PFD Questions and Answers_Presolicitation.docx

PFD Questions and Answers – Pre-solicitation Question 1. Is the 80lbs of force a definite requirement (i.e. pass/fail). This is a significant amount of force and is almost double the requirement for all other PFDs that are supplied to other NATO countries for this type of requirement. The issue with the 80 lbs of force is the size of the system - other NATO countries have said that this is too large for helicopter crews (and therefore we believe will be too large for parachutists).

Answer. The 80 lbs force is required as the parachutist is much more heavily loaded than any crew member, and is a considered a failure if not achievable. Testing was performed, and 80 lbs of positive buoyancy was determined to support our worst case scenario. Legacy Parachutist Flotation devices have provided between 65 to almost 100 lbf of surface buoyancy using a dual bladder system.

Question 2. Is the packing size requirement definite (i.e. you are confident that this is achievable). Their feedback is that for the force required, a bladder pack size as specified is unrealistic.

Answer: The smaller and lighter the better, and based on a two bladder design. The threshold dimensions below are of the larger legacy system and over 50 years old. We would expect new materials and processes to achieve smaller and lighter PFDs.

Question 3. Can you provide details of the current jumper harness that the system must not interfere with?

Answer: T11 and RA1 parachute systems. See attached pictures. PFD bladders under each armpit.

Question 4. Can you provide details of the Jumpmaster personnel inspection that the system must not interfere with?

Answer: The JMPI is a procedure that Jumpmaster conducts on every jumper prior to parachute operations the main focus is to inspect for and correct deficiencies to parachutists and their equipment. In the case of the PFD the JMPI will verify that the PFD is properly worn, the actuation controls are properly stowed and accessible, the PFD does not pose a danger to the parachutist if deployed (rigged between the harness and parachutist's body), and does not appear to be damaged and compromised by scanning the packed PFD.

Question 5. You call out that the system must be smaller and lighter than legacy systems without any details on the legacy systems. Can you provide this detail please. (size, weight, performance spec, images, drawings) Answer: It is explained in the RFP: APA 2. Size/weight. The PFD must be smaller and lighter than the current legacy systems: B-7, LPU/10 and TFSS (T=O). APA 2 Continued the PFD system weight shall not exceed 3.4 pounds and each packed bladder component shall not exceed L= 8 inches, H= 5 inches, and T= 2.5 inches (T), 2 pounds and each packed bladder component shall not exceed L=6.25 inches L, H=2.75 inches, D=2.25 inches (O).