Parachutist Emergency Release System (PERS)

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND NOT A SOLICITATION. The Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM SCIE) is conducting a market survey to identify potential manufacturers/vendors of a system that safely releases a towed Parachutist and deliver them safely all the way to the ground. The PERS shall support the U.S. Army's Static Line Airborne Community by providing a reliable and efficient method to address towed Parachutist incidents. This request for information (RFI) is issued solely for information gathering and planning purposes. This RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals and will not directly lead to any contract awards. The following sections of this announcement contain details of the scope of technical efforts of interest as well as instructions for the submission of responses. A capability gap exists in the ability to safely and effectively rescue a fully combat equipped parachutist who is conscious/unconscious and being towed during an airborne operation (ramp and door operations). The U.S. Army has an approved requirement that identifies the need for a system that will mitigate risk if a Parachutist becomes towed. The U.S. Army has an acquisition objective of approximately 500 systems after the system has demonstrated the required capabilities from government testing as shown in the Required Performance/Desired Attributes section in this RFI. The government's formal Program of Record (PoR) initiated in FY22. The government is only interested with respondents to the PERS that have achieved a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher. TRL 7 is defined as a system prototype demonstration in an operational environment. Prototype near, or at, planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6, requiring the demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment such as an aircraft, vehicle, or space. Respondents should submit supporting information (product information, test reports, photos, etc.) indicating the level of technical maturity to support the TRL. Future evaluations will consist of bench top testing, followed by mannequin drops from various airframes to validate performance and verify operational suitability and effectiveness. Responses should include the following: Supporting information (product information, test reports, photos, etc.) indicating the levels of technical maturity of the system (e.g. TRL) Production capability and ramp up time to reach full production capability Information on Quality Assurance process/practices Current price, delivery/lead time, and warranty information for system Technical Requirements / Desirable Attributes are attached. Administrative: Interested firms are requested to submit relevant information on their product within thirty (30) days following the publication of this RFI. Any relevant company background/experience, business category, costs, and other information that the company believes demonstrates their value/ability to meet the aforementioned requirements, should be included. All information and evaluation results will be Controlled Unclassified Information (formerly referred to as For Official Use Only) and used for Government purposes only. Proprietary/Competition Sensitive information (appropriately marked) will be protected from disclosure to the greatest extent practical, however it is preferred that respondents do not provide proprietary or otherwise restricted responses. Responses to this notice must be received no later than 1500ET on 1 September 2022. Responses are to be sent to: Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment Attn: Mr. G. Mark Whiteman U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center 15 General Greene Avenue Natick, MA 01760 Email: g.m.whiteman.civ@army.mil. This notice is for information only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. No solicitation document exists for this action. The point of contact for questions concerning this RFI is Mr. G. Mark Whiteman g.m.whiteman.civ@army.mil. *Required Please identify: Company Name * Company Size * Unique Entity ID * Contact Person's First & Last Name * Contact Person's Email * Contact Person's Telephone *