Improved Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM)

Request for Information (RFI): Improved Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM)

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. IT IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 10 responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Please Respond by May 24, 2019 at 3:00 pm EST.

Description

The Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM SCIE) is seeking information pertaining to potential improvements to the Army's Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM). The current POM supplies the parachutist with oxygen from a single high-pressure oxygen bailout bottle using dilution-demand technology. The aneroid in the current POM regulator provides the parachutist appropriate dilution ratios of aviator grade breathing oxygen and ambient air based on altitude. The Army is interested in a more oxygen-efficient delivery system that in conjunction with bailout bottles of up to 400 liter capacity will allow the parachutist to conduct the high altitude/stand-off infiltrations made possible by the RA-1. A secondary area of interest is the minimizing of flash freezing of the POM regulator at high moisture/low temperature (-65 F) environments. Mitigating this condition will reduce the probability of hypoxia and oxygen related incidents or injuries. The desired approach will improve the overall performance of the POM.

The PM SCIE is seeking information on O2 items that are currently available or that utilize new technologies, along with supporting information (calculations, test reports, photos, etc.) indicating the level of technical maturity. Technical Readiness Level (TRL) should be 5 or higher. The PM is interested in complete mask systems as well as components. The government anticipates purchasing test assets through future solicitations based on the market research provided by this RFI.

Planned evaluation will consist of bench top and chamber testing to validate performance, followed by high altitude personnel drops to verify operational suitability and effectiveness.

Responses should include the following:

• Information on oxygen mask components which are compatible with and can be easily integrated into the existing POM and/or complete oxygen mask systems.
• Supporting information (calculations, test reports, photos, etc.) indicating the levels of technical maturity of the system and/or component
• Lead times for systems and/or individual components to provide test assets for each of the following: initial evaluation, Developmental Testing (DT) and Operational Testing (OT).
• Production capability and ramp up time to reach full production capability
• Requirements for integrating individual components with the existing POM system, if applicable.
• Current price information for systems and/or components

Desirable Attributes / Technical Requirements
• The POM shall be capable of delivering the parachutist a sufficient concentration of O2 to prevent hypoxia during pre-breathe, descent and landing [Threshold (T) = Objective (O)].
• The POM shall provide the parachutist with sufficient O2 for minimum of 45 minute parachutist descent using a 400 liter capacity bottle (T). Shall provide the parachutist with sufficient supply of O2 for minimum 1 hour descent using 225 liter capacity bottle system (O).
• POM shall have reliability of 0.95 @ 90% confidence level without occurrence of system abort or system failure (T). Shall have reliability of greater than (>) 0.95 at 90 percent (90%) confidence level without occurrence of system abort or system failure (O).
• Use of Aviator's Breathing Oxygen (ABO) shall not degrade POM components or safety (T=O).
• Test equipment to monitor POM performance as required (T=O).
• Shall operate at temperatures ranging from -45 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to 120 degrees F and humidity ranging from zero to 100 percent (100%) condensing, in non-cold soak environment (T). Shall operate at temperatures ranging from -65 degrees F to 140 degrees F and humidity ranging from zero to 100% condensing, in non-cold soak environment (O).
• Shall remain operable in predominantly sand and dust environment without any additional support requirements beyond those for current O2 equipment (T=O).
• Scheduled maintenance intervals should not exceed those currently scheduled (T=O).

Administrative

The government is conducting this market research to identify potential improvements, acquire information on the types and sizes of businesses that will be able to compete on future contracting actions, potential costs, as well as delivery capabilities.

Interested firms are requested to submit relevant information on their company within thirty (30) days following the publication of this RFI. Any relevant company background/experience, business category, costs, and any other information that the company believes demonstrates their value / ability to meet the aforementioned requirements should be included. All information and evaluation results will be controlled and used for governmental purposes only.

Responses to this notice are to be sent to Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE) 5981 13th St, Bldg 1155, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 or emailed to Mr. Michael Ryan at Michael.p.ryan201.civ@mail.mil. This notice is for information only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. No solicitation document exists for this action.

Non-Disclosure Agreements may be requested from Danny Soto at danny.soto.civ@mail.mil and Matthew Buchanan at matthew.r.buchanan6.civ@mail.mil

The point of contact for questions concerning this RFI is Mr. Michael Ryan at Michael.p.ryan201.civ@mail.mil.

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