LSS STAQ PWS.docx

Performance Work Statement

Human Systems Labs Program Life Support Systems Scientific Test, Analysis, and Qualification (LSS-STAQ) Lab

January 21, 2026

Prepared By:

AFLCMC/ROU

RECORD OF REVISIONS

Initial Release

Table of Contents

1.0 PURPOSE

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Human Systems Division (AFLCMC/ROU) mission is to acquire and support human systems to enhance warfighter performance, protection, and survivability. The purpose of this PWS is to define the tasks and deliverables for the contractor to conduct Aircrew Oxygen System Performance Test and Evaluations in a wide range of environmental conditions such as low pressures, temperature extremes, and various humidity levels.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Airmen often operate in extreme environments under extreme conditions with the accompanying extreme physiological stressors in high-altitude operations, necessitating oxygen and breathing support systems (e.g., oxygen systems, masks, and breathing regulators). These stressors not only pose obvious biological and physiological safety risks but also have strong implications for operator cognition and performance.

Further, next generation aircraft and associated Warfighter technologies present additional physiological risks and threats for the aircrew due to their higher cabin altitudes and complex G environments. New and improved On-Board Oxygen Generating Systems (OBOGS), related oxygen systems, and life support technologies are needed to facilitate combat readiness and ensure Warfighter safety. These newer aircrew life support and performance technologies pose serious challenges to maintaining an acceptable level of safety and performance for the expanded aircrew population. New and improved protection and life support technologies, safety devices and personal protective gear, and advanced computational modeling capabilities are needed to facilitate combat readiness and ensure Warfighter safety.

The Human System’s Division Life Support Systems Scientific Test, Analysis, and Qualification SS-STAQ) Lab tests and evaluates OBOGS, related oxygen systems, and life support technologies in an effort to prevent or address aircrew physiological events that had plagued the DoD for several years. The lab consists of three rectangular vacuum chambers, two 40 hp vacuum pumps, two 40 hp air compressors capable of generating 2 pounds per minute of filtered, dry air at 100 psi, numerous automated pressure control valves and sensors, and a National Instruments (NI) Data Acquisition System (DAQ) and LabVIEW visual programming control software.

3.0 SCOPE

The scope of this effort is the operation, maintenance, test, and evaluation in the area of OBOGS and oxygen systems related technology. The effort shall include the evaluation of breathing systems technologies, breathing regulators, oxygen masks, liquid oxygen systems, solid electrolyte oxygen separators, high pressure oxygen systems, oxygen storage technologies, and life support sensors. Testing and evaluation is needed to assess performance under extreme operating conditions such as high altitude, changes in available air flow available to the system, and exposure to variations in the oxygen supply system.

The effort shall include the evaluation of new life support and aircrew technologies to include, but not limited to, head gear, body wear, aeromedical devices, protective equipment and survival gear. The extreme environments these systems shall be subjected to include, but are not limited to high altitudes, high pressure, low oxygen, moisture and temperature. The contractor shall focus on providing the technical expertise and capabilities to test and evaluate advanced equipment concepts that ensure the safety and protection of crewmembers in extreme environments that challenge traditional Warfighter capability and survivability.

For new technical designs, it will be necessary to develop test mock-ups and prototypes and also conduct lab and field tests. In order to do this, lab modifications may be required, such as acquisition and operations of specialized test equipment.

4.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall support investigations of human interfaces including, but not limited to, mask and breathing support systems, current, modified, and new OBOGS and related oxygen systems, head gear, body wear, aeromedical devices, protective equipment and survival gear, for civilian and military ground, air, and space operations. The Contractor shall collect, process, and analyze aircraft oxygen system performance data acquired in the laboratory and field through testing inclusive of varying temperatures/humidity and pressures for several simulated breathing profiles. The Contractor shall test and evaluate that equipment under test meets performance specifications when subjected to adverse pressure, temperature, or humidity conditions. Other data to be collected includes a variety of absolute and gauge pressures, flow rates, and gas concentration measurements.

