Aircrew Helmet

General Introduction: 1. The Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) Human Systems Division (ASC/WNU) is conducting market research to identify, as potential sources, companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to respond to the requirements listed in this document. ASC is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to explore cost effective options to provide this capability. This is an RFI only in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997). This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. 2. ASC is not at this time seeking proposals, and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this RFI. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party's expense. 3. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. Small Businesses are encouraged to provide responses to this RFI in order to assist ASC in determining potential levels of competition available in the industry, as well as helping to establish a basis for developing any subsequent potential subcontract plan goal percentages. 4. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor the FedBizOpps site for additional information pertaining to this RFI. 5. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this inquiry. This announcement is not to be construed as a formal solicitation. It does not commit the government to reply to information received, or to later publish a solicitation, or to award a contract based on this information. Performance Requirements: 1. The Air Force is looking for a helmet manufacturer who is capable of developing an aircrew helmet for fixed-wing and non-ejection aircraft which meets the following requirements: 1) Weighs less than 3 pounds, 2) Can meet an impact requirement of 150G's, and 3) Is compatible with current helmet-mounted devices (HMDs) and may adapt to future HMDs. RFI Responses: 1. Please provide your RFI responses to jameson.locklear@wpafb.af.mil and deborah.clayborn@wpafb.af.mil by 4:00pm EST on 23 December 2011. Title e-mail responses in the subject line of the e-mail as follows: "Response to Aircrew Helmet RFI# WNUK-12-004. 2. Please limit your responses to no more than 15 pages and identify a representative to support further Government inquiries and requests for clarification of the information provided, if needed. Marketing materials are considered an insufficient response to this RFI. 3. Respondents should indicate which portions of their responses are proprietary and should make them accordingly. All information received in response to this RFI that is properly marked as "proprietary" will be handled accordingly. Proprietary information must be clearly marked on the outside container and on the materials inside. The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages, for any proprietary information not properly identified.