Aircrew Bladder Relief Capability

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 for a bladder relief device. Interested parties are invited to describe their capabilities and provide a sample of their product to include proposed solutions, current state of technology maturity, and ability to meet the capabilities listed below. A description of the product, its capabilities, and supporting documentation (including specification sheets, test results) is requested. 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 product information will NOT be returned. The samples maybe tested based on its demonstrated ability to meet performance requirements. 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 if there is a textile in the product the information shall indicate 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 bladder relief device submitted in response to this RFI will aid the Government in seeking information on products that best meet as many of the following characteristics as possible and determine if further development of a product meeting the requirements listed below is required. - 1. Provide the capability for all aircrew members to obtain bladder relief on typical missions up to 3 hours in duration and multiple uses on long-duration missions up to 12 hours without physiological adverse side effects such as skin irritation, prolonged exposure to urine, hot spots, pinching, rubbing, etc. - 2. Provide bladder relief for male and female aircrew. A unisex design is not required. - 3. Should not restrict movement of aircrew before, during, or after flight. - 4. Operate in an aircraft environment which will include: exposure to Electro-magnetic Interference (EMI), high humidity, high and low temperatures (-20'C/-4'F to +70'C/158'F), dust, rain, static electricity, etc. - 5. Operate on commercially available batteries (if applicable). If the device has an electronic operating component, it should not weigh in excess of 16 ounces, including batteries and preference is given to smaller size devices that can fit into a pocket. - 6. Provide hands-free urine collection. - 7. Should not interfere with operation of the aircraft. - 8. Be flame resistant and not ignite in highly explosive atmospheres. - 9. Device should not interfere with performance of duty or result in aircrew unstrapping from seat nor with emergency egress procedures. - 10. Device should allow the user to don the device or applicable components while donning flight gear without assistance, or don without undressing just prior to going to the flight line. The device should be compatible with Life Support Systems flight gear and be discrete in appearance when worn. - 11. Device should require minimal maintenance which can be performed by the user. - 12. Device shall have no special disposal requirements (disposal shall be in regular trash service). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for this acquisition are 315999 - General, 334510 Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing, 339920 - Sporting Goods, 339999 - Other misc, Interested companies should address all technical questions to Tara Capecci, Code 4.6.7.2, and (610) 746-3599. Please submit all RFI responses and samples to Naval Air Warfare Center, Code 2.5.1.6., Sabana Moore Barnes, 22473 Millstone Road BLDG 505 Patuxent River, MD 20670-2055. Interested companies should send only contractual questions to the Contract Specialist at the following email address: Lauren.S.Morgan@Navy.mil. All submissions should reference the synopsis number N00421-16-RFI-1004 on the mailing container and all enclosed documents. The deadline for responses is 12 April 2016, 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.