CRAC RFI CAO20250904.pdf

Centrifuge Research Altitude Chamber Operations Request for Information

The 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is seeking information from qualified entities capable of operating a state-of-the-art facility that houses the Centrifuge and Research Altitude Chambers (C/RAC). This unique facility contains the only Department of

Defense (DoD) owned centrifuge and essential research altitude chambers that are critical to the ongoing advancement of aerospace physiology.

PURPOSE:

This notice is part of Government Market Research, a process for obtaining the latest information on the ‘art of possible’ from industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities. All company proprietary information contained in the response shall be separately marked and properly protected from unauthorized disclosure. The government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish the capability and requirements for any future systems acquisition so as to not inadvertently restrict competition.

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this RFI are to identify responsible sources and interested parties who have presently have the skill sets required for this unique mission. If an interested vendor does not presently have the skill sets and personnel available, a detailed plan and time frame to acquire those personnel will be detailed in their response.

BACKGROUND:

The 711th Human Performance Wing (HPW) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) hosts the only Department of Defense (DoD) owned centrifuge, a facility essential for advancing aerospace physiology, enhancing human performance, and supporting pilot training.

Additionally, the facility's research altitude chambers provide a simulated flight environment to study various factors affecting human physiology. Vendor support in operating the facility, providing research assistance, conducting maintenance, and delivering training is vital to the overall success of the 711th HPW mission.

TRAINING SCENARIOS:

Providing operational support for the centrifuge and research altitude chambers ensuring all equipment is functional and prepared for training sessions conducted by designated instructors.

Assisting in scheduling and coordinating training sessions to meet the training, research and safety requirements of both the facility and USAF personnel.

Ensuring all training support activities are conducted in compliance with established protocols and safety guidelines.

Monitoring and documenting the use of C/RAC equipment during training sessions, reporting any issues or concerns to designated personnel.

Maintaining detailed records of all support activities related to training sessions, including equipment usage and maintenance logs.

Familiarizing oneself with individual research institutional review board (IRB) protocols and follow all approved test, research and safety instructions as outlined in the approved IRB protocol provided by the United States Air Force.

Providing technical expertise to the Cockpit Equipment Integration Lab (CEIL) and the Field Of

View Evaluation Apparatus (FOVEA). This work includes fitting aircrew or subjects with operational or experimental life support equipment, cleaning and maintenance of life support equipment, conducting required equipment inspections, and collecting anthropometrical measurements.

Facilitating ongoing research by providing technically sound methodologies to arrive at solutions and recommendations for the customer. In areas that are uncharted, the contractor shall conceive and create methodologies for conducting safe research and present them accordingly.

RESEARCH SCENARIOS

Supporting ongoing research initiatives aimed at understanding and improving human performance under extreme conditions. Performing necessary prep work prior to the commencement of any research involving human subjects and ensure competence in the test procedures.

REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall provide a broad base of scientific, engineering, and technical expertise to support daily operations of the centrifuge and research altitude chambers to perform high-G acceleration and high altitude testing on the physiological measurement systems. This effort may include centrifuge and research altitude chamber setup, programming of control systems, data collection, scheduling (equipment and personnel), trouble shooting, and repair as required to perform acceleration and altitude test efforts. Testing will be conducted on the physiological measurement systems during profiles in the centrifuge and altitude chambers using the modified flight helmet and oxygen mask with sensors. The goal of this testing is to demonstrate the acceleration and altitude protection provided by the physiological measurement systems in a simulated acceleration and altitude environments

• 12 Full time equivalents (FTE’s) are required for this effort. The necessary skill sets are required as follows:

Inside Observer (IO) – Qualified observer inside the research altitude chamber (RAC) to observe and, if necessary, assist trainees and subjects. Must be certified to go to altitude and be

CPR certified. IO should have at least 3 years relevant experience.

Lecturer - The Lecturer serves as the primary interface with subjects and trainees within the

Centrifuge and Research Altitude Chambers. This role demands substantial experience with both the centrifuge and RACs and a thorough understanding of all relevant safety protocols.

The Lecturer is crucial for executing training profiles and research protocols. The Lecturer provides and oversees operational instruction on various subjects, physiological effects of altitude, performance threats, aircrew breathing systems, cabin pressurization and decompression, pressure breathing, vision, night vision, spatial disorientation, noise and vibration and acceleration. Additionally, the Lecturer instructs on the use of high-altitude protection equipment such as oxygen masks, full-pressure suits, anti-gravity suits, and night-vision goggles. The Lecturer shall have at least 3 years’ relevant experience.

