NEXT GENERATION FIXED WING HELMET SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS/REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Active

Contract Opportunity

Notice:

This Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information (SSS/RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only. This is not a request for a quote, request for proposal, or an invitation to bid, nor is this to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. This request neither constitutes a solicitation for proposals nor the authority to enter negotiations to award a contract. Additionally, this SSS does not restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting or any follow-up information requests. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this SSS. All costs associated with responding to this SSS will be solely at the responding party’s expense. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this effort. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this SSS/RFI. The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages, for any proprietary information not properly identified. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Overview:

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Human Systems Division (HSD), Combat Ready Airman (CRA) Branch, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH is conducting market research to identify possible vendors and/or manufacturers that can provide aviator helmets that are compatible with fixed wing ejection and non- ejection systems on multiple USAF aircraft weapon systems.

Background Information:

USAF aircrew require the ability to easily and rapidly transition between symbology displays, cueing, and night vision or use these devices simultaneously for optimum capability. Installing these advanced avionics on the current 20+ year old helmet degrades the system's operational performance. If this helmet is not modified, aircrew will continue to have to overcome jitter, loss of night vision image and display symbology, neck strain, and increased potential for injury during ejection. In addition, proprietary helmets designed to optimize specific displays will be introduced into the inventory, increasing logistical footprint.

Current helmets are not optimized for use with night vision and weapon cueing/display systems required to operate modern aircraft. Currently, employing these devices require extensive modifications to current helmets that were not designed to accommodate them. This results in poor weight distribution and stability which contributes to mission degradation, aircrew fatigue, neck strain, and an increased potential for injury. In addition, current helmets do not provide adequate noise and impact protection.

Systems Requirements:

Please provide information regarding the following capabilities of your helmet system regarding the following categories and provide rationale how it is compliant:

Key Performance Parameter (KPP)

1. KPP #1: Stability

The FWH will provide a stable fixed reference to the user’s eye through the full range of aircraft operations. When used with helmet mounted equipment, there will be no vignetting (loss) of symbology or imagery or loss of resolution of optical systems.

• How much tension load can your helmet withstand over a 2.0-minute exposure?

2. KPP #2: Equipment Compatibility

The system and its components will be compatible with and not degrade aircrew flight equipment and helmet mounted devices.

• How does your helmet system integrate with current Helmet Mounted Displays (HMDs) (i.e. Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), Hybrid Optical-based Inertial Tracker (HObIT), Night Vision Goggles (NVGs))?


• Are you compatible with any other HMDs, not specifically called out?


• What capability do you have to work with other companies to understand future requirements/technologies for helmet-related systems to include HMDs (iJHMCS, etc.), oxygen masks, and visors?


• Is your helmet system compatible with the equipment listed in Attachment I?

3. KPP# 3: Weight, Center of Gravity, and Principal Moments of Inertia

The weight, center of gravity (CG), and principal moments of inertia (MOI) of the FWH (in all configurations) will decrease neck loads (compared to the helmet(s) it replaces) to the aircrew during high-G maneuvering, bailout, 600 knots equivalent air speed (KEAS) ejection, parachute opening, ditching, and crash-landing scenarios.

• What data can you provide to support your helmet reduces weight, CG, and MOI to decrease neck loads?


• What evidence can you provide to show your helmet decreases neck loads against MIL-HDBK-516C, for example: Multi-Axial Neck Injury Criteria – y axis (MANICy), Neck Moment Index (NMIx), and Probability of Concussion (PoC)?

Key System Attributes (KSA) Capability

4. Impact Protection

The system will protect the crewmember’s head from impacts associated with basic aircraft maneuvers, ejection, bailout, ditching, and crash landing better than the helmet it replaces

• What data can you provide to show that your helmet can withstand a 600 KEAS ejection sequence with limited physical damage that would cause injury to the aircrew or impair the ability of the helmet to protect the aircrew?


• What data can you provide to show that no part of the helmet system will become foreign object debris in a 600 KEAS windblast?

5. Logistics

FWH variants will use common components to reduce the logistical footprint compared to existing systems, and be organically supportable by Defense Logistics Agency.

6. Anthropometric Accommodation

The FWH will accommodate the central 99% of the male and central 99% of the female aircrew population (with 90% confidence) in the minimum number of sizes, with the remainder being fitted with minor modifications to existing sizes.

7. Acoustic Dose

The FWH will ensure wearers experience acceptable noise levels, technically defined as less than or equal to 100% Acoustic Dose (1.0 Total Daily Exposure (TDE) @ mean -2 Standard Deviations (SD) performance for fit) for crew positions in 90% of aircraft.

8. Speech Intelligibility

The FWH will enable helmeted aircrew to score greater than 80% on the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) in the laboratory with talker and listener under simulated flight noise conditions.

9. Fit/Wearability

The FWH fit, in all configurations, will be repeatable, accommodate missions of extended duration, and not cause hot spots/pressure points that degrade performance on 95% of aircrews.

10. Aircraft Compatibility

The FWH will be compatible with the aircraft without requiring aircraft modifications.

11. In-Flight Mission Reconfiguration

The FWH will accommodate safe and rapid in-flight reconfiguration of fielded and post-milestone B helmet mounted devices without removing the helmet during all mission profiles no worse than legacy.

Additional Performance Attributes

12. Head supported weight.

The mass properties of the system will not decrease the ability of the wearer to perform related tasks over the duration of the mission.

• What is the weight of your helmet system as operationally worn for the slick configuration? Weight reported will include fully assembled base helmet as worn by the user, excluding interfacing Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) (i.e. no oxygen mask, or external communication cabling). Please report the weights for each size of the helmet system.


• In addition to head supported weight of your helmet system (described above), report mass properties of your helmet system, in all configurations, for day and night operations, using the template and guidance found in Attachment II. Upon reporting according to the template, describe set-up and methods utilized for collecting measurements.

13. Eye Protection

The FWH (in all configurations) will shield the eyes during all flight and ground operations, from adverse effects of solar radiation, windblast, airborne debris, bailout, ditching, and 600 KEAS ejection.

• Tell us how your helmet system will provide eye protection in all phases of ejection (initiation of ejection to ground landing), during day and night operations with respect to Slick, JHMCS, HObIT, and NVGs.


• What data can you provide to show that the visor of your slick helmet system remains in a down and locked position during all phases of a 600 KEAS ejection (initiation until ground landing), during day and night operations?


• What data can you provide to show that your helmet system in the JHMCS and HObIT configuration provides eye protection to the user during all phases of a 450 KEAS ejection (initiation until ground landing), during day and night operations?

14. Visor/Visual Compatibility

The FWH will provide aircrew the ability to rapidly transition between two visors using one gloved hand during flight operations. The visors’ optical distortion qualities and transmissivity options will be equal to or better than the visor configurations they replace.

• Does your visor meet the criteria in MIL-DTL-43511D? If any deviations exist, please note them.

15. Field of View/Regard

The FWH will provide a field of view and field of regard equal to the helmet being replaced.

16. Penetration Protection

The system will protect the crewmember’s head from penetrations associated with basic aircraft maneuvers, ejection, bailout, ditching, and crash landing to a level equivalent to the helmet it replaces.

• What data can you supply from testing to show that your helmet system supplies protection against impact and penetration?

17. Retention

The FWH and visor will be safely retained and remain in its worn position when exposed to a 600 KEAS ejection

• Tell us how your helmet system can be retained in all phases of ejection (initiation of ejection to ground landing).

18. Bulk

The helmet shape and cabling will not interfere with aircrew mobility, ingress/egress (including emergency egress) requirements, or the operation of the ejection seats in all aircraft.

19. Spinal Alignment

The helmet shape will enable proper spinal alignment during flight when interfacing with the ejection seat head pad.

20. Audio Compatibility

The FWH noise attenuation system will be compatible with all aircraft systems and will not impede recognition of audible aircraft warning/caution systems, night vision equipment, weapons system employment, or decrease accuracy of helmet-mounted cueing devices.

21. Aircraft Cockpit Simulator Compatibility

The FWH will be compatible with all existing aircraft cockpit simulators. If new adapters are required, they must be provisioned for and provided as part of the system.

22. Internal Communication Systems (ICS)

The FWH noise attenuation system will be compatible with all aircraft ICSs.

23. Emergency Ground Egress

The FWH will not interfere with emergency ground egress procedures or require any additional aircrew action to disconnect the helmet system from the aircraft wiring (i.e. disconnect will break away during aircrew egress).

24. Fire Safety

The FWH will provide flame, drip, and melt protection equal to or better than current fielded helmets.

25. Don and Doff

Aircrew will be able to don and doff the helmet without assistance. The aircrew will be able to remove the helmet during an emergency with one hand using either hand.

26. Audio Performance

The system will provide broadband audio output with minimal distortion and ensure overall sound pressure level and electrical polarity are matched across both ears.

• What data can you provide for audio performance testing that you have conducted on your helmet system?

If available please provide specifics on: Broadband frequency response, distortion, sensitivity balance, volume control, and speech intelligibility.

