REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/MARKET SURVEY for Submarine Steam Suit Ensemble

N00024-13-N-6411 SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/MARKET SURVEY for Submarine Steam Suit Ensemble DESCRIPTION: This RFI is being conducted to request Conceptual Designs with Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost and schedule to perform the following efforts: a. Concept formulation for design and testing of a Steam Suit Ensemble (SSE) b. Conceptual plan for production and delivery of up to 400 SSEs BACKGROUND: Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) is considering replacing its current Submarine Steam Suit Ensemble (SSE) due to a number of habitability and usability issues with the current SSE. NAVSEA requires the new SSE to meet the following requirements: (a) The SSE should be adjustable to fit approximately 95% of the Navy submariner population (Height = 70 inches +/- 6 inches, Weight = 180 lb +/- 60 lb) while the sailor is wearing a typical underway uniform (similar to standard coveralls) and a Scott Air Pak Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA); (b) The sailor should be able to put on and take off the SSE by themselves, (c) The SSE should enable the sailor to work in a saturated steam environment and protect him from steam burns for a minimum of 30 minutes in a room temperature of 190 deg F with an atmospheric pressure of up to 1 psig; (d) The SSE must allow adequate maneuverability within the confines of a submarine engineering space which includes the ability to climb and descend vertical ladders and traverse passages and hatchways that may be as narrow as three feet with many and varied protuberances which could represent snagging or tearing hazards; (e) The SSE material must be durable enough to resist cuts and punctures while being worn within the confines of a submarine engineering space; (f) The SSE hand protection must allow the wearer to perform manual tasks such as removing valve locks, operating small valves, and operating submarine communication devices; (g) The SSE must allow the sailor to be heard while using the 4MC communications circuit and to hear announcements that are made on the 1MC/2MC announcing circuits; (h) The SSE must be capable of being folded or collapsed to allow for stowage in as small a space as possible; and (i) If feasible, the SSE should provide some degree of cooling for the sailor to minimize heat stress. RESPONSES: Responses must include the name, position, telephone number, and e-mail address of the Industry Point of Contact (POC) for technical and contractual issues. Information is desired in the following areas: a) ROM estimate of the cost of design/testing of the SSE and production of up to 400 SSE units b) General sketches and description of the SSE; c) New or developing technologies or proprietary products/processes associated with the responder's concept; d) Contractor's assessment of the highest risk areas and mitigation strategies. e) Estimated schedules and program timeline; and f) Description of responder's facilities to conduct the work of the program or potential teaming arrangements. SUMMARY: Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) will manage this survey. Respondents may respond electronically to the RFI no later than 2 p.m. EDT on 17 June 2013 to: contact@example.gov and cc to contact@example.gov. As a means to further define future program plans and requirements, an exchange of information between industry and the program manager, contracting officer, and other participants may be achieved by one-on-one meetings with respondents to clarify and resolve concerns regarding the acquisition strategy. These exchanges may include, but are not limited to acquisition planning schedules; the feasibility of the requirements, including performance requirements, statements of work, and data requirements, the availability of reference documents, and any other industry concerns or questions. All interested sources are encouraged to respond. All responses submitted will be reviewed. All submissions shall be considered proprietary/potential source selection sensitive and treated accordingly. The Government does not commit to providing a response to any information submitted, or comments/ questions received. The Government may use the information provided in response to this RFI to support urgent, on-going initiatives within the Department of Defense (DoD). Any revision to this RFI based on comments received remains solely at the Government’s discretion. These initiatives may ultimately result in the Government developing and issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP). NAVSEA provides the above for information only. This is not a RFP or announcement of a solicitation. The RFI does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue an RFP, contract or order. Under FAR Part 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not pay for any effort expended or any material provided in response to this announcement, nor will the Government return any data provided. No basis for claim against the Government shall arise as a result of this announcement or for Government use of any information provided. Contracting Office Address: NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND, UIC N00024, 1333 Isaac Hull Avenue SE, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20376-2050 Points of Contact: All questions shall be directed to Jodie LaFreniere-Dajc at contact@example.gov