Passive Signaling Devices

1.0 Summary To promote early exchanges of information with Industry in accordance with FAR Subpart 15.2, Naval Air Systems Command, Aircrew Systems (NAVAIR-4.6.7.2) at Patuxent River, Maryland is conducting market research by issuing this Request for Information (RFI). NAVAIR is requesting information to identify qualified sources to provide commercially available, non-developmental Downed Aviator Location Device(s). It is permissible to provide more than one device as an option, however minimizing size, bulk, and weight are important. Downed Aviator Location Device(s) submitted in response to this RFI will aid the Government in seeking information on products that best meet the following: 1. The device shall function without human interaction once mounted. However, the operator shall have the option to manually deactivate the device. 2. The device must be auto activated following ejection. 3. The device shall function as designed during and after exposure to electromagnetic environmental effects of MIL-STD-464 Tables 1, 2, 5 and 6. 4. Device should be compact, lightweight and be able to attach to current Navy and Marine Corps flight equipment other than the helmet. The device should stay attached to aircrew and withstand windblasts up to 600 Knots Equivalent Air Speed (KEAS) (as encountered during ejection). 5. Device shall be visible from maritime and airborne search and rescue under all light levels. It is desired, but not required, that the device be detectable when submerged in water up to 12 inches. 6. Device shall be water resistant up to 3 meters. 7. If an electrically functioning device, it shall have a fully charged operating time of not less than 24 hours. If the device operates on non-standard batteries, the device must be safety approved by the cognizant NAVAIR authorities. If the device operates on lithium batteries, the device must comply with NAVSEA S9310-AQ-SAF-010, Batteries, Navy Lithium Safety Program Responsibility and Procedures. 8. 406 MHz beacon transmission of GPS is desired but not required. 9. Vendors shall provide ID and marking information for asset tracking. 10. Device shall require minimal maintenance. 2.0 System Overview/Background This program will deliver a product that will be used to locate Naval and Marine Corps Aircrew in the event of injury during egress or ejection from the aircraft resulting in the Aircrew member being unable to activate current carried signaling devices. 3.0 Content of RFI Response Interested parties are invited to describe their capabilities and provide a sample of their product as outlined herein. To consider the appropriateness of each candidate solution, certain data documenting the status, technology maturity, design, performance characteristics and associated costs are requested. Respondents shall describe the proposed solution and its current state of technical maturity and address the ability to meet the characteristics listed in paragraph 1.0. Although some specific questions may not be applicable to a system or technical approach, address each item as listed to the extent practical or germane. The respondent is not obligated to address non-applicable items and is requested to indicate which items they consider to be not applicable. A full description of existing products, with supporting documentation (including test reports or operational assessment reports that document system performance in an aviation or shipboard environment) would be beneficial. For questions that imply yes/no responses, you are asked to provide amplifying information. 4.0 General In response to this RFI, please provide specification sheets showing compliance with the below listed requirements. RFI responses are limited to 20 pages. The product sample as well as product information will be submitted at NO expense to the Government. The sample product and corresponding information will NOT be returned. The samples may be tested based on the demonstrated ability to meet performance requirements and will be verified using the methods listed below. 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 corresponding North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334290 - Personal Duress Signaling Devices. 5.0 Pricing: It is also requested that pricing be included with the submitted product and information. 5.1 What is the anticipated unit price for each system? Please list any order quantity price breaks. 5.2 If the product/system is not currently in production, what is the anticipated unit price for production representative qualification units? 6.0 Response Submittal Instructions Interested parties should address all inquiries related to this RFI to the Government POC listed in paragraph 6.0 in this RFI. Responses to this notice are requested no later than 3:00 p.m., June 6, 2019 (21 days after RFI release) All responses submitted must specify on the cover page of the response, or in the transmittal letter submitted with the response, the business size/status of the organization (i.e., large business, small business, HUB zone, women-owned, etc.). Small businesses which possess the required capability are encouraged to submit responses to this notice. Additionally, submissions shall include the CAGE code of the respondent, as well as point of contact which may be utilized for any necessary clarification, or to obtain additional information that may be required for evaluation of the response. Additionally, responses shall be provided via email (if possible, based upon the size of the transmittal) to POC listed in paragraph 6.0 in this RFI in a format compatible with Microsoft Office 2010. If the file size is too large for email, please contact the POC(s) listed in Paragraph (6) for the physical mailing address of the Program Office. Interested companies shall send questions, RFI responses and submission of Samples 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. All submissions should reference the RFI number N00421-19-R-0083 on the mailing container and all enclosed documents. The deadline for responses is June 6, 2019, which is 21 days after RFI release. All Companies should indicate whether they are a small, small disadvantaged, 8(a), or large business. 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. The Government does not anticipate that a comprehensive response to this RFI will contain CLASSIFIED information. To the extent practical, responses should be UNCLASSIFIED. If a CLASSIFIED response is required, respondents shall contact the POC for further instructions. Following a review of the responses received, NAVAIR may elect to schedule a one-on-one meeting with some respondents or ask follow up questions to gain additional data about the information provided. NOTE: Responses to the RFI will be reviewed by a Government/Contractor team of Subject Matter Experts (SME) currently providing support to the Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA 202). A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) has been executed between Government and authorized subcontractors, and is currently on file with the Government. Vendors shall provide their acknowledgement and approval to have authorized subcontractors review the responses without execution of an NDA between the authorized subcontractors and respondent. Alternatively, should an organization require an additional agreement with any subcontractors, please forward such requests to the Government POC listed in paragraph 6.0 in this RFI. All information received in response to this notice that is marked "Proprietary" will be handled accordingly. This RFI is issued for the purpose of determining market interest, feasibility, and capability of sources and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposal (RFP), a Request for Quote (RFQ), or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice. Responses to this RFI will not be returned. The Government is only seeking possible sources and current capabilities for informational purposes. No solicitation document exists. No reimbursement will be made for any costs incurred to provide information in response to this announcement, or any follow up information requests. 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.