27. Volume Control

Adjustment of the aircraft ICS volume control will result in a corresponding volume change at the ear.

28. Cockpit Illuminator

The FWH will provide a modular, night vision compatible light source with an on/off switch selectable by the aircrew during flight.

29. 3-D Audio

The FWH will be capable of accepting 3-D audio cueing for radio communication and threat/targeting information.

What data can you provide to show your helmet provides 3D spatial audio support?

30. External Audio

FWH will be capable of providing an external audio capability that allows dismounted aircrew the ability to hear the external environment while wearing the helmet.

31. Atmospheric Pressure Changes

The FWH will not increase the risk of aircrew injury throughout the range of atmospheric pressure changes experienced during flight.

32. Altitude Protection

The FWH will allow users to safely operate aircraft at altitudes up to the maximum operational cabin altitude.

33. EMI/EMC Compatibility

The FWH will not emit electromagnetic energy that exceeds the limits of MIL-STD-461 and ADS-37A-PRF as it applies to Mission Critical Equipment or be degraded by electronic emissions in its operational environment.

28. Cockpit Illuminator

The FWH will provide a modular, night vision compatible light source with an on/off switch selectable by the aircrew during flight.

29. 3-D Audio

The FWH will be capable of accepting 3-D audio cueing for radio communication and threat/targeting information.

What data can you provide to show your helmet provides 3D spatial audio support?

30. External Audio

FWH will be capable of providing an external audio capability that allows dismounted aircrew the ability to hear the external environment while wearing the helmet.

31. Atmospheric Pressure Changes

The FWH will not increase the risk of aircrew injury throughout the range of atmospheric pressure changes experienced during flight.

32. Altitude Protection

The FWH will allow users to safely operate aircraft at altitudes up to the maximum operational cabin altitude.

33. EMI/EMC Compatibility

The FWH will not emit electromagnetic energy that exceeds the limits of MIL-STD-461 and ADS-37A-PRF as it applies to Mission Critical Equipment or be degraded by electronic emissions in its operational environment.

34. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).

FWH performance will not be affected by ESD events.

35. Communication Devices

The system will be compatible with or replace current communications devices designed for use with aircrew helmets and oxygen masks.

36. Boom Microphones

The FWH will be compatible with a boom microphone.

37. Habitability

FWH will allow aircrew the unimpeded ability to eat, hydrate, and one- handed valsalva.

38. Operability

Direct manipulation of the donned FWH by the aircrew under operational conditions, will require only one gloved (standard Nomex flight glove) hand to easily operate any mechanism.

39. Positive Pressure Breathing

The FWH will allow for the effective use of positive pressure breathing for altitude and G systems.

40. Temperature and Moisture Control

The FWH will incorporate a washable moisture-wicking and anti-microbial interface that does not present a burn hazard in extreme thermal survival environments.

41. Reliability

The minimum acceptable mean-time-between-critical failure (MTBCF) is seven years.

42. Maintainability

Mean repair time (MRT) will not exceed 0.5 hours, with 95 percent of the tasks not exceeding 3.0 hours.

43. Durability

The FWH and its components will be shatter proof, non-reflective, and have abrasion/chip/stain/ corrosion resistance equal to the current system.

44. Materials and Helmet Shape

Materials and helmet shape will not damage aircraft canopies, windscreens, other transparencies, and structures.

45. Survival and Rescue Compatibility

The FWH will not interfere with or degrade the performance of any survival/rescue equipment or procedures.

46. Support Equipment (SE)

If new TMDE, SE, or tools are required, they must be provisioned for and provided as part of the system.

47. Maintenance Planning

Maintenance, repair, and reconstitution tasks will be accomplished by appropriately qualified organizational level Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialist.

48. Maintenance Environment

System design will allow maintenance to be performed in hostile environmental conditions (e.g. arctic and MOPP-4) at operating bases/locations worldwide to include mobile, sea-based, and bare-base facilities.

49. Inspections

Periodic inspections and preventive maintenance tasks will be sufficient to ensure system integrity. Inspection intervals will be equal to the helmet it replaces.

50. Technical Data

Technical orders/manuals (TO/TM) for integration/operation and repair will include illustrated parts breakdowns, parts listings, diagrams, theory of operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting guides. The technical data will be formally verified, validated, and approved by the appropriate agencies prior to the delivery of the first system. Time and cost to fully incorporate technical data will be part of the program cost and schedule.

51. Manpower

Manning required for the system should meet current authorized levels. Specifically, no additional logistics, maintenance or Aircrew Flight Equipment authorizations will be required to support the new helmet.

