Request for Information 26R5011 - Cold Water Regulator Kit.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

06 April 2026

FROM: AFLCMC/WISK

Special Warfare Contracting Office 1895 Fifth Street Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI) FA8629-26-R-5011: Cold-Water Regulator (CWR)

Kits

NOTICE:

1. This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) / Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE:

2. The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing a Cold-Water Regulator Kit. Modernizing the SOF’s CWR inventory will directly enhance diver safety and increase operational readiness in cold water environments. Providing the units with associated tool kits will allow us to streamline maintenance operations and lower maintenance turnaround times by keeping our fleet mission ready.

CAPABILITY GAP:

3. A cold water regulator represents a significant upgrade in diver safety and operational performance, designed specifically for cold water environments with advanced features that enhance breathing comfort, reduce the risk of regulator freeze-up, and improve overall diver situational awareness. The cold water regulator may also be used in warmer water temperatures offering a capability to fulfill dive operations globally. In addition, the regulator will provide mission flexibility and operational durability in both Full Face Mask (FFM) and in standard mouthpiece configurations. The inclusion of test kits and tool kits is essential for enabling in-house maintenance, reducing reliance on external vendors, and minimizing equipment downtime.

REQUIREMENT:

4. The FY26 requirement is to procure Cold Water Regulator (CWR) kits designed for technical diving, along with supporting tool kits and associated test and repair (spares) kits. For the purposes of this requirement, a CWR is defined as a system of the following components: A first stage regulator, a primary breathing valve (second stage), a secondary breathing valve or "Octopus" (second stage), a dive console, full-face mask (FFM), and associated hoses. All components of the CWR kit must be approved for operations in cold water in accordance with the U.S. Navy Approved for Navy Use List (ANU).

a. Initial Operational Capability (IOC):

106 CWR Kits with FFM, 94 CWR Kits without FFM (200 Total)

b. Full Operational Capability (FOC):

212 CWR Kits with FFM, 188 CWR Kits without FFM (400 Total)

c. Definitions:

(1) KPP: Key Performance Parameter; capability crucial to the operational utility or operational suitability of a solution.

(2) KSA: Key System Attribute; Capability that is important to achieve for operational utility or operational suitability.

(3) (T): Threshold performance value (required to be met initially by selected object fielded).

(4) (O): Objective performance value (desired final equipment performance parameters if technically feasible and determined to be cost effective).

Table 4.1: Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) # Description Threshold Objective

1 First Stage Regulator - Tank Fitting The regulator's first stage shall have a Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) fitting for dive tank connection

T=O

2 First Stage Regulator - Working Pressure

The regulator's first stage shall have a maximum working pressure of 4351 pounds per square inch (psi) or greater (4351 psi = 300 BAR)

T=O

3 First Stage Regulator - Tank Fitting Accessory

The vendor shall provide a removable DIN-to-Yoke adapter with a maximum working pressure of 3335 psi (230 BAR) or greater

T=O

4 First Stage Regulator - Low Pressure Ports

The regulator shall have not less than four low pressure output ports with standard 3/8 in - 24 UNF threading.

T=O

5 First Stage Regulator - High Pressure Ports

The regulator shall have at least one high pressure output port with standard 7/16 in - 20 UNF threading

T=O

6 Primary Breathing Valve - Diver Interface Options

The Primary Breathing Valve shall be operable as both a standard mouthpiece and a Full Face Mask (FFM) breathing apparatus

T=O

7 Primary Breathing Valve - Modularity

The Primary Breathing Valve shall be able to be switched between mouthpiece and FFM configurations at the operator level, using tools included in the Regulator Tool Kit

T=O

8 Primary Breathing Valve - FFM Characteristics

The FFM configuration of the Primary Breathing Valve shall have an oral-nasal pocket or "inner mask" to minimize dead space inside the FFM

T=O

9 Secondary Breathing Valve (Octopus)

The Secondary Breathing Valve shall be equipped with a safety lever or similar control to prevent free-flow of the valve.

T=O

Breathing Valves - Purge Feature

(Applies to both primary and secondary breathing valves)

Both the Primary and Secondary Breathing Valves shall have a purge feature.

