Call for Solutions for MCAS BLK II 20250708.pdf

Call for Solutions for Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II)

08 July 2025

Project Number Call for Solution – PMPI 25-01

Open Solicitation Number W9128Z-25-S-A002

Call for Solution Title MCAS BLK II

Issued By Program Manager – Protection and Integration (PM-PI)

Submission Information See Section 4 & 8 of this Call for Solution

Due Date/Time

Submit To: Contracting/Agreements Officer: Danny Soto Contract/Agreement Specialist: Michelle Lin Project Officer: Justin Bretz usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.mcas-blk-ii@army.mil (This email account will open on 9 July 2025)

Please notify the “Submit to” point of contracts above as soon as possible via the email above if your organization intends to submit a Solution Brief in response to this Call for Solution.

Any submissions that are received after the suspense date/time listed above will be deemed late and not evaluated. It is the sole responsibility of the company to ensure that its submission is received in the inbox listed above before the deadline specified.

This call for solution may result in the government awarding either a prototype contract or agreement in according with the Federal Acquisition Regulations, its supplements or 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

1. BACKGROUND:

Program Manager – Protection and Integration (PM-PI) is seeking new innovative solutions for a Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II) consisting of headsets, cables, push to talks and interoperability cables that provide reliable and ruggedized communication capabilities to users in their deployed terrestrial, maritime: surface and sub-surface, and air operational environment(s). The system is the interface between the user and their radio or internal communications system in land and maritime environments.

PM-PI has a need to enhance tactical communication by enabling multi-channel communications and monitoring using Next Generation Tactical Communication (NGTC) radios to enhance situational awareness and command and control during Special Operation Forces (SOF) missions. The desired capability will be interoperable with existing SOF single and dual band tactical radio systems, SOF and Conventional mobility systems, and planned phased replacements. The new MCAS BLK II will support mission requirements by enabling voice communication and data passthrough that link the user with local and over the horizon (OTH) capabilities.

mailto:usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.mcas-blk-ii@army.mil

2. PROBLEM STATEMENT:

The operational environment is complex and taxes the user’s cognitive functions.

Existing communication suites do not effectively allow users to monitor and respond to all tactical radio networks while maintaining focus on their immediate surroundings.

Cable management is a challenge with many existing systems posing snag hazards while taking vital spaces on the user’s equipment. Multiple radio networks are distributed between the user’s left/right ears, often overloading them with information when multiple sources are received simultaneously. Improving the manner that information is received can improve outcomes during operations.

• Current limitations only allow audio to be received in either the left/right ear or both. The limited audio separation can lead to confusion as to the source of the information heard.

• Systems must be ruggedized and able to continuously perform in harsh climate and maritime environments without failure or requiring excessive maintenance.

• Corrosion resistance, cable management, water resistance, and enhanced audio processing are key areas requiring improvement.

3. DESIRED SOLUTION ATTRIBUTES:

A fully functional prototype suite must include the following unique or innovative capabilities, functions, and/or features:

3a. Required Technical Attributes:

(1) Multi-net Capable

a. monitor four channels / frequencies and one Integrated Communication System (ICS) and selectively transmit on one of four channels / frequencies or

ICS

(2) High Noise

a. Provide the wearer multi-ear, single hearing protection capable of reducing harmful steady state noise from 105dBA to ≤ 85dBA

b. Provide the wearer multi-ear, single hearing protection capable of reducing harmful impulse noise level of 150dBP to ≤ 140dBP

c. Provide sound localization at no more than 20% angular error degradation when compared to open ear performance

(3) Interoperability

a. Provide interoperability with designated tactical radios, Integrated Communication System (ICS), and aerial, ground, and maritime platforms

(4) System Survivability

a. Withstand perspiration, driving rain, and sandstorm conditions for ≥ 8 hours

b. Withstand exposure to 3 Feet Sea Water (FSW) for ≥ 4 Hours

c. Select systems that withstand exposure to 33Feet Sea Water (FSW) for ≥ 10 Hours

d. Select systems that withstand exposure to 66 FSW for ≥ 2 Hours

e. Meet select MIL-STD-810H requirements

f. Meet select IEC 60529 IP66 requirements

g. Meet select MIL-STD-461G requirements

(5). Training

a. Provide New Equipment Training (NET) to users

b. Require no more than 30 minutes of training to successfully employ the solution

3b. Desired Attributes:

(1) Speech Intelligibility Face-to-Face and Over the Radio

a. Meet the Modified Rhyme Test: Low noise environment 60dBA to 70dBA: 80%

b. Meet the Modified Rhyme Test: High noise environment 85dBA to 110dBA):

80%

(2) Hearing Conservation

a. Surface (high noise) solutions should provide ambient steady state and impulse noise reduction. Active Noise Reduction (ANR) shall have the capability to selectively turn the ANR "ON" or "OFF” by the wearer without additional software or computers

(3) Natural Hearing

a. Provide the ability to transmit or receive communications while using organic natural audio sense to listen for audible threats in a low noise environment

(4) Comfort

a. When worn for four (4) consecutive hours shall not distract, hinder, or interfere with the wearer performing required operational tasks

b. Combat swimmer and Dive solutions, when worn diving under a wet/dry suit hood while diving four (4) consecutive hours shall not distract, hinder, or interfere with the wearer performing required operational dive tasks

(5) Ergonomics

a. Will not interfere with the wearer’s range of motion in his ability to perform Static line or Military Free Fall airborne operations

b. Will not interfere with the wearer’s range of motion in his ability to perform ground platform or foot, maritime platform or dive operations/movements

c. Will not interfere with the wearer’s ability to shoot, move, or communicate while wearing standard operational equipment (e.g. ballistic helmets, body armor, load carriage system, etc.)

d. Will prevent accidental activation of the Push-to-Talk (PTT) causing unintended radio transmissions

e. The PTT, if applicable, will provide ease of locating radio or ICS activation mechanism or mechanisms when visibility is limited or non-existent

f. If connectors are used, they should be low profile, minimal size and provide a streamlined platform for cable routing

(6) Weight

a. Solution in an “as worn” single radio configuration: audio emitter, push-to-talk, required cabling and power source (as applicable) shall weigh no more than 2.50 lbs. of which no more than 1.5lbs shall be head supported weight

(7) Cables and Connectors

a. The cabling should minimize snag hazards and allow efficient routing of cabling in load carriage systems and other worn individual equipment

b. Interoperability cables should be clearly marked with platform type designator

c. Connectors shall provide a form of positive retention or be lockable to avoid unintended disconnects.

d. If connectors are used, plugs, covers or other methods to deter water intrusion should be present

(8) Wireless Operation

a. If used, be compliant with Low Probability of Interception/Detection (LPI/LPD) in accordance with current United States Department of Defense Instructions (DODI) 4630.09, or subsequent standards, and meet DoD-approved encryption standards for tactical communications

b. Integrate with ICS systems with modification to existing systems

c. Support unlimited number of users

d. Retain the same level of performance characteristics as a wired solution and offer wired fail safe in the event of wireless link failure

(9) Simplicity

a. Able to be assembled/connected and in use within 5 minutes or less

(10) Radio Control (Manipulation)

a. Provide a solution to control the functions of the tactical radio

4. AWARD INSTRUMENT

This solicitation is associated with the Army's Open Solicitation (AOS), W9128Z-25-A- A002. Please see the reference link for more information:

https://sam.gov/opp/6a00cea639ea466ba16f4b0406382587/view

In accordance with the AOS W9128Z-25-S-A002 the Government may award one or more follow-on production contracts or agreements using one or more of the authorities in the AOS.

5. SOLICITATION NOTES

• The company shall submit a white paper for consideration no later than 12:00 PM Noon EST, 22 July 2025.

• This initiative is proceeding on an accelerated timeline, and adherence to the established due dates is essential for successful completion.

• Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for any amendments to this solicitation that may have updated information.

• The Government will give preference to submissions that demonstrate an innovative, existing, and reference-verifiable commercial ability to accomplish the desired solution attributes

• White paper submittals should demonstrate the Companies innovative solution against the Government’s problem statement and the Companies plan in meeting or exceeding the Government’s desired/required technical attributes.

