Handheld Mine Detector

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY Marine Corps Systems Command is performing market research on current handheld detector technologies capabilities and limitations in the detection of buried explosive obstacles in all soil and environmental conditions. This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for the sole purpose of soliciting from industry the availability of Commercial-Off-The Shelf (COTS) handheld detectors with a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6, capable of finding buried explosive obstacles in a relevant environment. Responses to this RFI are strictly voluntary and will be used solely for market research to determine the current performance of COTS handheld detectors, their availability, associated recurring and non-recurring costs of those systems, sustainment requirements, and the presence of competition. The requested information is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. This is not a Request For Proposals (RFP); no contract will be awarded from this notice. No entitlement to payment by the Government of direct or indirect costs or charges will arise as a result of the submission of information in response to this RFI. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations in FAR 2.101 and 3.104. GENERAL INFORMATION. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) Program Manager Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) is seeking to identify current COTS/Non-Developmental Item (NDI) handheld detectors capable of finding buried explosive obstacles. This handheld detector would be primarily used by the Marine Corps Combat Engineer and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) communities. The handheld detector should have the following minimum attributes or characteristics in the order of precedence: An overall Probability of Detection P(d) of 85% against symmetric and asymmetric high metallic, low metallic, and non-metallic threats in various soils and environmental conditions. Operating at least 6 continuous hours without a power source recharge or replacement. Weight of less than 9 pounds in the detectors operational configuration. False Alarm Rate (FAR) of 0.007 per square foot (3.5 per 500 square feet). Be capable of sweeping a 5ft x 100ft lane in a maximum of 10 minutes in any mode of operation without degradation to the P(d) or FAR. Take less than 90 seconds to employ the detector from a stowed condition. Have different audio and visual signals for object detection, positive status, negative status and low battery power. Have a tactile indicator for object detection that can be turned on and off. The time delay between a threat detection and operator notification is no longer than a 0.03 seconds. Capable of conducting full operational self-diagnostic Built-in-Tests (BITs). Be capable of pinpointing the outer edge of an object within 3 inches in any mode of operation. Be able to save last soil compensation setting and recall it upon restart. Possess an adjustable wand length to enable operation from the standing, kneeling, and prone positions for the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male Marine. Be collapsed to fit in a USMC issue assault pack with an internal volume of 1800 cubic inches and exterior dimensions of 12.0 inches by 13.0 inches by 20.0 inches (12.0"x13.0"x20.0" LxWxH). Demonstrate a less than 30 minute Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). The entire detector should be waterproof up to 6.6 feet deep for at least 3 minutes with no operational degradation after submergence. Have a modular design that allows for the interchange of components between detectors. Initial training for a new operator should not exceed 32 hours. The software and algorithms should be upgradeable to respond to emerging explosive threats. The hardware and sensors must be upgradeable to respond to the emerging explosive threats. Sources capable of satisfying the above requirements should submit a response with capability statements that provide sufficient information to determine their products' performance capabilities relative to the requirements stated above. Interested sources should also address their willingness to enter into a no-cost bailment agreement with the Government for two (2) detection systems in order to increase the Government's understanding of commercially available product features and capabilities. At a minimum, this information should include the following: (a) identification of company or organization to include business size by NAICS and company CAGE code, (b) company or organization assertion of its existing and available capability to meet the listed requirements, (c) business, contracts, and/or marketing office points of contact information, (d) cost information, to include any recurring and sustainment costs, and (e) any additional information that may be useful to the successful procurement of the system, if solicited under a competitive procurement. Those expressing interest should adhere to a fifteen (15) page submission limit, plus commercial marketing information or web links. All should be submitted by 1400 on July 31, 2014 via mail to the below address: Commander: Marine Corps Systems Command Program Manager Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) Attn: Jarrett Faulkner 2200 Lester Street Quantico, Virginia 22134-5010 Any questions regarding this RFI should be submitted via email to the following points of contact: Stasia Baker, stasia.baker@usmc.mil and Jarrett Faulkner, jarrett.g.faulkner1@usmc.mil. NO TELEPHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED. This sources sought is the initiation of market research under Part 10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and is not a Request for Proposals. No solicitation document exists at this time. No contract will be awarded from this notice. Issuance of this notice does not constitute any obligation on the part of the Government to procure these items or to issue a solicitation. In addition, the Government is under no obligation to pay for information submitted in response to this notice, and responses to this notice cannot be accepted as offers.