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Originally Posted by Steve W
From the definitions :
FIX-IT-WINDOWS – Two 5-hour work periods following the deadline for shipping the robot, or following the close of a regional competition, in which ALL teams may manufacture parts in preparation for future competitions.
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That definition covers both types of fix-it window: post-ship and post-competition, but does not differentiate. Read alone, Steve's interpretation might be right, but since the rules are later spelled out differently for each case (<R17> and <R20>), you can't use the broader definition to contradict the specific wording of the rule itself. Note carefully that you can't fabricate upgrade parts during the post-ship fix-it window; unless your robot already has the capability, you can't consider a bumper a spare or replacement—it is an upgrade, and illegal to manufacture during this period. During the post-competition fix-it windows, you may make upgrades, and therefore may make your bumpers then.
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Originally Posted by Steve W
<R29> Teams may bring a maximum of 25 pounds of custom FABRICATED ITEMS (SPARE PARTS, REPLACEMENT PARTS, and/or UPGRADE PARTS) to each competition event to be used to repair and/or upgrade their robot at the competition site.
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Originally Posted by Steve W
<R16> does not say anything about the Fix-it window.
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<R29> does not say where the 25 lbs of material comes from, only that it may be brought to the competition. You still have to obey the construction rules, especially <R16> through <R19>. As a matter of fact, though <R16> does not refer specifically to the bumpers, FIRST clarified that the bumpers are part of the robot, and are therefore covered under <R16>.
It's clear in the rules as written, and not contradicted by an update or Q&A: you must fabricate your bumpers during the build season, at the competitions, and/or during the post-competition fix-it windows. The sole exception is if you are making spare or replacement bumpers (meaning that you shipped fully functional, or functional but defective bumpers with the robot), in which case you may also use the post-ship fix-it windows to make spares or replacements (but not upgrades).