99--Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) 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 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) 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 SCBA capability. 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. Two (2) types of systems that provide the user with breathable media are being sought. The first is a 'CBRN Hardened' system, which will provide respiratory protection for operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear contaminated environments. The second is a 'Non-CBRN Hardened' system, allowing for easy movement in non-CBRN ground and maritime applications. Please provide the appropriate data for each system. SCBA Requirements - Contains self-contained breathable medium for operations in Chemical/Biological (CB) contaminated environments and/or confined HAZMAT environments. - Interface with the M53 mask, and provide for operator breathing hose, interchangeably on the left or right hand side, based upon user preference. - Provide a minimum of 1 hour of self-contained breathing medium; 4 hours desired. - The SCBA cylinders will be Department of Transportation (DOT) certified for transportation in any approved military, military contract, or commercial sea, air, or land vehicle. - Capable of using different size cylinders (desired). - Capable of using different cylinders with different gases independent of each other, allowing for integration of non-respiratory gas cylinders (desired). - Provide a method for the user to monitor the SCBA cylinder pressure level. - Provide a means to display the fill status of each cylinder and the type of gas each cylinder contains (desired). - Must have a High Pressure Recharge Port. Provide recharging capability in the field to facilitate a rapid refill while in use without the need to bleed-down the system when connecting or disconnecting the high pressure hose. - Provide a Low Pressure Outlet Port that allows for a 'buddy breathing' capability (desired). - Weight: 30 lbs (22 lbs desired); includes SCBA, fully charged cylinder(s), hose(s), and mounting hardware. - Volume: 1.5 ft3 (1.0 ft3 desired); includes SCBA, fully charged cylinder(s), hose(s), and mounting hardware. - Ambient Temperature Operating Range: -30 to 130F. - Provide multiple wear/mounting options (e.g., front/back mount, belt, and/or other attachment methods). - Provide emergency ditching handle to allow quick release of system. - 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. - Interface with Universal 40 mm round parallel thread (DIN 3182-Rd 40 x 1/7). - Provide a low air volume indicator and/or reserve capability. SCBA/ Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Hybrid System Note that this SCBA Market Survey complements a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) 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 SCBA 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 design specifications against which the CBRN Hardened SCBA has been qualified; also include any effects of decontamination on SCBA system performance. - Provide information on any configurations or technologies that makes the system unique and/or characteristics or features not specifically requested above. - Provide information on other systems or components that the SCBA 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 per component (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