Research, Integration, and Development of Integumentary [Skin] System for Simulation Training and Education

This Request for Information (RFI) is targeted at organizations researching, developing, and offering integumentary simulation systems with physiological tissue characteristic and behavior measurements that will be integrated with a flexible and modular mannequin concept, such as the Advanced Modular Manikin (AMM), as well as future modular part-task training and education simulation systems which have yet to be developed. Organizations responding to this RFI must also provide design integration with an open source/architecture physiology research engine platform for data and information to and from the integumentary simulation system. The RFI encourages those working with synthetic materials, polymers, micro-technologies (such as micro-fluidic solutions), those that have researched measuring tissue properties or has access to such data / information, and those that have detailed understanding on physiological responsiveness of human tissues. Concentration on acute / traumatic injuries, ones that are representative of military injuries as well as burns, frostbite, and infectious diseases to name a few should be strongly considered. However, additional pathologies should be included in the RFI such as dermatology pathologies, autoimmune diseases, and other common infectious diseases that nearly any one could contract in order to diversify the capabilities of the simulated integumentary system. The Integrated Skin RFI is intentionally broad for the purposes of disrupting the market by allowing the organization to develop a simulated integumentary system for integration / incorporation into current and future mannequin-based / part-task simulation training and education system. The intended use of an integumentary simulation system is for nearly any type of training anywhere along the continuum of care and be used in austere environments. The integumentary simulation system should incorporate "autonomous healing" of punctures, cuts into the material, and one that accurately, appropriately acts and responds analogous to human integumentary based upon physiological tissue properties and behavioral characteristics. This market research may assist with the further development and/or refinement of potential future announcements or solicitations. Information will be reviewed pursuant to consideration for the development of future Requests for Proposals (RFP) or Announcements for development of products or areas of research identified in this RFI.