T=O

11 Dive Console: Pressure Gauge The Dive Console shall display air tank pressure from 0 psi to a minimum of 5,000 psi.

T=O

12 Dive Console: Depth Gauge The Dive Console shall display diver depth in Feet of Sea Water (FSW) from 0 FSW to at least 190 FSW

The Dive Console shall display diver depth in Feet of Sea Water (FSW) from 0 FSW to at least 230

FSW

13 CWR Kit - Air Hoses

The CWR Kit shall include a low-pressure breathing hose for both the primary and secondary breathing valves, and a high-pressure hose for the dive console

In addition to the Threshold hose requirement, the CWR kit shall include 2 low-pressure hoses with quick-disconnect fittings

14 Regulator Tool Kit - Kit Definition

At a minimum, the vendor shall provide all manufacturer-recommended tools required to perform operator-level maintenance and configuration changes of all components of the CWR kit

15 Regulator Test Kit - Kit Definition

At a minimum, the vendor shall provide all manufacturer-recommended equipment to perform routine testing of the CWR kit components

T=O

16 Spare Parts Kit - Kit Definition

At a minimum, the spare parts kit shall include all consumable parts such as O-rings, hose clamps, and filters to support all CWR kit components

Table 4.2: Key System Attributes

1 Dive Console: Display The Dive Console display(s) shall be back-lit T=O

2 Secondary Breathing Valve (Octopus) - Valve Color

The Secondary Breathing Valve shall be distinctly marked with a high-visibility color such as yellow on either the breathing valve, the breathing hose, or on both the hose and valve

T=O

3 Primary Breathing Valve - FFM "Hatch"

The FFM configuration of the Primary Breathing Valve shall have a feature which allows the diver to breathe ambient air while on or above the surface of the water

T=O

4 Communications Ready

The FFM shall be capable of integrating communications components for two-way communications underwater.

Table 4.3: Environmental Requirements - CWR Kit (KPPs)

1 Cold Water Certification - Applies to all dive components of the CWR Kit

All dive components of the CWR kit shall be rated for operational use in water temperatures down to 37 deg F or lower

All dive components of the CWR kit shall be rated for operational use in water temperatures down to 29 deg F or lower

2 Operational Diving Depth - Applies to all dive components of the CWR Kit

All dive components of the CWR kit shall be rated for operational use up to a maximum depth of 190 FSW or greater

The Regulator Tool Kit, Regulator Test Kit, and Spare Parts Kit shall include a dedicated carrying case to transport all the components of each respective kit. The CWR Kit does not require a carrying case.

INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS:

5. Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information:

a. Respondent Data:

(1) Company/Institute Name

(2) Address

(3) Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address)

(4) CAGE Code

(5) Web Page URL

b. Pursuant to NAICS Code 339920, Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (Scuba diving equipment manufacturing), state whether the company is:

(1) Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(2) Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(3) Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(4) HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(5) Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(6) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(7) 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

(8) SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

c. State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership).

d. State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

e. Describe the capability of your product or products and provide product information and specifications. Additionally, describe the capability of your product(s) to meet the desired performance requirements listed below. If you are proposing development to integrate existing or new subsystems, clearly describe your approach.

f. Responses may include but are not limited to:

(1) Pictures

(2) Training videos

(3) Architecture views

(4) Drawings

(5) Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

(6) Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

(7) Ability to deliver 2 units within 6 months after receipt of order

g. Rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner). If development and/or integration is required to meet the system requirements, the Government also needs an estimate of the development cost based on complexity (for planning purposes only) to include PHS&T, such as warranties, portable storage, special tooling required, and training.

h. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.

i. Indicate whether or not the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. In this instance, “commercial item” means an item that is of a type customarily used by the general public or non-Governmental entities for purposes other than Governmental purposes. Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Indicate whether all materials used are in compliance with the Buy American Act or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a), as applicable.

j. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.

k. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.

l. Provide the details of NET training including process and cost.

m. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made or are planned for the future for the solution.

n. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.

o. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses, including foreign, will be used. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percent of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

6. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

7. Responses shall not exceed 15 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.

8. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly-releasable.

9. Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this RFI. These support personnel will have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as Government personnel.

10. If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing government contract, please identify the contract and a government POC.

11. Broad industry participation for this RFI is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.

12. Please note that prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract; the NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

13. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 6 May 2026 via email to:

Jamie Sclafani Kameron Patterson

AFLCMC/WISK AFLCMC/WISN

Contracting Officer Program Manager Jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil kameron.patterson.1.ctr@us.af.mil

14. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer identified above, with the other individuals identified above copied as a courtesy.

15. This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution.

The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.

mailto:Jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil mailto:kameron.patterson.1.ctr@us.af.mil