B01. RFI HT9425-26-RFI-JBC03.docx

Request for Information (RFI)

1. RFI Number: HT9426-26-RFI-JBC03

2. RFI Title: Thermobaric Advanced Blast Simulator

3. Agency: United States Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR)

4. Contracting Office: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA), Research and Development (R&D) Contracts Division 1, Branch 5

5. Location: Fort Detrick, MD

6. Background: The USAISR seeks a thermobaric advanced blast simulator (TABS) for medical research purposes. The core requirement of this research is the ability to produce a scientifically precise and replicable thermobaric blast waveform. The TABS system shall be delivered no later than September 2028 to Bivouac Assembly Area at Joint Base San Antonio – Camp Bullis.

7. Minimum Essential Characteristics:

Thermobaric Advanced Blast Simulator

The USAISR seeks a thermobaric advanced blast simulator (TABS) for medical research purposes. The core requirement of this research is the ability to produce a scientifically precise and replicable thermobaric blast waveform. The TABS system shall be delivered NLT Sept 2028 to Bivouac Assembly Area (TS 08) at Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis located at: 4880 Wilkerson Road, Camp Bullis, TX 78257).

The system should meet the following specifications/MECs:

1. TABS System Site and Infrastructure:

a. Containerization: The TABS system shall be delivered fully integrated within a durable and weatherproof standard 40-foot ISO shipping container.

b. Access: The container shall feature at least two (2) lockable, distinct points of personnel egress. One of these points shall accommodate the safe loading and offloading of large, industrial high-pressure gas cylinders (e.g. Oxygen, Acetylene, Nitrogen) to a designated site within the container, whereat each cylinder must be physically secured during operational use.

c. Environmental Hardening: The container shall provide complete protection for all internal components from environmental elements, including precipitation, wind, dust, direct solar radiation, and temperatures ranging from -10°F to 130°F with 0-100% humidity, during periods of operational use and extended periods of non-use.

d. Climatization: The container shall feature an HVAC system capable of maintaining a stable internal climate during operational use, protecting all components and ensuring adherence to animal welfare regulations during operations in ambient conditions ranging from -10°F to 130°F with 0-100% humidity, compliant with all relevant animal welfare regulations.

e. Operational Footprint: The combined operational footprint required for the safe TABS System operation shall not exceed a 30 ft x 60 ft level area.

f. Foundation Versatility: The TABS container system must be engineered for stable operation when installed on either a prepared level concrete slab or a level gravel pad.

2. Electrical Requirements:

a. Generator: A gas-powered generator, capable of powering the entire TABS system under full operational load, shall be included as an integral part of the delivered system.

b. Dual Power Source Capability: The complete TABS system shall be fully operable using either an external 120-VAC single-phase power source (handling a service of at least 100 amps) or the self-contained generator.

c. Standalone Power Operability: The system and all its electronic components must be fully operable using either the included generator as the sole power source or a shore-based single-phase power source as the sole power source.

d. Internal Utilities: The TABS container shall include a complete internal electrical system for utility use. The system shall include:

i. Internal overhead lighting sufficient to safely illuminate all workspaces and floor areas.

ii. A minimum of three (3) duplex, standard 120-VAC, NEMA 5-15R power outlets, placed for convenient use with auxiliary equipment.

3. Control and Data Acquisition:

a. Remote Operation: The system shall be fully operable via a computer-controlled interface from a remote Operations Control Center, allowing for safe standoff distance (outside the container) during detonation.

b. Data Acquisition System (DAS): The delivered system shall include a complete Window-based data acquisition package that can fully operate off-network (without the need for internet connectivity or periodic software updates) and is capable of electronic file transfers using approved external portable, secondary storage devices connected via an integrated USB port.

c. DAS Hardware: The system shall include a complete, integrated data acquisition package, including a Portable Data Recorder system and at least four (4) measurement device channel inputs, each with a minimum sampling rate of 200 kHz, with an objective of 800 kHz.

