99--Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Request for Information

The United States Armys Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), on behalf of Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is pursuing a novel solution for a lightweight and low-profile Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) for both maritime and ground applications. Through this Market Survey, companies are encouraged to submit information on such systems that can integrate with the military M53 mask, as well as a Warfighters combat ensemble. Weight and size savings may be found through innovative designs and/or construction or fabrication techniques, as well as new material technologies. Information is being sought on commercial off the shelf (COTS) and developmental systems that meet the requirements listed below. Information on individual components that may enhance system functionality is also of interest. Following are the requirements for the PAPR capability. The PAPR must provide respiratory protection for user operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) contaminated environments. Please provide data or information that demonstrates compliance to each requirement. For those parameter(s) that are not met, cite any potential associated tradeoff(s) (e.g., size/weight vs. enhanced system functionality), including any operational benefits to the user, and/or state the level of effort required to bring your system into compliance with the requirement(s) not met. PAPR Requirements - Interface with the M53 mask, and provide for operator breathing hose, interchangeably on the left or right hand side, based upon user preference. - Interface with Universal 40 mm round parallel thread (DIN 3182-Rd 40 x 1/7). - Provide user-adjustable air flow rates. - Airflow: greater than 4 cubic feet per minute (cfm) / 120 liters per minute (lpm). - Must maintain respiratory protection in the event of a power loss. - Responds automatically to breathing level and adjusts air flow as necessary (desired). - Provide remote on/off capability located at mask face piece (desired). - Power source provides uninterrupted power for 8 hrs (16 hrs desired). - Indicate power source level remaining (desired). - Weight: 4.0 lbs (2.0 lbs desired); includes hose, PAPR, power source, filters and mounting attachment. - Volume: 160 in3 (desired 90 in3); includes hose, PAPR, power source, filters and mounting attachment. - Ambient Temperature Operating Range: -30F to 130F. - Provide multiple wear/mounting options (front/back mount, belt, and/or other attachment methods). - Provide emergency ditching handle to allow quick release of system (desired). - Must be low-profile, to not impede user movement in confined spaces. - Compatible with combat helmet, body armor, vision/electro-optic devices, sighting equipment, CB Personal Protective Equipment, load bearing equipment, personal communication systems, etc. PAPR /Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Hybrid System Note that this PAPR Market Survey complements a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Request for Information (RFI). The Government is also interested in integrated, SCBA/PAPR hybrid systems that meet individual SCBA and PAPR requirements as specified in their respective RFIs. Information on such hybrid products need only be submitted to one RFI (in other words, it is not necessary to submit twice). Additional hybrid system requirements are defined below: - Easily accessible controls to enable a user to manually switch between the PAPR, SCBA and non-powered Air Purifying Respirator (APR) modes. Note: APR allows the user to breathe filtered air in the non-powered mode. - Provision to automatically switch from filtered to self-contained operations when in the presence of CB agents, TICS/TIMS, or oxygen deficient environments (desired). - Provide a method for the user to monitor PAPR battery life. - Must maintain respiratory protection in the event of a power loss. Additional Information being sought: - Provide any DOT and/or NFPA/NIOSH certifications for the PAPR system. - Provide any environmental test data (e.g., MIL-STD-810; including, but not limited to shock, drop, blowing sand/dust, salt fog, blowing rain). - Provide any data on the specifications against which the CBRN Hardened PAPR has been qualified; also include any effects of decontamination on PAPR system performance. - Provide information on any configurations or technology that makes the system unique and/or characteristics or features not specifically requested here. - Provide information on other systems or components that the PAPR is compatible with. Responders are invited and encouraged to submit the following in response to this Special Notice: 1. Material technical description (i.e. fabrication, materials, construction, item dimensions, specification sheet). 2. Technology maturity (i.e., Technology Readiness Level) and availability (e.g. in production now; under development or concept - if technology is not currently available, please provide estimated timeframe). 3. Available material performance test data (Physical Property, CBRN and TIC/TIM test data, etc.). 4. Safety information (MSDS, DOT, NFPA, NIOSH CBRN, etc.). 5. Unique manufacturing requirements and production capabilities. 6. Durability estimate to include service life, etc. 7. Operational performance test data. 8. Test methods required to evaluate material performance. 9. An estimate of unit cost; please provide step pricing, if applicable. 10. Explanation of any trade-offs for the following system characteristics: item weight, size, performance (if applicable). 11. Company Size Standard and NAICS code. 12. If products are currently in use please provide customers and references (unclassified information only). This Market Survey is intended to identify the capabilities and technologies that are available in the market place for the furtherance of lightweight and modular respiration systems through improvements in new design concepts/technologies, physical configuration (construction, fabrication), component/system integration and new materials for military application. Only information related to the specific requirements above is being sought. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this announcement or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. This Market Survey shall not be construed as a request for proposal. The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for any technical information identified (e.g., limited and/or restricted rights). This Special Notice is issued by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) Natick Contracting Division, Natick, MA in support of the USSOCOM. Submit written responses via e-mail in Microsoft Office or PDF format to Rick Gallimore (contact@example.gov). Supplemental hardcopy materials such as brochures, etc. (5 copies each) may be sent to Rick Gallimore at US Army NSRDEC, ATTN: RDNS-TSE, BLDG N12-2, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760. All submissions must clearly identify the manufacturer, point of contact information, solicitation number and number of different submissions included if multiple submissions are provided. Oversight of this Market Survey will consist of a panel of Government representatives. Questions regarding this Market Survey should be directed in writing via e-mail to Rick Gallimore. Email your questions to contact@example.gov