee count, Cage Code, DUNS, NAICS, major products, customer base, ownership details. If partnering, describe partner capabilities and roles (prime or subcontractor only).

• Capabilities Statement: Outline how requirements for iMBP will be met.

• Past Performance: Contract numbers for similar work, description of company experience, and any CPARS ratings.

• Other Information: Any additional data to aid the Government in refining its acquisition strategy.

• Deadline: 22 May 2026, 04:00 pm CDT/CST

• Email to: Jacob Gabreleski (jacob.j.gabreleski.civ@us.navy.mil) and Courtney Henslee (Courtney.i.henslee.civ@us.navy.mil)

• Submitted data will not be returned; classified material shall not be submitted.

• No reimbursement will be made for costs associated with providing information.

• Respondents will not be notified of the results of the capability assessment.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for a contractor to produce and deliver the Improved Maritime Ballistic Plate (iMBP) for the Special Mission Systems Division (S20) within Naval Surface Warfare Center's Panama City Division. The iMBP is a critical safety item intended for U.S. Naval personnel.

• The contractor shall fabricate and deliver iMBPs in six (6) sizes: X-Small (XS), Small-Short (SS), Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), and X-Large (XL).

• Production must adhere to the form, fit, and functional requirements specified in the PWS and the Purchase Description NQ/PD 26-01 (Attachment J-1).

• Specific quantities for each item will be detailed in Section B of the contract.

• The contractor shall use commercial products/standard parts where technically and economically feasible, as per FAR 52.244-6.

• Product improvements that enhance durability, performance, or reduce cost are encouraged but will not be considered prior to contract award.

• First Article Test (FAT) is required in accordance with FAR 52.209-4 and NQ/PD 26-01. The government will conduct and pay for the initial FAT. If the contractor fails, they will bear the cost of subsequent FATs.

• Production of iMBP for non-ballistic and ballistic requirements must be delivered within sixty (60) days of contract award.

• Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT) procedures are detailed, including requirements for Certificates of Conformance (CoC) and material traceability.

• Configuration Management (CM) processes must be maintained for raw materials, suppliers, processes, and equipment.

• A five-year warranty for workmanship, materials, design, and compliance with performance specifications is required.

• Not explicitly stated in this section, but delivery of FAT articles is due within 60 Days After Contract Award (DAC).

• Qualification and eligibility for production are contingent upon successful completion of First Article Test (FAT).

• A company can only have one role (prime or subcontractor), not both.

• Configuration Management (CM) processes must be maintained, including identification, control, status accounting, and audits.

• Technical and support documentation, including Contract Status Reports, System Safety and Environmental Information Reports, Health Hazard Assessments, Hazardous Materials Management Programs, Material Safety Data Sheets, Environmental Considerations, and Configuration Management Process documentation, are required.

• Access to classified information up to the SECRET level may be required, with specific handling procedures for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Purchase Description

This document, "Improved Maritime Ballistic Plate (IMBP) Purchase Description (PD)," outlines the requirements for an IMBP designed to provide protection against rifle threats for U.S. Navy forces during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Anti-Terrorism (AT) operations. When used within the Maritime Armor System (MAS) or Naval Security Forces (NSF) Tactical Vest (NTV), the IMBP is intended to protect against specific 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifle rounds and is considered a critical safety item.

• Scope: Protection against rifle threats for VBSS and AT operations.

• Classification: IMBP shall be one type, available in multiple sizes (XS, SS, SM, MD, LG, XL).

• Construction: Materials must mitigate spall, increase durability, and prevent environmental deterioration. Covers must be uniform, free of defects, and not exhibit under adherence. Bonding of components must show no evidence of under adherence.

• Production Data: Requires data on inspections, supplier lot information, traceability, operational/ownership/environmental test data, and ballistic performance test data. Each IMBP must be durably marked with a serial number.

• Workmanship: Must conform to established quality standards, with utmost care taken during fabrication for quality and safety. Materials must be properly marked, protected, and stored. Components must be cleaned and surfaces prepared for bonding. Uniform areal density is required.

• Operational Requirements: IMBP must be easily inserted into MAS and NSF Tactical Vest plate pockets. Specific weight thresholds and objective weights are defined for each size. Dimensional measurements, tolerances, and edge chamfers must conform to drawings. Maximum uniform thickness is 1.0 inch. Color must be Black and match a standard sample. Labels and markings must be approved and include unique identification (UID) and machine-readable information (MRI).

• Performance Requirements: Includes durability (withstanding drops), resistance to weather, temperature extremes, fluids (JP-8, oil, salt water), altitude, temperature shock, and buoyancy (greater than or equal to zero).

• Ballistic Requirements: Specifies V50 ballistic limit, V0 ballistic resistance, back face deformation, and shatter gap resistance.

• The document specifies testing requirements for First Article Testing (FAT) and Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT).

• FAT and LAT protocols are detailed in Appendices A, B, C, and D, outlining specific tests, shot patterns, and acceptance/rejection criteria.

• Not specified in this document.

• The document references numerous applicable Government and non-Government documents, standards, and handbooks for detailed specifications and testing procedures.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Request for Access to Limited Distribution Materials" form. It is used by entities seeking to obtain materials that are not publicly available. The form requires detailed information about the requesting organization and its affiliation with government entities or its ability to contribute to government interests through industry competition or innovation.

• Organization Information: Requires the organization's name, CAGE Code, and main point of contact.
• Affiliation: Checkboxes for various affiliations including DoW Organization, U.S. Government Organization, U.S. State Government, U.S. Local Government, and affiliations with government contracts.
• Details: A section to provide further details if any affiliation boxes are checked.
• Additional Considerations: A field for any other information the requester wishes the Government to consider.
• Intended Use: A section to describe the intended use of the requested documents.
• Signature and Attestation: A statement confirming the truthfulness of responses and understanding that the Government is not obligated to share the documents.
• Contact Information: Fields for Point of Contact Email and Phone.

This form is crucial for any bidder who needs access to "limited distribution materials" as part of the procurement process. Completing this form accurately and thoroughly is a prerequisite for obtaining such materials, which may contain essential information for preparing a bid or understanding specific requirements. The Government uses the information to assess eligibility based on defined conditions related to operational security risk and the interest of the U.S. Government.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) from NSWC PCD INDUSEC detailing the process for handling requests for access to Limited Distribution Materials associated with solicitations. It outlines the purpose, process, and conditions for granting or denying access to sensitive materials.

• Purpose: The SOP explains why certain materials may be restricted and how vendors can request access.
• Process: Vendors must use the "NSWCPCD REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO LIMITED DISTRIBUTION MATERIALS" form and submit it to a specified email address.
• Verification: Industrial Security (INDUSEC) will verify the vendor's CAGE code and Facility Clearance Level (FCL).
• Conditions for Access: The document details three conditions under which access may be granted (Condition 1: meeting dissemination criteria; Condition 2a: Government entity use serving U.S. Sailor interests; Condition 2b: U.S. company potential gains through competition/innovation).
• Denial Situations: Specific examples of why access might be denied are provided, including unverifiable information, false claims, lack of U.S. manufacturing capability, or no intention to bid.
• Transmission: Approved materials will be delivered via DoD SAFE.
• Exceptions: Distribution exceptions require explicit NSWC PCD approval and carry risks that must be outweighed by potential gains. Recipients must not disseminate materials further without written consent.

This SOP is crucial for bidders who may need access to specific, restricted materials to fully understand and respond to a solicitation.