The Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-SCIE), Personnel Airdrop Team, Natick, MA is conducting a market survey to locate potential manufacturers or suppliers of a ADS-B/TCAS Transponder (AT) for use during Military Freefall (MFF) operations. The AT will support MFF training and operations for Army Special Forces by transmitting an ADS-B signal to alert any aircraft in the area of the presence of a parachute jumper or jumpers. With the information provided by the AT, an aircraft may alter their course according to TCAS instructions to avoid a collision between aircraft and jumper, in an effort to reduce risk of injury or fatality during MFF operations. The ADS-B/TCAS Transponder shall - 1) Transmit ADS-B/TCAS messages to in range aircraft during MFF operations (T=O). MFF jumpers will be increasingly susceptible to collision paths with aircraft traffic at higher altitudes during High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) jumps. With the increased standoff ability provided by the ARAPS parachute, it is possible for parachutists to travel upwards of 50 km from the initial drop point. Parachutists have a small profile and cannot be detected by the radar and TCAS avoidance systems currently employed on commercial aircrafts. To reduce the risk of parachutist injury or fatality, an ADS-B/TCAS compliant transponder is required to alert civilian and military aircraft of a parachutist's presence in the airspace so that a potential collision can be avoided. 2) Provide ADS-B/TCAS operation from the time jumper exits aircraft to the time of landing. The transponder must provide ADS-B/TCAS messages during the entire flight of the parachutist, from exiting the aircraft to the time of landing to ensure that aircraft at all altitudes are made aware of the jumper's presence. This will necessitate the need for a dual band unit operating with both 1090ES and UAT technology for full coverage in CONUS. 3) Have a display and user function controls on the display to include an on/off and brightness switch. The brightness control shall allow for full visibility use during day or night operations (T=O). The AT shall allow a jumper to manually turn the system on and off from the display unit. Additionally, the user shall be able to manually control the brightness of the display from the display itself and adjust the system for use during day or night-time operations. 4) Provide access to basic control functions on the display unit to operate the AT (T=O). The AT shall provide a means to control the device with a set of buttons. Required functions include: ability to set a "SQUAWK CODE," ability to switch the unit from an armed state to an active state. 5) Include a barometric altimeter to automatically activate the system upon leaving the aircraft (T=O). The AT must remain in the armed state while the jumper is aboard the aircraft to prevent interference with the navigation of the plane. Upon exiting the craft, the AT must automatically switch from the armed state to the active state and begin transmitting ADS-B/TCAS signals. 6) Function at altitudes up to 24,999 ft, to minimum temperatures of -30 F, and maximum temperatures of 120 F (T); at altitudes up to and including 35,000 ft, minimum temperatures of -60 F, and maximum temperatures greater than 120 F (O). Current HAHO missions require navigation equipment to function at extreme altitudes up to 35,000 ft, and extreme temperatures as low as -60 F. 7) Be powered by a replaceable battery power source that shall last 3 hours (T) to 6 hours (O) of continuous usage. The AT must be self contained and run for a minimum of 3 hours of continuous use. 8) Have a weight (including display, power source and all associated hardware) of no more than 5 lbs (T), 2.5 lbs (O). The weight of a jumper during a HAHO mission is already substantial and includes the weight of the helmet, oxygen system, communication system, and during night operations- night vision devices, as well as other gear and weapons. The AT system shall therefore be as light as possible to not overburden the soldier. 9) Be compatible with current military free fall equipment solutions. This includes the MICH/ACH/BUMP ACH helmets, currently approved night vision devices, MC-4, T-11, MC-6 and ARAPS parachutes and associated gear (T=O). The AT shall be compatible with all current and future MFF gear. 10) The unit shall be operable in a MFF environment and all stages of a MFF operation (T=O). The AT will be operated in a MFF environment and must satisfy all Military Standards regulating mechanical shock, vibration, and temperature. Additionally, the AT will be used in an EMI rich environment due. This will include exposure to the Joint Precision Airdrop (JPADS) Self-Contained Kit, MBTR Radios, JPADS cargo bundles, jumper navigation computers and the aircraft electrical system. The AT must also be able to operate effectively in the presence of multiple AT units. This will be up to 24 units used in close proximity to one another. All interested firms and manufacturers, regardless of size, are encouraged to respond to this request for information. Information submissions should include available technology, product literature and illustrations, and relevant company background/experience. Available product pricing will also be provided as part of the information submission. If a company does not possess a commercial product currently capable of satisfying these requirements but is interested in developing this technology the POC for this Sources Sought notice will accept a white paper detailing development plans to include schedule and funding requirements. Information submissions must be received by 31 January 2011. Responses to this notice should be directed to: Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment, Personnel Airdrop Team, ATTN: Brian Huffman, Natick, MA 01760-5057 or e-mail to
contact@example.gov. All information supplied will be considered confidential, unless otherwise specified by the firm or available from other sources without restriction. This Market Survey is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be taken as a future commitment by NSRDEC.
