Questions Answers.docx

Questions & Answers N62306-14-R-4002

1) The RFP calls for "The profiling float must meet Department of Defense (DoD) certification standards for air deployment." (Page 12, Para III.A.1) Request the reference or guidance for certification requirements.

-NAVO cannot currently acquire previous nor updated DoD air-certification standards for air deployment. Instead, NP3 requests that the vendor provide historical C-130 (or similar type cargo plane) air-deployment performance documentation.

2) Concerning air deployments:

a. The RFP calls for accommodating a 10-foot ring-slot parachute canopy. (Page 12, Para III.A.2) Our parachute experts would like to know if this is the specific required parachute size and if the there is an associated part number.

b. Would it be acceptable to proposed a different sized ring-slot parachute that is appropriately designed for the payload weight and desired descent rate?

c. What is the expected airdrop speed and altitude?

d. Are there any mass and volume limitations?

e. What is the expected delivery method: a tube or a ramp?

2a & 2b) An alternate type of ring-slot parachute that is appropriately designed for the payload weight and desired descent rate associated with the vendor's proposed float model(s) is acceptable.

2c & 2d) NAVO requires that the float platforms are deployed at a safe speed and altitude from the cargo aircraft as indicated during the vendor's previously air-deployments. The vendor's float model specifications and historical experience regarding air-deployment will also dictate specific airdrop speed, altitude as well as mass and volume limitations.

2e) At the least, we would require the platform to be deployable via ramp.