10--Request for Information with regards to an upcoming MICH helmet solicitation

The U.S. Army RDECOM-Natick Contracting Division, Kansas Street, Natick, MA on behalf of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Program Manager, Special Operations Forces Survival, Support and Equipment Systems (PM SOF-SSES) Natick, MA has a Request for Information with regards to an upcoming MICH helmet solicitation. This upcoming solicitation is a follow on not a re-opening of the MICH-W911QY09R0019 solicitation from June 2009 for a non-commercial non-developmental Modular Integrated Communication Helmet (MICH) Product Improved Helmet System. The helmet system requirement will be IAW with a revised MICH SPEAR Helmet Performance Specification dated December 2009 (previous spec dated 28 Nov 08) and have two (2) categories of MICH Helmet shells; 1) MICH-BALLISTIC and 2) MICH-BUMP. Both helmets will have to meet all the requirements in the revised MICH specification with the exception that the MICH-BUMP helmet will not have to meet any ballistic requirements. More specifically, as stated in the revised MICH specification, both MICH helmets shall be utilized by the operator for the full spectrum of SOF mission requirements allowing operators to conduct primary or collateral functions. From insertion by various platforms and operational techniques through complex actions on the objective, to eventual extraction by various platforms and/or techniques there is a constant need for modular ballistic protection and non-ballistic bump protection. The MICH helmet system will be used throughout the spectrum of Special Operations Forces (SOF) operational continuum, from Humanitarian Assistance and Peacekeeping, through Counter-Terrorism and Counterinsurgency, to low intensity conflict and full-scale war. The environmental conditions will range from tropic to arctic and from arid desert to open ocean with weather conditions associated with these environments to include limited visibility. The MICH system helmets, the MICH-BALLISTIC and the MICH-BUMP shall provide a stable platform to accept the mounting of standard SOF Night Optical Devices, and other SOF mission essential equipment including, but not limited to, NBC equipment, communications devices, weapons, body armor and Load Carrying System. Both systems can be worn separately or together depending on the offerors design approach. The MICH-BALLISTIC is an improved MICH helmet that provides the SOF Operator with the current state of the art, or better ballistic and impact protection at a lighter weight and improved operational suitability. The MICH-BUMP shall provide the SOF operator superior protection for head impacts from non-ballistic events. It is anticipated that the MICH BUMP will be significantly lighter than the MICH- BALLISTIC and may offer increased impact performance. All Helmet mounted mission equipment shall be easily integrated and with minimal effort be removed and installed between the MICH-BALLISTIC and MICH-BUMP and vice versa. The following information is requested: 1) If an RFP is released by the end of January 2010, does your company anticipate responding to this solicitation? Is your company small or large business? 2) A modified RFP selection process and slight technical specification changes are being considered. The government is interested in getting your comments on these new requirements. Three requirements changes include: a. Not utilizing the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) specification in the initial proposal selection criteria. The new selection process will require the proposers to submit test data only in accordance with the revised MICH Performance Specification dated December 2009. Comments, concerns? b. The ballistic testing requirements in the new MICH Performance Specification call for the introduction of a new clay head form used for ballistic deformation tests which were provided to industry back in June 2009. Are there any issues with this new head form? Have you conducted any testing on this new head form? c. The government is considering a change to the side-side and top-bottom compression resistance testing. The test loading in the specification will remain unchanged (300 lbs side-side, 400 lbs top-bottom) but pass/fail criteria will now be based on a one time deflection measurement while the load is applied and then have the helmets recovery after the load is removed. Each helmet will be tested once at all of the environmental conditions listed in the MICH specification dated December 2009. The intent is to not over design the helmets while keeping them as light as possible but assure the wearers head does not get crushed during an accident or operational scenario. Comments, concerns? All interested contractors please respond to the RFI no later than 16 Dec 09. Contact Nathan Jordan at contact@example.gov if you have any questions or need additional information including a copy of the new specification.