K -- Headborne Systems Integration [helmet, eyewear, lower face protection, hearing protection, communications]

The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is seeking potential sourcesin search of a systems integrator for a Headborne System (HBS). The systems integrator shall possess both developmental and production capabilities for the HBS. The HBS will be based on using current Marine Corps equipment or will be based on new innovative technologies. At a minimum, the HBS shall integrate various headborne components (e.g., eyewear, lower face protection, hearing protection, hands free light and communications compatibility) that are compatible with the Lightweight Helmet shell. In the development of the HBS, firms may acquire new technological capabilities that exceed those of current equipment. In this event, it is desired that firms develop a prototype that demonstrates these advanced technologies. It is envisioned that the HBS will be a modular system that enables the individual Marine to configure modular components to meet specific mission requirements. For example, an infantry Marine may configure the HBS for a night raid that includes a night vision capability while a Marine operating in daytime convoy operations may configure the HBS for other capabilities. All systems shall optimize the HBS balancing human factors (e.g. comfort and usability), protection (from enemy threats and the environment) and cost (production and maintenance). The systems integrator will have approximately six months to compete the HBS design and produce prototypes. The HBS shall offer an integrated configuration that with the following capabilities: protection, communication, sensory enhancement, camouflage, food & fluid delivery, and weapons interface. The HBS and all integrated components shall be considered acceptable to Marines. Acceptable is defined as 80 % of Marines, normally distributed from the 5th through 95th percentile, giving a rating of 4 or better on a seven point scale. The system must be quickly scalable for threat level using a modular design. The HBS shall be lightweight such that the selection criteria (e.g., weight, forces and moments) are rated as acceptable by Marines and must be approved by the military medical community. Current research suggests an ideal maximum weight of 5.5 lbs for the HBS. It is desired to use a universal attachment system to affix the various modular components of the HBS. This system would enable new components to be added as required and the location of the component to be customized. The HBS must be able to operate in all terrestrial conditions found between - 25oF and 130oF, including submersion in saltwater. Protection: The protection level the shall be quickly and easily scalable by individual Marines. The means of scalability shall not require Marines to carry tools specifically for this capability. Helmet: The HBS shall include the USMC Light Weight Helmet (LWH) shell. The shape of the LWH shell is the same as the older standard PASGT shape. Previously fielded LWH's shells (sizes XS-XL) will be retro fitted such that they become an integrated component of the HBS. The HBS shall meet ballistic performance requirements set forth in the LHW performance specifications (Attachment 1) . The current suspension system or a new suspension system may be used. Eye Protection: The HBS will offer at least two levels of eye protection, - spectacles and - goggles. Both levels will meet the appropriate section(s) of ANSI z87.1-2003 standard. In addition the military ballistic standards must be met (goggles: MIL-V43511C 4.5.10, spectacles: MIL-PRF31013 4.4.1.1). The eye protection should minimize spaces between itself and bordering ballistic protection. Lower Face Protection (LFP): The HBS will include a LFP capability. The LFP shall not unacceptably interfere with any of the other integrated systems. This will be determined by that acceptability rating by Marines. The protection level is as yet undefined, however it is expected to be between the protection level provided by the goggles and the LWH. Hearing Protection: The HBS shall incorporate an integrated hearing protection with a non-linear noise reduction capability. There shall be minimal noise reduction below approximately 110 dB. Additionally, this capability shall provide a linear noise reduction above approximately 110 dB with a peak reduction of 25 dB at 190 dB. A mode the provides linear noise reduction between 0 and 190 dB is also desired. The hearing protection should not interfere with communications systems. The hearing protection system shall acceptably maintain stereoscopic hearing. NBC Protection: The HBS must not interfere with the use of the current M40 Gasmask or the forthcoming Joint Service Protective Gas Mask (JSPGM). To don the gasmask, the HBS may be doffed and donned in a similar manner to current standard operating procedures. Removal/reconfiguration of some components is acceptable. However, the HBS must not increase the time required to don the gasmask. Other: The systems integrator may propose addition protection not specifically mentioned. Communication Systems: Verbal: The HBS should minimize any interference verbal communications with other Marines equipped with the HBS and other personnel without the HBS. Non-Verbal: Non-verbal communication is an important component of communicating posture to civilians in peace keeping and humanitarian operations. Therefore, the HBS should be configurable to maximize non-verbal communications including facial expression and eye contact. Radio: The HBS shall include a capability to enable communications using the Personal Role Radio (PRR). It shall maximize the user's ability to hear communications especially in hard to hear conditions (e.g., while mounted, in convoy operations and when under fire) or when stealth operations are required. It shall also maximize the user's ability to transmit voice clearly in conditions of background noise and wind. The integrator is not required to use the current PRR headset. Sensory Enhancement: Generally sensory enhancement is considered to increase a Marine's effectiveness however, excessive sensory enhancement could result in sensory overload. The desired level of sensory enhancement, unless specified, will be determined during the field user evaluations. Hearing: It is desired that the HBS enhances a Marine's ability to perceive and process sound. It is also desired for this capability to be adjustable for personal preference and situation. Vision: Low light: The system must be configurable such that the photopic luminous transmittance (for the light adapted eye) is not less than 89 percent (clear lens). Sun: The system must be configurable such that the photopic luminous transmittance (for the light adapted eye) is between 18 and 12 percent (smoke lens). Night: The HBS must have the ability to integrate AN/PVS-14 and AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). The NVGs must be removable from the HBS. Corrective Vision: The HBS must be able to acceptably accommodate a corrective vision device (such as inserts or glasses). The device should be capable of holding a CR-39 plastic, -10 to +8 diopters sphere with up to +2.5 diopter of cylinder lens or lenses. Lights: The HBS will have the ability to carry a light(s) that can operate in a hand held mode, as well as, be able to operate hands free. It is desired to be able to project white, red, blue and infrared light. The light(s) shall be activated using no more than one hand at a time with a positive color selector. The light must be powered using a power source common to the Marine Corps. Camouflage: The HBS must not increase the ease of visually detecting the wearer when compared to the current headborne ensemble (i.e. the items currently worn on a Marine's head). Food and Fluid Delivery: The HBS in all configurations must enable the Marine to access liquids via the Hydration-on-the-Move system. The HBS must enable the consumption of solid food without removing the LWH shell. Weapons Interface: The HBS shall not interfere with the Marine's ability to properly sight current weapon systems. The HBS must interface acceptably with the following optics, displays and weapons: TOW missile day sight, M-144 telescope, JAVELIN command launch unit, M-67 mortar sigh, AN/PAS 13 (thermal weapon sight), AN/TVs 5 (monocular image intensifier), M-68 close combat optic, M-24 and M22 binoculars, XM25 stabilized binocular, XM 145 MG optic, M16/A4 and M4 assault rifles. Additional information for the Request for Information (RFI) is posted on our web site http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/ctq/hbs.asp Proprietary information submitted in response to this RFI will be protected when clearly identified as proprietary. Responses to this RFI should be received no later than March 31, 2005. Product information may be submitted by email to the Contract Specialist Rob Celeste, email address robert.celeste@usmc.mil FEDEX or UPS deliveries should send to Commander, Rob Celeste, CTQ3RC, MARCORSYSCOM, 2200 Lester Street Quantico VA 22134-6050. All questions regarding the submission of materials should be addressed to Mr. Celeste at 703-432-3266. THE SUBMISSION OF THIS INFORMATION IS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES, NOR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR THE INFORMATION RECEIVED. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS.