This is a Sources Sought Notice only. This is NOT a Request for Proposal, Request for Quote or Invitation for Bid. DLA Troop Support is conducting market research seeking to identify possible sources that can supply NSN 4220-00-850-8655, Underarm Life Preserver. Interested contractors are requested to review the below description carefully to identify any potential manufacturing challenges and formulate any questions. PURCHASE DESCRIPTION UNDERARM LIFE PRESERVER (LPU) - 1. SCOPE. This description covers requirements for an underarm life preserver, which is used by Air Force personnel performing flight and any other in flight operations. - 2. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS. 2.1 Performance characteristics. 2.1.1 Underarm Life Preserver. The underarm life preserver shall be comprised of two independent containers. One shall be designed for the right hand side of the body and the other designed for the left hand side of the body. At least one shall contain a physical indicator to show which is for the left hand side and which is for the right hand side. Both will consist of the following: a container with a closure system, flotation bladder(s), an inflation system, and an activation system. The design shall allow the LPU to be securely attached to the user and shall provide the user easy access to the activation system. The user shall be able to don the LPU in 3 minutes or less and when properly used, it will keep the user's head out of the water. The LPU shall be adjustable to fit the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male and shall not exceed 2.75 pounds in total weight. 2.1.2 Containers. The containers shall come with a closure system and shall house the bladder(s), an inflation system, and an activation system. The container shall allow for inspection of all components without the need for disconnecting the inflation system. The container shall easily open when the life preserver is activated and shall allow for reuse after activation of the life preserver for training purposes. 2.1.3 Bladder(s). Each bladder(s) shall provide a means for manual and oral inflation. Each flotation bladder(s) shall provide a minimum buoyancy of 35 pounds for a total of 70 pounds for the LPU. The actuated bladder(s) must be of a size and shape that does hinder movement in the water or restrict the user from easily climbing into a raft. 2.1.4 Manual Inflation System. The manual inflation system shall contain a way to manually activate the release of CO2 from a pressurized container to inflate the bladder(s). It shall utilize a commercially available CO2 cartridge. 2.1.5 Oral Inflation System. The oral inflation system shall contain a way to inflate the bladder(s) by allowing air to be blown into it by mouth and not leak. There shall be a way to manually release air contained in the bladder(s) through the oral inflation system. There will be a way to prevent inadvertently activating the manual release of air through the oral inflation system while the user is in the water. 2.1.6 Activation System. The activation system shall contain a way to open up the container allowing the bladder(s) to be inflated. It shall also activate the manual inflation system. 2.2 Design and construction. 2.2.1 Containers. They shall be made of material that is flame retardant, mildew resistant and will not be deteriorated by salt water, chlorinated water, oil, grime, petroleum, dirt and other materials typical in an aircraft environment. Exposure to temperatures between -40 degrees Fahrenheit and +140 degrees Fahrenheit shall not deteriorate the material used in constructing the containers or prevent the closure system from functioning properly. They shall be black or sage green in color. All material shall be corrosion resistant. Dissimilar metals shall not be used in intimate contact with each other unless suitably protected against electrolytic corrosion. The containers shall be able to withstand the windblast of a parachute jumper and be operational when the jumper hits the water. 2.2.2 Bladder(s). They shall be made of material that is mildew resistant and will not be deteriorated by salt water, chlorinated water, oil, grime, petroleum, dirt and other materials typical in an aircraft environment. They will attach to the containers. Exposure to temperatures between -40 degrees Fahrenheit and +140 degrees Fahrenheit shall not deteriorate the material used in constructing the bladders or affect satisfactory inflation and pressure retention of the bladders. They will be international orange-yellow or similar high visibility color as listed in paragraph 3.16 of SAE International Standard AS1354. All materials shall be corrosion resistant. Dissimilar metals shall not be used in intimate contact with each other unless suitably protected against electrolytic corrosion. 2.2.3 Manual Inflation System. The manual inflation system shall pass a test that applies a 250 pound load outwardly and perpendicular to the surface of the bladder for 3 seconds. Exposure to temperatures between -40 degrees Fahrenheit and +140 degrees Fahrenheit shall not affect satisfactory activation of the manual inflation system. 2.2.4 Oral Inflation System. The manual inflation system shall pass a test that applies a 100 pound load outwardly and perpendicular to the surface of the bladder for 3 seconds. Exposure to temperatures between -40 degrees Fahrenheit and +140 degrees Fahrenheit shall not hinder in any way the oral inflation system. 2.2.5 Activation System. The activation system shall be such that it can be easily activated by hand and pass a 60 pound pull test for 3 seconds. Exposure to temperatures between -40 degrees Fahrenheit and +140 degrees Fahrenheit shall not hinder in any way the activation system. - 3. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. The offeror/contractor is encouraged to use recovered materials to the maximum extent practicable, in accordance with paragraph 23.403 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). - 4. PRODUCT CONFORMANCE PROVISIONS. The products provided shall meet the salient characteristics of this Commercial Item Description, conform to the producer's own drawings, specifications, standards, and quality assurance practices, and be the same product offered for sale in the commercial marketplace. The government reserves the right to require proof of such conformance. - 5. PACKAGING. Preservation, packing, and marking shall be as specified in the contract or order. - 6. NOTES. 6.1 Information on the life preserver shall be provided so that inspection requirements can be developed and carried out by the users. Interested parties should provide written responses by close of business on Friday, November 2, 2018 by 4:00 PM EST to: Melody Hamilton, DLA Troop Support Construction & Equipment, at melody.hamilton@dla.mil or (215) 737-2568. This Sources Sought Notice is issued for the purpose of market research only and the Government is in no way obligated to purchase any material as a result of this inquiry. The Government will NOT pay for any information submitted by respondents in response to this Sources Sought Notice. If a solicitation would result, it would be synopsized on the FedBizOpps website and it would be the offeror's responsibility to monitor the FedBizOpps website for any such notices.
