Lip Light for Oxygen Masks Capability

To promote early exchanges of information with Industry in accordance with FAR Subpart 15.2, Naval Air Systems Command, Aircrew Systems at Patuxent River, Maryland is conducting market research by issuing this Request for Information (RFI). NAVAIR is requesting information to identify potential solutions and sources for a fixed wing oxygen mask lip light. Interested parties are invited to describe the proposed solution and current state of technology maturity and address the questions below. A full description of existing product, with supporting documentation (including specifications sheets, test results) is requested. If the product requires modification to meet the requirements listed below, describe what modifications would be required. RFI responses are limited to 25 pages. The product information will be submitted at no expense to the Government. It is also requested that pricing be included with the submitted product and information. Pricing should include start-up costs and recurring costs. 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 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 lip light 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 for a product meeting the requirements listed below is required. 1. Provide a light that will attach to the Gentex Oxygen Mask. 2. Light must provide a beam of light in the cockpit to enable pilots to view aircraft switches and read maps while night flying. 3. Allow freedom of movement of aircrew before, after, or during flight. 4. Compatible with a/c environment - i.e. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), humidity, dust, rain, fungus, etc. 5. Must operate on commercially available batteries (if applicable). 6. Must provide hands-free on/off operation via lip/tongue switch. 7. Must work alongside the microphone inside the oxygen mask to improve ease of use. 8. Must be compatible with MIL-STD-3009, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) Aircraft Lighting specification. 9. Additionally, the Installation should be quick and simple with no modifications required. 10. It is expected to have seamless integration to the communication features of existing Oxygen Masks with hands-free on/off operation via lip/tongue switch. 11. If required, a retrofit kit will replace existing microphone assembly and communications cords. Interested companies shall send questions to the Contract Specialist at the following email address: Sonya.Carpenter@navy.mil. Please address all technical questions to Sheila Milburn, Code 1.3.1.1, at the following email: Sheila.Milburn@navy.mil or (301) 866-2468. Please submit all RFI responses and Samples to Sonya Carpenter, Code 2.5.1.2.2, 47060 Liljencrantz Road, Building 433, Patuxent River, MD 20670, (301) 757-1343. All correspondence shall reference the RFI number N00421-19-R-0032 on the mailing container and all enclosed documents. The deadline for responses is 6 June 2019. All Companies should provide their cage code and business size under NAICS Code and indicate whether they are a large or small business per the parameters of NAICS Code, and whether they qualify under any of the sub-categories: 8(a), Small Disadvantaged Business, HUB Zone, etc. 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 RFI. This RFI does not commit the Government to award a contract. This RFI is for market research only and any procurement resulting from this announcement will be synopsized separately.