U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Ballistic Shields

Amendment / Modification

• Provides Government responses to vendor questions submitted per Section III of the RFQ.

• Includes Attachment 2.5.1 70B06C25Q000000070 Attachment3 Question and Answer- Government Responses.pdf.

• Corrects a clerical error on pages 28 and 31 of the solicitation document, changing "R1 Rated Shields" to "RF1 Rated Shields." The solicitation only designates "RF1" and "HG2" shields.

• Attachment 3 (Question and Answer - Government Responses) is added.

• Pages 28 and 31 of the original solicitation are corrected.

• The due date and time for quotes remain unchanged.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses from the government to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding the CBP LESC Ballistic Shields Request for Quote (RFQ) 70B06C25Q000000070.

• Operational Justification for Shield Size/Weight: The government stated that operational requirements for shield size and weight are at their discretion.

• Performance-Based Alternatives: The government will not consider performance-based alternatives for shield design (e.g., UHMWPE-based shields with MOLLE mounting) or optional viewports, maintaining that technical requirements are at their discretion.

• ASTM Certification: ASTM certification is not required; however, all testing requirements included in the SOW must be met, conducted at an NIJ Certified laboratory.

• Viewport Dimensions: The specified viewport dimensions (8" ±1" and 3" ±.5") refer to the usable viewing area, not the entire laminate.

• Shield Profile Options: A single certification test can include options representing different shield profiles, but each quote submitted must be a complete, independent submission.

• Carry Bag Sample: Only one sample carry bag is required overall, not one for each size.

• NAICS Code: The applicable NAICS Code for this solicitation is 315990.

• The government has confirmed that market research indicates sufficient competition for the stated technical and operational requirements.

• The procurement approach is Best Value, with non-price factors combined being significantly more important than price. No weighted preference is given at the item level for HG2 vs. RF1.

• The government will not extend the due date for samples (August 8th) due to the newness of the ASTM standard, emphasizing that testing to ASTM standards at an NIJ Certified laboratory is required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4- Assumptions_Exceptions_Dependencies Template," is a template provided for bidders responding to Request for Quote (RFQ) 70B06C25Q000000070 for CBP LESC Ballistic Shields. It is designed to guide bidders in documenting their assumptions, exceptions, and dependencies related to the RFQ requirements.

• Request for Quote Document: Specifies where to reference the relevant part of the RFQ (e.g., paragraph/page).
• Requirement/Portion: Requires bidders to identify the specific requirement or portion of the RFQ to which an assumption, exception, or dependency applies.
• Rationale: Mandates bidders to provide context, justification, or reasons for any assumptions or dependencies, including potential advantages to the Government if requirements are not met as stated.

Bidders must use this template to clearly articulate any assumptions made, deviations from stated requirements (exceptions), or external factors they rely on (dependencies) when preparing their quote. This ensures transparency and allows the Government to understand the basis of the bidder's proposed solution and pricing. Properly completing this form is crucial for a compliant and well-understood proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 1, the Price Schedule, for Request for Quote (RFQ) 70B06C25Q00000070 concerning CBP Ballistic Shields. Bidders must complete this sheet to provide model numbers, vendor part numbers, and unit pricing for the items requested.

• The schedule outlines pricing periods for five years (September 15, 2025 - September 14, 2030).
• It lists specific ballistic shield models (HG2: 20"x30", HG2: 24"x36", RF1: 20"x30", RF1: 24"x36"), carry bags, and their estimated quantities per year.
• Bidders are required to enter Unit Price and calculate the Total for each item per pricing period.
• The sheet includes fields for Estimated Quantity (ea), Unit Price, and Total for each item across the five pricing periods.
• It also provides fields for the total for each pricing period and a Total Evaluated Price.

This price schedule is critical for bidders to accurately quote their pricing for the CBP Ballistic Shields. The government will evaluate proposals based on the aggregate total amount derived from the unit prices and estimated quantities provided in this schedule. Bidders must ensure all fields are completed correctly, as the unit price will be automatically multiplied by the estimated quantity to determine subtotals and the final aggregate total.

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

To procure rigid, lightweight ballistic shields for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other federal agencies to support active threat response and training.

• Procurement of rigid, handheld ballistic shields tested in accordance with ASTM Standard Test Method for Ballistic-Resistant Shields for Law Enforcement.

• Shields must meet ASTM designated protection levels HG2 and RF1.

• Available in two nominal sizes: 20"W x 30"H and 24"W x 36"H.

• Shields must include a ballistic-resistant viewport and an ambidextrous-capable carry handle system.

• Carry bags will be available as a separate line item.

• All shields must have a manufacturer's ballistic warranty of 10 years.

• Shields must meet specific ASTM standards (E3347/3347M and E3141/E3141M) for testing and performance.

• Detailed requirements for dimensions, weight, viewport size, and carry handle system.

• Specific testing protocols and laboratory requirements are outlined.

• Not explicitly stated in the SOW, but the contract is administered by CBP and available for use by all federal agencies.

• Shields must be monolithic with consistent thickness.

• Must be black in color with a protective polyurea outer coating.

• Contractors must provide manufacturer authorization if not the manufacturer.

• Specific labeling and serialization requirements apply.

• Packaging must minimize loss or damage during shipping.

• Shipping is FOB destination.

• Delivery orders to be shipped within 60 days ARO.

• Contractor must host pre-production and annual performance meetings.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Quote (RFQ) aims to establish a single-award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for firm, fixed-price ballistic shields to support the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Law Enforcement Safety & Compliance (LESC) Directorate. The acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 12 and Part 13 procedures, specifically Subpart 13.5 for acquisitions exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold but not exceeding $7,500,000.00.

• The solicitation includes attachments for a Pricing Schedule, Statement of Work (SOW), Question and Answer Template, and Assumptions/Exceptions/Dependencies Template.

• The SOW (Attachment 2) provides a complete description of the supplies and minimum technical specifications.

• Performance testing, including ballistic testing at an NIJ-approved laboratory, is required prior to submission and at no cost to the Government.

• Specific documents required include NIJ Approved Laboratory Test Reports, Test Data Sheets, manufacturer's build sheets, certification letters, distributor letters (if applicable), ISO 900X Certification, and warranty certificates.

• Physical samples of the ballistic shields (HG2 and RF1 rated) and carry bags are required as part of the response.

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with firm, fixed-price delivery orders.

• Minimum Government Guarantee: $5,000.00

• Maximum Contract Value: $7,500,000.00

• Ordering Period: September 15, 2025, through September 14, 2030 (five, one-year ordering periods).

• Delivery orders may have a delivery date up to 12 months beyond the contract's ordering period.

• Offer Due Date: August 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET.

• Questions Deadline: May 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET.

• Offers must be submitted in four volumes: Technical, Samples, Price Quote, and Subcontracting Plan (if applicable).

• Evaluation will be based on "Best Value" considering Technical (non-price) and Price factors. Non-price factors are significantly more important than price.

• Technical evaluation includes Pass/DQ for required documents and samples, and a subjective Operational Personnel Evaluation.

• Price evaluation will assess reasonableness and cumulative total price.

• Subcontracting Plan (if applicable) will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business (NAICS code 315990, Size Standard: 600 Employees).

• Offerors must identify their socioeconomic classification (e.g., HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, etc.).

• The Contracting Officer and primary point of contact is Jared A. Tritle (Jared.A.Tritle@cbp.dhs.gov).

• The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is TBD.

• Offers must remain valid for at least 180 calendar days from the solicitation closing date.

• All contract clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference, with full text available upon request or electronically via www.acquisition.gov.