42--Light-weight Modular Integrated Communication Helmet (MICH) Product Improved helmet

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 requirement for a non-commercial non-developmental Light-weight Modular Integrated Communication Helmet (MICH) Product Improved Helmet. This is a pre-solicitation notice and not a RFP. The Government anticipates a full and open competitive RFP. It is anticipated that a final Fedbizopps Announcement and solicitation will be released in January 2011 with proposals due an estimated 45 days after release of the solicitation. The Light-weight MICH is an improved MICH helmet that provides the SOF Operator current state of the art, ballistic and current or greater impact protection. The Lightweight MICH meets or exceeds all of the current MICH helmet requirements with the added benefit of lighter weight. The Lightweight MICH 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 ballistic protection. The Lightweight MICH helmet 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 Lightweight MICH shall provide a stable platform to accept the mounting of standard SOF Night Optical Devices, and other mission essential equipment. The Lightweight MICH shall be compatible with NBC equipment, communications devices, weapons, body armor and Load Carrying System. The Government anticipates awarding a Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract with one (1) Sixty (60) month Ordering Period. The Government reserves the right to make a single award or no award as a result of this Solicitation. Contract minimum and maximum limitations may be satisfied by any combination of orders. Funds will be obligated for quantities ordered upon issuance of delivery orders, and not by the basic contract. In accordance with FAR 15.306(a) (3), it is the intent of the Government to evaluate proposals and may award without discussions. When released, the solicitation, including all amendments and applicable documents (with the exception of patterns, if applicable) will only be available in electronic medium at US Army RDECOM Natick Contracting Division at https://www3.natick.army.mil. NOTICE: Complete proposals shall contain Contractors technical, manufacturability, past performance, price and sub-contracting areas to include certified ballistic testing data and Product Demonstration Samples(PDSs) (3 PDSs in a three hole, light coyote color in accordance with the RFP). NOTICE: All risk and costs associated with the preparation, completion, or submission of proposals belongs solely to the vendor. NOTICE: All data contained herein is for information only and is subject to change. In the event of discrepancy between the information shown on this Web Page and the actual solicitation documents, the actual solicitation documents and amendments there to shall govern. For a copy of the Performance Specification please email Nathan Jordan at contact@example.gov