Request For Information (RFI) - Next Generation Nuclear Flash Blindness Protection

This announcement represents a Request for Information (RFI) by the Humans Systems Division, WPAFB, OH to determine potential sources for the Next Generation Nuclear Flash Blindness Protection goggles. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is investigating a replacement for the current legacy system (EEU-2A/P). The devices will detect intense changes to the ambient lighting and utilize auto-darkening technology(s), and/or other technologies to prevent nuclear flash blindness and retinal burns, and allowing continued flight operations. The USG is seeking replacement goggles that perform at the same or better standards than the current fielded system. PURPOSE: This notice is part of USG Market Research, a process for obtaining the latest information on the "art of possible from industry with respect to their highest point of technological achievement to date. All company proprietary information contained in the response shall be separately marked and properly protected from unauthorized disclosure. The USG will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish the capability and requirements for any future systems acquisition so as to not inadvertently restrict competition. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Furthermore, the Air Force is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the USG will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on https://SAM.gov under Contract Opportunities. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this RFI are to identify responsible sources and interested parties to explore cost effective options to provide the subject capability, identify those whom have proven solutions that can meet requirements, or technology potential to meet requirements within the next 24 months. For the purpose of this RFI, the term - proven means solutions at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 (in accordance with the Technology Readiness Assessment Guide dated February 2020) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of at least 5 (in accordance with Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) Deskbook Version 2.4 dated August 2015). Justification for hardware TRL and MRL claims is required at the time of RFI response. BACKGROUND: The current fielded device (EEU-2A/P) is no longer being supported by the manufacturer and needs to be updated. Therefore, the AFGSC has identified a need for a system capable to protect aircrew from the heat and light flash of a nuclear explosion. The device must be able to reach Optical Density (OD) and Switching Speeds (SS) required to block harmful light but still allow aircrew to perform at regular mission capabilities. OD levels and switching speeds must be compatible with existing displays to not hinder current performance or field of view. REQUIREMENTS: The response should describe the company's capability to offer, field, and sustain the device as characterized by the requirements addressed in this RFI. If unable to provide a device capable of meeting all requirements, the respondent should offer trade-off considerations. The mandatory key performance parameters device must meet are cited in RFI RESPONSE Form 1, contained in Appendix A. Any proposed solution must meet all Operational, Safety, Suitability and Effectiveness (OSS&E) requirements mandated by the Department of Defense. Within 18 month of contract award, must pass safe-to-fly criteria for all commonly used fixed and rotary wing aircraft used for ERC and obtain Air Worthiness Certification. INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS: Interested parties shall provide capabilities, qualification statements, and a completed Form #1 to demonstrate their ability to satisfy the requirements detailed in the REQUIREMENTS paragraph of this announcement. Companies or parties are to submit responses in Adobe Acrobat compatible electronic format. The maximum page limit for responses is 30 pages, 8.5 x 11, including attachments, figures, and/or drawings, and no smaller than size 12 font. Responses must include: A) Company Name, Address, CAGE Code, Industry Point of Contact (POC) for technical and contractual issues to include name, position, telephone number, and e-mail address B) Complete Description of the Device C) Overall capabilities of the device as compared against the REQUIREMENTS section of this announcement D) Hardware TRL and MRL maturity levels along with justification (see attachment of Technology Readiness Assessment Guide dated February 2020) Reponses to this RFI must be submitted no later than 30 days after RFI release, and shall be transmitted electronically to Dane Cooper at dane.cooper.1@us.af.mil. DISCUSSIONS: One-on-one information gathering sessions with respondents are currently not contemplated. The USG may elect to conduct one-on-one discussions with industry based on its analysis of the RFI responses, the quality of submission, and the specifications in the information provided. The USG is under no obligation to conduct these sessions. The USG does not commit to providing a response to any comment or questions. Any revision to this RFI based on comments received remains solely at the USG's discretion. These initiatives may ultimately result in the USG developing and issuing an RFP for respondents. SPECIAL NOTICE: Respondent's attention is directed to the fact that contractor consultants and advisors to the USG will review and provide support during review and evaluation of submittals. When appropriate, non-government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the USG. All advisors shall comply with procurement integrity laws and shall sign Non-Disclosure and Rules of Conduct/Conflict of Interest statements. The USG shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submissions in response to this RFI constitute approval to release the submittal to Government Support Contractors. Per FAR 52.215-3, Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997): (a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this solicitation or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (b) Although - proposal and - offeror are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. (c) This solicitation is issued for the purpose of collecting Government Market Research, a process for obtaining the latest information on the - art of possible from industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities.