Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) Prototype

The U.S. Army is seeking preproposals for a Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) to support High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High-Altitude High Opening (HAHO) military free fall operations using the Advanced Ram Air Parachute System (RA-1). The system must include a Parachutist Oxygen Mask, Individual Oxygen Source, pre-breathing ports, transfer pump, and test stand, designed to deliver supplemental oxygen during pre-breathe, descent, and landing phases. Proposed solutions must meet or exceed Technology Readiness Level 6 and comply with the Berry Amendment, DFARS, and Buy American Act requirements. Performance requirements are detailed across Key Performance Parameters, Key System Attributes, and Additional Performance Attributes, with objective levels strongly preferred over threshold levels, including oxygen delivery for up to one hour of descent plus 75 minutes of pre-breathing, reliability exceeding 0.95 at 90% confidence, compatibility with existing equipment, operation across extreme temperatures, and integration with Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen. The system must be lightweight, non-interfering with parachute deployment, and utilize self-sealing components with digital pressure indicators readable under night vision devices. The evaluation process will follow a phased Test and Evaluation approach, beginning with Developmental Testing Phase 1, which includes chamber tests, environmental exposure, benchtop validation, and live jumps up to 17,999 feet MSL, leading to a down-selection based on technical performance and life cycle cost. The selected system will proceed to Phase 2 involving live jumps to 24,999 feet MSL and Operational Testing by the operational force, which will assess field usability, maintenance concepts, and compatibility with current procedures. Deliverables include physical test assets delivered within specified timelines, comprehensive technical documentation, operator and maintainer training, production readiness reviews, and logistics data. Vendors must hold ISO 9001 certification, implement a quality program plan, demonstrate producibility and supply chain resilience, and provide firm fixed pricing for all deliverables. Preproposals are limited to three pages and must include TRL certification, cost estimates, and a high-level work breakdown structure. Responses are due by 26 June 2026, and participation does not constitute a contract commitment or reimbursement for submission costs.