53--Web Straps, Suspension Systems, Quick Release Attachments, Hanging Mechanisims, Quick Release Fasteners

Request for Information: This is a Request for Information (RFI). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain knowledge and information for project planning purposes. Background: The Joint Program Manager for Collective Protection (JPM-CP) has overarching responsibility for the research, development, design, and acquisition of mobile, transportable shelters that provide collective protection (COLPRO) against the effects of chemical and biological (CB) agents. COLPRO shelters typically provide protection for missions such as tactical operation centers, field hospitals and areas of rest and relief from the burden of wearing individual protection. JPM-CP has a number of existing and planned programs for COLPRO shelters, such as the CB Protective Shelter and the Joint Expeditionary Collective Protection (JECP) System. Purpose and Objective: The objective of this RFI is to identify potential suppliers/manufacturers of products (suspension systems / hanging mechanisms) to suspend fabric components from the shelter frames or air beams of COLPRO shelters. Suspension systems typically fall into several categories including but not limited to: " web straps with plastic or metal buckles " die cut plastic straps with inter-locking ends " metal clasps such as carabineers or S hooks " hook and loop fasteners by themselves, or in conjunction with web straps Suspension systems on COLPRO liners are used to suspend the liner when it is not in over-pressure mode. They are also used to transmit loads associated with interior lighting, map boards, and medical equipment to the support systems of the shelter. Individual suspension points will ideally support in excess of 100 lbs. Suspension systems should be easy for soldiers to use and not involve addition tools or equipment in the field. They should also be easy and inexpensive for the end item manufacturers to install onto COLPRO liner systems. This RFI is for both domestic and foreign products; however, products used in DoD procurements must eventually meet the requirements of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation System DFARS Sub Part 225-7002. Products that do not contain textile components may not be affected by this regulation. Capability statement /information sought: Respondents may at their option provide a capability statement White Paper or alternatively, existing marketing or technical product brochures that describe the capability of their suspension systems for the intended COLPRO functions. White Papers shall be limited to four (4) pages, accompanying or alternative product literature shall be limited to twelve (12) pages. This RFI seeks existing products that are at a Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of 8 or above. However, products that are at a MRL of 6 or 7 will be considered. Responses may be sent via email to contact@example.gov, or via regular mail to U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Command, ATTN: RDNS-STF (Thomas Larkham), 15 Kansas St., Natick, MA 01760-5018 or via Facsimile at +1 (555) 000-0000. Responses are requested by 30 September 2009. Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement and may lead to the development of a solicitation. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Any solicitation resulting from the analysis of information obtained will be announced to the public in Federal Business Opportunities in accordance with the FAR Part 5. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).