JSAM- JSF Request for Information 06May2026.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI): Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF) Production

Notice Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought

NAICS Code: 336413 - Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing Product

Service Code (PSC): 1660 - Aircraft Air Conditioning, Heating, and Pressurizing Equipment

1.0 Synopsis

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY FOR MARKET RESEARCH AND PLANNING PURPOSES. This RFI also serves as a Sources Sought notice to determine the feasibility of a Small Business Set-Aside.

This RFI does not constitute a solicitation (RFP/RFQ) and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. No contract will be awarded from this announcement.

The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this RFI, and respondents are solely responsible for all costs associated with responding.

The Joint Program Manager for Chemical Biological Nuclear Radiological Protection (JPM CBRN Protection) is conducting market research to identify potential sources and understand current market capabilities for the production of a chemical and biological (CB) protective mask for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), known as the Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF). This RFI will allow the Government to assess industry’s ability to meet stringent performance, integration, testing and fielding requirements, specifically noting that the Government does not possess a complete technical data package (TDP) for the current system.

The Government specifically seeks to identify if the lack of a Government-owned Technical Data Package (TDP) represents an insurmountable barrier to entry for non-incumbent sources.

2.0 Background

The Joint Service Aircrew Mask for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF) is a critical component of the F-35 pilot's life support equipment, providing protection against Chemical and Biological (CB) warfare agents. The system must integrate seamlessly with all F-35 aircraft variants and their subsystems, including the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD), to ensure pilot safety and mission effectiveness.

The Government currently fields the JSAM-JSF, which is produced by Gentex Corporation. The Government does not possess a complete, unrestricted Technical Data Package (TDP) for this system, as it is encumbered by proprietary data rights held by the incumbent contractor and its subcontractors for several critical sub-components and integration hardware. The Government is seeking to understand how potential sources would develop and deliver a fully qualified, airworthy, F-35 integrated system without a Government-owned TDP.

3.0 Key Performance Requirements

A producible system must meet the following mandatory requirements:

· Pressurized Breathing for G-force (PBG): The mask must be capable of providing an effective seal with pressure breathing up to 60 mm Hg at G loads up to +9Gz per second onset rate when integrated with a pressure breathing system. Testing may require the use of the AFRL centrifuge or equivalent DoD-certified facility.

· Chemical Agent Protection: The system shall prevent chemical agent permeation (liquid, aerosol, and vapor) for a period of 16 hours.

· Biological Protection: The mask must provide adequate protection against biological agents, with a Quantitative Fit Factor (QFF) of 100,000 in blown mode and 1,000 in unblown mode. Blown mode will be tested using a ground blower which must provide 48-55 LPM at a pressure drop of 2InWg with a C2A1 canister installed.

· Rapid Decompression: The decompression-derived pressure spike in the mask cavity shall not exceed 45mm Hg gauge during a decompression in the absence of a chest counter pressure vest.

· Ejection Survivability: The system must be able to survive an aircraft ejection with windblast up to 600 KEAS and not injure the pilot.

· Critical Viewing Area: The critical viewing area (optical surface) shall have no distortion that would impact safety of flight or prevent normal and emergency operations. Must meet MIL-DTL-43511D or equivalent optical standards, including Laser Eye Protection (LEP) compatibility.

· F-35 Integration: The mask must integrate with all variants of the F-35, including the HMD, pilot flight equipment, pilot seating, and life support systems. Must maintain compatibility with the F-35 Communications and Oxygen systems without increasing pilot cognitive load.

· Anti-Fog/Frost: The system shall prevent mist/frost buildup on the system optical surfaces during normal and emergency operations such that pilots can accomplish their operational duties. This shall be accomplished without the use of any topical anti-fog compounds.

4.0 Information Requested from Industry

Interested parties are requested to provide information demonstrating their capability to design, develop, qualify, and produce a form, fit, and function replacement for the JSAM-JSF. Responses should explicitly address the challenges associated with F-35 platform integration and the lack of a Government-owned TDP. Please address the following areas in your response:

5.0 Submission Instructions

Company Profile Provide the following company information: Company Name, CAGE Code, UEI Number, Business Size under NAICS 336413, and applicable Socio-economic status (e.g., Small Business, 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB). Include a primary Point of Contact with Name, Title, Phone, and Email.

Note: Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.