W911QY-24-R-MCAS _ RFI v2.pdf

Title:

Maritime Communication Accessory Suite – Block II (MCAS BLK II)

Classification Code:

59 -- Electrical and electronic equipment components

NAICS Code:

334290 -- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Is this a Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action? No

Response Date:

Jan 26, 2024 12:00 pm EST

Primary Point of Contact:

Mr. Rick Pangelinan ricardo.c.pangelinan.civ@army.mil Phone: 508.654.9405

Stephanie Osuna stephanie.osuna.civ@army.mil Phone: 508.206.2042

Description:

Please respond to: Rick Pangelinan, Project Officer, PM-PI, 508.654.9405, & Stephanie Osuna

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY for communications ancillary devices / systems which are reliable and ruggedized to meet harsh terrain and maritime environment, interoperable with Naval Special Warfare radios and mobility platforms, and capable of meeting the requirements described below. This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB). It is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and suitability of potential sources for planning purposes and to gather feedback from industry on materials and technical characteristics for communications accessory improvement recommendations. Responses to this notice are not considered as offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of responses nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any information / demonstration models presented, or the use of any such information.

DESCRIPTION

United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Program Manager Protection and Integration (PM-PI) is seeking information for test and evaluation purposes of communication ancillary equipment for Maritime Communications Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II), that is capable of meeting the following Performance Specifications:

A. KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS (KPP)

1. Multi-Net

a. Shall be able to simultaneously monitor a minimum of two frequencies and one ICS, and selectively transmit on one of multiple frequencies or ICS (T); monitor a minimum of four frequencies and ICS, and selectively transmit on one of the four frequencies or ICS (O).

NOTE: The PTT will be a minimum of two communication ports. At least one communication port will be multi-channel capable (T). It is desired two communication ports are multi-channel capable. Both communication ports will be single channel capable (O).

b. The PTT shall provide the wearer tactile-distinguishing separation between frequency one and two, and ICS selection while wearing tactical gloves (T). Shall provide the wearer tactile-distinguishing separation while wearing alpine gloves (O).

c. Shall spatially separate radio and ICS incoming voice communications traffic giving the wearer a three-dimensional listening environment (O).

2. High Noise Protection

a. Shall provide the wearer hearing protection from harmful steady state noise level of 85dBA or greater (T).

b. Shall provide the wearer hearing protection from harmful impulse noise level of 140dBP or greater (T).

c. Shall provide the wearer hearing protection from all harmful noises (O).

d. Shall provide sound localization from steady state and impulse noise level of 65dB SPL at no more than 45% burst and 30% continuous noise degradation of mean angular errors >45ᵒ (T).

e. Shall provide sound localization as good as or better than the naked ear (O).

f. Shall eliminate the clipping effect due to the system cycling on and off as the noise level changes from safe to unsafe (T=O).

g. Shall allow the wearer to increase or decrease ambient sound levels between 0 and 75dBA (T=O).

h. Shall reduce the noise floor of the system to less than 20dBA to maintain auditory detection abilities (T=O).

i. The high noise headset shall have a noise cancelling microphone to reduce transmission of harmful ambient noise (T=O).

3. Interoperability

a. Shall be interoperable with current NSWC common tactical communications radios (T=O).

- AN/PRC-163

- AN/PRC-152A

- AN/PRC-167

- AN/PRC-160

- SOF HF Manpack (TBD)

- AN/PRC-117G

- AN/PRC-171

- AN/PRC-161

b. Shall be interoperable with ICS onboard Special Operations and Conventional Forces air, ground and maritime mobility platforms commonly used by SOF Forces (T=O).

- CV-22

- MC-130

- C-17

- MH-60M

- MH-47 G

- MH-6

- Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle (MATV)

- Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)

- Stryker

- MRZR-Alpha / ULTV

- Combatant Craft Medium

- Combatant Craft Assault

- Combatant Craft Heavy

- Special Operations Craft Riverine

- NSW Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat

- MV-22

- CMV-22B

- C-130

- A/H/M-C-130J

- MH-60S

- MH-60R

- UH-60 M

- CH-47 E

- UH-1Y

- CH-53E

- MH-53E / K

- HH-60W

c. Shall be shielded from electromagnetic interference that adversely affects MCAS BLK II performance and electronic equipment in proximity of the communications system (T=O).

d. Shall be interoperable with a platform’s ICS by either the primary ICS connector or a common utility connector via quick disconnect (T=O).

e. Shall be primary PTT, once connected to designated maritime platforms ICS (T=O).

f. Shall meet bailout/breakaway capability onboard designated maritime platforms (T=O).

g. Shall provide a means for the Operator to connect the End User Device (EUD) and transmit / receive data via handheld or manpack radios (T=O).

h. Shall be Voice Activation (Keying) (VOX) capable (O).

4. System Survivability NOTE: As a suite, MCAS BLK II will support distinct mission profiles which require specific levels of maritime environmental protection for suite survivability.

a. Profile 1 (High and Low Noise). Shall withstand perspiration, driving rain, and sandstorm conditions for ≥ 8 hours (T); ≥ 14 hours (O).

b. Profile 2 (High and Low Noise). Shall be Full Mission Capable (FMC) upon return to the surface without reconfiguration when immersed to 3 Feet Sea Water (FSW) for ≥ 4 hours (T); 3 FSW for ≥ 8 hours (O).

c. Profile 3 (Low Noise). Shall be FMC upon return to the surface without reconfiguration when immersed to 33 FSW for ≥ 10 hours (T); 33 FSW for ≥ 8 hours and 66 FSW ≥ 1 hour (O).

d. Profile 4 (Low Noise). Shall be FMC upon return to the surface without reconfiguration when immersed to 66 FSW for ≥ 2 hours (T); 300 FSW for ≥ 8 hours (O).

e. Shall be Full Mission Capable (FMC) upon return to the surface without reconfiguration in all profiles (T=O).

f. Shall be FMC upon surfacing when inadvertently activated while immersed (T).

g. Cables shall be capable of disconnecting and reconnecting while exposed to maritime conditions (salt fog, rain, humidity, etc.) on the surface (T).

h. Connectors worn on the body shall secure or lock to deter unintended disconnection to maintain watertight integrity of the system (T=O).

i. Shall have plugs or covers that fit snug or lock to prevent water intrusion of unused/open ports (T=O)

j. Shall be capable of disconnecting and reconnecting in any of the mission profiles while at maximum depth (O).

k. Shall endure 72 hours continuous salt fog exposure without corrosion or pitting of surfaces and galvanic corrosion of couplings (O).

5. Training

a. User manual shall provide simple, plain language, and visual instruction for operation, functionality, wear, and maintenance for all components. (T=O).

b. User manual or packaging shall include a QR code linked to video visual instruction for operation, functionality, wear, and maintenance for all components. (O).

c. New Equipment Training (NET) shall be made available prior to fielding to Echelon III and IV Commands (T=O).

d. NET duration shall not exceed 30 minutes for basic functions and system setup (O).

e. Preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and parts of system repair / replace capability shall be clearly written and demonstrated visually (T=O).

6. Sustainment

a. Shall be materially available i.e., capable of functioning in a maritime environment; and while deployed, be available for operations ≥ 85% (T); ≥ 95% (O).

b. Shall have at least an ≥ 85% probability of operating ≥ 72 hours without failure, as measured by mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) (T); ≥ 95% (O).

B. KEY SYSTEM ATTRIBUTES (KSA)

1. Speech Intelligibility

a. Over the Radio Intelligibility

i. Low noise environment (60dBA to 70dBA): 80% (T), 90% (O).

ii. High noise environment (85dBA to 105dBA): 70% (T), 80% (O).

b. Face to Face Radio Intelligibility

i. Low noise environment (60dBA to 70dBA): 80% (T), 90% (O).

ii High noise environment (85dBA to 105dBA): 70% (T), 80% (O).

2. Comfort

a. When worn for ≥ (4) consecutive hours shall not distract, hinder, or interfere with the wearer performing required operational tasks (T); ≥ (8) hours (O).

3. Ergonomics

a. Shall not interfere with the wearer’s range of motion in his ability to perform Static Line or Military Free Fall airborne operations; ground platform operations / movement; ground (foot) operations / movement; maritime platform operations / movement (T=O).

b. Shall not interfere with the wearer’s ability to shoot / move / communicate while wearing standard operational equipment (e.g., ‘high cut’ ballistic helmets, body armor, load carriage system, etc.) (T=O).

c. The PTT shall be of an ergonomic design providing ease of locating radio or ICS activation mechanism or mechanisms when visibility is limited or non-existent and mitigate accidental activation (T=O).

d. Connectors shall provide a low profile, be of minimal size and provide a streamlined platform for cable routing (T=O).

4. Natural Hearing (Only applies to low noise Mission Profiles)

a. Shall allow the wear the ability to transmit or receive communications while using organic natural audio sense to listen for natural audible threats (T=O).

5. Hearing Conservation

a. Shall mitigate harmful noise as applicable to the audio emitter which allows the wearer to selectively activate noise reduction without additional software/computers (T=O).

