Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) Prototype

Active

Contract Opportunity

PODS: Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. IT IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 10 responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Please respond by 26 June 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Objective

This Request for Project Preproposal (RPP) is issued to request preproposals (white papers) in accordance with Section III, B, 1 of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA) 22-01 competitive announcement and is being issued for planning purposes only. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to award an agreement, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE) is seeking information on the capabilities and willingness of private entities (non-profit and commercial) to provide a Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) design that will support a prototype project, as defined on page 5 of the BOTAA.

Background

PdM SCIE is executing a project to evaluate prototype supplemental oxygen delivery systems. The PODS capability is intended to be single materiel solution that is suitable for Military Free Fall (MFF) operations utilizing the Advanced Ram Air Parachute System (RA-1).

The PODS system is planned to support the U.S. Army’s MFF community by addressing a capability gap to support all high-altitude parachutist mission profiles (e.g., High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High-Altitude High Opening (HAHO)) requiring supplemental oxygen. The PODS will comprise the following components: Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM), Individual Oxygen Source (IOS), pre-breathing ports, transfer pump, and test stand.

Included is a Non-traditional Defense Contractor Certification form to be filled out.

Requirements

The purpose of this RPP is to request preproposals to conduct Test and Evaluation (T&E) of systems that can meet PODS capability requirements. The proposed designs may be based on reusing, modifying, or enhancing existing designs.

The preproposals shall address the full requirements of this RPP for a technology that is at or above Technology Readiness Level (TRL) six (6) as defined in the attached Technology Readiness Assessment Guidebook. Proposed solutions shall be fully compliant with the Berry Amendment, Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.225-7012, and the Buy American Act, DFARS 252.225-7001.

PdM SCIE will conduct a phased T&E approach to select the best materiel solution for the Army. The T&E will include the following phases: Developmental Testing (DT) Phase 1, DT Phase 2, and Operational Testing (OT). The Government will make the final down-selection to one (1) candidate system at the conclusion of DT Phase 1 Live Jumps at 17,999ft Mean Sea Level (MSL). However, failure to meet performance criteria at any stage of DT Phase 1 may result in candidate systems being disqualified from continuing to the next stage.

DT Phase 1 will include:

• Chamber test


• Environmental test


• Benchtop testing as required to verify KPPs, KSAs, and APAs


• Integration Assessment


• User Evaluations including Live Jumps up to 17,999ft MSL

Following Live Jumps at 17,999ft MSL, the Government will down-select to one (1) candidate system to continue T&E. Selection will be based on best value. Life cycle costs, including initial procurement and sustainment based on the proposed maintenance concept, will be considered in addition to technical performance.

DT Phase 1 will then conclude with the down-selected candidate system completing Live Jumps at 24,999ft MSL.

DT Phase 2 will consist of a series of Live Jumps by Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) test jumpers up to 24,999ft MSL.

OT will consist of Live Jumps by the operational force to include various mission profiles including those outlined in the requirements. In addition, the test stand, console, and maintenance concepts will be evaluated.

A Production OTA may be awarded to the down-selected vendor after successful completion of OT and obtaining Milestone C and Low-Rate Initial Production decisions. Production OTA award is contingent on availability of funds.

PODS Performance Requirements

The system performance requirements are given in Tables 1, 2, and 3 below. These tables provide both Threshold (T) and Objective (O) levels. The objective level is the performance goal, whereas the threshold level is the minimum acceptable level. PdM SCIE strongly prefers a solution that can meet objective levels of the PODS performance requirements.

