13--Rifle launched grapnel hook to provide dismounted troops the ability to identify and mitigate trip wire IEDs.

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS: This synopsis neither constitutes a Request for Proposal or Invitation for Bid, nor does it restrict the Government to an ultimate acquisition approach. This Sources Sought Synopsis should not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION: no award will be made as a result of this request. This request is for informational purposes only. All interested parties are encouraged to respond to this synopsis. The Government will not pay for information and materials received in response to this synopsis and is in no way obligated by the information received. 1. SCOPE: 1.1 Background: The mission of the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF) is to rapidly increase mission capability while reducing risk to Soldiers and others by equipping operational commanders with off-the-shelf (government or commercial) solutions or near-term developmental items that can be researched, developed and acquired quickly. The REF receives requirements from operational commanders in war zones setting forth the capabilities needed. The REF is chartered by the Senior Army leadership to provide material solutions to meet these requirements in a significantly reduced timeline compared to traditional Department of Defense acquisition procedures. 1.2 The purpose of this RFI is to obtain potential solutions for a rifle launched grapnel hook to provide dismounted troops the ability to identify and mitigate trip wire IEDs. Alternative solutions submitted by companies responding to this RFI will also be considered. 2.3 Experience and information obtained from this request for information will be provided to Army Product Manager REF who will evaluate the information and feasibility of issuing a procurement action to resolve the stated problem. 2. REQUIREMENTS: 2.1 The REF has an immediate need for an IED defeat system that will provide US Forces adequate standoff to identify and defeat trip wire IEDs while conducting dismounted operations. The system will operate during day, night and all weather conditions. 2.1. The system must be similar to GRAPNEL,TRIPWIRE NSN 1095-01-412-4150 with BAG ASSEMBLY,TRAINING NSN 1095-01-413-9232 2.2. The system must provide a minimum of 100 meter standoff for dismounts in the event an IED detonates. 2.3. The system must have the ability to detect or pre-detonate trip wire IEDs. 2.4. The system must be easy to operate. 2.5. The system must be launched from a standard military M4 Carbine Rifle. 2.6. If any part of the system utilizes the inside of the rifle's barrel, then it should not exceed a diameter of .865 inches. 2.7. System must have the ability to be operational within 30 seconds. 2.8. Must be light enough to be carried by a dismounted Soldier 2.9. The system must be significantly robust to operate in a rugged environment. 2.9.1. Operating Temperature Range: -30 Celsius to +60 Celsius. 2.9.2. Must be able to sustain extensive dust, sand, snow and wind. 2.10. System must be an off-the-shelf (government or commercial) or a near term developmental item (no more than 120 days). 2.11. System must be easily transportable by personnel or vehicle. 3. INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS/DELIVERABLES: Specific information on industry capability to produce a system that can meet the requirements identified in paragraph 2 above, or otherwise solves the problem of providing adequate standoff for dismounted troops and IED defeat. This is NOT a Request for Proposal. Companies who desire to participate in this market survey are encouraged to submit a white paper which supports the company's claim that it presently has the technology, qualifications, and capabilities to satisfy one or more of the performance and technical objectives described above. The white paper should discuss the company's ability to develop and or provide existing technologies to detect or pre-detonate trip wire IEDs in Afghanistan. Company should provide a ROM (rough order of magnitude) price and its anticipated delivery date for the solution proposed. The white paper should also discuss related company experience and include point(s) of contact. The white paper should be prepared in MS Word, limited to ten (10) pages, and submitted electronically to the APG Contracting Specialist. RESPONSES ARE DUE NO LATER THAN MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2011 AT 5:00 PM EST. The company shall be responsible for any costs associated with preparing responses to this market research. All requests for further information must be made in writing or via email; telephone requests for additional information will not be honored. The government will review submissions as they are received. The government reserves the right to close this Sources Sought Synopsis once they have received adequate response(s). For questions potential respondents shall contact the APG Contract Specialist. Email communication is highly encouraged.