Nett Warrior Power Scavenger

The Nett Warrior (NW) system is comprised of a commercial off the shelf End User Device (EUD) based on smart phone technology, an Army-approved tactical radio as the digital data transport mechanism, Radio Power Adapter, Radio Data Adapter, and Centralized Power Source. All components are connected via Government manufactured cabling with quick disconnect connectors. Additional devices can be integrated into the NW base configuration, using the USB protocol and the NW-defined interconnect cable. In support of the NW system the program office supplies an array of support equipment providing Soldiers the ability to extend operational life of their power sources. These are capable of accepting power from alternative technologies or scavenged sources and supplying additional charge to the Centralized Power Source. This RFI serves as a market survey for potential solutions for a Soldier worn power scavenger. The desired solution would allow for connection to an external source to provide power to a NW ensemble. The NW Power Scavenger (NPS) would allow for direct connection to commercial and tactical vehicle power ports (as available), solar panels, wall outlets, and other primary and rechargeable batteries. Notional architecture is illustrated in Figure 1 (attached) This Request for Information (RFI) is for market research purposes only. The intent of this survey, which includes a questionnaire, is to understand potential solutions, request innovative ideas, and serve as a basis for a set of technical requirements for the device. Respondents are requested to answer each question based upon the information and requirements presented in this RFI. All questions relating to this notice shall be sent via email to Army Contracting Command- Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) point of contact (POC) at contact@example.gov. The Government is not imposing a page limit to the response; however to assure each response receives proper consideration it is recommended that the size should not exceed 15 pages (not including supporting documentation). If supporting documentation is necessary, please indicate which portions are relevant to this RFI. Any markings that limit distribution of the data provided by the vendor in response to this RFI shall take into account that the response will be reviewed by a mix of Government personnel and Government support contract personnel. All cost figures provided as a part of this RFI will be considered an estimate and do not obligate the vendor or the Government in any way. Requirements: The NW Power Scavenger should consider the following technical requirements: 1. Three connections that employ the following Glenair connectors, depending on location and application: a. Plug shall be push-pull plug with pins connector Glenair part number 8070-1153-XXZNU6-6YY-518 (where XX denotes either Front Mount (00) or Rear Mount (07) for physical mounting to chassis and where YY indicates either PC Tail (PC) or Solder Cups (EC) for internal electrical connection method or brazed equivalent b. Receptacle shall be push-pull receptacle with sockets part number 807-216-07ZNU6-6DY or brazed equivalent c. Receptacle shall be push-pull receptacle with sockets part number 804?005?07ZNU6?7S or brazed equivalent 2. The device is expected to be located within a pouch or adjacent to a Conformal Wearable Battery and used in a tactical environment. Therefore the design should consider use of industrial rated electronics parts and heat transfer for high temperature operation. 3. The NW Power Scavenger incorporates three military circular connections as defined above. a. Input Power from a Conformal Wearable Battery b. Output Power from a Conformal Wearable Battery to the rest of the NW ensemble c. Power Scavenger Input to provide extended runtime or additional charge to the Conformal Wearable Battery. 4. The NPS is intended to be worn by a Soldier and desired to not exceed 4.5 cubic inches including connector protrusions. 5. Target weight for the NPS is 8 ounces or less. 6. The NPS use of pigtail cables is not desired. 7. The NPS is desired to be compatible with existing power scavenging cabling and equipment to reduce lifecycle costs. 8. Sufficient ruggedization for military use to include the following: a. Operating altitudes up to 32,000 feet b. Operating Low temperature -32 degrees F. c. Operating High temperature 131 degrees F. d. Storage High temperature 160 degrees F. e. Humidity up to 95% f. Protection from driving rain. g. Salt Fog compatibility h. Shock and Drop i. Vibration encountered in military vehicles j. Sand and dust resistance k. Operation in explosive atmosphere (connect and disconnection) l. Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC) Design: The size, weight, power, cost, and reliability and important factors 1. Describe in detail your proposed solution for providing a modular Power Scavenger which meets the requirements described in this RFI. Describe each solution (to include pictures and/or drawings) proposed and its effectiveness in meeting the desired requirements and capabilities. 2. Define the expected size, weight, power draw, reliability and conformance to operating environment requirements of your solution. Note: It is important that size and weight be minimized. 3. The proposed solution must be based on available components, i.e. industrial rated internal parts. In order to provide the proposed capabilities, describe what modifications, if any, are required for adaptation. 4. Describe the anticipated plan for packaging the hardware to accommodate vibration, shock, water resistance and shielding for electromagnetic compatibility. 5. Specify any additional features/functionalities (not detailed in the RFI) that are recommended for inclusion in the product. Cost 1. Provide an estimated unit cost for the proposed solution. Assume the procurement quantities may range from 300 to 4,000 in the first year followed by approximately 2,500 units per year with a total quantity of approximately 12,000 units through 2021. Identify production quantity break points that achieve economy of scale. 2. Identify any licensing / royalty fees associated with your proposed solution. Are there any hardware driver concerns, costs, etc? Schedule 1. As currently envisioned, as part of a subsequent request for proposal (RFP) process, the Government may request vendors to submit a detailed electrical schematic and conceptual mechanical design. The planned effort would include a short developmental effort to finalize the design and qualify the components to technical requirements before production begins. Once the contract is awarded, 30 first article units would need to be delivered to the Government within three (3) months of contract award. Once a production decision is made, initial production quantities (few hundred) would be needed within three (3) months by the Government. Specify any concerns with meeting these types of milestones that impact the overall schedule. If any of these milestones cannot be met, suggest alternatives for completing them. Experience/Qualification Describe your organization's qualifications and experience regarding supplying components similar to the Power Scavenger. Discuss your ability to maintain schedule (i.e. on time) and stay within budget, all while meeting the necessary requirements. Production Capability What is the manufacturing capability and experience of your company or team to supply a product of this type with this production volume? Other 1. Are there any requirements listed in this RFI that seem unreasonable or difficult to meet? 2. What requirements / information would need to be added to a resultant Request for Proposal (RFP) to help develop an accurate proposal? 3. Please provide your current socioeconomic status, DUNS number, CAGE code, company information, and related demographic information. 4. Is your firm interested in being a prime or subcontractor on the related work outlined in the draft PWS and Sources Sought Notice? 5. The limitations on subcontracting clause would be included in any possible resulting contract. Can your firm individually complete more than 50% of the work? If so, how? 6. Please provide at three relevant examples of past performance similar to the magnitude and scope of this requirement as outlined in the draft PWS and Sources Sought Notice. Upon Government review of all vendor submissions, there may be a need for further questions. If so, the Government will contact each vendor, on an individual one-on-one basis, and ask the follow-on questions as required. Data submitted in response to this RFI may be utilized to develop and document a formal RFP. To prevent inadvertent disclosure in the RFP technical package, vendor responses shall clearly mark individual data elements that are considered proprietary in nature. The submitted responses and data will be reviewed by the NW technical team which consists of both Government and embedded support contractor personnel. Responses and technical questions should be emailed to Kelly Doolittle, contact@example.gov . All information must be submitted and received no later than 27 May 2016. This is a market survey requesting information only. The submission of this information is for planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to procure any items/services, or for the Government to pay for the information received. The U.S. Government implies no intention or opportunity to acquire funding to support current or future production efforts. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this market survey. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any private sector input as a result of the market survey. The U.S. Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this survey. Any documentation provided will not be returned.