Request for Information for eyewear for Submariners that would be compatible with an Emergency Air Breathing (EAB) mask 1.0 SUBJECT Request for Information (RFI) for eyewear designed to provide prescription eyeglasses that are compatible when wearing an Emergency Air Breathing (EAB) aboard submarines. Responses are due to this RFI by 4:00 PM on March 19, 2007. See section 8.0 for further information. 2.0 DESCRIPTION Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL) is seeking information from the eyewear industry that will provide prescription eyewear frames for use when wearing an EAB aboard a submarine. Specifically, this RFI seeks the following information: Conceptual technical architecture alternatives - Prescription eyewear frames. The frames should permit ready assembly of prescription lenses by the Navy Ophthalmic Support Center, Yorktown, VA. - Sturdy material. The frames must be durable. - For use by Submariners wearing an EAB mask. - Approximate cost information (i.e., order of magnitude, ballpark estimates, etc.) for alternatives - Schedule estimates 3.0 REQUIREMENTS The primary requirement for this RFI is prescription eyewear frames that remain in place and provide an air tight seal when the individual is wearing the EAB mask. The eyewear frames should not move around inside the mask or interfere with wearing the mask in any way. They should be durable and comfortable for the wearer. Additionally, the frames are required to provide an airtight seal when worn with the EAB mask. The masks are worn to protect the individual from smoke inhalation and therefore, no break in the seal can be permitted due to the eyewear frames. The frames, when worn, should permit easy donning of the EAB mask and fit readily inside the mask. The frames must permit an airtight seal of the mask against the face of the wearer, using either a flexible metal or plastic temple or a circumferential strap. The frame assembly must be comfortable when worn. The purpose of this RFI is to gather information about those requirements enumerated above. To the extent simplifying assumptions are needed, respondents are encouraged to make and document such assumptions in their responses. 4.0 POSSIBLE EYEWEAR SOLUTION The eyewear must meet the functional requirements specified above. NSMRL is open to alternative concepts for solutions that meet these requirements. NSMRL encourages creativity and outside the box thinking in responses to this RFI. This RFI seeks information about prescription eyewear that would be compatible when wearing an EAB mask. In doing so, NSMRL seeks to understand the tradeoffs among risks, costs (initial and ongoing) and alternative technical architectures that incorporate increasing degrees of sharing. 5.0 SAMPLE RESPONSE OUTLINE Following is a suggested outline and suggested page counts for a response to this RFI. This outline is intended to minimize the effort of the respondent and structure the responses for ease of analysis by NSMRL. Nevertheless, respondents are free to develop their response as they see fit. Section 1 - Conceptual Alternatives Briefly describe types of prescription eyewear that are easily worn with an EAB mask. It should remain in place and not impair the individual's vision when wearing the EAB mask. Eyeglass frames should be sturdy material. Providing pictures is encouraged. (1 page) Section 2 - Feasibility Assessment Briefly describe the feasibility of each alternative and the design tradeoffs involved as matched against the functional requirements. (1 page) Section 3 - Cost and Schedule Estimates Provide cost estimates for each alternative. Also, discuss cost drivers, cost tradeoffs, and schedule considerations (1 page) Section 4 - Corporate Expertise Briefly describe your company, your products and services, history, ownership, financial information, and other information you deem relevant. (no suggested page count) In particular, please describe any projects you have been involved in that are similar in concept to what is described in this RFI, including management and operations approach, security requirements, security assurance processes, and any relevant lessons learned (1 page). Include any comments on the structure of the requirements for a formal RFP response. Section 5 - Additional Materials Please provide any other materials, suggestions, and discussion you deem appropriate. 6.0 INFORMATION EXCHANGE MEETINGS NSMRL will hold an information exchange meeting to discuss this RFI with interested potential respondents. Details about this meeting will be made available at a later date. If you wish to attend this meeting, please respond to the contact provided in section 8.0, below. In addition, NSMRL will consider meeting individually with interested potential respondents. If you are interested in requesting such a meeting, please respond to the contact provided in section 8.0, below. 7.0 DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. In accordance with FAR 15.202(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by NSMRL or the US Navy to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. 8.0 CONTACT INFORMATION Following is the Points of Contact (POC) for this RFI, including the public information exchange meeting (please CC the Procurement POC for any technical questions as well): Technical Point of Contact - (TECHNICAL QUESTIONS ONLY) Ms. Alison America E-mail:
contact@example.gov Procurement Point of Contact - (PROCUREMENT & CONTRACTING QUESTIONS) Joel Dimaapi E-mail: joel.dimaapi@ navy.mil Please submit responses via e-mail in Microsoft Office format by 4:00 PM on March 19, 2007, to the POC at:
contact@example.gov. You may also submit supplemental hardcopy materials such as brochures, etc. (5 copies each) to the POCs.