The Contractor shall perform test planning and setup, instrumenting for data operation and collection, calibrating, and execution of experiments using the facilities identified in Building 56, Bay11. The Contractor shall perform additional duties to include mechanical fabrication, set up of special test equipment (STE) and special tooling (ST) to meet test program objectives, maintain proper operation of the lab facilities, and perform visual programming such as LabVIEW. The Contractor shall analyze collected data through graphical and descriptive means while reporting results and performing data management duties including the upload of reports into the LCMC designated database. The Contractor shall follow all established lab standards for safety and data integrity. (DI-NDTI-80566A; DI-MISC-80711A) As part of the integrated contractor and government teaming arrangement, the contractor shall participate in various meetings, conferences, and symposiums to offer subject matter expertise and/or present status and field questions related to LSS-STAQ projects. The contractor shall prepare and deliver presentation materials for these events, as required. (DI-ADMN-81373

4.1 Software

The Contractor shall procure or develop laboratory software and maintain licenses as required for technique development, experimentation, data collection, and data analysis to address laboratory project needs. All software developed on this task order shall be a deliverable to the Government. (DI-IPSC-81443A; DI-IPSC-81488; DI-IPSC-81435A)

4.2 Hardware

The Contractor shall procure, develop, and install laboratory prototype hardware to support all projects. All hardware developed and acquired under this task order shall be a deliverable to the Government. (DI-SESS-81002F; DI-IPSC-81431A; DI-IPSC-81432A)

4.3 Studies and Analysis

The contractor shall perform Studies and Analyses that are not defined under the current PWS, but fall within the general scope of the LSS-STAQ contract. The contractor shall conduct these Special Studies and Analyses when requested and authorized by the contracting officer. The Special Studies and Analysis include: (DI-MISC-80508B)

a. Analysis of potential changes to the program budget, schedule, and/or content, and the impacts thereof

b. Budgetary costs estimates in support of Government program planning

c. Independent studies

d. Logistical management support

e. Cost Reduction Initiatives The Contractor shall also, at the Contracting Officer’s or LSS-STAQ Program Manager request, provide recommendations for potential studies and analyses activities.

5.0 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Security

Security requirements shall be as specified on the DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification. The contractor will take appropriate measures to ensure the protection of data to specified level for the duration of the contract. The contractor shall follow all appropriate security and Non-Disclosure Agreements procedures regarding access to contractor proprietary information identification badges, entry control cards, and vehicle passes. AFLCMC/ROU shall control release of deliverable products, presentations and data peculiar to this effort.

5.1.1 Operations Security (OPSEC)

The contractor shall provide OPSEC protection for all sensitive/critical information and indicators involved in execution of this contract Task Order, as defined by AFI 10-701 (Operations Security). LCMC Critical Information and Indicators are protected under the LCMC Operations Security Program and the LCMC Critical Information and Indicators List (CIIL). Contractor employees granted access to critical information and indicators will be provided initial OPS EC training by the LCMC OPS EC Coordinator upon in-processing and prior to being granted access to CIIL items related to the contract Task Order. The contractor will also participate in LCMC's annual OPSEC training and education programs, which includes periodic updates and refresher training on CIIL items applicable to the contract Task Order. The LCMC OPS EC coordinator will evaluate the OPS EC posture of AF contract activities and operations.

5.1.2 Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

The contractor shall comply with DoDI 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information, AFI 16-1404 Air Force Information Security Program, Air Force Guidance Memorandum 2020-16-01, Air Force Guidance Memorandum for CUI, 23 July 2020, and DoDM 5400.07-Air Force Manual 33-302, DoD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program. The contractor shall monitor CUI aggregation and compilation based on the potential to generate classified information pursuant to security classification guidance addressing the accumulation of unclassified data or information.

The Contractor shall distribute controlled unclassified information IAW DoD Instruction 3200.14, Principles and Operational Parameters of the DoD Scientific and Technical Information Program, and DoD Instruction 2040.02, International Transfer of Technology, Articles, and Services. The Contractor shall properly mark all such documents IAW DoD Instruction 5230.24, Distribution Statements on Technical Documents. Technical documents not subject to distribution are defined in DoD Instruction 5230.24, DoD Directive 5230.25, and DoD Manual 5010.12-M, Procedures for the Acquisition and Management of Technical Data.

