PODS RPP 22-01 for release - 24JUL2026 Final.docx

DEVCOM SC-BOTAA 22-01 REQUEST FOR PROJECT PROPOSAL (RPP)

Area of Interest: Soldier Sustainment Directorate, Aerial Delivery Division Prototype: Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) Design

Objective This Request for Project Proposal (RPP) is issued to request preproposals (white papers) in accordance with Section III, B, 1 of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA) 22-01 competitive announcement and is being issued for planning purposes only. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to award an agreement, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE) is seeking information on the capabilities and willingness of private entities (non-profit and commercial) to provide a Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) design that will support a prototype project, as defined on page 5 of the BOTAA.

Background PdM SCIE is executing a program to evaluate prototype supplemental oxygen delivery systems. The PODS capability is intended to be single materiel solution that is suitable for Military Free Fall (MFF) operations utilizing the Advanced Ram Air Parachute System (RA-1). Bottle sizes, location, and connections are the critical points of interface. Any questions regarding the interface can be directed to the Program Office.

The PODS is planned to support the U.S. Army’s MFF community by addressing a capability gap to support all high-altitude parachutist mission profiles (e.g., High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High-Altitude High Opening (HAHO)) requiring supplemental oxygen.

The PODS must support 25,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) profile and have the ability/capability to easily adapt to support operations above 25,000 feet up to 35,000 feet MSL.

The PODS will comprise the following components: Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM), Individual Oxygen Source (IOS), pre-breather, transfer pump, and transportable test device. Proposed systems should provide any required accessories for airborne operations.

To be considered for an OTA award, interested vendors must comply with at least one of the following conditions of 10 US Code §4022(d):

(A) At least one (1) Non-Traditional Defense Contractor (NTDC), as defined in section 3014 of Title 10 US Code §3014, is participating to a significant extent in this prototype project.

(B) All significant participants in the transaction other than the Federal Government are small business or NTDCs.

(C) At least one third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by parties to the transaction other than the Federal Government.

Included is a Non-traditional Defense Contractor Certification form to be filled out.

Requirements The purpose of this RPP is to request white papers to conduct Test and Evaluation (T&E) of systems that can meet PODS capability requirements. The proposed designs may be based on reusing, modifying, or enhancing existing designs.

The white papers shall address the full requirements of this RPP for a technology that is at or above Technology Readiness Level (TRL) six (6) as defined in the attached Technology Readiness Assessment Guidebook. Proposed solutions shall be fully compliant with the Berry Amendment, Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.225-7012, and the Buy American Act, DFARS 252.225-7001.

PdM SCIE will conduct a phased T&E approach to select the best materiel solution for the Army. The T&E will include the following phases: Developmental Testing (DT) Phase 1, DT Phase 2, and Operational Testing (OT). The Government will make the final down-selection to one (1) candidate system at the conclusion of DT Phase 1 Live Jumps at 17,999ft Mean Sea Level (MSL). However, failure to meet performance criteria at any stage of DT Phase 1 may result in candidate systems being disqualified from continuing to the next stage.

DT Phase 1 will include:

· Chamber test

· Environmental test

· Benchtop testing as required to verify KPPs, KSAs, and APAs

· Integration Assessment

· User Evaluations including Live Jumps up to 17,999ft MSL

· All testing and evaluation will be conducted in accordance with current Tactics Techniques Procedures (TTP) and Requirements for High-Altitude operations as per AFMAN11-409.

Following Live Jumps at 17,999ft MSL, the Government will down-select to one (1) candidate system to continue T&E. Selection will be based on best value. Life cycle sustainment costs based on the proposed maintenance concept will be considered in addition to technical performance.

DT Phase 1 will then conclude with the down-selected candidate system completing Live Jumps at 24,999ft MSL.

DT Phase 2 will consist of a series of Live Jumps by Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) test jumpers up to 24,999ft MSL.

OT will include an evaluation of the maintenance concepts and live jumps executed by the operational force to include various mission profiles and all proposed components.

A Production OTA may be awarded to the down-selected vendor after successful completion of OT and obtaining Milestone C and Low-Rate Initial Production decisions. Production OTA award is contingent on availability of funds.

PODS Performance Requirements The system performance requirements are given in Tables 1, 2, and 3 below. These tables provide both Threshold (T) and Objective (O) levels. The objective level is the performance goal, whereas the threshold level is the minimum acceptable level. PdM SCIE strongly prefers a solution that can meet objective levels of the PODS performance requirements.

Table 1: Key Performance Parameters

Note on KPP#2 – Proposed systems that utilize a bottle with less than 400L capacity will also be considered if exceeding 45 minutes of parachutist descent threshold. Additionally, the threshold does not anticipate the IOS will be used to support the mission from pre-breathe through landing, while the objective does anticipate the IOS will support the entire mission.

Table 2: Key System Attributes

KSA #1 -

Performance (Pre-Breather Ports).

Note on KSA #1: These requirements were created to give us extra trade-space for pre-breathing for worst case scenarios. The proposed system shall meet pre-breathe requirements as per AFMAN11-409.

