Request for Information - Passive Filter Media

Request for Information: "This is a Request for Information (RFI). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain knowledge and information for project planning purposes." Background: The United States (U.S.) Military has determined a need for the Joint Expeditionary Collective Protection (JECP) Family of Systems (FoS), which are intended to protect Joint Expeditionary Forces (JEF) and their assets through a versatile and transportable Collective Protection (ColPro) capability. JECP systems provide ColPro as kits added to common structures or tent systems, or in the form of standalone shelters, which allow JEF personnel to continue near-normal operations for key functions such as Command and Control (C2) and Rest and Relief (R2). The JECP FoS consists of active (requires power) and passive (does not require power) systems. Mission essential components include ChemBio (CB) liners as barrier protection, fan-filter assembles for air purification over pressurization, and single and multi-person airlocks for entry/exit (Active Systems), and Passive Filter Media (Passive Systems.) The inner protected area of a system is called the Toxic Free Area (TFA). Purpose /Objective: The JECP program is moving toward a Full Rate Production (FRP) contract for Phase 1 systems and a development contract for Phase 2 systems. In preparation for developing the request for proposals (RFPs) and deciding on the appropriate contract(s) type, the government is querying industry on the availability of Passive Filter Media. This RFI is looking for either (1) the availability or the ability to manufacture a passive filter panel that contains activated carbon (ASZM-TEDA activated carbon) or (2) any viable technology (e.g. metal organic framework or covalent organic framework solid state materials imbedded in fabrics, activated carbon fiber fabrics, novel zeolite technologies, heterocyclic macrocycle organic compound impregnated self-decontaminating fabrics, catalyst impregnated carbon nanotube mats , carbon aerogel filters, etc.) that can protect soldiers from weaponized chemical and biological agents, and ideally toxic industrial chemicals, while inside a JECP Passive ColPro Shelter. Based on the feedback from industry the government will decide on the contract type of and how many contracts to pursue for the JECP family of systems. The current JECP Passive Systems use a Passive Filter Media (PFM), which is integrated into the shelter walls. The PFM is multiple layers of material comprised of a ASZM-TEDA Carbon layer, a Particulate Filter layer and a Hydrophobic pre-filter, which are sandwiched between two screens (see Figure 2 attached). The PFM is then assembled into panels and manufactured into the shelter walls (See Figure 1 attached of PFM panels integrated into a Passive Shelter). The objective of this Request for Information (RFI) is to identify potential suppliers of Passive Filter Media which encompass filtration elements listed above as well as provide ventilation / air flow for Passive COLPRO shelters. Capability statement /information sought: Respondents may at their option provide a capability statement "White Paper" or alternatively existing marketing or technical product brochures that describes their Filter Media or PFM. This RFI seeks existing products that are a mature technology (Technology Readiness Level 7 or greater) and not in development. Information in either written or digital format shall be submitted to: U.S. Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG). Time frame for submittal: April 2017 Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement and may lead to the development of a solicitation. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Any solicitation resulting from the analysis of information obtained will be announced to the public in Federal Business Opportunities in accordance with the FAR Part 5. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).