5.1.3 ITAR

The Contractor shall not export technical data with military application without an approval, authorization, or license under the Arms Export Control Act, as amended 22 U.S.C. 2751-2794, including the International Traffic in Amis Regulation (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. 120 et seq.; and the Export Administration Act of 1979, 50 U.S.C app. 2401-2420. The Contractor shall use the Militarily Critical Technologies List (MCTL) as general guidance for the purposes of making this determination. An export license is required before assigning any foreign source to perform work under this agreement and before granting access to foreign persons to any equipment and technical data generated or delivered during performance (see 22 C.F.R Section 125). The Contractor shall notify the Government Contracting Officer and obtain written approval 30 days prior to assigning or granting access to any work, equipment, or technical data generated or delivered under this agreement to foreign persons or their representatives. The notification shall include the name and country of origin of the foreign person or representative; the specific work, equipment, or data to which the person will have access; and whether the foreign person is cleared to have access to technical data (ref: DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)). The requirements for safeguarding Export-controlled Information will apply to all task orders issued under this contract and apply to any task order subcontractors. Export-controlled technical data will be marked with the following notice:

WARNING: This document contains technical data whose export is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S.C., App. 2401 et seq.). Violations of these export laws are subject to severe criminal penalties. Disseminate in accordance with provisions of DoD Directive 5230.25.

5.2 Program Management

The Contractor shall implement an effective program management structure to assure that each task and CDRL is accomplished as specified, on schedule, and within budget. The Contractor shall prepare and submit a Funds and Man-hour Expenditure Report as specified by each task order. (DI-FNCL-80331A) The Contractor shall provide recurring status reports which identify accomplishments to date, difficulties encountered, and compares the status achieved to planned goals. Identification of problems/deficiencies shall include known or anticipated impact, and recommended solutions shall be provided by the contractor. (DI-MGMT-80368A/T) The Contractor shall submit Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), Contract Change Proposals (CCPs), and requests for variances (deviations/waivers) as required in accordance with respective CDRLs. (DI-SESS-80639E; DI-ADMN-81401C; DI-SESS-80640E)

5.3 Data Management

The Contractor shall prepare and submit deliverable data required for the LSS-STAQ Lab in accordance with the Contract Data Requirements List as specified in each task order.

The Contractor shall electronically deliver all contractual data using the Government-controlled method of delivery, Multi-user ECP Automated Review System (MEARS), https://mears1.redstone.army.mil/mears/Default.aspx. The Contractor shall work with the government to ensure that an adequate number of Contractor personnel obtain and possess Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certification from an accepted Government source. The Contractor shall be receptive to the training offered by the Government on the MEARS system. The Contractor shall prepare, maintain, and track the contract data status, schedule and ensure timely data deliveries.

An alternate method of delivery when MEARS is down for maintenance will be the DISA application, known as DOD SAFE, https://safe.apps.mil/. It will be available to all DOD Common Access Card (CAC) holders or Contractor personnel who possess Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certification from an accepted Government source.

The Government may determine an alternative delivery method of CDRLs as necessary.

5.4 Hazardous Materials

The Contractor shall be required to work with hazardous materials on this task. The Contractor shall work with oxygen, nitrogen and compressed air tanks storage and use chemical lockers. The Contractor shall follow all established safety procedures with regard to the procurement, storage, use, and disposal of these hazardous materials.

5.5 Safety

The contractor shall comply with all federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations.

The contractor shall ensure all experiments adhere to approved Safety Plans and required safety protocols. Must comply with all Air Force safety and environmental regulations.

The contractor shall comply with system safety requirements contained in MIL-STD 882E, Section 4 "General Requirements” for any deliverable systems or hardware. Must identify safety critical components of those systems or hardware, and software interfaces with those components. Must test and verify the safety-critical hardware and software for safety acceptance.

5.6 Available Base Support/Facilities

Contractor personnel will require continuous base access and access to the Life Support Systems Scientific Test, Analysis, and Qualification Lab (LSS-STAQ) facilities in Building 56, Bay 11 on Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

5.7 Acronym List