Improved Flight Deck Hearing Protection

To promote early exchange of information with industry in accordance with FAR 15.2, Naval Air Systems Command, Aircrew Systems (NAVAIR-PMA202) of Patuxent River, Maryland is issuing this Request for Information (RFI). NAVAIR is requesting information from industry to identify potential candidates to fill a possible future need for improved flight deck hearing protection. US Navy aviation personnel work up to 16 hours a day in close proximity to 130-150 dB jet engine noise. DoDI 6055.12 hearing conservation policy states that personnel noise exposure should not exceed an average of 85 dBA during an 8-hour workday. Today's earmuff is nearly the same as 50 years ago. Worn with expanding foam or sized earplugs, this double hearing protection configuration at best provides about 30 dB of hearing protection. Crews working in the military jet noise environments are often overexposed on a daily basis. Some closest to launching jets are overexposed in one launch but may be required to support up to 60 launches per day. Hearing loss, coupled with communications systems that allow undesirable noise to mask desired speech and alarm signals, places all in jeopardy working in this high stakes operational environment. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is seeking vendor products that can provide acceptable hearing protection and communication systems for individuals working in these environments. Submitted products shall increase the Warfighter's effectiveness and survivability by enhancing and protecting communication and hearing in a 130-150 dB noise prevalent military jet aircraft operations environment. The product may consist of a suite of passive and ANR communication earplug and headset technologies that can be tailored to mission need. Products that have been certified to be safe, supportable, and a significant improvement over current hearing protection/communication systems are desired. Submitted products must reduce noise by a minimum of 40 dB. It is desired that submissions also meet as many of the additional attribute requirements identified below. The material shall not present a health hazard (non-toxic) and shall show compatibility with prolonged, direct skin contact. Chemicals recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as human carcinogens shall not be used. Products in the Naval Aviation Environment must meet applicable sections of MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-464. Compliance can be demonstrated with historical data. End item wear and comfort: The material shall have a comfortable feel and be non-irritating to the skin of the flight deck personnel; it shall not cause distraction to flight deck personnel resulting from irritation. The product shall resist staining from contact with common molds and fungus, petroleum, oils, and lubricant products, tars, and surfactants. The product shall require minimum care and maintenance and shall maintain its protective properties through its service life. The product shall provide a minimum service life of 5 years of flight deck use. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334 Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing/ 3342 Communications Equipment Manufacturing In addition, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2533a, vendors must certify their product is Berry Amendment compliant - manufacturers must list the origin and place of manufacturing operations of all components. Potential offerors are invited to describe their capabilities to provide the product as described herein. Product information shall be submitted at no expense to the Government and will not be returned. All submissions will receive email confirmation of arrival but only down selected materials will receive further results and communication from NAVAIR. 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 sources shall state whether their product is available commercially. Companies responding to this request for information should send all responses and questions via email to: greg.szczyglowski@navy.mil Interested companies should indicate whether or not they are a small business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a), or large business. All respondents shall include all of the information listed below and limit their responses to no more than 10 pages. 1) Company name and Solicitation number in the email subject line. 2) Company address, telephone number, primary contact(s) with e-mail address(es), NAICS code(s), business size (i.e., small/large/HUB Zone), CAGE code, and DUNS number. (Respondents must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database in order to obtain a DUNS number. Firms may register with CCR at http://www.ccr.gov.) 3) Statement of capability demonstrating background, experience, skills, ability and availability to fulfill the Government's requirements described herein, to include recommended improvements. This can also include current or past performance of providing this or similar products to the Government. 4) Estimated cost, typical delivery schedule, and anticipated volume discounts. 5) If applicable, a description of currently available commercial products, as well as the ability to modify existing products or develop new products that could meet the requirements described herein. Samples shall be sent to DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER,ATTN: SAM YOUNG, CODE 1.3.1, 47123 BUSE ROAD, BLDG 2272, SUITE 347, PATUXENT RIVER, MD 20670-1127. The deadline for responses is 23 December 2011. All correspondence shall reference the synopsis number N00019-12-P7-ZD046 on the mailing container and all enclosed documents. 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.