AIR 4.6.7.2 Self-Protection Laser Eye Protection

To promote early exchanges of information with industry in accordance with FAR Subpart 15.2 Naval Air Systems Command, Aircrew Systems (NAVAIR-4.6.7.2) at Patuxent River, Maryland is conducting market research by issuing this Request for Information (RFI). NAVAIR is requesting information to identify qualified sources to provide commercially available, non-developmental Self-Protection Laser Eye Protection (LEP). Interested parties are invited to describe their capabilities and provide a sample of their product as outlined herein. In response to this RFI, please provide specification sheets showing compliance with the below listed requirements. RFI responses are limited to 25 pages. The product sample as well as product information will be submitted at NO expense to the Government. The sample product and corresponding information will NOT be returned. The samples may be tested based on the demonstrated ability to meet performance requirements and will be verified using the methods listed below. It is also requested that pricing be included with the submitted product and information. Proprietary data MUST be marked on a page-by-page basis, and will be kept confidential and protected in accordance with the Uniform Trades Secret Act. Interested parties should state whether their product is available commercially, and whether it is made domestically of domestic textiles (must be Berry Amendment compliant - manufacturers must list the origin and place of manufacturing operations of all components). The Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) eye protection submitted in response to this RFI will aid the Government in seeking information on products that best meet the following: 1. The Self Protection LEP spectacle should protect against: - >3.0 OD at 800 nm - >3.5 OD at 820-870 nm - >4.0 OD at 900 nm - >4.0 OD at 1064 nm (objective >6.0 OD) 2. The Eyewear should meet the performance and environmental requirements of MIL-PRF-32432, with the exception of paragraphs 3.5.3 Compatibility, 3.6.4.1 Luminous transmittance/neutrality/chromaticity, 3.8.1.1 Sizing/fit, 3.8.2 Comfort, 3.10 Identification and marking and 4.0 Verification. 3. The eyewear should be compatible with the HGU-56 and HGU-84 series helmets and aircrew mounted headgear (i.e. NVG, HMDs, Maxillofacial Shield, etc.). As an objective, eyewear should be compatible with diverse facial profiles meeting the 5%-95% anthropometric range. For TACAIR community, the eyewear should be compatible with the HGU-68 and HGU-55P protective helmets and associated head gear i.e. JHMCS, NVG, MBU-23 series and MBU-12 series oxygen mask, etc. (see item 9 below). 4. At a minimum, the eyewear should be compatible with the H-60 platform as demonstrated to be safe for flight. The eyewear may also be similarly assessed for compatibility with all other Naval Platforms (see item 9 below). 5. Chemical, Biological and Radiological - Hazard Gear compatibility is desired and may be tested as outlined in item 9 below. 6. Eyewear should have a Photopic luminous transmittance of >55% and a Scotopic luminous transmittance of >40%. 7. Prescription Eyewear compatibility, or other prescription accommodation, is desired. 8. Vendors will be requested to provide ID and marking information for asset tracking. 9. Verification - As part of any potential testing, the eyewear may be subjected to a field user assessment. Aircrew would wear the eyewear while performing training flight duties and other duty related tasks. Field testing of spectacles and goggles may include an assessment of fit, comfort, stability, compatibility with equipment, perception of weight when worn, appearance, clarity of vision, field of view, ease of fit and adjustment, durability, resistance to fogging and scratching, and level of protection from dust and debris. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for this acquisition are 333314 - Optical Instrument and Lens manufacturing, and 339115 - Sunglasses and Goggles manufacturing. Interested companies should address all technical questions to John Birtwistle, Code 4.6.7.2, (301) 342-9242. Please submit all RFI responses and samples to Naval Air Warfare Center, Code 4.6.7.2; Attn: John Birtwistle, 48110 Shaw Road, Bldg 2187, Suite 1240, Patuxent River, MD 20670. Interested companies should send only contractual questions to the Contract Specialist at the following email address: victoria.cordial@navy.mil. All submissions should reference the synopsis number N00421-15-RFI-1003 on the mailing container and all enclosed documents. The deadline for responses is 16 November 2015, which is 21 days after RFI release. All Companies should indicate whether they are a small, small disadvantaged, 8(a), or large business. Respondents must clarify if their firm can provide commercial or non-developmental items that could be modified, or the technology and expertise for development, to meet the Government's needs. This announcement is NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted in response to this synopsis. This synopsis does not commit the Government to award a contract. This synopsis is for market research only and any procurement resulting from this announcement will be synopsized separately.