RFI - Improved Helmet Suspension System

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) Product Manager Infantry Combat Equipment (PdM-ICE) is conducting market research, and identifying potential sources and best practice information for designing, developing, and procuring an Improved Helmet Suspension System (IHSS). The PdM-ICE is interested in learning about new technologies for helmet suspension systems that incorporate the comfort and low velocity/high mass impact protection provided by a pad system, with the stability and high velocity/low mass impact protection provided by a sling system. When used with Marine Corps helmets, the IHSS will help reduce and/or prevent concussions, skull fractures, and other injuries caused by blast, blunt impact, and ballistic trauma to the head. The IHSS must be capable of preventing head acceleration from exceeding 150 G (gravitational constant) at an impact velocity of 14 feet per second [T], 17.1 feet per second [O] at temperatures ranging from -24 to 120 F. The IHSS must also dissipate the behind helmet ballistic impact energy transferred to the head to less than 1500 pounds force [T], 750 pounds force [O]. Additionally, the IHSS must provide stability and comfort for the helmet, without increasing the weight of the current Marine Corps helmet systems. The IHSS must not create hot spots, headaches, or skin irritation. It must also allow air to circulate under the helmet and prevent perspiration from running down underneath the helmet into the wearer's eyes. The IHSS must integrate with Marine Corps helmet shells (Enhanced Combat Helmet, Advanced Combat Helmet, Lightweight Helmet, and Modular Integrated Communications Helmet) and other head-borne equipment such as night vision goggles and ballistic eyewear. Several variants of the IHSS may be needed to accommodate all of the Marine Corps helmet shells. The IHSS must not change the area of head coverage provided by existing systems or change current helmet sizing. The IHSS must be durable enough to withstand daily use for a six-month period of time after exposure to battlefield contaminants (petroleum, oils, lubricants, solvents, and insecticides), salt, fog, high altitudes (up to 40,000 feet), and extreme temperature variations (-60 to 160 F). The IHSS must not melt or drip after exposure to flames. The IHSS must also be easy to install with no special tools, use, maintain, and clean. The PdM-ICE will hold an Industry Day on 17 October 2012 at 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 301, Stafford, VA 22554, from 0830 to 1215. The afternoon will be reserved for one-on-one discussions with the government. Parties interested in scheduling a half hour one-on-one discussion should contact howard.girvin@usmc.mil by 10 October 2012. For those who are unable to attend the Industry Day in person, there will be a phone line set up to call into the conference. The phone number is (703) 432-2663. Enter bridge number 3 followed by password 4039. The first one to dial into the bridge will hear constant ringing until another party enters the bridge. The purpose of this Industry Day is to exchange information regarding this RFI and the IHSS draft performance specification. The agenda for the Industry Day will be as follows: 0830 - 0900 Welcome/Introductory Briefing 0900 - 1000 Program Brief/Objectives 1000 - 1100 Overview of Government Research Efforts 1100 - 1115 Break 1115 - 1215 Informal Discussions with Industry/Question and Answer Period 1300 - 1700 Individual Breakout Sessions All sources that plan to attend the Industry Day on 17 October 2012 should send confirmation and written questions via e-mail to the Contract Specialist, howard.girvin@usmc.mil (with a courtesy copy to the Contracting Officer, lisandra.torres@usmc.mil). Please provide the name and position or title of each attendee (no more than two per company), contact information, and business size. All requests to attend Industry Day should be submitted no later than 1630 on 10 October 2012. Unregistered attendees will not be turned away unless space is unavailable. Following the Industry Day, industry is requested to submit an information paper that describes new helmet suspension systems being developed, and outlines the technical approach industry is using to meet the performance requirements specified in this RFI. Alternative designs for a retention system that integrates with the proposed suspension system will also be considered. It is requested that the information paper also include information on the technical maturity of the proposed design, schedule for initial test article submittal and possible production capacity, lead times, estimated cost of prototype and production ready systems, as well as the potential contractor's manufacturing capability. Comments to improve the performance specification or other requirements outlined in this RFI are also welcome. Although this RFI is focused on suspension systems that integrate with existing Marine Corps helmet shells, industry may also provide information about additional design ideas for suspension systems that are not constrained by the existing helmet shells. All submissions shall be provided electronically to howard.girvin@usmc.mil by 16 November 2012. Due to email restrictions, all electronic submissions must be smaller than 5MB. All properly marked proprietary information will be appropriately handled. Submitted material will not be returned. Please send requests for a copy of the performance specification for the IHSS and the IOP-PED-002 and IOP-PED-003 to the above mentioned Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer. All questions presented before and during the Industry Day will be addressed during the informal discussions portion of the agenda. Questions presented during the Industry Day will be submitted via writing at the end of the research overview brief portion of the day. At that time, a short break will be taken where the questions will be compiled, after which questions will be answered during the informal discussion for everyone's benefit. After the Industry Day, all questions, answers, information discussed, test protocols, and any other information requests will be posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website (https://www.fbo.gov/). The Berry Amendment will apply to any contractual instruments regarding future procurement actions resulting from this RFI. Inability to attend this Industry Day (whether in-person or via teleconference) will not preclude any interested party from responding to future notices regarding this effort. THIS RFI IS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES, NOR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR THE INFORMATION RECEIVED. NO ENTITLEMENT TO PAYMENT OF DIRECT OR INDIRECT COSTS OR CHARGES BY THE GOVERNMENT WILL ARISE AS A RESULT OF SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES TO THIS RFI AND GOVERNMENT USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS.