A -- Request for Information

****Due date for responses to this RFI has changed from 1 Nov 06 to 20 Nov 06. Request for Information (RFI) for an Aircrew Helmet Noise Request for Information (RFI) for an Aircrew Helmet Noise Reduction (AHNR) system designed to integrate with the HGU-55/P and HGU-56/P flight helmets. Responses to this RFI are due no later than 20 Nov 2006. 1.0 DESCRIPTION The 648 Aeronautical Systems Squadron (AESS) is seeking feedback on the Draft Statement of Work (SOW), the Draft Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), and the Final Performance Specification for AHNR. The AHNR is an integrated helmet noise reduction system which will effectively reduce noise in all phases of flight in multiple platforms and crew positions that require use of the Air Force HGU-55/P and HGU-56/P helmets. Specifically, this RFI seeks the following information: - Will the purposed systems be able to use existing communication testers (MQ-1, Scot, and Manside testers) to perform required inspections on the AHNR - Is SOW paragraph 3.2.10, windblast requirement, clearly defined - Is SOW paragraph 3.2.11, training requirements, clearly defined - Is the Air Force going to need any additional data (other than that listed in 3.2.11) in order to train personnel to use this system - Are the CDRLs reasonable as far as delivery time and delivery requirements - Is the period of performance accurate for delivery of production representative units, can it be shorten? - If awarded as a fixed price contract, give project milestones for invoicing/payment schedule 2.0 PURPOSE The purpose of this RFI is to open a dialogue with industry and other communities of interest, to ensure to the maximum extent possible that industry input and comments are given proper and due consideration in development of the Air Force AHNR. The RFI is also expected to help 648 AESS/TA to complete indicative costing of the AHNR solution. This RFI is for planning purposes only, and there is no intention to award any contract based on this RFI. The Government will not compensate any interested party, firm, or individual that may choose to provide a response to this RFI. An appropriate Request for Proposal (RFP) process may follow at the appropriate time, but is not necessarily linked directly to the questions and responses generated in this RFI. 3.0 CAPABILITIES SOUGHT The topics for responses set out the information on concepts and designs that 648 AESS/TA is seeking in relation to the AHNR approach and scope of this RFI. Generated requirements are listed in the referenced Draft SOW. Note that these requirements are in Draft only. To the extent simplifying assumptions are needed, respondents are encouraged to make and document such assumptions in their responses. 4.0 RESPONSE GUIDANCE Respondents to this RFI should submit documents via email to both of the POCs listed in section 7.0 of this RFI. In the response, please reference specific sections in the Draft SOW and Draft CDRLs by number, with the comments and evaluation of that particular section following. Submitted responses should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format. 5.0 INFORMATION APPROACH When the responses to this RFI are received, they will be evaluated and analyzed by the Government. The information received will be considered in the development of the next proposed design, and may serve as input to a business case. Based on industry responses, 648 AESS/TA intends to modify/update the SOW and CDRLs as necessary. In all cases pertaining to this RFI, the Government will take absolute care not to present information outside of the Government in a way that clearly identifies individual vendors or products. 6.0 DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only, and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. In accordance with FAR 15.210 (e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. 7.0 CONTACT INFORMATION Responses should include the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss responses with us. The following are the government Point of Contacts (POCs) for this RFI: Carol Estes, Civ, PSK Contracting Officer 77 AESG/PSK Brooks City-Base TX 78235 contact@example.gov Angeleque Batkins, Civ, PSK Contracting Specialist 77 AESG/PSK Brooks City-Base TX 78235 contact@example.gov Larry M. Isom, Capt, USAF Lead Engineer 648 AESS/TA Brooks City-Base TX 78235 contact@example.gov Please submit responses via e-mail in Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat format to the email point of contacts listed above.