Attachment 04 Questions and Answers (Version 2) 2025.07.14.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- W911QY-25-MCAS
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This document is a Questions and Answers (Version 2) file for the Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II) Call for Solutions, dated July 14, 2025. The document provides clarifications on technical requirements, evaluation processes, and testing standards for a maritime communication accessory system. Key details include Active Noise Reduction (ANR) specifications that allow selective noise reduction, cost effectiveness evaluation against existing capabilities, and a two-phase white paper submission process with initial evaluation followed by demonstration units.
The Q&A covers critical technical aspects such as system survivability (withstanding perspiration, rain, and sandstorm conditions for 8 hours), user training requirements (New Equipment Training not exceeding 30 minutes), and specific testing thresholds for noise reduction. Vendors are expected to provide solutions for headsets, cables, and communication accessories that can function in terrestrial, maritime surface, sub-surface, and air environments. The document indicates demo units are estimated to be delivered to Natick, MA around August 19, with white paper submissions due by July 22, and a two-week government review period following the submission deadline.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment 04 Questions and Answers.pdf | ||
| Call for Solutions for MCAS BLK II Amendment 1 20250710.pdf | ||
| Attachment 03 Interoperability.pdf | ||
| Attachment 01 Evaluation Matrix.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Attachment 02 Testing Matrix.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Call for Solutions for MCAS BLK II 20250708.pdf |
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Attachment 04 Call for Solution Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II)
Questions and Answers Version #2 July 14, 2025
Changes are highlighted in blue
Q1: Can you define Active Noise Reduction (ANR)?
A1: MCAS BLK-II shall address ambient steady state and impulse noise reduction. Active Noise Reduction (ANR) shall have the capability to selectively turn the ANR "ON" or "OFF by the wearer without additional software or computers. It is essentially a hearing protection requirement commonly referred to as hear-thru. It should be selectable in levels and able to be turned off if desired.
Q2: How will cost effectiveness be evaluated for the Initial White Paper Evaluation Part 1?
A2: It will be measured against current pricing data available for existing capabilities that are or were on contract with the Government. Consideration is given to additional performance gained by new offerings, technology incorporation, or capability as well to efficiencies in manufacturing that may reduce overall system cost.
Q3: Do you require data sheets in Part 2?
A3: Data sheets may be provided, but they are not required.
Q4: Can you describe the distinction between Required and Desire attributes described in para. 3/3a/3b and how they will be evaluated on attachment 1, Evaluation Matrix? Does any single No-Go on Desired Attributes thereby give an overall No-Go on Initial White Paper Evaluation Part 1 under Desired Attributes?
A4: White papers will be Evaluated primarily based on the items listed in Part 1 of the Evaluation Matrix. For Vendors requested to move on to Part 2, Demonstration units will be evaluated under the items listed in Part 2. A Required Technical Attribute must receive a GO during Part 2; however, a NO-GO or N/A may be permitted to proceed for Desired Attributes.
Q5: Given a white paper submission deadline of 22 July, a two-week review period for the Government to inform companies, and two weeks for selected companies to deliver demo units. Is the estimated delivery date of demo units be around 19 August?
A5: Yes, that is a good estimated date of delivery to Natick, MA for demo units.
Q6: Please clarify the standards/testing matrix for the Call for Solutions section cited below.
3.3a.(4) System Survivability
a. Withstand perspiration, driving rain, and sandstorm conditions for ≥ 8 hours.
A6: IEC 60529 (IP 66)
Powerful Water Jets (Salt Water)
• Nozzle int dia.: 12.5mm
• Delivery rate: 100 L/min +/ 5%
• Duration: Per Sq Meter of surface are to be sprayed = 1 min.
• Minimum test duration = 3 min.
• Distance from nozzle to surface = 2.5 to 3 meters. - Pressure: 100 kPa at distance of
3 m.
• Test duration = 8 hours
Q7: Please clarify whether the Call for Solutions section cited below is for train the trainer or end user training.
3.3a.(5). Training
a. Provide New Equipment Training (NET) to users
A7: This requirement is that the offeror be able to provide user training. NET cannot exceed 30 minutes per the requirement.
Q8: Please clarify whether the Call for Solutions section cited below is for TX and RX only.
3.3b.(10) Radio Control (Manipulation)
a. Provide a solution to control the functions of the tactical radio
A8: This is intended as a remote KDU style control. This is not a required capability.
Q9: For Attachment 02 Testing Matrix: Does each headset profile need to meet testing matrix?
A9: No, the solution will only be evaluated against its intend use, either high noise or combat swimmer/dive.
Q10: For Attachment 02 Testing Matrix: Do you have a threshold for testing the following?
ANSI S12.6
Measurement of Real Ear Attenuation at Threshold (REAT) of HPDs in a continuous or impulsive noise environment; Method A.
A10: Multi-ear, single hearing protection capable of reducing harmful steady state noise from 105dBA to ≤ 85dBA.
Q11: For Attachment 02 Testing Matrix: Do you have a threshold for testing the following?
ANSI S12.68
Methods of Estimating Effective A-Weighted Sound Pressure Levels When Hearing Protectors are Worn.
A11: Multi-ear, single hearing protection capable of reducing harmful steady state noise from 105dBA to ≤ 85dBA
Q12: For Attachment 02 Testing Matrix: Do you have a threshold for testing the following?
ANSI S12.42
Methods for the Measurement of Insertion Loss of Hearing Protection Devices in Continuous or Impulsive Noise Using Microphone-in- Real-Ear (MIRE) or Acoustic Test Fixture Procedures.
A12: Multi-ear, single hearing protection capable of reducing harmful impulse noise level of 150dBP to ≤ 140dBP
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .