NFB Goggles Modernization_SOW_DRAFT 7MAY21.pdf

FA8534-21-R-0015

Attachment #1

07 May 2021

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Distribution D: Distribution Authorized to DoD and U.S. DoD contractors only. Critical Technology.

STATEMENT OF WORK

PLZT: NUCLEAR FLASHBLINDNESS PROTECTION SYSTEMS

1.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this effort is to replace components and modernize as needed the existing USAF inventory of nuclear flash-blindness goggle assemblies (P/N EEU-2P and P/N EEU-2A/P) to return the assets to operational status in support of the U.S. Air Force’s mission requirement. The outcome of this effort will require the modernization organization to complete overhauls of all degraded components of the PLZT goggle that are declared and tested to be non-satisfactory in performance based on condition and acceptance test results. Modernization must be made in a way to provide the same form factor flash-blindness, and to design, fabricate and test a variety of subcomponents that require replacement of the United States Air Force (USAF) assets. In additional to modernization of the goggles the Air Force requests complete overhaul of the goggle storage container to include the packing material which will not.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Intense emissions of visible light may produce temporary or permanent flash-blindness and thus pose a significant threat to Air Force (AF) personnel and the potential for serious mission degradation and defeat. Current protection for AF aircrews against flash-blindness utilizes technology and form factor that are unsuitable for several mission profiles. An optical system with high clear state transmission and a fast switching shutter to a dark state presented in a mission-appropriate form factor is required for this type of protection.

3.0 SCOPE

Activities under this modernization effort shall include but are not limited to: integration of electronics that provides fast-switching protective materials, device design, device fabrication, device testing, and tooling fabrication. Device configurations within the modernization effort to be investigate shall include as a minimum: lenses, goggles frames, material interfaces between parts (such as gaskets), replacement electronic control modules, and improved packing materials. The Air Force would like to meet or exceed current capability.

3.1 Phase 1: Modernization of current goggle items and packaging

3.2 Phase 2: Modernization of current form factor with an electronic control module and liquid crystal lens capability

4.0 TASKS AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

07 May 2021

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Distribution D: Distribution Authorized to DoD and U.S. DoD contractors only. Critical Technology.

4.1 TASK 1: Active and passive elements for optical protection: The contractor shall modernize goggle components as required to incorporate new optical technologies for active and passive protection. Active elements must rapidly switch from a high-transmittance clear state to a high optical density dark state. Passive elements must effectively reject all out-of-band wavelengths. These protection elements must work in coordination with one another for overall system operation and protection of aircrews.

4.2 TASK 2: Power, sensing and control electronics: The contractor shall modernize and provide new control electronics responsible for sensing a large change in light intensity and then triggering the active optical elements. The electronics should be hardened against electromagnetic impulse / electromagnetic pulse (EMI/EMP), encased in a convenient design, and for liquid crystal configurations it should be powered to meet low-voltage battery sources. Current PLZT configurations items are powered by the aircraft through the helmet top latch spring bail conductors.

4.3 TASK 3: Thermal protection of exposed areas: The contractor shall ensure modernization incorporates the above optical system to also incorporate protection against the thermal effects associated with intense light and heat. The protection should cover exposed areas of the face that eye protection does not cover.

4.4 TASK 4: Frame design and sealing: The contractor shall ensure modernization and produce a frame that incorporates all optical and electronics elements with no external power requirement. The frame must include a light tight seal, be ballistically robust, and be designed to integrate with recommended current aircrew support equipment.

4.5 TASK 5: Laboratory test and evaluation: The contractor shall conduct rigorous test and evaluation to ensure systems meet required parameters, including optical performance, environmental durability, resistance to EMP/EMI and transient radiation, and aircrew acceptance testing. An evaluation report of each incoming article shall be available periodically to AFLCMC/WNUS Engineering upon request showing all pass/fail condition of all components and system operation condition. An evaluation report of each outgoing article shall be available periodically to AFLCMC/WNUS Engineering upon request showing all pass/fail conditions for all components and validation of goggle system operation. Reports shall support trend analysis and possible scope revisions. Testing can occur at either government or contractor facilities. Other emerging issues – Investigate other emerging issues identified in the efforts above based on trend analysis and item modernization considerations as required to support this modernization effort. Inform Air Force program office of emerging issues.

07 May 2021

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Distribution D: Distribution Authorized to DoD and U.S. DoD contractors only. Critical Technology.

4.6 TASK 6: Modeling and simulation tools: The contractor shall have modeling and simulation capability to provide necessary support for modernization of the goggles.

4.7 TASK 7: Contract management: The contractor shall exercise program, administrative, and financial management functions during this contract, including establishing activities and milestones;

tracking performance, cost, and schedule; overseeing quality performance documentation. Performance documentation shall require briefings and support for nuclear flash blindness protection symposiums.

The contractor shall assign a lead for this contract. The Lead will focus on technical execution and meet with the contractor Program Manager at least monthly to discuss the technical, schedule, and cost status. Contractor shall support

4.8 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

5.1 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Operations Security (OPSEC) – Security classification for this effort shall be up to and including SECRET.

Operations Security (OPSEC): The purpose of OPSEC is to reduce the vulnerability of USAF missions to adversary collection and exploitation of critical information. The Contractor shall comply with DoD

5205.02E and DoD Manual 5205.02-M to protect United States (U.S.) Government interests. The

Contractor shall ensure Contractor personnel who perform work on a Government facility comply with the OPSEC procedures of the facility.

5.2 SAFETY PLAN

The contractor shall obtain an approved safety plan, per Air Force Instruction 91-202.

5.3 BASE SUPPORT

Access to Government Facility or Military Installation: The Contractor shall ensure contractor/subcontractor personnel who require access to a Government facility or military installation comply with the security requirements of the facility or installation.