Respirator Lens Anti-Fog Testing
Background:
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Research and Development Directorate, Chemical and Biological Technologies Department, Physical Science and Technology Division (RD-CBT), is seeking information from respondents who possess the capability to test in environmental conditions consisting of extreme heat with high humidity and cold with high humidity, Government-provided respirator optical lenses treated with a newly developed anti-fog coating to:
• Determine and document conditions that allow fog to form on lenses;
• Measure the duration of anti-fog performance;
• Determine the resistance of anti-fog coatings to live chemical agent (e.g., Gd and Hd) and provide a meaningful method of expressing the performance of the respirator lens relative to fogging and chemical agent exposure.
• Use a statistical method to determine confidence levels associated with the anti-fog performance test results to make a final determination as to fogging resistance.
Response Instructions:
Respondents shall address their test capabilities and contemplated technical approach relative to the information described above (and any additional information the respondent should deem appropriate) via a Capabilities/Technical Approach Statement (five-page limit) in Microsoft Word format. Within the response, at a minimum, each respondent shall ensure that it fully addresses the following items:
1) Identify optical test capabilities available
a. Identify the test method(s) to be used
b. Provide a copy of the documented test method.
c. Identify statistical methods to be used.
d. Identify any proprietary aspects of the test method.
2) Identify capability to work with chemical warfare agents identified below and provide a description of the nature of the authority that permits working with agents.
a. Gd
b. Hd
All submitted information shall be UNCLASSIFIED; do not submit any CLASSIFIED information in response to this notice. In addition, respondents shall include their name, address, CAGE code, DUNS, and company size standard under the 541714 and 541715 NAICS codes. The information shall be submitted via e-mail to salvatore.g.clementi.civ@mail.mil and brian.d.nuckols.civ@mail.mil. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted. Submissions shall be submitted by no later than 2:00 pm local Ft. Belvoir time on the response date specified within this RFI. While DTRA RD-CBT will accept questions, they will be used solely as a means for informing any potential future actions relative to this topic, and responses will not be provided.
Brian D. Nuckols, Email brian.d.nuckols.civ@mail.mil