6. Weight

a. In a full system configuration: audio emitter, push-to-talk control and actuation (as required), required cabling, power source shall weigh no more than 2.5lbs. (T); 1.5lbs. (O).

b. Head-borne weight shall be no more than 1.5lbs. (T); 1.0lbs. (O).

7. Cable Length

a. Cabling shall be of various lengths to minimize snag hazards and allow efficient routing of cabling in load carriage systems and other worn individual equipment (T=O).

8. Wireless Operation (Objective Only)

a. Shall comply with Committee on National Security Systems “Policy on Wireless Systems”, CNSSP No. 17, January 2014; and National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Committee “Policy on Securing Voice Communications, NSTIS Policy No. 101, 14 September 1999, or the superseding documents(s) of both (O).

b. SOF Surface and Ground Mobility Platforms: Wireless capabilities Shall operate & integrate with current Special Operations surface craft and Family of Special Operations Vehicles internal communications systems. MCAS Shall have the ability to switch remotely between ICS and radio communications via PTT. Shall retain same level of performance characteristics as when tethered. Shall have the ability to adjust signal strength from 20 feet to 200 feet from center of platform. Shall support an unlimited number of users. Shall have a backup if wireless link fails. Shall not increase the signature of Platform to detection or require any modification to Combatant Craft.

c. Air Platforms: The wireless MCAS Shall operate & integrate with USA, USAF, USMC and USN aircraft (See Interoperability KPP) internal communications systems. Shall have the ability to switch remotely between ICS and radio communications via PTT. Shall have a backup when wireless link fails.

Shall not increase the signature of the Platform to detection or require any modification to any airframe.

9. Altitude

a. Shall not be harmed after being subject to air transportation at unpressurized altitudes up to 40,000 feet above sea level (T=O).

b. Shall operate at unpressurized altitudes up to 30,000 feet above sea level during high altitude / high opening (HAHO) and / or high altitude / low opening (HALO) Military Free-Fall operations (T=O).

10. Extreme Temperatures

a. Shall operate in ambient temperatures ranging from -40 F to 130 F and show no degradation in performance (T=O).

b. Shall withstand storage temperatures from -40 Fahrenheit to 160 F without any degradation in performance after placed into operation (T=O).

11. Fluid Contamination

a. MCAS BLK II shall be resilient to occasional exposure to insect repellent (DEET); small arms lubricant, cleaner, protectant (CLP), and diesel fuel (O).

12. Impact Resistant

a. MCAS BLK II rigid casings i.e., Push-to-Talk shall be resistant to falling mass impacts that may crack or penetrate the casing permitting water intrusion to circuitry (O).

13. Simplicity of Use

a. Assembly of a specific MCAS BLK II configuration, to include connection to a configured primary radio shall require no more than 5 minutes to make voice communications (T), 3 minutes (O).

b. Cables/connectors shall be capable of disconnect/reconnect in 30 seconds or less (T=O).

c. Cabling shall be of appropriate length and connector size to minimize snag hazards and allow efficient routing of cabling in load carriage systems and other worn individual equipment (T=O).

d. Connectors shall only connect with intended equipment (e.g. radio, PTT, or audio emitter) (T=O).

e. Low-light situations shall not impede an operator from connecting connectors (T=O).

f. If software/firmware is used, effective systems of assurance and distribution shall be established to allow for minimal negative impact on operator and support personnel (T=O).

g. Circumaural headset shall provide quick transition from helmet to non-helmet configuration (O).

h. Cables easily identifiable operationally while wearing Night Vision Goggles and logistically (O).

14. Size/Fit

a. Applicable components shall accommodate the 5th to 95th operator percentile (T=O).

b. The PTT shall be minimal in design to integrate alongside the End User Device when worn on the chest (T=O)

15. Power Source (if required)

a. A configuration requiring a battery power source shall function for a period no less than 60 hours (T) without replacing or charging the battery source, 120 hours (O).

b. Shall be non-proprietary and readily available (DoD standard or commercial equivalent) and be field replaceable within 5 minutes without the use of special tools (T=O).

c. Shall have a discreet audible power availability indicator only heard by the wearer, providing graduating indication levels identifying time to failure (T=O).

e. Audio emitter shall be capable of receiving and transmitting functions with or without use of internal power source (T=O).

f. A configuration requiring power to function whose battery power source has failed shall be capable of parasitic power draw from the radio it is attached to as an emergency backup (O).

16. Service Life: Shall have an expected service life of at least two years (T); at least four years (O).

17. Evolutionary Technology/Capability Insertions: Shall be configured to accept Evolutionary Technology/Capability insertions (T=O).

18. Ownership Cost: Operation and sustainment costs associated with materiel readiness will be collected over time to determine cost efficiency (T=O).

C. ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES

1. Remote Manual Radio Channel Selector

a. Shall provide the operator access and control of radio channels with an audible feedback upon selection (O).

b. Shall provide the operator access and control of radio groups with an audible feedback upon selection (O).

c. Shall provide the operator access and control of radio volume with an audible feedback upon selection (O).

d. Shall have a lock feature (O).

INTENDED USE

The Maritime Communications Suite Block II may be worn alone, under the helmet, and/or attached to the helmet; will use an unobtrusive ambidextrous microphone/sound transmission system and PTT; and will allow for connection of the End User Device (EUD) for data. It will allow the operator to monitor single or multiple radios/intercoms, transmit on the selected frequency with currently fielded SOF radios and platform intercom systems, and utilize the EUD for data.

MCAS BLK II is a High Noise capable hearing protection system that is ruggedized for harsh terrain, and highly resistant to corrosion to include galvanic corrosion of couplings to withstand sustained operations in a maritime environment. Solutions for both ITE and Circumaural headsets are being sought, which would be integrated into a single or scalable PTT solution. Manufacturers should consider their willingness to integrate their headset into another PTT, if operational or developmental test results indicate marked increase of performance of an ancillary component. A single manufacturer selection of MCAS BLK II is preferred for integration, support, and sustainment.

COMPLETE MCAS BLK II SYSTEM (CLIN 0001)

The complete MCAS BLK II systems and components, at a minimum, will consist of:

• Headset: In-the-Ear (ITE), Circumaural

• Headset down-lead cable

• PTT

• AN/PRC-163 (19 pin) Radio Cable – (Qty: 1)

• Legacy (6-pin) Radio Cable – (Qty: 2)

• ICS Interoperability Cables – (Qty: 1)

• Carrying Case

• Technical Manuals

• Use and Care Pamphlet

• Batteries (if required)

RESPONSES SHALL INCLUDE:

1. A technical data sheet for each product used in each potential system, including name, model number, and picture of the product.

2. A data sheet for each potential system; including name, model number, and picture of the system.

3. Information shall also be provided for Cost/Pricing estimation.

4. Manufacturer warranty and repair procedures.

5. Please include feedback / questions with regards to any technical characteristics within this RFI, and any other characteristics / specifications which would be difficult and/or unattainable.

6. While no demonstration models are being requested, each manufacturer may, at their own discretion and expense, include a set along with the requested information, to facilitate the government’s assessment. Note: a ‘set’ consists of all of the components that comprise one system that will meet the requirement.

NOTE: Above response inclusion documentation (line items 1-4) are in addition to six page summary requested. Manufacturers should ensure inclusions are properly linked to summary packages.

REQUESTED INFORMATION

Manufacturers who believe they have system(s) capable of meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a short (no more than 6 pages total per system) summary, including description (nomenclature, part numbers), performance information, pictures and website (if available) for each communication ancillary system and subsystem. The six (6) page summary must include Company name and address (to include all partners involved), points of contact with phone number(s), email address(es), DUNS number, Cage Code, and a statement regarding any small business designation (if applicable), by 26 January 2024 and to the address noted below. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334290.

Please advise if your product / information is proprietary and or classified. Any classified information will be protected as denoted with submission. Parties having a system meeting these constraints shall contact Stephanie Osuna at the below listed contact via email. Submissions can be hand delivered or mailed but must arrive NLT 26 January 2024 (12:00 p.m. EST). Submission hand delivery requires prior coordination with Stephanie Osuna.

ESTIMATED TIMELINE / SCHEDULE

Initial RFI – Posted: 20 December 2023 Questions from Industry due (via email): 05 January 2023 (5:00 p.m. EST) Answers to Industry Questions (via Telcon): 11 January 2024 (10:00 a.m. EST) Industry Information Due: 26 January 2024 (12:00 p.m. EST) Review of Submissions: Receipt + 14 days FBO Solicitation – Posted: (To be published) Industry Submissions Due: (To be published) Review and Assessment of Submissions: (To be published) SSEB (Initial Down-select): (To be published) User Evaluation (OT): (To be published) Developmental Testing: (To be published) Review of results: (To be published) Government decision: (To be published)

This notice is for market survey only.

This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this survey or results of testing and evaluation on any samples submitted.

Point of Contact (POC) Interested parties shall submit responses to this RFI to:

Stephanie Osuna U.S. Army CCDC Soldier Center Bldg. 4 Room D336 General Greene Avenue Natick, MA 01760-5019 Phone: 508.206.2042 Email: stephanie.osuna.civ@army.mil

Rick Pangelinan Ricardo.c.pangelinan.civ@army.mil Phone: 508.654.9405