• This Call for Solutions employs a two-part white paper evaluation process designed to identify the most promising solutions.

• Part 1: White Paper Review (Go/No-Go) All submitted white papers will undergo an initial review to determine if they meet the fundamental requirements of this Call for Solutions. Evaluation criteria include relevance to the stated needs, demonstrated innovation, and apparent technical feasibility.

Companies will be notified if their submission does not proceed to the next stage.

• Part 2: Demonstration Unit and Final White Paper Evaluation (Go/No-Go) Companies selected after Part 1 will be required to submit two demonstration units of their proposed solution. These units will be assessed for form, fit, and function. Demonstration units will be assessed to confirm alignment with the technical specifications, functionality, and performance characteristics detailed in the corresponding white paper submission. This evaluation is also conducted on a Go/No-Go basis. Companies successfully completing Part 2 will be invited to submit a Request for Solution Proposal (RSP). The RSP will set forth specific guidelines for submission and evaluation. All demonstration units will be returned to the submitting company upon completion of the evaluation process.

• This call may result in the award of prototype projects, which include not only commercially available technologies fueled by commercial or strategic investment, but also concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities that can https://sam.gov/opp/6a00cea639ea466ba16f4b0406382587/view incrementally improve commercial technologies or concepts for defense applications.

6. NON-GOVERNMENT ADVISORS

As identified in Section I of the Open Solicitation, non-Government advisors may be used in the evaluation of Solution Briefs, Pitches, and during proposal development and negotiation. For this Call for Solution, the Government anticipates using non- Government advisors from the following contractors:

• Battelle

• Augustine Consulting, Inc.

7. FOLLOW-ON PRODUCTION

Companies are advised that any prototype award in response to this Call for Solution may result in an award of a follow-on production contract or agreement without the use of further competitive procedures. The follow-on production contract or agreement will be available for use by one or more organizations in the Department of Defense (DOD) and, as a result, the magnitude of the follow-on production contractor agreement can be significantly larger than that of the prototype effort. No award of a follow-on contract or agreement for production is guaranteed, however it is the Government’s intent to award one or more contracts or agreements valued at up to approximately $75M.

8. SOLUTION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS.

Instructions for submissions of White Paper:

Companies must submit a White Paper no later than 12:00 PM Noon EST, 22 July 2025.

The white paper submissions shall respond directly to the “Required Technical Attribute” and “Desired Attributes” requirements above. The Company should be clear, concise and include adequate detail for effective evaluation. The White paper should not simply rephrase or restate the Government’s requirements but rather provide clear and convincing rationale to address how the Company intends to meet the requirements above. The White Paper should contain sufficient information to enable the Government to fully assess and determine the Company’s capabilities. Companies are reminded to submit only the requested information in accordance with these instructions.

White papers must describe how the Company meets the Non-Traditional Defense Contractor requirement in accordance with 10 U.S.C 4022. If the Company does not meet the definition of Non-Traditional, the Company will need to determine the cost share with a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor.

The White Paper shall not exceed a total of six (6) letter-sized (8 ½ x 11) pages and must include appropriate classification markings if necessary. One page equals one side of a sheet of paper. Number the pages consecutively and use a 12-point font size in an easily readable font, such as Times New Roman or Arial. The 6-page limitation does not include the title page, but if used, a table of contents, definition of acronyms, illustrations, or diagrams will count against the 6-page limit. The Government will not evaluate any materials exceeding 6 pages.

The white paper shall contain:

a. Title Page (does not count against page limit) - Company Name, Status as either a traditional defense contractor or non-traditional defense contractor, Title, Date, Technical and Business Points of Contact, E-Mail Address, Phone, and Address, Cage code, small business status, and UEI number.

b. Executive Summary (one page – counts against page limit) - Provide an executive summary of the technology.

c. Overview Diagram or figure.

d. Identify major subcontractors

e. Country of affiliation

f. Identify whether subcontractors are foreign to include name of foreign vendors, foreign country of affiliation and what specifically constitutes the foreign content of their products.

g. Include a proprietary information statement to White Paper submission.

