99 -- Rotatable Bayonet Receiver

1. This is a Request for Information (RFI) announcement. This is not a solicitation for proposals and no contract will be awarded as a direct result of this RFI. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this synopsis or on any follow-up information requests. The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of potentially qualified sources. Please do not request a copy of a solicitation. 2. The Government is seeking, for preliminary planning purposes only, experienced sources capable of delivering a new technology/capability for the Aircrew Life Support (ALS) community. The required capability is a Rotatable Bayonet Receiver (RBR) for aircrew flight helmets. This capability may be considered for application throughout all Major Commands (MAJCOMS) and may need to accommodate design differences between various oxygen masks in the AF supply inventory. 3. Current bayonet receivers are not designed to allow for an ALS or Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) technicians to make rapid changes in the fit of an aircrew member?s oxygen mask. The Air Force is seeking information on an RBR that provides ALS personnel the capability to quickly adjust aircrew flight helmet bayonet receivers. Due to the design differences (angle) of the bayonets installed on MBU-5/P, 12/P, 20/P & 20A/P oxygen masks, it is difficult to properly integrate the helmet with the Aircrew Eye & Respiratory Protective (AERP) system. If the bayonet receiver rotates, ALS/AFE technicians could simply change the "receiving" angle on the helmet mounted bayonet receivers which would allow proper fit of an AERP mask and quickly convert back to a MBU-20/P fit. 4. As a minimum the Air Force is seeking information on technology which will: a. Provide a minimum of 30 degrees of rotation plus or minus 15 degrees from a nominal position. b. Provide capability to lock the receiver in position once adequate angle/fit is obtained. c. Provide the capability of "free hinging" consistent with currently fielded hinged bayonet receivers. d. Hinge capability must be available for both left and right side as mounted on aircrew flying helmets. e. Provide capability for receiver to be installed in a fixed position on both left and right side as mounted on aircrew flying helmets. f. Anti-snag and slick capability must be available for both left and right side as mounted on aircrew flying helmets. g. Use of standard tools for installation on aircrew flying helmets. h. Hardware used to attach the receiver to the aircrew flying helmet will be Phillips head screws. i. If additional hardware (Screws) is required, the use of Phillips head will be consistent throughout design. j. Integrate with all current and planned (post milestone B) ALS equipment. k. Adjustments accessible only by ALS/AFE personnel. l. No training required for ALS/AFE personnel to install on aircrew flying helmets. m. Metal parts must be kept to a minimum as to not interfere with Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System magnetic field mapping. n. Compatible on both HGU-55/P and HGU-55A/P aircrew flying helmets. o. Provide ALS/AFE personnel the capability to adjust the "angle" of receiver from outside of helmet with standard tools commonly found in ALS shops. p. Meet or exceed current MIL SPEC standards of bayonet receivers currently utilized on aircrew flight helmets in the AF supply inventory. q. Be logistically sustainable, stock listed and supported via current aircrew helmet technical order guidance. r. Color similar to currently fielded bayonet receivers. s. Operability: Allow aircrew to operate hinge capability with one gloved Mission Oriented Protective Posture -4 hand. t. Mean Time Before Failure rate will remain consistent with currently fielded hinged bayonet receivers. 5. As a minimum the Government is seeking information on an RBR which has the following characteristics: a. All performance specification thresholds meet or exceeds the thresholds in the current bayonet receiver b. This technology/capability will be available no later than 14 December 2007. c. At least 95% of test data will be available no later than 14 December 2007. d. Test data/reports will be made available for government review and will include, but not be limited to: weight, wind blast, centrifuge, sled. e. The bayonet receivers is available in kits to retrofit the existing HGU-55/P and HGU-55A/P aircrew flying helmets. 7. Please forward all responses to the following points of contacts: Mr. Rick Williams, 210-536-4728 (richard.williams@brooks.af.mil); Ms. Priscilla Cruz, 210-536-2068 (Priscilla.cruz@brooks.af.mil)