The National Protection Center (NPC), NSRDEC, is creating an Advanced Personal Protection System (APPS) for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) users and first responders by using PPE components already developed, approved and/or authorized for use by DOD. User groups for APPS include U. S. Coast Guard Level One Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security units and law enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics teams.
The program has been around for about a year and is led by Fred Chan who is the former PM-SSS. He brings a wealth of experience fielding state of the art PPE systems including PCU and newer iterations of BALCS.
While there is no solicitation for procurement yet, NPC is conducting a market survey to determine what is actually available. In fact the notice makes several references to the fact that there is no planned procurement action associated with this program. Conversely, the Sources Sought Notice makes reference to an “aggressive program schedule”. This combined with the market survey makes me believe they are getting ready to move out swiftly with this “research and development program”.
From the solicitation:
The APPS program is seeking the following DOD personal protection items:
1. Hot weather garments, to include headwear, handwear and footwear
2. Cold weather garments, to include headwear, handwear and footwear
3. Wet weather garments, to include headwear, handwear and footwear
4. Garments with flame resistance characteristics
5. Ballistic protection for the torso and extremities
6. Ballistic helmets
7. Ballistic protective eyewear
8. Communications headsets that can be integrated within a helmet system
9. Chemical-biological respirator masks and self contained breathing apparatus
10. Chemical-biological protective garments, to include headwear, handwear and footwear
11. Individual equipment, such as hydration systems, life jackets, etc.
The PPE must have any one of the following designations for consideration of inclusion into APPS:
-Service level approval, such as Type Classification, Fielding Deployment Release, Material Release, etc.
-Approval for fielding under a DOD program such as the Rapid Fielding Initiative, Rapid Equipping Force, etc.
-Authorization for use under a DOD program such as the Military Combat Eyewear Program (MCEP) Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL), Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP), etc.
Makes total sense, down select based on products already in the system. That’s why I don’t understand this statement:
PPE items that have the following designations or characteristics are not considered valid DOD authorization or approval for use or fielding and will not be considered for inclusion into APPS:
-NSN, NIIN, LIN or IDN designation
-Listed on GSA schedule
-Prior purchase and/or use by a DOD organization
Why wouldn’t you include items that have already been type-classified and have NSNs?
For those interested, the entire notice can be viewed at FedBizOpps.gov.