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 29 Sept 2006. 1.0 DESCRIPTION: The 648 Aeronautical Systems Squadron (AESS), is seeking feedback on the draft 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 which require use of the Air Force HGU-55/P and HGU-56/P helmets. Specifically, this RFI seeks the following information: - Feasibility assessment and comment on Draft Performance Specification - Approximate cost information (i.e. order of magnitude, ballpark estimate, etc.) for development and testing efforts needed to meet Draft Performance Specification requirements - Schedule estimates (development, test, and production capacities) - Comments on additional technical questions contained in section 3.0 of this RFI - Ideas and suggestions that provide alternative approaches to designing, developing, acquiring, operating, and managing the AHNR system 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 Performance Specification document. Note that these requirements are in Draft only; these capabilities are not necessarily guaranteed to be required in the final Performance Specification. This section lists additional Government questions/comments on capabilities found in the Draft Performance Specification, or related questions to the AHNR program. Industry should address the feasibility of the requirements in the Draft Performance Specification, answer questions about the specific requirements called out below, as well as respond to the informational questions with comments and potential solutions. Please address the requirements of section 3 in the Draft Performance Specification from a feasibility standpoint. Are these requirements able to be met with current technology, or would there have to be a significant development effort for some of the features we are seeking? If there are major development efforts, please note these and give approximate costs and schedules to achieve this development. How would you measure bulk for this system? What would be a realistic number for total system weight and head supported weight? What would you suggest the testing matrix in section 4 look like, and when should these tests be preformed (FAT, Production Lot, etc.)? What quantities are realistic when it comes to lot testing this type of item? Would this add significant costs and testing to the development of the AHNR? The purpose of this RFI is to gather information about those capabilities specified in the referenced Draft Performance Specification. 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 Performance Specification by number, with the comments and evaluation of that particular section following. In addition, please address the questions outside of the Draft Performance Specification in section 3.0 of this RFI, and provide responses following the analysis of the Draft Performance Specification. 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 Performance Specification document 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, Contracting Officer, 77 AESG/PSK, Brooks City-Base TX 78235
contact@example.gov Capt. Larry M. Isom, 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.
