42--Ruggedized Noise Canceling Hearing Protection

The U.S. Army Project Manager Soldier Warrior is conducting a market investigation to identify sources for a ruggedized electronic, noise canceling hearing protection component for possible application to Army warrior platforms. Warrior platforms in clude mounted and dismounted soldiers with communications equipment that operate in high noise environments. Audio environments encompass low frequency vehicle machinery noise and spike-type noises such as gunfire and cannon fire. Electronic hearing prot ection systems must be able to protect the user from the effects of these types of noises, while permitting normal conversation. Candidate electronic noise canceling systems must be able to operate in a military environment. This includes rain, water, sa lt atmosphere, sand, mud, dust and temperature extremes. Vehicle noise levels can reach 115 decibels (dBA). Identified solutions must be able to reduce machinery noise levels by at least 25dbA across a range of frequencies from 250hz or less to 4Khz and higher, while permitting normal conversation to be heard by the user. The Government envisions use of a combined microphone and earphone integrated with the noise canceling hearing protection to be used for electronic communications. Small size, compatib ility for use with helmets, low weight and low power consumption are key performance factors. The Government intends to identify candidates that are currently in production and then conduct testing of alternatives before any acquisition strategy is finali zed. This request for information is for planning purposes only; this is not a Request for Quotations or Proposals. No solicitation document exists, and the Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of information received. All interested firm s, regardless of size, with candidate products that may meet the desired performance characteristics, are encouraged to respond to this request for information by providing a description of the product with validated data, including model/part number, weig ht, size, power consumption, noise canceling and attenuation performance, and degree of integration with microphone and speaker for communications use. Responses may be sent via email to Darrell Dodds at contact@example.gov.