Note on KSA #5: The Army utilizes Nexus 2 pin connections for the microphone interface.

Table 3: Additional Performance Attributes

Note on APA #1: Transfer pump should be able to charge both IOS and pre-breathers of proposed system.

Note on APA #2: Quick disconnects do not refer to the transfer pump connections.

(50 – 100) pounds per square inch (psi)) and withstand rigors of high altitude operations. Shall not impede parachutist’s ability to locate and deploy main or reserve parachutes (T=O).

T=O

Note on APA #4: PODS hoses shall have self-sealing capability when disconnected and withstand the rigors of high-altitude operations.

APA 5 - Environmental Conditions (IOS and POM)

Note on APA #6: If the proposed solution does not have a pouch component, the proposed solution must provide the technical data for a pouch that integrates to the TC parachute and non-standard military parachutes.

Note on APA #8: Refer to MIL-STD-1791A (USAF) and MIL-STD-209K for aircraft regulations.

Note on APA #9: The proposed test device will be evaluated with an objective of one (1) person carry.

Note on APA #12: The phrase “leakage of POM” refers to the construction of the assembly itself to be verified as not be leaking. In addition, TMDE means Test, Measuring, Diagnostic Equipment and refers to standard calibration practices for gauges, pressure measuring devices, etc. Calibration is expected to be maintained after both ground and air transport methods in accordance with typical military operations.

In addition to the performance requirements given in Tables 1-3, testing and evaluation of candidate systems will incorporate analysis based on the following:

· The breathing rate that may be used for evaluation was established as the threshold standard by Parachutist Oxygen Consumption Study 28 FEBRUARY 2013 NAWCADPAX/RTR-2013/6 and is described on page 23 as “Equation (2)”. Equation parameters may be slightly adjusted based on observed performance.

· In addition, Parachutist Oxygen Consumption Study 28 FEBRUARY 2013 NAWCADPAX/RTR-2013/6 states on page 28 that the bailout bottle should provide 40 lpm for 2 min prior to exit. The Parachutist Oxygen Consumption Study will be made available upon request.

· Supplemental and pre-breathe oxygen requirements are given in AFMAN11-409, which outlines these requirements followed by US Army parachutists.

· Pressurized oxygen vessels for aircraft-mounted equipment should be shatterproof per testing to MIL-DTL-7905H standards.

Government testing of the PODS for compliance with KPP/KSA/APA is anticipated to consist of the following:

· A combination of Ground Evaluation, Chamber Testing, and In-Flight Testing will be used to evaluate against the requirements. The government may utilize automated/standalone mask test chambers to validate vendor’s claimed performance. The government may include testing with HAHO jumps. User feedback may be used to evaluate proper form, fit, and function of all components and evaluation of the maintenance concept.

· Third party certifications may be requested and examined for safety evaluations including the use of Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen. An example would be WHA Oxygen Fire Risk Analysis (OFRA) or equivalent.

· Benchtop testing may be conducted to ensure requirements are met. Tests may include:

MIL-STD-810H, Sand and Dust, Method 510.7. A climate chamber may be utilized in combination with a vacuum/pressure chamber. A climate chamber may be brought down to a minimum negative temperature of -45F (T) and -65F (O).

The Transfer Pumps used for DT Phase 1 will be the Masterline 7000A-2 and Hansen Defense Systems POBS-100. Proposed solutions must be compatible with these Transfer Pumps which are currently in use by the US Army. DT Phase 2 will evaluate any proposed transfer pump.

The Government strongly prefers a solution that utilizes a supplemental bottle(s) to meet the pre-breather requirements.

Deliverables Planned deliverables for DT Phase 1 are listed below:

· Participation in recuring virtual meeting in preparation and through DT Phase 1 Test Readiness Review (TRR)

· Test assets to support DT Phase 1 (The Government reserves the right to modify these numbers based on preproposals received):

· 6 POMs & 6 IOS (to include any required ancillary equipment, i.e. hoses, connection valves, etc.) - delivery within 9 months after OTA award

· 6 Pre-Breather Ports / supplemental bottles - delivery within 9 months after OTA award

· Any additional components needed for testing (i.e. bottle carriers/pouch, etc.) – delivery within 9 months after OTA award

· 1 Test Device – delivery required within 12 months after OTA award; if the test device delivery is extended past 9 months from delivery award, the vendor will be required to support DT Phase 1 with validated data certifying safety and function covering the testing dates.

