DESCRIPTION: The US Army Research Development and Engineering Command, Natick Soldier Research Development & Engineering Center (RDECOM-NSRDEC) in Natick, MA, is conducting a market survey for technical information, concepts and/or capabilities on methods to develop a parachute system to safely release static line towed jumper from the aircraft and descend to the ground. The system must ultimately be capable of providing a towed jumper a safe means of release from the aircraft. The desired characteristics for such a system (not in priority order) are as follows: (1) functions on current static line parachute systems; (2) can accommodate a maximum suspended weight of 450 lbs; (3) operates onboard high performance fixed wing aircraft at speeds from 130 to 150 Knots Indicated Air Speed (KIAS); (4) must not interfere or affect any existing electrical equipment associated with the aircraft, to include but not limited to the avionics, communications or any other electrical systems; (5) system will not require any modifications to aircraft or parachute system; (6) must operate from exit altitudes of 1,000 ft. Above Ground Level (AGL) and higher; (7) must provide the ability to land below 26 ft/sec at Mean Sea Level; (8) system must allow for the ability to be assembled quickly and with minimal complexity when in flight. Expected fielding numbers for systems will be determined when requirements are finalized but are expected to be up to 2,000. Above noted characteristics are top level desired characteristics additional attributes may be communicated via a potential future request for information. Confidence and reliability numbers are expected to be established if a formal program of record advances. Responses to this market survey shall include information to demonstrate how the above characteristics will be met after development of the system and the current system maturity level. System maturity level may be defined using Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) definition found in Section 2.5 of the Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) Guidance dated April 2011 (http://www.acq.osd.mil/chieftechnologist/publications/docs/TRA2011.pdf). Responses shall include summarized information on any testing and evaluation that has been completed, if applicable, to justify the TRL of the proposed system/concept. Proprietary information will not be disclosed outside the U.S. Government and will adhere to the attached non-disclosure policy form. All interested firms, regardless of size are encouraged to respond to this request for information. It should be noted that this is a market survey and not a pre-solicitation notice. A pre-solicitation notice will be published if a formal solicitation is generated. No awards will result from this market survey. Nothing shall be construed herein or through the market survey process to commit or obligate the Government to further action as a result of this market survey. Firms responding to this market survey shall bear all risk and expense of any resources used to provide the requested information, and all information submitted in response to this request shall be marked as proprietary and will not be returned to the submitter. Respondents must submit their product brochures, technical data, or other information concerning performance and cost within 10 days of this publication. Responses may be sent via email to
[email protected]. This sources sought 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 sources sought and does not constitute a solicitation or request for proposal. This sources sought is for planning purposes. If a solicitation is issued, the Government does not guarantee that it will be issued to respondents of this sources sought. The Government is also requesting that restrictive or proprietary markings NOT be used in response to this notice. 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) and proposed NAICS code if different. No solicitation document exists at this time. This market survey is for information and planning purposes only. This is not an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be taken as a commitment by RDECOM-NSRDEC. E-MAIL ADDRESS:
[email protected]