Table 1: Key Performance Parameters

Key Performance Parameter (KPP)

Production Threshold

Production Objective

KPP #1 – Performance (POM). ​

Shall be capable of delivering the parachutist with O2 during pre-breathe, jump and landing (T=O). ​

T=O ​

KPP #2 – Performance (IOS). ​

Shall provide parachutist with sufficient supply of O2 for minimum of 45 minute parachutist descent using a minimum 400 liter capacity utilizing the POM (T). ​

Shall provide parachutist with sufficient supply of O2 for minimum 1 hour descent, plus provide sufficient O2 to support parachutist through pre-breathing phase of 75 minutes (O). ​

KPP #3 – Reliability and Confidence (IOS and POM). ​

Shall have reliability of 0.95 @ 90 percent (90%) confidence level without occurrence of system abort or system failure (T). ​

Shall have reliability of greater than (>) 0.95 at 90 percent (90%) confidence level without occurrence of system abort or system failure (O). ​

Note on KPP#2 – (O) allows for different capacity/size IOS than the stated minimum size in the (T)

Table 2: Key System Attributes

Key System Attribute (KSA)

Production Threshold

Production Objective

KSA #1 - ​

Performance (Pre-Breather Ports). ​

​

Each shall be capable of providing 20-lpm of O2 for 75 minutes (T). ​

Each shall be capable of providing a parachutist with 20-lpm for 2 hours (O). ​

KSA #2 - Air Standardization (System) ​

Use of Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen (ABO) shall not degrade system, components or safety (T=O). ​

T=O ​

KSA #3 - Override System (Pre-Breather) ​

Pre-Breather shall possess means to override IOS pressure when parachutist is connected to Pre-Breather port/station (T). ​

Shall possess visual indicator to alert parachutist if oxygen from IOS is being consumed during pre-breathing operations (O). ​

KSA #4 - Pressure Gauges (System) ​

Transfer Pump, Pre-Breather, and IOS shall possess indicators and pressure gauges to verify functionality (T). ​

Shall possess digital indicators readable in all light conditions and while wearing NVD and will be read by the parachutist (O). ​

KSA #5 – POM ​

Shall have provision for communications, compatible with parachutist’s organic devices (T=O). ​

T=O ​

Table 3: Additional Performance Attributes

Additional Performance Attribute (APA)

Production Threshold

Production Objective

APA 1 - Performance (Transfer Pump). ​

Shall be capable of recharging 6 IOS simultaneously (T). ​

Shall be capable of recharging 12 IOS simultaneously (O). ​

APA 2 – Connectors / Fittings / Valves (System) ​

Connectors shall be self-sealing quick disconnect assemblies; Transfer Pump shall possess pressure bleed-off valves; Transfer Pump manifold shall possess individual shut off values and individual pressure relief values; all connectors shall provide protection for O2 fittings when not in use (T=O). ​

T=O ​

APA 3 - Compatibility (System) ​

IOS shall be physically and functionally compatible with legacy POMs, Pre-Breathers and charging assemblies (T). ​

Shall be capable of modification to incorporate new technologies (O). ​

APA 4 - Hoses (POM and Pre- Breather) ​

Shall possess self-sealing medium pressure ​

(50 – 100) pounds per square inch (psi)) and withstand rigors of high altitude operations. Shall not impede parachutist’s ability to locate and deploy main or reserve parachutes (T=O). ​

T=O ​

APA 5 - Environmental

Conditions (IOS and POM) ​

Shall operate at temperatures ranging from -45 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to 120 degrees F and humidity ranging from zero to 100 percent (100%) non-condensing, in non-cold soak environment (T). Shall remain operable in predominantly sand and dust environment without any additional support requirements beyond those for current O2 equipment. (T=O). ​

Shall operate at temperatures ranging from -65 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees F and humidity ranging from zero to 100 percent (100%) non-condensing, in non-cold soak environment (O). ​

APA 6 - Carrier (IOS) ​

Shall provide means to secure IOS to Type Classified (TC) and non-standard parachutes systems. Carrier shall not interfere with the performance of the parachute or parachutist (T). ​

Shall be capable of accommodating all parachutist sizes and equipment worn (O). ​

APA 7 - Size and Weight (IOS) ​

Size and Weight (IOS). Shall not impede parachutist performance in all phases of the operation (T). ​

Shall reduce weight and size while increasing capacity (O). ​

APA 8 - Restraint Points (Pre- Breather) ​

Shall be capable of being restrained without damage to aircraft in accordance with DoD aircraft regulation (T=O). ​

T=O ​

APA 9 - Transportability (Pre-Breather, Transfer Pump)

Shall provide handles or other suitable means of grasping, handling, maneuvering and carrying on to standard and non-standard military aircraft by 2 persons (T=O).

T=O

APA 10 - Frost or Ice Accumulation (POM)

Frost or ice accumulation inside or outside of the mask shall not impede proper mask operation (T=O).

T=O

APA 11 - Anti-Suffocation Valve (POM)

Shall provide an anti-suffocation valve (T=O).

T=O

APA 12 - Performance (Test Device)

Shall provide a method to test flow rate, anti-suffocation valve, exhalation valve, dilution and leakage of POM without disassembly, to ensure proper operation, as well as flow rates and outlet pressures of IOS and Pre-Breather. Shall not require calibration more than once a year (T).

Calibration is capable of being performed at unit level using current TMDE processes. Maintenance is capable of being performed at unit level (O).

APA 13 - Transport and Storage

Shall meet or exceed Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for transport and storage of pressurized vessels and systems (T=O).

T=O

In addition to the performance requirements given in Tables 1-3, testing and evaluation of candidate systems will incorporate analysis based on the following:

• The breathing rate that may be used for evaluation was established as the threshold standard by Parachutist Oxygen Consumption Study 28 FEBRUARY 2013 NAWCADPAX/RTR-2013/6 and is described on page 23 as “Equation (2)”. Equation parameters may be slightly adjusted based on observed performance.

• In addition, Parachutist Oxygen Consumption Study 28 FEBRUARY 2013 NAWCADPAX/RTR-2013/6 states on page 28 that the bailout bottle should provide 40 lpm for 2 min prior to exit. The Parachutist Oxygen Consumption Study will be made available upon request.

Government testing of the PODS for compliance with KPP/KSA/APA is anticipated to consist of the following:

• A combination of Ground Evaluation, Chamber Testing, and In-Flight Testing will be used to evaluate against the requirements. The government may utilize automated/standalone mask test chambers to validate vendor claimed performance. The government may include testing with HAHO jumps. User feedback may be used to evaluate proper fit and function of all components and evaluation of the maintenance concept.

• Third party certifications may be requested and examined for safety evaluations including the use of Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen. An example would be WHA Oxygen Fire Risk Analysis (OFRA) or equivalent.

• Benchtop testing may be conducted to ensure requirements are met. Test may include:

MIL-STD-810H, Sand and Dust, Method 510.7, Procedure I. A climate chamber may be utilized in combination with a vacuum/pressure chamber. A climate chamber may be brought down to a minimum negative temperature of -45F (T) and -65F (O).

The Transfer Pump for DT Phase 1 will be the Masterline 7000A-2. Proposed solutions must be compatible with this Transfer Pump which is currently in use by the US Army. DT Phase 2 will evaluate any proposed transfer pump.

The Government strongly prefers a solution that utilizes a supplemental bottle(s) to meet the pre-breather requirements.

Deliverables

Planned deliverables for DT Phase 1 are listed below:

• Participation in recuring virtual meeting in preparation and through DT Phase 1 Test Readiness Review (TRR)


• Test assets to support DT Phase 1:
  
  
  
  • 6 POMs & 6 IOS (to include any required ancillary equipment, ie hoses, connection valves, etc) - delivery within 9 months after OTA award
  
  
  • 6 Pre-Breather Ports / supplemental bottles - delivery within 9 months after OTA award
  
  
  • Any additional components needed for testing (ie bottle carriers/pouch, etc) – delivery within 9 months after OTA award
  
  
  • 1 Test Stand – delivery required within 12 months after OTA award
  
  
  
  


• Providing New Equipment Training (NET) to T&E personnel at Yuma Test Center (YTC) approximately 12 months after OTA award
  
  
  
  • Vendor participation anticipated to consist of no more than three (3) personnel onsite in Yuma, AZ for two (2) working days
  
  
  
  

Planned deliverables for DT Phase 2 are listed below:

• Option to make minor modifications to address DT Phase 1 results in preparation for DT Phase 2, with delivery of final test assets within 90 days after execution of this option


• Participation in recuring virtual meeting in preparation and through DT Phase 2 TRR