· Providing New Equipment Training (NET) to T&E personnel at Yuma Test Center (YTC) approximately 12 months after OTA award

· Vendor participation anticipated to consist of no more than three (3) personnel onsite in Yuma, AZ for two (2) working days

Planned deliverables for DT Phase 2 are listed below:

· Option to make minor modifications to address DT Phase 1 results in preparation for DT Phase 2, with delivery of final test assets within 90 days after execution of this option

· Participation in recuring virtual meeting in preparation and through DT Phase 2 TRR

· Providing NET to T&E personnel at Yuma Test Center (YTC) approximately 30 days after completion of DT Phase 1, or 30 days after delivery of modified test assets, if required

· Vendor participation anticipated to consist of no more than three (3) personnel onsite in Yuma, AZ for five (5) working days

· The following data, with delivery required by the start of DT Phase 2:

· Technical Manual

· Technical Manual Validation Plan

· Program of Instruction: Operator

· Program of Instruction: Maintainer

· Technical Data Package (Top Level drawings only)

· Training Conduct Support: Operator and Maintainer

· Provisioning Parts List

· Engineering Data for Provisioning

· Lesson Plan/Trainee Guide/Visual Aids (Operator)

· Lesson Plan/Trainee Guide/Visual Aids (Maintainer)

· Test assets projected to support follow-on OT:

· 15 POMs & IOS (to include any required ancillary equipment, i.e. hoses, connection valves, etc.) - delivery within 3 months after start of DT Phase 2

· 15 Pre-Breather Ports / supplemental bottles - delivery within 3 months after start of DT Phase 2

· Any additional components needed for testing (i.e. bottle carriers/pouch, etc.) for successful completion of OT – delivery within 3 months after start of DT Phase 2

Planned deliverables for the OT phase are listed below:

· Participation in recuring virtual meeting in preparation and through OT TRR

· Providing NET to T&E personnel at Fort Bragg, NC approximately 30 days after completion of DT Phase 2

· Vendor participation anticipated to consist of no more than three (3) personnel onsite in Fort Bragg, NC for two (2) working days

· Completion of a Production Readiness Review (PRR) to be conducted at the main manufacturing facility – to be completed within 30 days of successful completion of OT

· The following data, with delivery required within 45 days of completion of OT:

· Maintenance Allocation Chart

· Logistics Management Information (LMI): Packaging Data

· Special Packaging Instructions

· Supportability Analysis Summary

· Maintenance Inspection

· Quality Validation Plan

· Production Process Package

· Technical Manual Validation Report

· Data deliverables for DT Phase 2 may need to be updated based on OT results Performance Objectives Preproposals should be limited to three pages and include a description of the relevant technology including supporting data, the scope of the proposed effort including a high-level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and a description of the proposer’s research, development, manufacturing, past performance, or other special qualifications. The preproposal should indicate the TRL of the proposed design per the TRL definitions found in the attached Technology Readiness Assessment Guidebook. The preproposal shall also include an anticipated cost for the efforts described in the preproposal.

White Papers/Preproposals shall be submitted via email only to:

Christine Daigle at christine.m.daigle2.civ@army.mil Jeff Campbell at jeffrey.m.campbell18.civ@army.mil Joel Taylor at joel.m.taylor11.civ@army.mil, and Alexander Obriwin at alexander.s.obriwin.civ@army.mil.

Brochures or other descriptions of general organizational or individual capabilities will not be accepted as a preproposal. All preproposals will be assigned an identification number, and an email will acknowledge receipt of a preproposal. Usually, the Project Manager of the submitting organization should receive a decision letter or email regarding the preproposal within 30 days of submission.

Vendor(s) that receive a Request for Full Proposal (RFFP) shall provide supporting information within the full proposal on the following topics in addition to what is specified in DEVCOM SC BOTAA Section III, B, 2:

Technical Section

· Test data associated with the system being proposed to meet the PODS requirements

· Production plans, to include lead times and production capacity

· Quality assurance and quality control plans to be implemented during production

· Vendor’s processes associated with configuration management

· Sustainment Concept for the life cycle of the system.

Project Management

· Analysis of any opportunities and/or benefits associated with the vendor’s proposal that would reduce cost, schedule, and performance risks during T&E or during production.

Pricing

· Firm fixed pricing for each deliverable, in the vendor’s own format/template

· Substantiating information on costs for each deliverable

· Preliminary pricing estimate for follow-on production to support fielding:

· Pricing estimates for each component of the PODS may be given in a step-ladder format to accommodate differing production quantities

· Substantiating information on life cycle sustainment costs for the proposed maintenance concept Subcontractor Management

· Opportunities for development of organic U.S. Army capabilities in support of the system’s production and sustainment.

The Government will evaluate all proposed solutions against the below stated criteria:

Solutions submitted in response to this RPP will be evaluated based on merit of the solution against the prototype project requirements, not against other solutions submitted in response to this RPP.

Full Proposals selected for potential award may have deliverable quantities adjusted based on funding availability and outcomes of the evaluation.

Administration The Government will retain comments and information received in response to this RPP. Proprietary information should be identified as Company Proprietary. Do not use Government security classification markings. All written responses must be received by COB on 03 August 2026. Responses should be sent by e-mail to the above points of contact with Subject Line of “[Responding Organization] - [RPP Title]”. Material that is advertisement only in nature is not desired. Respondents may review the DEVCOM SC BOTAA at https://sam.gov/opp/126eaf3a78d847f69b7c94b606877f92/view for additional areas of interest and/or preproposal submission instructions and representative POCs.