42 -- Sources Sought/Request for Information for Information for

This is a notice that the Naval Air Systems Command, Aircrew Systems (NAVAIR-PMA202) of Patuxent River, MD seeks information and product samples of commercially available - quick-don survival suits for emergency Naval aviation ditching and bailout. Such quick-don suits may be considered as possible replacements for the USN CWU-60/P. The CWU-60/P is a survival suit that is stored aboard P-3 and C-130 aircraft. The primary function of the suit is to provide cold-water immersion protection. In the event of a cold-overwater emergency, crewmembers quickly don the suits, and either strap in for ditching in the water or don parachute harnesses for bailing out over water. The general requirements for a quick-donning survival suit are: 1) provide 6 hour thermal protection in 45 degree seas; 2) provide positive flotation in a face-up orientation without autorotation when used in conjunction with the LPU-37/P life preserver; 3) enable boarding of the multi-place life raft (LRU-32/P); 4) donning over normal flight clothing not to exceed 2 minutes time to include survival vest and parachute harness; 5) compatible with AIRSAVE CMU-33 survival vest; 6) compatible with NB-8, NC-3, and - thin-pack parachute and harness; 7) adjustable in length to fit short (5'0) and tall (6'4) wearers; 8) allow use of hands for strapping in, raft boarding, and signaling; 9) no new inspection, repair or other support equipment; 10) not to exceed 15 pounds per unit; 11) flame resistant; 12) 12'dia x16'length stowed dimensions; 13) helo-hoist capability; 14) helmet-compatible insulated hood; and 15) user activated visibility. Product samples and specification sheets are requested from all interested sources at no cost to the Government. Photographs (not drawings) are acceptable in lieu of product samples (front, back, inside-out front, and inside-out back). Proprietary data MUST be marked on a page-by-page basis, and will be kept confidential and protected in accordance with the Uniform Trades Secret Act. Interested sources shall state whether their sample is available commercially, made domestically of domestic textiles (Berry compliant), and the approximate leadtime to acquire 4000 units. Companies responding to this request for information should send all responses to DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, AIRCRAFT SUPPORT CONTRACTS DEPARTMENT (Air 2.5.1.3), ATTN: Terressa Bebout, Code 2.5.1.3.2.5, 21983 Bundy Road Unit 7 Bldg 441, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1127. Responses should be submitted by 15 May 2006. All correspondence shall reference the synopsis number 2513254681-313 on the mailing container and all enclosed documents. Interested companies should indicate whether or not they are a small, small disadvantaged, 8(a), or large business. Respondents must clarify if their firm can provide commercial or non-developmental items that could be modified, or the technology and expertise for development, to meet the Government's needs. Please address all technical questions to Wendy Todd, Code 4.6.8.1, (301) 342-9224. Proprietary information MUST be marked as such, on a page-by-page basis. This announcement is NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL nor does the Government intend to pay for any information/items submitted in response to this synopsis. This synopsis does not commit the Government to award a contract. This synopsis is for market research only and any procurement resulting from this announcement will be synopsized separately.