• Providing NET to T&E personnel at Yuma Test Center (YTC) approximately 30 days after completion of DT Phase 1, or 30 days after delivery of modified test assets, if required
  
  
  
  • Vendor participation anticipated to consist of no more than three (3) personnel onsite in Yuma, AZ for two (2) working days
  
  
  
  


• The following data, with delivery required by the start of DT Phase 2:
  
  
  
  • Technical Manual
  
  
  • Technical Manual Validation Plan
  
  
  • Program of Instruction: Operator
  
  
  • Program of Instruction: Maintainer
  
  
  • Technical Data Package (Top Level drawings only)
  
  
  • Training Conduct Support: Operator and Maintainer
  
  
  • Provisioning Parts List
  
  
  • Engineering Data for Provisioning
  
  
  • Lesson Plan/Trainee Guide/Visual Aids (Operator)
  
  
  • Lesson Plan/Trainee Guide/Visual Aids (Maintainer)
  
  
  
  


• Test assets to support follow-on OT:
  
  
  
  • 15 POMs & IOS (to include any required ancillary equipment, ie hoses, connection valves, etc) - delivery within 3 months after start of DT Phase 2
  
  
  • 15 Pre-Breather Ports / supplemental bottles - delivery within 3 months after start of DT Phase 2
  
  
  • Any additional components needed for testing (ie bottle carriers/pouch, etc) for successful completion of OT – delivery within 3 months after start of DT Phase 2
  
  
  
  

Planned deliverables for the OT phase are listed below:

• Participation in recuring virtual meeting in preparation and through OT TRR


• Providing NET to T&E personnel at Fort Bragg, NC approximately 30 days after completion of DT Phase 2
  
  
  
  • Vendor participation anticipated to consist of no more than three (3) personnel onsite in Fort Bragg, NC for two (2) working days
  
  
  
  


• Completion of a Production Readiness Review (PRR) to be conducted at the main manufacturing facility – to be completed within 30 days of successful completion of OT


• The following data, with delivery required within 45 days of completion of OT:
  
  
  
  • Maintenance Allocation Chart
  
  
  • Logistics Management Information (LMI): Packaging Data
  
  
  • Special Packaging Instructions
  
  
  • Supportability Analysis Summary
  
  
  • Maintenance Inspection
  
  
  • Quality Validation Plan
  
  
  • Production Process Package
  
  
  • Technical Manual Validation Report
  
  
  
  


• Data deliverables for DT Phase 2 may need to be updated based on OT results

Quality Assurance

Quality Program and Risk Management Requirements

The Government may witness onsite, observe or assess any one of the manufacturing or quality requirements listed in this Agreement as applicable without unnecessary burden on the Primary Agreement Holder (PAH).

Quality Program Plan

The PAH shall develop and apply a Quality Program Plan (QPP) and quality program principles to proactively reduce costs and risks associated with the prototype effort.

Quality Management Requirements

The PAH shall apply QMS ANSI/ISO/ASQ 9001-2015 or an equivalent standard to products and services within all program phases. All quality requirements shall be necessary, practical, measurable, verifiable, and enforceable as part of the quality program. The PAH shall document these requirements and integrate them into quality program processes and records.

Quality Metrics

The PAH shall monitor trends, document quality metrics, identify issues and implement corrective actions to maintain schedule and performance. Metrics shall be reported during the Technical Working Group (WG).

Manufacturing

The PAH shall demonstrate, through documentation and assessments, that the design is optimized for production (producibility) with mature processes and technologies (manufacturing readiness) supported by a feasibility study (prototype to production) that verifies economic and practical viability (production feasibility), and that manufacturing can efficiently scale up while maintaining quality and performance (production scalability). Additionally, the PAH must prove a robust supply chain capacity and an industrial base throughput adequate to meet production schedules, ensuring overall production suitability, while also providing a detailed plan for managing long lead items, including risk assessments, procurement schedules, and contingency strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions during full-scale production. The Government may observe and assess manufacturing processes and facilities to confirm status. The PAH shall coordinate and allow access to enable these assessments.

Risk Analysis, Mitigation, and Acceptance

The PAH shall conduct its own risk analyses related to quality and program performance, develop mitigation strategies, and document accepted risks. Program risk information shall be reported to the Government during the Technical WG.