d. Pressure Transducers: The delivered system shall include a minimum of three (3) wall-mounted, piezoresistive pressure transducers provided for each TABS test section. These piezoresistive pressure transducers are to be equidistantly positioned in tandem at fixed locations before, at, and beyond the center-mass location of specimens suspended within the test section.

e. Pitot Probe: The system shall include at least one (1) pitot-static pressure probe for optional mounting and measures inside each TABS test section.

f. Analysis Capability: The provided DAS and software shall be capable of recording all pressure-time data needed to determine the actual peak static overpressure, positive and negative phase durations, wave velocity, impulse, and other parameters resulting from each waveform.

4. Blast Performance Specifications:

a. Performance Parameters: The system shall be capable of generating a thermobaric waveform meeting the following key performance parameters at the 'mid-field' and 'far-field' test sections:

i. Peak Static Overpressure:

1. Shock wave exposures in the ‘mid-field’ test section shall be tailorable, enabling targeted PSOPs ranging from a minimum of 35 PSI (~ 241 kPa) to a maximum of 55 PSI (~ 380 kPa), with an optimal target PSOP of ~ 45 PSI (~ 310 kPa)

2. Shock wave exposures in the ‘far-field’ test section shall be tailorable, enabling targeted PSOPs ranging from a minimum of 5 PSI (~ 35 kPa) to a maximum of 35 PSI (~ 241 kPa), with an optimal target PSOP of ~ 20 PSI (~ 138 kPa)

ii. Positive Phase Duration: Shock wave exposures in the 'mid-field' and 'far-field' test sections shall exhibit a scalable 3-10 millisecond positive phase duration that varies directly with the achieved PSOP and according to empirical thermobaric blast data.

b. Waveform Characteristics: The generated waveforms shall exhibit all characteristic features of a thermobaric blast, including a primary pressure spike, secondary pressure spike, positive phase duration, and true negative phase (under pressure) duration. Waveform Control and Fidelity: The system shall employ a computer-controlled gaseous detonation driver that provides the operator with the ability to tailor the waveform to meet the performance parameters.

i. The system shall produce a uniform, fully contained shock wave that impinges on the targeted specimen.

ii. The system's design must allow for waveform tailoring to simulate spherically expanding blast flow fields.

c. Scientific Replicability & Validation: The vendor must provide objective proof and demonstration that the system meets the required performance standards.

i. Technical Data Package: As a deliverable, the vendor must provide documentation demonstrating that the system's technical design is based on advanced computational modeling (e.g., finite element modeling) used in conjunction with empirical thermobaric blast data.

ii. Acceptance Testing: As a condition of final system acceptance, the vendor shall conduct a formal Acceptance Test after TABS system installation. During this test, the vendor must demonstrate, using the system's own data acquisition hardware, that the TABS can consistently and reliably generate waveforms that meet all the performance parameters specified in section 4.a. The Acceptance Test must be performed within 30 days of installation and shall include the following:

1. A minimum of twelve (12) blast tests conducted using the ‘mid-field’ test section at targeted PSOPs of 35‑, 45‑, and 55‑PSI (4 tests per targeted PSOP) without the introduction of reactive metal particulates; all measured PSOPs and corresponding positive phase duration values must closely approximate the computational results provided in the Technical Data Package and exhibit no more than 5% standard deviation between measured values.

2. A minimum of twelve (12) blast tests conducted using the ‘mid-field’ test section at targeted PSOPs of 35‑, 45‑, and 55‑PSI (4 tests per targeted PSOP) with the introduction of reactive metal particulates; all measured PSOPs and corresponding positive phase duration values must closely approximate the computational results provided in the Technical Data Package and exhibit no more than 5% standard deviation between measured values.

3. A minimum of sixteen (16) blast tests conducted using the ‘far-field’ test section at targeted PSOPs of 5‑, 15‑, 25‑, and 35‑PSI (4 tests per targeted PSOP) without the introduction of reactive metal particulates; all measured PSOPs and corresponding positive phase duration values must closely approximate the computational results provided in the Technical Data Package and exhibit no more than 5% standard deviation between measured values.

