Australian military outfitter Platatac has released the M-Cam Shemagh. It’s unique design is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
Archive for the ‘FR’ Category
New Shemagh
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012Fuel Handler Coverall Contract Explained
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012We recently wrote about the contracts awarded to Propper International and Tennessee Apparel for the new Fuel Handlers Coveralls. Unfortunately, we didn’t explain what was going on which caused readers to make some back of the envelope calculations which resulted in the perception that the taxpayer is paying a lot more for these than is actually the case.
In fact, the contracts awarded to Propper International and Tennessee Apparel are five-year, firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts worth a maximum of $45,000,000. These contracts include options to procure a maximum of 75,000 Fuel Handler Coveralls. The maximum contract value ($45M, based on an early Government estimate of $600 per coverall) would only be reached if the Army purchased all 75K coveralls.
Almost all contracts are written this way these days. The maximum value of the contract is the award amount announced. This amount is generally only reached is all contract options are used. Generally this number is a little higher than what is required to give the Government a little bit of breathing room in the event demand is increased over the life of the contract. It also serves to lock in a price over the course of the contract. These contracts don’t require the Government to purchase the maximum amount but rather set a limit on the amount that can be purchased on that contract. Essentially, it serves as a blanket purchase agreement for that particular commodity. The Government can purchase as much as it needs (up to set limit) at a set price over the life of the contract without going through the contracting process over and over. Conversely, if it turns out the Government doesn’t need the gear, it doesn’t order or pay for it. This helps keep the Government from purchasing and stockpiling unneeded gear.
In the case of the Fuel Handler Coverall, the first delivery order for each of the awardees is for only 1,670 coveralls making actual contract cost per coverall came in between $400-$522, depending on size and vendor. Any future purchases will be determined based on fielding requirements set by the Army.
These coveralls offer a tremendous increase in protection when compared to their predecessors in the areas of flame resistance, environmental and electrostatic protection, and liquid-penetration resistance for fuel and water. PEO Soldier is committed to Soldier survivability, and this contract award is yet another example of their continuing efforts to provide the absolute best uniforms and gear to our Soldiers.
This is actually a joint effort. PEO Soldier specified that the coveralls be made in Coyote Brown so that their Marine brothers could order and use them too.
Thanks to those who reminded us to follow up on this. We hope this clears up any misconceptions that surround the Fuel Handler Coverall procurement.
A Massive Massif Sale
Friday, January 27th, 2012
FR specialists Massif don’t often run sales, but when they do run one, it’s worth checking out.
They are clearing out some discontinued items and overstock items. There are some GREAT deals – especially on the Winter Army Combat Shirt and Universal Combat Shirt.
The announcement is on their Facebook page. And, if you look at their most recent post on Facebook, you’ll get a coupon code for free shipping on the entire order until February 2.
Suppliers are limited so act now! The sale ends February 13th.
Fuel Handler Coverall Contract Awarded
Thursday, January 26th, 2012Propper International, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico (W911QY-12-D-0006), and Tennessee Apparel Corp, Tullahoma, Tenn. (W911QY-12-D-0007), were awarded a $45,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of 1,670 fuel handler coveralls from each contractor. Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 16, 2017. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity.
ActivArmr Cold Weather Combat Glove
Sunday, January 15th, 2012Mainstay Berry Compliant glove producer Ansell Hawkeye has transformed into ActivArmr Mission Critical Gear. As part of the line they have the ActivArmr Cold Weather Combat Glove which is Team Soldier Certified. It is a three layer glove consisting of a Kevlar/Nomex blend outer layer, a Gore-tex membrane, and an insulative, anti-microbial liner. It is a gauntlet design with an adjustable cuff and features reinforced, textured leather palms, fingertips, and knuckles. The glove also incorporates a loop to attach them to your gear.
You have to remember that this a cold weather glove (0° to 40° F) with a Gore-tex liner combined with insulation so you are going to sacrifice some tactility. It’s he nature of the beast for a traditionally cut glove.
Available in Foliage Green, Desert Tan, and Black in sizes Small – XXLarge.
Line of Fire Grip System
Sunday, January 8th, 2012Some very exciting news from Line of Fire. At SHOT Show, they are unveiling their new Line of Fire Grip System. They’ve partnered with TangoDown and US PALM to introduce several new products that are designed to accept TEGS tape in order to take full advantage of the Technology Enhanced Grip System (TEGS). TEGS is a patented micro-replication technology developed by 3M that provides superior grip in both wet and dry conditions. Much like a gecko’s palm, it has thousands of tiny hooks that mesh with one another.
Additionally, LOF is introducing 9 new glove models as well as improvements to their existing line. Visit them in booth #25513.
A Peak at Smokejumper Kit
Saturday, January 7th, 201212 Days of Tactical Christmas – Day #8
Sunday, January 1st, 2012
Todays’ prize is the Massif Flame Stretch FR Beanie in Black with Grey stitching. Made from Massif’s ultra-soft Flamestretch fabric, this Nomex® beanie is soft, comfortable and formfitting. Designed to fully cover your ears yet fit under a helmet.
Also, don’t forget, today’s winners as well as every other winner, will receive a 2012 Tac Girls Calendar. (Just the calendar, not any of the girls)
To Enter
Enter your answer to today’s question in the comment section of THIS post, here on SSD. Today’s question is, “FR – Do you use it or not?”
Don’t dilly dally. We could close comments at any time. And, remember to use a valid email address so we can inform you in case you win. One entry per email address per contest. You have to enter each one separately in order to win.
Details at soldiersystems.net/the-12-days-of-tactical-christmas.
