The USMC has just released a presolicitation notice for a new pack system to replace the current ILBE. This will be a full and open competition with no set asides. The Marines have been looking for some time for a new pack and there have been quite a few rumblings in industry that it would be a government owned design rather than a competition for a completely new, commercially derived design. Expect it to resemble MOLLE more than ILBE. There is an odd bit in the presolicitation that sort of promises a chance to see a pack that sort of looks like the model they want. “Interested offerors are further advised that MARCORSYSCOM, PM ICE, may host a USMC Pack sample viewing during the week of 6 June 2011 (date is tentative) at a location still yet to be determined. This event will be strictly for the purpose of viewing a like-USMC Pack model – which is not an exact representation of the product detailed in subject solicitation.” It is perplexing that they know what the pack looks like that they want but that they don’t have any prototypes of it. This hardly engenders confidence in the process.
According to the solicitation, “The USMC Pack system is specifically intended to provide the Marine with a load carriage system that fully integrates with currently fielded body armor systems. The estimated maximum quantity is 245,721 USMC Pack systems in addition to associated sustainment components.”
Furthermore, the actual solicitation is expected to be released in the next 60 days and “The Government anticipates awarding Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts to no more than two (2) offerors that are each capable of producing at least 123,000 Pack systems within twelve (12) months of contract award. Each ID/IQ contract will cover a five (5) year ordering period. Evaluation factors will be set forth in the forthcoming solicitation. Potential offerors are advised that Evaluation will require offerors to submit a minimum of (2) product demonstration models for compliance to a USMC Pack system drawing package and product description (PD).”
Interestingly, the Purchase Description also speaks of a “Family of Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE)” that will be available in the following patterns and colors:
Class 1 – Coyote Brown 498
Class 2 – Woodland MARPAT
Class 3 – Desert MARPAT
Class 4 – Snow MARPAT
Class 5 – OCP
Class 6 – Tan 499
Details of the pack’s design are still a mystery but we expect it to include the following features/components:
A) USMC Pack
a. Main Pack
(1) Frame
(2) Shoulder Harness Assembly
(3) Hip Belt
(4) Main Bag
b. Assault Pack
c. Assault Pouch
d. Sustainment Pouch (Qty. 2)
e. Hydration Pouch (Qty. 2)
f. Hydration Carrier
g. Hydration Bladder System
(1) Hydration Bladder
(2) Hydration Tube with cover
(3) Hydration Bite Valve with cover
h. Sternum Cinch
i. Sub-Belt (also known as “Girth Hip Beltâ€)
j. Repair Kit
k. Care and Use Manual
FILBE will also include the following components:
B) Chest Rig
a. USMC Chest Rig
C) USMC Equipment Pouches
D) USMC Holster
E) USMC Corpsman Assault Pack
F) Individual Water Purification System
Based on information we received from multiple sources we believe the frame to be the Down East 1606 frame first developed for the Army’s airborne community but as of yet still unfielded by that service. Additionally, the sternum cinch sounds mysteriously like the Mystery Ranch, Mystery Cinch. That’s because it is!, at least according to the Purchase Description although it adds that pesky “or equivalent”.