Program Manager – The program manager shall provide comprehensive program management support for CRAC RDT&E projects and training by managing data collection, analysis, and visualization using existing USG IT infrastructure while securing controlled unclassified information and managing agreements. They will control CRAC staffing, logistics, and equipment procurement while continuously monitoring project progress including data collection, equipment preparation, and test/protocol development. The program manager serves as the primary contact for scheduling centrifuge and research altitude chamber activities, maintaining schedules, resolving conflicts, optimizing facility utilization, and matching projects to appropriate chamber specifications. They must verify customer financial obligations, maintain comprehensive records of all activities, payments, contracts, and communications, and promptly address scheduling issues while adapting to training and research needs. Additionally, the program manager will document all programmatic and technical work, provide required information for electronic work unit applications, and procure materials and subcontract services as needed to fulfill contract requirements.

Crew Chief - Responsible for preparing trainees and human subjects for their centrifuge session. This role involves ensuring that all necessary gear and equipment are properly fitted to each individual, considering their specific needs and safety requirements. The crew chief meticulously checks and adjusts suits, helmets, oxygen masks, and other critical equipment to guarantee a secure and comfortable fit. Additionally, the crew chief provides a comprehensive briefing to each trainee or human subject, explaining the procedures, what to expect during their time in the centrifuge, and how to respond to various scenarios that may arise. The crew chief shall have at least 3 years relevant experience.

Maintainer – Responsible for maintenance and repairs to the centrifuge and research altitude chambers. Maintenance and repairs may include but not be limited to chillers, pumps and valves. Troubleshooting and repairs will minimize down time and ensure operability and safety of the facility. Maintainers will be highly skilled, proficient, and subject trained technician: 2-year technical school graduate with at least 3 to 5 years work experience with crossover exposure between two or more electronic/electrical/mechanical fields, in depth knowledge on the use and calibration requirements of special tools and test equipment, and successful completion of the associated product/system maintenance factory school. This level of technician uses independent thinking and has the ability to satisfactorily perform a majority of the required system maintenance tasks without documented procedures. They must also be familiar with any associated technical reference materials supplied such as engineering drawings, bills of materials, standard bolt identification and torque charts, lubrication data sheets, and related facility literature

Aerospace Physiology Officer (APO) – Responsible for the grading of human subjects and pilot trainees to withstand the effects of flight such as G-Forces and altitude. The APO shall be capable of training in both the research altitude chamber and the centrifuge. The APO will have ultimate sign-off authority on the competency of both human subjects and pilot trainees for their core capabilities to safely withstand the effects of flight. The APO will have at least 3 years of relevant experience.

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

Interested parties should provide capabilities, qualification statements, and examples that demonstrate their ability to satisfy the requirements detailed in the REQUIREMENTS paragraph of this announcement. Companies or parties are to submit responses in Adobe

Acrobat compatible electronic format. The maximum page limit for responses is 30 pages, 8.5” x 11”, including attachments, figures, and/or drawings, and no smaller than size 12 font.

Responses must include:

A) Company Name, Address, CAGE Code, Industry Point of Contact (POC) for technical and contractual issues to include name, position, telephone number, and e-mail address

B) Key Personnel and Qualifications

C) Past Experience and training of employees

D) Detailed plan acquisition and Schedule of onboarding employees if necessary

E) Responses to attachment CRAC__Market_Research_Questions.csv

Reponses to this RFI must be submitted within 30 days of this notice and shall be transmitted electronically to Jessica Briggs, jessica.briggs@us.af.mil.

DISCUSSIONS

One-on-one information gathering sessions with respondents are currently not contemplated.

The Government may elect to conduct one-on-one discussions with industry based on its analysis of the RFI responses, the quality of submission and the specifications in the information provided. The Government is under no obligation to conduct these sessions. The Government does not commit to providing a response to any comment or questions. Any revision to this RFI based on comments received remains solely at the Government’s discretion. These initiatives may ultimately result in the Government developing and issuing an RFP for respondents. The above information is for sources sought only.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Respondent’s attention is directed to the fact that contractor consultants and advisors to the

Government will review and provide support during review and evaluation of submittals. When appropriate, non-government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the Government. All advisors shall comply with procurement integrity laws and shall sign Non-Disclosure and Rules of Conduct/Conflict of

Interest statements. The Government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submissions in response to this RFI constitute approval to release the submittal to Government Support

Contractors.

Per FAR 52.215-3, Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct

1997):

(a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this solicitation or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(b) Although “proposal” and “offeror” are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal.

(c) This solicitation is issued for the purpose of collecting Government Market Research, a process for obtaining the latest information on the ‘art of possible’ from industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities

Contracting Office Address:

AFRL/PZLEQ

Attention: Jessica Briggs

2130 8th St

Bldg 45

WPAFB, OH 45433

Primary Point of Contact:

Jessica L. Briggs

Contracting Officer jessica.briggs@us.af.mil

Phone: 937-255-7724

Secondary Point of Contact:

Capt Joanna Montanari

Program Manager joanna.montanari@us.af.mil

Phone: 937-938-2931 mailto:David.Morlock@wpafb.af.mil mailto:Cesar.Palacios-Maya@wpafb.af.mil