4. A minimum of sixteen (16) blast tests conducted using the ‘far-field’ test section at targeted PSOPs of 5‑, 15‑, 25‑, and 35‑PSI (4 tests per targeted PSOP) with the introduction of reactive metal particulates; all measured PSOPs and corresponding positive phase duration values must closely approximate the computational results provided in the Technical Data Package and exhibit no more than 5% standard deviation between measured values.

d. Operational Tempo: The system shall allow for a complete cycle of test preparation, detonation, and post-shot reset in no more than fifteen (15) minutes between exposures.

5. System and Specimen Configuration Specifications:

a. Test Sections: The system shall include at least two (2) test sections, or one (1) relocatable test section, to allow for specimen exposure at various standoff distances corresponding to the ‘mid-field’ and ‘far-field’ regimes.

i. Test sections shall be designed to accommodate anesthetized, rodent-sized specimens (250-550 grams).

ii. The specimen mounting system shall securely suspend the specimen in either an anterior (forward-facing) or lateral (side-facing) prone position. The mounting system shall be designed in a manner that minimizes obstructions to blast flow and is fire-retardant.

b. Detonation System: A computer-controlled gaseous detonation driver shall be incorporated as to allow detonable gases to be controllably mixed and remotely detonated from outside the containerized TABS system.

i. The detonation system shall be designed with an integrated injection port to allow the introduction of reactive metal particulates for post-detonation combustion (afterburning) experiments.

ii. The gaseous detonation system shall, upon introduction of reactive metal particulate, produce a fully contained fireball that impinges upon the targeted specimen at a mid-field test section and then rapidly and safely deflagrates beyond the specimen suspended within the blast simulator.

iii. The gaseous detonation system shall, without the introduction of reactive metal particulate, produce a fully contained fireball that safely deflagrates before reaching the targeted specimen suspended inside the blast simulator.

c. Wave Reflection Mitigation: The system’s design shall include a device or method to terminate the shock wave and eliminate anomalous wave reflections that would otherwise develop from an open-end configuration.

d. Observation and Access: Each test section shall feature two (2) observation panels made of ballistic-grade glass which can be rapidly opened to allow access to the animal.

i. One (1) panel shall be located on the top of each TABS test section, and one (1) panel shall be located on the side of each TABS test section.

ii. Each panel must provide clear optical access for high-speed cameras and imaging spectrometers.

iii. Each panel must allow for rapid and safe access to the specimen immediately following a test.

e. Post-Test Accessibility: The system design shall facilitate safe and thorough post-experimentation procedures

i. The system configuration shall provide unobstructed physical access to all internal compartments and surfaces to ensure personnel can effectively reach all areas for the purpose of cleaning and decontamination.

ii. All surfaces within the blast chamber and test areas shall be constructed of non-porous, corrosion resistant materials, and shall be compatible with and withstand repeated application of standard chemical and biological decontamination agents without degradation.

6. Safety & Environmental Requirements:

a. Operator Safety: The TABS system shall be designed to ensure complete operator safety against all system generated hazards, including potential trauma due to the generated shock waves, thermal, acoustic effects, and unintentional fires or explosions.

b. Onboard Gas Storage: The container must include a secure, climatized, and properly ventilated storage system for the safe handling and housing of high-pressure gas cylinders (e.g., Oxygen, Acetylene, Nitrogen).

c. Purge and Ventilation System: The system must be equipped with a powered ventilation system to safely purge detonation byproducts (e.g., CO₂) from the blast simulator and a separate function to safely purge un-detonated gases from the driver region in the event of a misfire or other need to abort testing.

d. Post-Blast Air Replenishment System: The system shall be equipped with an automated, high-speed air replenishment system dedicated to ensuring animal survivability post-detonation.

i. Function: This system must be designed to rapidly introduce a sufficient volume of breathable, ambient air directly into the specimen test section.

ii. Activation: The system shall activate automatically and immediately following the blast exposure, ensuring that the oxygen-depleted atmosphere created by the generated fireball (with and without the use of post-detonation combustion) is immediately replaced.

iii. Purpose: The express purpose of this system is to prevent animal hypoxia in the critical seconds following the blast event, prior to specimen retrieval.