Final Test, Inspection & Checkout (FTIC) and Acceptance

The PAH shall conduct FTIC of each end item using its own final test, inspection and checkout processes. The PAH shall notify the Government at least 15 calendar days prior to conducting FTIC activities, regardless of location, to allow for Government participation and witnessing. The PAH is responsible for ensuring end items are ready for Government acceptance and delivery.

Request for Variance (RFV)

The PAH shall notify the Agreement Officer Representative via a Request for Variance (RFV) when unable to meet OTA requirements or delivery of nonconforming work is needed in order to maintain delivery and test schedules. The Government may withhold a portion of the related payment until the PAH submits and the Government accepts corrective action and closes the RFV. Payment will resume upon Government acceptance of corrective actions.

Performance Objectives

Preproposals should be limited to three pages and include a description of the relevant technology including supporting data, the scope of the proposed effort including a high-level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and a description of the proposer’s research, development, manufacturing, past performance, or other special qualifications. The preproposal should indicate the TRL of the proposed design per the TRL definitions found in the attached Technology Readiness Assessment Guidebook. The preproposal shall also include an anticipated cost (including anticipated sustainment costs for the proposed maintenance concept) for the efforts described in the preproposal. Preproposals shall be submitted to the following points of contact:

• Joel M. Taylor, Contracts/Agreements Specialist, joel.m.taylor11.civ@army.mil


• Alexander S. Obriwin, Contracting/Agreements Officer, alexander.s.obriwin.civ@army.mil


• Jeffrey Campbell, Jeffrey.m.campbell18.civ@army.mil


• Anthony Nguyen, anthony.nguyen42.ctr@army.mil


• Evan Frulla, evan.m.frulla.ctr@army.mil

Brochures or other descriptions of general organizational or individual capabilities will not be accepted as a preproposal. All preproposals will be assigned an identification number, and an email will acknowledge receipt of a preproposal. Usually, the Project Manager of the submitting organization should receive a decision letter or email regarding the preproposal within 30-60 days of submission.

Vendor(s) that receive a Request for Full Preproposal (RFFP) shall provide supporting information within the full preproposal on the following topics in addition to what is specified in DEVCOM SC BOTAA Section III, B, 2:

Technical Section

• Test data associated with the system being proposed to meet the PODS requirements


• Production plans, to include lead times and production capacity


• Quality assurance and quality control plans to be implemented during production


• Vendor’s processes associated with configuration management


• Sustainment Concept for the life cycle of the system.

Project Management

• Analysis of any opportunities and/or benefits associated with the vendor’s preproposal that would reduce cost, schedule, and performance risks during T&E or during production.

Pricing

• Firm fixed pricing for each deliverable, in the vendor’s own format/template


• Substantiating information on costs for each deliverable


• Substantiating information on life cycle sustainment costs for the proposed maintenance concept

Subcontractor Management

• Opportunities for development of organic U.S. Army capabilities in support of the system’s production and sustainment.

All preproposals will be evaluated based on best value to the government. Technical performance will be more important than Pricing, which is equal to Project Management, which is more important than Subcontractor Management.

Administration

Proprietary/Competition Sensitive information (appropriately marked) will be protected from

disclosure to the greatest extent practical, however it is preferred that respondents do not

provide proprietary or otherwise restricted responses. Responses to this notice must be received no later than 11:59 PM ET on 26 June 2026. Responses and any questions for clarification are to be sent electronically to the primary and alternate points of contacts provided in this notice. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. This notice is for information only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION or PROPOSAL. No solicitation document exists for this action. Vendors will not be reimbursed for any costs associated with this announcement. FAR 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes, applies herein.

Contracting Office Address:

ACC-APG Division D

6515 Integrity Court

APG, MD 21005-3013

Primary Point of Contact: Jeffrey Campbell, Jeffrey.m.campbell18.civ@army.mil

Alternate Points of Contact: Anthony Nguyen, anthony.nguyen42.ctr@army.mil; Evan Frulla, evan.m.frulla.ctr@army.mil

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