Request For Information (RFI) NEXT GENERATION FIXED-WING HELMET - WINDBLAST TESTING

Notice: This Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information (SSS/RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only. This is not a request for a quote, request for proposal, or an invitation to bid, nor is this to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. This request neither constitutes a solicitation for proposals nor the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract. Additionally, this SSS does not restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting or any follow-up information requests. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this SSS. All costs associated with responding to this SSS will be solely at the responding party's expense. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this effort. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this SSS/RFI. The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages, for any proprietary information not properly identified. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Overview: The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Human Systems Division (HSD), Aircrew Performance Branch, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH is conducting market research to identify potential sources that provide windblast testing services for verifying requirements for the Next Generation Fixed-Wing Helmet as specified in the Requirements section. Background Information: The United States Air Force (USAF) is evaluating a helmet system that is intended to replace the legacy HGU-55P in order to reduce both chronic and acute neck strain for pilots of all fixed-wing aircraft systems excluding the F-35. A pilot's helmet is one of the most crucial tools a pilot utilizes, increasing both safety and lethality. The helmet must be light and balanced with consideration for Helmet-Mounted Devices (HMDs) while also meeting standards for head protection and safety in both standard use and in the case of ejection. Aircraft emergency egress during flight generates substantial loads on the aircrew member, personnel equipment, and aircraft components. These aerodynamic forces can compromise occupant safety during the ejection scenario. Requirements: Testing Parameters: Test facility and capabilities to perform high-speed Windblast scenarios up to 600 Knots Equivalent Airspeed (KEAS) with ACES II ejection seat at 34 and 17 seat angles and yaw orientation of 0. The test subjects are 95th Percentile Male Manikin (LARD) with: LM-110 Head form Rigid Neck Assembly Approved combination of Flight Gear Support Equipment: An ACES II ejection seat will be secured to the windblast test platform with a custom aerodynamic mounting fixture. Instrumentation Windblast rake velocity pressure readings will be physically referenced to the external ambient. Documentation: Test documentation to be provided to customer will include two high speed videos (LH/RH), standard speed video, color still photographs and manual data record sheets per windblast. Instructions to Potential Respondents: Submit one (1) electronic copy to Mr. Joseph Derevage, joseph.deverage.1@us.af.mil, no later than 4:00 pm EST on 14 September 2022. Title e-mail responses in the subject line of the e-mail as follows: - Response to Next Generation Fixed-Wing Helmet - Windblast Testing RFI WNUK-A022884. Respondents shall limit submissions to ten (10) pages or less and should include technical and descriptive text to provide sufficient detail on how the proposed solutions will benefit the Human Systems Division (HSD), as outlined in the systems requirements section above. Submissions shall include any necessary product sheets, test data, graphs, charts and answers to the questions below; and, identify a representative to support further Government inquiries and requests for clarification of the information provided, if needed. Marketing materials are considered an insufficient response to this Sources Sought Synopsis. Responses shall include the following information: Company/Institute Name: Address: Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address): CAGE Code: Unique Entity ID Web Page URL: State whether the company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership). State whether the company is interested in being a prime contractor or subcontractor for this requirement. State the company's experience with Windblast Testing capabilities. Provide a - yes or - no response to meet the timeline for test and reporting, which is to be 17 Oct 2022 through 1 Nov 2022 All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DoD contract. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement, if applicable to the company's capabilities, should be included in the company's NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at https://www.sam.gov/ The NAICS Code for this action is 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) with a size standard of 1,000 employees. Based on this NAICS Code, indicate whether your company qualifies as a: Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (Yes/No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Service-Disabled-Veteran-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified 8(a) (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified SBA Certification Date: ____________ SBA Graduation Date: ______________ Communication and Additional Considerations: In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not award a contract on the basis of this RFI. A determination not to compete this action based on responses received is solely within the Government's discretion. The acquisition strategy is still being determined. Market research results will assist the Air Force in determining whether this requirement will be a full and open competition, a small business set aside, a sole source acquisition, or utilization of DLA contract. Not responding to this SSS does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed effort, as well as the respondent's understanding of the Government's requirements. Responses to questions from interested parties will be promptly answered and posted on SAM.gov unless some release of proprietary information is involved or the answer addresses a question peculiar to a company or that company's response. Post submittal, one-on-one information sessions with respondents are not contemplated; however, they may be offered to respondents to clarify the government's understanding of their submittal, the capability ramifications, or to discuss their business approach. Information feedback sessions may be offered to respondents after the SSS assessments are completed. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. All questions will be answered through postings to SAM.gov; except as provided above. Additionally, questions must NOT contain trade secrets or classified information. The Government reserves the right to not address questions received after 14 September 2022 Respondents that submit proprietary data shall clearly mark the data with appropriate markings on the cover sheet and on each applicable page. Any proprietary data submitted may be handled by contract support services personnel who have signed an NDA. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish the capability and requirements for any future systems acquisitions, so as to not inadvertently restrict competition. Any material that is not marked proprietary will be considered publicly releasable Broad industry participation for this Sources Sought is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond to this SSS/RFI. If a company is capable of some, but not the entire requirement stated in this Sources Sought Synopsis, please provide a response that explains the requirements for which you are capable. Small Businesses are encouraged to provide responses to this SSS in order to assist the Program Office in determining potential levels of competition available in the industry, as well as helping to establish a basis for developing any subsequent subcontracting goals. Companies responding to this SSS/RFI are encouraged to provide quotes for existing items. These quotes are for planning purposes only. Indicate whether the company is currently selling proposed solution to Department of Defense customers and whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Please check the SAM.gov for updates to this announcement and register to receive e-mail notices of any updates.