84--Vertical Ascent Free Solo Climb System

The Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center is conducting a market survey to improve upon its existing tactical vertical ascent/climbing system, utilized for vertical ascent of a steel structure (i.e. ships, towers, buildings, etc. ). The existing system consists of 2 hand and 2 foot magnetic climbing devices. An improved system is not restricted to using magnets, but it must allow for free solo climbing capabilities (i.e. self-sufficient system not relying on hooks, ropes, etc.) . It shall weigh no more than 25 lbs total, be worn or used in conjunction with various boots and gloves, manufactured from non-corrosive materials, not contain dissimilar metals, and shall not require a power source for operation. The devices shall be c apable of carrying a load of at least 250 lbs threshold (300 lbs is the objective) from any 2 points of contact without slippage, capable of operation in all environments (including land, maritime, wet, dry, cold, hot), and, if applicable, easily donned/do ffed. The system shall have an ergonomic design to minimize operator fatigue. An operator should be able to easily engage/disengage the device onto/off of a surface. Mechanical advantage is desirable. It is also desirable that the system be as quiet as possible. (i.e. minimize the slamming of magnets onto a surface). CAD drawings of the existing magnetic climbing systems are available upon request. Interested sources are requested to submit a whitepaper with the following: Conceptual drawings/sketches for a vertical ascent/free solo climb system that demonstrates human factor research, manufacturing analysis, and material exploration; Define which co mponents are commercially available vs. developmental; Summary of company capabilities: organizations, name/address/POC, capabilities, description of facilities/equipment, industrial design capability/process, manufacturing process, prototyping capability, personnel, possible partnering/teaming arrangements; and whether company is a small or large business; Other qualifications/technical data relevant to the industrial design, mechanical analysis, development and production of the climbing system should be included; (OPTIONAL) Provide a sample system. This market survey is for informational and planning purposes only, does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), and is not to be construed as a commitment by the U. S. Government. The Government implies no intention or opportunity to acquire funding to support current or future development efforts. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this market survey. All information is to be submitted at no cost or o bligation to the Government. The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any private sector input as a result of this market survey. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this survey or results of information submitted. Any information submitted will not be returned. If a firm chooses to submit samples they must pre-coordinate the shipment with the POC below. No payment will be made by the Government for such samples, and the samples will be returned at each company's re quest and each company desiring to submit or have a sample returned shall arrange for shipment at no cost to the Government. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Mr. Jonathan Rich, +1 (555) 000-0000, contact@example.gov, PM-SOF Survival Systems, D218 Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, 15 Kansas Street, ATTN: AMSRD-NSC-AD, Natick, MA 01760-5019. Submitted information must be provided in both hard-copy and electronic CD or DVD format.