Attachment 02 – Testing Matrix must be completed and submitted with the white paper.

Any test reports submitted showing MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461G and IEC 60529 IP66 compliance on the Company’s proposal should be included with the white paper submission. Attachment 02 and the associated testing reports will not count against the 6-page count.

Instructions for submissions of the demonstration:

Instructions on the submission of the demonstration unit will be provided after review of Part 1 and notification to companies are sent out. Company must be capable of delivering two functional demonstration units within 2 weeks from the request date

9. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Part 1:

Evaluation – Initial White Paper Review:

Evaluation will consist of a “Go/No-Go” screening based on the factors outlined in Attachment 01, Initial White Paper Evaluation Part 1. Any Company not satisfactorily meeting all criteria listed in the Go/No-Go Matrix constitutes failure of the entire submission and shall be removed from further consideration. Feasibility will be considered a “No-Go” if the Company is unable to deliver two fully functional demonstration units, if requested, within the 2-week window. Submissions successfully meeting all criteria in the Go/No-Go Matrix will receive an initial evaluation of the 6-page white paper followed by a request for two fully operational prototypes/samples of their solution for Part 2. These demonstration units will be returned at the completion of Part 2.

The Government estimates that it will require two (2) weeks to review and respond to white papers. At that time, the Government will inform the Company that:

a. The Government has not selected the Company to move forward with the submitted white paper

b. The Government requests that the Company submit two demonstration units delivered in no more than two weeks from the requested date and be available to participate in an in-person (or virtual) oral presentation in Natick, MA at a later date, if determined necessary by the Government. The Government may elect to move to Phase 1, Part 2 without the presentation.

Part 2:

Evaluation – Demonstration Units (two system limit) and Final White Paper Evaluation:

Part 2 evaluation will consist of a “Go/No-Go” screening based on the factors outlined in Attachment 01 Evaluation Matrix, Attachment 02 Testing Matrix, and Attachment 03 Interoperability.

The Government estimates that it will require four (4) weeks to evaluate the demonstration units. At that time, the Government will inform the Company that:

a. The Government has not selected the Company to move forward, and the demonstration units will be returned.

b. The Government will issue a Request for Solution Proposal (RSP).

After the demonstration units have been evaluated, the Government shall further down-select potential awardees and issue a Request for Solution Proposal (RSP) to the remaining candidate Companies. If selected to move forward, the demonstration units may be retained by the Government and count against the quantity of the forthcoming award. The RSP will set forth specific guidelines for submission and evaluation.

The Government reserves the right to request further substantiating documentation about existing capabilities.

10. GOVERNMENT POINTS OF CONTACT

Points of Contact: All questions/request shall be directed to the points of contact listed:

Contracting/Agreements Officer:

Danny Soto Email: danny.soto3.civ@army.mil

Contracting/Agreements Specialist Michelle Lin

Email: michelle.lin4.civ@army.mil

Project Officer:

Justin Bretz Email: justin.d.bretz.civ@army.mil

11. ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 01 Evaluation Matrix Attachment 02 Testing Matrix Attachment 03 Interoperability

APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS

“Prototype Other Transaction Agreement (pOTA)” means a type of Other Transaction Agreement authorized by 10 U.S.C. 4022 for prototype projects directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of military personnel and the supporting platforms, systems, components, or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the DoD, or for the improvement of platforms, systems, components, or materials in use by the armed forces.

“Prototype” means a physical or virtual model used to evaluate the technical or manufacturing feasibility or military utility of a particular technology or process, concept, end item or system.

“Nontraditional Defense Contractor” means an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the one-year period preceding the solicitation of sources by the Department of Defense for the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the Department of Defense that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to section 1502 of title 41 and the regulations implementing such section. Nontraditional defense contractors include all small business concerns under the criteria and size standards in Title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, part 121 (13 CFR 121).

“Innovative” means any new technology, process, or method, including research and development, or any new application of an existing technology, process, or method.