This Request for Information (RFI) is part of a market research effort to assess technologies that might permit outside intervention by rescue forces or "good Samaritans" in maritime mass-rescue incidents, including rescue or retrieval of persons from passenger vessels, hazardous predicaments in/or adjacent to water, or rescue of multiple persons in the water or from other hazardous maritime predicaments. As the primary agency for maritime Search and Rescue in the United States, the Coast Guard endeavors to minimize the loss of life and injury by rendering aid to persons in distress in the maritime environment. This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. The Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) is conducting research to identify both operational and state-of-the art technologies and associated equipment applicable to maritime mass rescue. "Operational" in this context refers to existing technologies and equipment that are currently used in commercial and/or Government application, while "state-of-the art" in this context refers to proven and near-proven technologies that are expected to be available in the commercial and/or Government lifesaving, rescue and assistance market in the next 30 to 36 months. The RDC intends to use the information collected from this RFI to conduct detailed systems analysis that quantifies and evaluates technology readiness and applicability, device or equipment capability, and acquisition and life-cycle operating costs. You are invited to respond with information to assist the RDC with its market research to identify potential sources of rescue technologies and associated equipment applicable to maritime mass rescue appropriate for use on, or deployment from Coast Guard/Government vessels or commercial vessels, 25 ft (7.6M) and larger, or capable of being deployed from fixed or rotary-wing aircraft operating in the worldwide maritime environment. Information on devices that rely on inflation, as well as those that rely on rigid structural elements (including fixed framing, foam flotation, or rigid shell) is also invited. RESCUE TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST I. Rescue of multiple persons in the water II. Rescue of large numbers of persons from a vessel that has sustained a significant casualty III. Rescue of multiple persons from hazardous maritime predicaments IV. Ability to provide multiple persons temporary refuge from the water V. Ability to provide a platform for safe hoisting of a large number of persons simultaneously from the water, to working deck levels associated with high-freeboard cargo vessels, passenger vessels, and large combatant vessels (or ability to be raised by medium-lift helicopter). SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED The following information, or best available estimate, is requested for each proposed solution. If multiple solutions are presented by the same entity, the information should be specific to each solution. A. Equipment characteristics; B. Equipment specifications; C. Equipment capabilities/capacities; D. Equipment Reliability; E. Acquisition Cost; F. Service Life; G. Life Cycle Cost Parameters, Mean time between overhaul (MTBO), Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), Planned Maintenance, training; H. Operational Practices (e.g.,including whether device operation relies on compressed gas, explosive or electrical charge, whether the deployed device allows unassisted victim use and self-rescue, etc.); I. Space, Weight and Storage condition, along with Transportation Requirements; and J. Ability to be delivered by aircraft (fixed-wing or rotary-wing) or from the deck of high-freeboard vessels (greater than 66 feet (20M)) Note: The rescue technologies of interest are intended to be used in a maritime environment. Flotation, buoyancy, thermal protection, and ability to withstand exposure to winds and seas should be addressed with respect to each technology's specific technical information. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard is frequently called upon to provide evacuation and rescue support in terrestrial natural and man-made disasters (earthquake, flood, fire, structural collapse, etc). Technologies associated with these potential uses should also be addressed. GENERAL QUESTIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL AREAS OF INTEREST The following questions/statements should be addressed for each solution response to this RFI. If multiple solutions are presented by the same entity, the responses to these questions should be specific to each solution. A. What technologies/devices do you have that have the potential to address maritime mass rescue requirements in the five ‘Rescue Technology Areas of Interest' listed above? B. What agencies, governments, or other rescue service providers currently use the solution described? C. What are your company's technical capabilities and technology development approach? D. Are any development efforts or test activities currently underway or planned to mature your technology and/or assess its maturity? E. Describe the effort required to mature your technology to a fully tested, ready for production technology readiness level in terms of development time and expense. F. For each proposed solution, cite the appropriate standard or regulation that the equipment is intended to be certified/qualified to (e.g., IMO SOLAS, Code of Federal Regulations, ICAO/FAA, MILSTD, etc.) RESPONDING TO THIS MARKET RESEARCH Organizations responding to this RFI may respond to one or more of the five topics discussed with regard to the Rescue Technology Areas of Interest: I. Rescue of multiple persons in the water; II. Rescue of large numbers of persons from a vessel that has sustained a significant casualty; III. Rescue of multiple persons from hazardous predicaments; IV. Ability to provide multiple persons temporary refuge from the water; V. Ability to provide a platform for safe hoist of a large number of persons simultaneously from the water, to working deck levels associated with high-freeboard cargo vessels, passenger vessels, large combatants (or under medium-lift helicopters). Topics may be combined or treated individually. When responding to each RFI topic, please include the following information: • A one page cover letter that provides a brief summary of the response and indicating if supporting documentation is included. • Descriptive material that addresses all areas of information requested by this RFI including the sections "SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED" and "GENERAL QUESTIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL AREAS OF INTEREST." If pre-developed marketing or technical information and specification sheets are provided, please include additional information, as necessary to "fill the gaps" between pre-developed material and the information required. Digital photographs, line drawings, and illustrations that clarify descriptive text are encouraged. • A description of any information relative to what capabilities are currently possible, and what additional capabilities may be achievable over the next 30 to 36 months • A list of U.S. (or international) Government contracts for products being submitted where applicable • Any digital photos and/or digital videos of the products in operation • Business Size with regard to NAICS 541712 This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and will not be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. Responses to this market survey should be sent to
[email protected]. All questions regarding this RFI should also be sent to e-mail address
[email protected]. PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, VOICE MAIL MESSAGES LEFT WILL NOT BE RETURNED AND EMAILS WILL NOT BE RESPONDED TO. Information submitted will be reviewed by Government personnel at the USCG RDC, headquarters and field commands. Please limit electronic responses to no more than 10 pages per solution (supporting documentation in the form of a glossary or attachments to the RFI response will not be counted towards the 10-page limit per solution). If your RFI response is greater than 10 MB, please provide it on DVD media and mail it to: Attn: Ms. Helen Nelson, Contracting Division U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center 1 Chelsea Street New London, CT 06320-5506 The deadline for final responses to the RFI is 05 May 2010. REMINDER: ALL RESPONSES MUST BE EMAILED TO:
[email protected]