16 -- Cushioning Systems for Crashworthy/Ejection Seating Systems

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR NEW OR PROVEN CUSHIONING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS THAT COULD ENHANCE OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION FOR NAVAL EJECTION SEATS, CRASHWORTHY SEATING SYSTEMS, AND FIXED SEATS. The Aircrew Escape and Crashworthy Systems Fleet Support team (NAVAIR PMA ?202J) / Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division is requesting information (RFI) from potential sources for the following specific requirements. The U.S. Navy is interested in information regarding new or proven cushioning technologies and products that could enhance occupant crash protection for Naval ejection seats, crashworthy seating systems, and fixed seats. The technologies and products would need to be capable of being developed and integrated into existing and future Naval and joint service vehicles. Of particular interest are innovative approaches that could increase occupant crash protection, and survivability at mishap scenarios, support ejection loads, meet ergonomic and physiological considerations, and meet applicable federal/military regulations. Also of particular interest are systems that could be deployed with reduced cost and weight penalties when compared to conventional approaches. Examples of the types of technologies and products sought include the following: Cushioning systems that could improve occupant crash protection, relieve long mission fatigue, and reduce long-term injuries. Systems that could reduce the vertical component of ejection and/or crash accelerations transmitted to aircrew and passengers and enhancement of ergonomic design should be considered. Cushioning systems that will compliment/enhance the performance of ejection-seating systems. Systems that could improve ejection load absorption and restraint for ejection seat equipped aircraft; loads incurred during mishaps or high G maneuvers. Systems that will minimize fatigue and increase comfort during long missions. Systems that could reduce the probability and severity of head, torso, and limb contact injuries and fatigue for crashworthy/ejection seats. Concepts are sought that could complement or enhance the performance of existing occupant restraint systems. Systems that could retain or enhance current cockpit ergonomics, human factors considerations: anthropometrics, work-space envelopes, crewmember control clearances, grips, reach ability, visual display design-eyes criteria, restraint systems effectiveness, body posture, contouring, cushioning etc. Systems that could facilitate the rapid post-crash emergency egress of aircrew and passengers in ground mishaps and over-water mishaps in which escape often occurs underwater, inverted, and in darkness. Systems that maintain or enhance the reduction of resonance, damping frequency amplification, and vibration transmission effects resulting from vibrations encountered in long missions aboard turbo-propeller aircraft and high G maneuvers. The Navy is interested in minimizing crew compartment accelerations and forces transmitted to the occupant during normal missions, to reduce occupants? chronic long-time injuries and disabilities, to enhance emergency ejection occupant?s protection, and reduce aircrew fatigue due to long missions with innovative design solutions. The North American Industry Classification system (NAICS) is 541330. Interested parties are requested to submit a brief one-page statement demonstrating their capability to perform the services listed above. Interested sources should clarify if their product is commercially available or if the product would be a non-developmental item that could be modified to meet the governments needs. Related information, brochures, photos, concept papers, copies of drawings, may be submitted to contact@example.gov, or to the following address: Crashworthy and Escape Systems, ATTN: Ms. Zoraida Vega Rodriguez , Code 4.6.2.2 Bldg 2187, Suite 1280-B8, NAVAIRSYSCOMHQ, 48110 Shaw Road, Unit 5, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1906. OR to contact@example.gov, or to the following address: Escape and Egress Systems, ATTN: Ms. Jackie Figiel, Code 4.6.2.1 Bldg 2187, Suite 1280-D9, NAVAIRSYSCOMHQ, 48110 Shaw Road, Unit 5, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1906. Interested sources should also indicate whether or not they are a small, small disadvantaged, 8 (a), or large business. The Government is not committed nor obligated to pay for the information provided and no basis for claims against the Government Shall arise as a result of a response to this RFI or Government use of such information. No solicitation documents exist and no further information is available at this time. The deadline for response to this request is 21 November 2002.