Improved Suspension Systems for Combat Helmets
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION - The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), Natick, MA, on behalf of Product Manager Infantry Combat Equipment is conducting market research into the availability of improved suspension systems for combat helmets to identify potential sources and the level of performance that current technology allows.
Systems shall:
(1) Provide improved blunt impact protection of combat helmets by limiting the peak test headform acceleration to a maximum of 150g when tested at impact velocities greater than 10 ft/sec. The objective is 17.3 ft/sec while maintaining a maximum of 150g at velocities less than 17.3 ft/sec.
(2) Maintain the ballistic performance of the helmet to include ballistic transient deformation and resistance to penetration.
(3) Be compatible with the shell sizes and retention systems of the following existing military combat helmets: Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH), Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), Lightweight Helmet (LWH), Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH), Lightweight Advanced Combat Helmet (LW ACH), Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II (ACH Gen II). Also fully accommodate the existing anthropometric head sizes of Marines and Soldiers without upsizing of shells or decrease in area of coverage.
(4) Be compatible with items typically worn under combat helmets (i.e., cold weather caps, balaclavas, communication headsets, etc.).
(5) Meet other requirements typically in combat helmet specifications (such as the ECH PD, GL-PD-09-04) pertinent to the pad suspension systems (i.e., water absorption, durability, etc.).
(6) Be comfortable to wear in combat helmets during extended periods of time (no hot spots, headaches, skin irritation, etc) including factors such as increased weight and altered center of gravity due to helmet mounted devices (i.e., night vision equipment).
(7) Be replacement without the need for special tools.
Other notes:
(1) Both non-recoverable and recoverable materials will be considered at this time. Recoverable materials are preferred.
(2) Solutions on the exterior of the helmet may be considered but interior solutions are preferred.
(3) Please provide information on the status of Berry Amendment compliance.
The findings from this Market Research effort may impact future solicitations related to this requirement. This Market Research is not a solicitation as defined by FAR 2.101, and the Government is not requesting offers for proposals at this time. This is a Request for Information and does not constitute a solicitation or request for proposal. This is a market survey for planning purposes. If a solicitation is issued, the Government does not guarantee that it will be issued to RFI respondents. The Government is also requesting that restrictive or proprietary markings NOT be used in response to the RFI. The information received under this announcement may be used for developing acquisition strategy and refining performance requirements. Responses should be submitted in MS WORD and/or MS Excel or PDF, including attachments. Interested sources may include information regarding a firm's experience, personnel, and facilities, materials, and products. Information should include product cost, technical information (i.e., test data, technical literature, illustrations, photographs, patents), relevant company background/experience, and a sample. Specific test data of interest includes blunt impact performance, ballistic performance, human factors data, and installation instructions. Firms responding shall indicate whether or not they are a small business. Any information/samples submitted will not be returned. If a firm chooses to submit samples, no payment will be made by the Government for such samples and they may not be returned. Interested parties shall also supply the following information: name of company and point of contact, telephone number, address and email of POC, business size (i.e. large business, small business, SBA certified HUBZone Business, Economically Disadvantaged Small Business, Woman-Owned Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business), proposed NAICS code, a brief description of the technology and if possible any relevant testing data.
THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. No telephonic submissions will be honored. All product information shall be submitted at no cost or obligation to the Government. Interested parties should respond by August 11, 2017. Questions and responses to this notice are to be sent to Scott Bennet at scott.a.bennet.civ@mail.mil or mail to Scott, Natick Soldier RD&E Center, 10 General Greene Avenue, Room D204, Natick, MA 01760.
Bennet, Email scott.a.bennet.civ@mail.mil
