SOO B - Next-Gen Firefighter Helmet - 06172020.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Next-Gen Firefighter Helmet

Statement of Objectives

17 June 2020

Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

DISTRIBUTION NOTICE: Further dissemination only as directed by DHS Office of Policy DESTRUCTION NOTICE: Destroy by any method that will prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document.

Next-Gen Firefighter Helmet Statement of Objectives 17 June 2020 i

Table of Contents 1 Problem Statement

2 Purpose and Scope

3 Background Environment

3.1 Mission Scenarios

3.2 Current Technology Shortfalls and Threats

4 Potential Solution Attributes

4.1 Concept of Operations (CONOPs)

4.2 Additional Capabilities

5 Solution Capabilities and Requirements

5.1 Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)

5.2 Desirable Capabilities or Characteristics

6 System Support

6.1 Contractual Requirements

6.1.1 Period and Place of Performance

6.1.2 System Affordability

6.1.3 Regulatory/Legal Requirements

6.1.4 Contract Deliverables

6.2 Solution Support

6.2.1 Support Concept

6.2.2 Training

6.2.3 Other Considerations

6.2.4 Storage and Maintenance

1 Problem Statement Traditional structure firefighter helmets do not incorporate state-of-the-art technology that maximizes capability and safety. Additionally, current structural firefighter helmets offer no ballistic protection. This puts firefighters at risk when working in violent situations.

2 Purpose and Scope Currently, firefighter helmets do not provide ballistic protection for the head. The goal of this project is to develop a firefighter helmet that integrates ballistic protection with state-of-the-art thermal and impact protection for structural firefighting and technical rescue incidents. The solution will incorporate current “best of breed” capabilities and characteristics of modern firefighting helmets and add National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level IIIa ballistic protection. This solution will mitigate the risk associated with responding to potentially violent situations such as active shooter, terrorist incidents, or working in the vicinity of armed crowds.

Firefighting helmets with a brimless design were introduced in Europe in the 1980s and offer several significant advantages over traditional helmets. The “jet-style” brimless design affords snag-free access to confined spaces, such as during vehicle extraction or moving through studs in a structure fire. The design offers increased head protection while enabling the head to move in all directions, including the ability to look up. Many models also offer integrated lighting and communication modules. Although this design is considered unconventional by North American standards, adoption of this type of helmet is increasing in the U.S. Integrating ballistic protection into this modern design will likely increase adoption of this state-of-the-art helmet design by adding a capability that presently does not exist.

3 Background Environment Currently, firefighters must possess two helmets to meet different needs: one for structure firefighting and one for ballistic protection. It presents twice the amount of headgear to transport, store, clean, and maintain as one helmet, creating a logistical burden and is costly, since it requires the procurement of two helmets. In addition, the onset of violent situations is unpredictable and can occur rapidly. The time required to replace a structure firefighting helmet with one with ballistic protection inherently places firefighters at risk.

Many firefighters lack ballistic head protection altogether. Culturally, ballistic protection is frequently perceived to be a law enforcement requirement and not applicable to firefighters. As a result, many firefighters only use one helmet and completely lack the means of affording themselves ballistic head protection. This places firefighters in danger when working in potentially violent situations.

Many firefighters have resisted adopting “jet-style” or “European” style helmets because they look different from traditional helmets. The appearance of a traditional brimmed helmet is so iconic that it has become part of firefighting lore. Many firefighters consider their helmet to be the most important and treasured piece of equipment that they have and talk of replacing this item can generate emotional responses. However, the traditional helmet does not offer the same level of capability and functionality as the most advanced helmets.

3.1 Mission Scenarios

Protective headgear is necessary to safely and effectively perform a myriad of firefighter missions including, but not limited to, structure firefighting, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, and disaster response. Ballistic protection is also required when firefighters are working in violent environments with or without law enforcement. This is necessary in situations involving active shooters, terrorists, or armed rioters. An appropriate multipurpose helmet will enable firefighters to perform their required missions without having to switch between different types of headgear while providing the best safety and functionality.

3.2 Current Technology Shortfalls and Threats

The gap between traditional firefighting helmets and best-in-class “jet-style” helmets is in functionality and capability. The best brimless designs offer better protection, better fit, and enhanced ability to integrate lighting, communications, and other features. An example of a best-in-class “jet-style” firefighting helmet is the MSA Cairns® XF1 Fire Helmet. However, this helmet, like all other fire helmets, lacks ballistic protection.

A major technical challenge in developing this solution will be in creating a ballistic material that meets the NIJ standard, that meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for thermal protection that is not excessively heavy or cost prohibitive. The large base XF1 helmet without lighting and communication accessories weighs between 60-62 oz and costs about $350.

Large level IIIa ballistic helmets frequently weigh between 48-55 oz and typically cost between $300-$1,000 depending on features and manufacturer. The solution requires that the ballistic protection be integrated into the fire helmet with little or no increase in weight and at a reasonable cost.

4 Potential Solution Attributes The next-generation firefighting helmet should be a multipurpose helmet ensemble that meets all NFPA standards for conventional firefighter missions while also providing NIJ level IIIa ballistic protection. The helmet should be configurable to include integrated lighting and communications.

The helmet should be easy to clean, inspect, and maintain.

4.1 Concept of Operations (CONOPs)

The next-generation helmet will be employed in nearly the same manner as current firefighting helmets. The firefighter will have the helmet on or near his or her person when responding to a call.

Upon arriving at the call scene, the firefighter should be able to put on the helmet, mask, and hood in under one minute. Establishing communication and performing a communications check with an integrated communication module should be no more complicated or difficult than with current solutions. When entering a structure, activating integrated lighting should be simple, easy, and quick. The new helmet should require few if any changes to current standard operating procedures (SOPs).

4.2 Additional Capabilities

For firefighters using traditional helmets, the next-generation helmet will provide all the capability, comfort, and protection currently available in state-of-the-art fire helmets. This includes better head protection, increased comfort, increased range of motion, better retention, less probability of snags, integrated lighting (if equipped with this accessory), integrated communication (if equipped), easier cleaning and maintenance and other advantages. This solution will also provide firefighters with ballistic protection without having to change headgear, thereby sacrificing capabilities needed for safe and effective firefighting.

5 Solution Capabilities and Requirements

5.1 Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)

The proposed Next Generation Firefighter Helmet solution shall have the following “Must Have Requirements” or KPPs:

• Must meet the structural firefighting requirements of NFPA 1971:2018 (or the current edition), Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting; NFPA 1951:2013 (or current edition), Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents; United States-Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US-OSHA) 1910.156, Fire Brigades

• Must meet the NIJ Level IIIa standard for ballistic protection

• Must provide occipital skull protection

• Must integrate with a variety of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) masks

• Must integrate with a variety of communication systems

• Must not appreciably inhibit the ability of the wearer to hear

• Any component that touches the user must be washable

• Must meet high visibility requirements per standards.

5.2 Desirable Capabilities or Characteristics

In addition to the must have requirements/KPPs reported in Section 5.1, the following are desired capabilities and/or characteristics of the next-gen firefighter helmet solution:

• Should weigh 62 oz or less for a large helmet, 57 oz or less for a medium helmet; lighter is better

• Should be secure but easy to don and doff

• Should be comfortable and adjustable for individual fit

• Should have integrated lighting or the ability to add it as an accessory

• Should have integrated communications or the ability to add it as an accessory

• Should include attachment points for additional accessories

• Should have no snag points

• Should maximize range of motion

• Should have a customizable front plate for ease of identification

• Should be easy to clean and inspect; soft components should be removable, washable, and replaceable with minimal effort.

6 System Support

6.1 Contractual Requirements

6.1.1 Period and Place of Performance

The length of time of the contract shall be between 12-18 months and shall not exceed the latter. All developmental activities shall be performed at the contractor-designated site(s). The Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) may require the contractor to perform critical design reviews and/or product presentations at DHS-specified locations.

6.1.2 System Affordability

First responders’ budgets are limited and should be taken into consideration when developing and determining a price per unit cost model. The cost per unit should not exceed 150% of the current cost of common structure firefighter helmets. Since this multipurpose helmet replaces two separate helmets this system could present a cost-savings opportunity.

6.1.3 Regulatory/Legal Requirements

6.1.4 Contract Deliverables

6.2 Solution Support

6.2.1 Support Concept

6.2.2 Training

Training information as required shall be provided on any specialized equipment, and shall include how to properly store, clean, deploy, and maintain the basic ensemble/unit. Any specialty requirements of personnel conducting maintenance, storage, extraction, or delivery will be identified including certification requirements. Training material shall be available initially in hard-copy, and subsequently in soft-copy format.

6.2.3 Other Considerations

Human Interface Requirements: Define who will be the target user and others who will benefit from this proposed solution. Also note any specific interaction requirements (e.g., if it is a wearable solution, are there any protection or location needs that must be followed by the user?)

Logistics and Readiness: Describe how the items developed under this award are to be used and by whom (e.g., will these items be used as an integral part of their normal daily activities?)

6.2.4 Storage and Maintenance

The contractor shall identify all necessary storage and maintenance requirements for the proposed solution including: the required maintenance schedule, identification of the specific components of the ensemble that requires the maintenance, the type of maintenance required, and whether the maintenance can be performed in the field by operational personnel or if it will be required to be returned to the manufacturer for the required maintenance.

Physical solutions including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), shall include all special laundering instructions along with recommendations for frequency of laundering, if required.

Laundering recommendations should be viable and cost-effective for First Responders and First Responder agencies and should ideally be able to be performed “in house.”