7. Support and Services:

a. Turnkey System: The vendor shall deliver a complete, turnkey system. This includes all necessary gas lines, regulators, electrical cords, hookups, and any other equipment needed to fully operate the blast simulator and the climatized container as a single, integrated system.

b. Installation and Training: The vendor shall be responsible for on-site installation, system calibration, and providing comprehensive training for all operators and technical support personnel within 30 days of delivery to the above-designated site at Joint Base San Antonio – Camp Bullis.

c. Warranty and Technical Support: The vendor shall provide a minimal 2-year warranty covering all parts and labor, as well as after-sale hardware and software technical support.

d. The vendor shall provide a point of contact and unlimited technical support during normal business hours.

e. Documentation: The vendor shall provide all technical manuals, operator's guides, and documentation for the computational modeling and performance validation data referenced in Section 4.c.

9. Information Requested in Capability Statement:

· Provide Information relating to capabilities, novel ideas, industry best practices, industry capabilities to meet the needs of the Government’s requirement.

· Describe your organization's specific and relevant experience and expertise to fulfill this requirement.

10. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: The NAICS code for this potential action is: 541715 – Research and Development in the physical, engineering and life sciences.

11. Response Due Date: Interested parties should submit their RFI response electronically by 12:00 pm Eastern on 5 June 2026 via e-mail to Mr. Brandon Clingan at james.b.clingan.civ@health.mil and Mr. Justin Pickett at justin.h.pickett.civ@health.mil

12. Instructions to Responders:

12.1 The Government appreciates responses from all capable and qualified sources.

12.2 The Government welcomes input and will accept questions pertaining to this RFI; however, the Government reserves the right to answer or not answer all questions pertaining to this RFI. Only one set of questions per vendor will be accepted. Telephone requests will not be entertained.

12.3 The subject header of the e-mail for submission of questions and/or the RFI response shall be: HT9425-26-RFI-JBC03.

12.4 Interested firms should submit a response (Capability Statement) that demonstrates the Offeror’s capabilities identified in this RFI. The Capability Statement shall not exceed five (5) typed pages; additional sheets for cover page, table of contents, tables, and charts will not be counted toward page limitation.

12.5 Fill in the below table when responding to this Sources Sought / RFI.

RFI Number

Company Name

Company Address

Point of Contact

Phone Number

E-mail Address

Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Cage Code

DUNS

Company Web Page

Company Location(s)

Company is / is not a Small Business

Company is / is not SAM Registered

Other Classifications (e.g. 8(a), HubZone, Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned)

If 8(a), date that the company graduates from the program.

13. Disclaimer and Important Notes:

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201, "Exchange with industry before receipt of proposals," and FAR 52.215-3, "Request for information (RFI) or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (SFP)," this RFI is for information and planning purposes only, at this time, and shall not be construed as a solicitation or obligation on the part of the USAISR. The purpose of this RFI notice is to gain market knowledge. This RFI is not expected to be a Request for Proposal or Invitation for Bid, nor does it restrict the Government to an ultimate acquisition approach. The Government is not obliged to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in the responses received.

The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its responses are complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's solution. Responders are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received, or to provide feedback to respondents regarding any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published on SAM.gov. At this time, no solicitation exists; therefore, please do not request a copy of the solicitation. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. It is the responsibility of any potential vendor to monitor SAM.gov for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. Responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

14. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in submitted responses. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).

Original Point of Contact (POC): Brandon Clingan, James.b.clingan.civ@health.mil