26I5408-QAs.pdf

Questions & Answers

1. For purposes of evaluation and ROM pricing, should respondents assume the communication-enabled configuration includes all required interface components and accessories necessary to be fielded and used as intended?

Q1 Response: Yes. For the Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing, respondents shall assume a complete, fieldable system. As stated in Section 4.3a of the (Request for Information) RFI, pricing is requested for a “complete system.” This includes all components and accessories required for the system to be fielded and used as intended with the specified integrations.

2. Can the Government identify the relevant high-cut helmet interface requirements, standards, or host platforms that will define physical compatibility for this effort?

Q2 Response: The RFI does not specify a particular high-cut helmet model or standard. As stated in Section 4.2.d.ii, respondents are requested to "Detail the helmet mounting system and any human factors testing data." The Government is seeking information on the capabilities of existing technologies to integrate with high-cut helmets. Respondents should describe their proposed solution and its compatibility with common high-cut helmet systems.

3. Will the Government provide sufficient dimensional or interface information regarding the helmet attachment system to enable compatibility assessments?

Q3 Response: The Government will not be providing dimensional or interface information for a specific helmet at this time. Respondents are encouraged to describe their proposed helmet attachment system in their response, as requested in Section 4.2.d.ii of the RFI.

4. Are there minimum threshold performance requirements associated with the desired capabilities in Section 3, and if so, which requirements are threshold versus objective?

Q4 Response: The capabilities outlined in Section 3 of the RFI represent the Government’s desired capabilities for the Hearing Enhancement Devices. This RFI is for market research purposes, and as such, the distinction between threshold and objective requirements has not been defined. Respondents should provide information on how their proposed solution meets the desired capabilities as described.

5. For ROM pricing, should respondents price only the headset end items, or a fieldable communications configuration inclusive of all required interface items and accessories?

Q5 Response: Respondents shall provide ROM pricing for a complete and fieldable configuration. As stated in Section 4.3a of the RFI, the ROM unit price should be for a “complete system,” which includes all necessary interface items and accessories.

6. Does the Government anticipate any user assessment, operational evaluation, or limited user event as part of this effort, and if so, can it provide the expected scope at a high level?

Q6 Response: The RFI does not specify any user assessments, operational evaluations, or limited user events. This RFI is for market research to identify potential sources and solutions.

The Government may consider such events in the future, but no determination has been made at this time.

7. Beyond the AN/PRC-163 integration identified in the RFI, should respondents anticipate interoperability with additional communications platforms as part of any future requirement?

Q7 Response: The RFI, in Section 3.2.a, identifies a desired capability for "Seamless electronic integration and clear voice transmission with the AN/PRC-163 tactical radio." Respondents should focus their responses on this stated requirement. Currently, the Government has not identified any other communications platforms for integration.

8. Can the Government provide planning assumptions regarding the expected mix of communication-enabled and non-communication configurations within the target user population?

Q8 Response: The RFI does not provide a specific mix of communication-enabled and non-communication configurations for the target user population. For the purposes of the ROM pricing requested in Section 4.3a, respondents are to provide a unit price for a complete system consisting of one communication headset and one non-communication headset.

9. Is the Government interested in fit, comfort, and compatibility data across multiple helmet sizes and user anthropometric ranges, and if so, is there a preferred format for presenting such data?

Q9 Response: The Government is interested in such data. Section 4.2.d.ii of the RFI requests respondents to "Detail the helmet mounting system and any human factors testing data." This includes data on fit, comfort, and compatibility. The RFI does not specify a preferred format;

respondents may present this data in a format of their choosing that best represents their product's capabilities.

10. Will the Government provide feedback on responses submitted under this RFI?

Q10 Response: The RFI is for market research and planning purposes. As stated in Section 7, "This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes". The Government does not intend to provide individual feedback on the responses received.

11. Does the Government anticipate any industry engagement event associated with this market research effort or any subsequent solicitation?

Q11 Response: The RFI does not announce any additional industry engagement events. Should the Government decide to hold such an event, the information will be communicated via a separate announcement. Per Section 5a of the RFI, respondents should monitor SAM.gov for any updates regarding this requirement.

12. 4.2 f) “Technical Data Rights: Describe your company's standard position on providing technical data rights to the Government for sustainment and future competitive purposes.”

Q12 Response: Technical Data Rights refer to the Government's license rights to use, modify, reproduce, release, or disclose technical data. "Technical data" is defined in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.227-7013 as recorded information of a scientific or technical nature. The Government’s rights can vary and are typically categorized as Unlimited Rights, Government Purpose Rights, or Limited Rights. For this RFI, respondents are requested to describe their company’s standard position on providing such rights to the Government for the purposes of sustainment and future competition.

13. 3.2 b) Integration: Helmet. Physical compatibility and stable integration with a high-cut helmet. Can the USMC further define “stable”?

Q13 Response: The term “stable” is used to describe the desired outcome of the helmet integration. The Government is seeking solutions that are secure and do not shift or move during normal use, thus ensuring the headset maintains its position and functionality. Respondents are encouraged to address the user issues associated with unstable helmet integration in their responses and describe how their proposed solution achieves stable integration.

14. The RFI is silent to the future need to connect and power End User Devices (EUD). What is the future end state with regards to the use of EUDs? Is there a preferred architecture for the integration of EUDs?

Q14 Response: The scope of this RFI is focused on hearing enhancement devices and their integration with the AN/PRC-163 radio and a high-cut helmet. The RFI does not include requirements for the integration or powering of End User Devices (EUDs). Respondents should focus their responses on the requirements as stated in the RFI.