Custom Biometric Ear Protection

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, MD, intends to award a sole-source contract to Custom Biometric Wearables, Inc. (doing business as AwareCBW) for the digital scanning and manufacturing of custom ear molds.

This contract will support the procurement of advanced hearing protection solutions for Naval Aviation aircrew and flight-line personnel. The capability to digitally scan an ear canal, transmit the digital file to the manufacturer, and produce a finished custom hearing protection device has been established and validated within NAVAIR. A 2023 NAWCAD study rigorously compared earplugs made from physical molds to those produced using digital scanning methods across multiple vendors. The study confirmed that digital scanning methods provide superior accuracy, reliability, and performance, making them the optimal solution for Naval Aviation requirements.

Custom ear molds manufactured through this process offer significant operational benefits, including:

• Improved Speech Intelligibility: Enhanced communication capabilities for aviators, critical during high-stakes missions.
• Superior Noise Attenuation: Reduced exposure to harmful noise levels, ensuring compliance with hearing conservation standards.
• CEP Compatibility: Integration with Communications Earplug (CEP) systems via a precision-engineered hole for audio cable insertion, enabling seamless functionality.

The proposed contract actions for the digital scanning and manufacturing of custom ear molds are those for which the Government intends to negotiate with only one source under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.302-1 , "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements."  Custom Biometric Wearables, Inc. is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the eFit scanner, which is the only scanner currently capable of meeting the Navy's stringent requirements for precision digital imaging of ear canals. The eFit Scanner is the only non-contact optical 3D scanner system utilizing radial illumination to capture the true geometry of the ear and ear canal past the second bend with dimensional accuracy less than 90 microns. In addition to providing the proprietary eFit scanning technology, Custom Biometric Wearables, Inc. possesses the in-house manufacturing capability to produce up to 2,000 custom hearing protection devices and Communications Earplugs (CEP) within 60 days of receipt of digital scan data.As the sole designer, developer, and manufacturer of the eFit scanner, Custom Biometric Wearables, Inc. possesses the proprietary knowledge, technical expertise, and manufacturing capabilities necessary to deliver custom ear molds that meet the operational needs of Naval Aviation. This sole-source acquisition is critical to ensuring the safety, readiness, and operational effectiveness of Naval Aviation personnel.

THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. Interested parties, however, may identify their interest and capability by responding to the requirement with a capability statement. The Government will consider all information received prior to the closing date of this synopsis. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No phone inquiries will be entertained. Responses shall be made in writing via e-mail to the attention of Ms. Amy Wescott using the contact information provided in this synopsis. Companies interested in subcontracting opportunities should contact Custom Biometric Wearables, Inc.