84--Materials, components, items and/or systems that could be utilized to provide percutaneous chemical biological individual protection (CB-IP)

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center (NSC), on behalf of the Joint Project Manager - Individual Protection (JPM-IP) is conducting a market survey for technical information from vendors of developmental and commercially available materials, components, items and/or systems that could be utilized to provide percutaneous chemical biological individual protection (CB-IP). This market survey will supplement information obtained from previous solicitations including USA-SNOTE-070322-009 [Lightweight Chemica l-Biological Protective Garment (LCBPG)] and W911QY07RMJP1 (CB Protective Aircrew). Information provided in response to these previous solicitations does not need to be re-submitted. Information will be used to support trade space analysis related to avi ation, ground, and shipboard CB-IP materials, components, end items, and design concepts and will be used to help shape the next-generation Joint Chemical Ensemble (JCE). The JPMIP is interested in enhancing overall system performance in the areas of the rmal burden reduction, improved sweat management, reduction of overall weight and bulk, improved mobility, and improved tactility and dexterity (handwear and footwear). The desired end-state is to fully integrate CB protection into the combat duty uniform . Evolving multi-tiered CB protection requirements indicate the need to identify, develop and field a family of technologies and end items that either singly, or in combination with other technologies and end items, meet the varying mission speci fic requirements across the broad warfighter spectrum. The key to success is the balance among factors related to CB protection [Chemical Warfare/Biological Warfare (CW/BW) agents and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs), challenge levels and protection tim e, environmental effects, operational contaminant effects, etc.], physiological burden (thermal stress, mobility restriction, comfort, tactility and dexterity), logistics (durability, launderability, reparability, shelf life, weight and volume, storage req uirements), and cost. Focus of the trade space analysis will be based on the specific threat and mission profiles. The need for a wide range of operational capabilities is anticipated including CB protection against challenge levels from 1 to 10 grams/m2 liquid and 500 to 5000 mg-min/m3 vapor and aerosol (across an operationally representative threat profile). Additionally, protection time ranging from 8 to 24 hours is anticipated. Any and all CB related IP technologies including disposables, tr aditional CB limited service life items (15-45 days), and full military service life items (replacement for standard duty uniforms) are of interest (foreign and domestic). Products that support mounted (air and ground vehicle), dismounted (ground and ship board), and amphibious assault/littoral operations are of interest. Multi-functional products are highly desirable (e.g. anti-exposure + CB; flame retardant + CB; anti-microbial + CB, etc.). Ultimate end items of interest include undergarments, overgarmen ts, duty uniforms, handwear, footwear, and hoods). Vapor only protective products are of interest. In a departure from previous military CB-IP, the next generation solution will not necessarily have to function under all threat scenarios or mission profil es. Tailored solutions are of interest. Respondents should focus on describing their products with respect to how they contribute to the desired non-CB protection enhancements and factors identified above along with identifying the level and type of CB protection offered (identify CW/BW agents and /or TICs addressed, challenge levels and protection time, environmental effects, operational contaminant effects, etc.). Respondents should also include a detailed description of the product/material te chnology, actual or estimated unit cost, any available test results (including test method utilized) which demonstrate the trade space analysis factors identifi ed above, current users/product applications, status of manufacturing and production, and any unique or proprietary construction requirements related to the products. For developmental products, estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for both the dev elopmental material and the fabrication method of the material technology should also be included. This is a market survey and is not a pre-solicitation notice. Nothing shall be construed herein or through the market survey process to commit or obl igate the U.S. Government to further action as a result of this market survey. Firms responding to this market survey shall bear all risk and expense of any resources used to provide the requested information, and all information submitted in response to this request shall become the property of the U.S. Government and will not be returned to the submitter. Respondents must submit their product brochures, technical data, or other information concerning performance and cost by COB on 29 February 200 8. Submit data/information to Natick Research Development and Engineering Center (Attention Joint Shield Cell, D215) AMSRD-NSC-WS-TJ, Kansas St, Natick Ma 01760. E-mail responses and questions to U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems to contact@example.gov rmy.mil