52. Human Factors Engineering

Human factors engineering principles specified in MIL-STD-1472 should be employed to the maximum extent possible in each FWH system solution.

Instructions to Potential Respondents:

1. Submit one (1) electronic copy to Ms. Samantha McKee, samantha.mckee.1@us.af.mil, no later than 6:00 pm EST on 16 January 2025. Title e-mail responses in the subject line of the e-mail as follows: “Response to Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet RFI ROU-A044401.”

2. Respondents, please provide data that can support these questions as well as ejection data that you have. Respondents shall provide capability descriptions in the same format as the above System Requirements Table, Attachment I – Equipment Compatibility, and Attachment II – Mass Properties and should include technical and descriptive text to provide sufficient detail on how the proposed solutions will benefit the Human Systems Division (HSD), as outlined in the systems requirements section above. Submissions shall be limited to no more than 20 pages inclusive of answers to requirement specifications/questions detailed in the matrix above; any necessary product sheets, test data, graphs, and charts supporting those answers shall be limited to no more than 5 pages. Please identify a representative to support further Government inquiries and requests for clarification of the information provided, if needed. Marketing materials are considered an insufficient response to this Sources Sought Synopsis.

3. Please provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate. ROM length should be no more than 3 pages. Provide estimated cost for the following: This section of your response should provide estimated costs for development, non-recurring engineering, qualification testing, and future production costs. Specifically for production, include helmet unit costs and monthly production capacity for a total 22,500 production units. The Government is interested in obtaining product support engineering data or a Technical Data Package (TDP) that includes the appropriate level of data to support an organic level of maintenance (that could include up to Level 3 drawings IAW MIL-STD-31000, rev B, sections 4.2 and 5.4.1.3). Furthermore, please provide an estimate for technical manuals for the helmets, initial provisioning data and any required updates through full rate production, and training costs to include training evaluations and fielding.

4. Please provide a program schedule to include EMD, Production, and Fielding timelines.

5. Responses shall include the following information:

• Company/Institute Name:


• Address:


• Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address):


• CAGE Code:


• Unique Entity ID:


• Web Page URL:


• State whether the company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership).


• State whether the company is interested in being a prime contractor or subcontractor for this requirement.


• State the company’s manufacturing readiness level in support of helmet production and provide a manufacturing readiness assessment.


• State the business readiness to support financial capabilities to support government testing and production of helmets.


• Provide data supporting design is stable and meets above listed capabilities and requirements outlined in table above.


• Provide supply chain process and capabilities to support helmet production.


• Lead time projected for vendors to support manufacturing of first article delivery


• Provide an assertion your Helmet system is compliant with the following regulations:
  
  
  
  • FAR 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies
  
  
  • DFARS 252.225-7012, Preference for Certain Domestic Commodities
  
  
  
  

• Provide Data Rights Assertions, please use the table below:
  
  
  
  • Contractors must identify any noncommercial data (data is technical data and computer software) to be delivered or otherwise provided under the contract to the Government with data rights requirements more restrictive that unlimited data rights.
  
  
  • Provide assertions at the lowest practical segregable level:
    
    
    
    • Software: module or subroutine
    
    
    • Technical data: subsystem, component or sub-component.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Refer to DFARS 252.227-7017 for appropriate language
  
  
  
  

Data Rights Assertions | Technical Data/Computer Software to be Furnished with Restrictions | Basis of Assertion | Asserted Rights Category | Person Asserting Restrictions

6. All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DoD contract. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at https://www.sam.gov/

7. The NAICS Code for this action is 339113 – Helmets (except athletic), safety (e.g., motorized vehicle crash helmets, space helmets), manufacturing with a size standard of 800 employees. Based on this NAICS Code, indicate whether your company qualifies as a:

• Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Small Business (Yes / No)


• Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No)


• Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (Yes/No)


• Self-Certified or Third Party Certified HUBZone Certified (Yes / No)


• Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (Yes / No)


• Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Service-Disabled-Veteran-Owned Small Business (Yes / No)


• Self-Certified or Third Party Certified 8(a) (Yes / No)


• Self-Certified or Third Party Certified SBA
  
  
  
  • Certification Date: ____________
  
  
  • SBA Graduation Date: ______________
  
  
  
  

Communication and Additional Considerations:

• In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract.


• The Government will not award a contract on the basis of this RFI. A determination not to compete this action based on responses received is solely within the Government’s discretion.


• The acquisition strategy is still being determined. Market research results will assist the Air Force in determining whether this requirement will be a full and open competition, a small business set aside, a sole source acquisition, or utilization of DLA contract.


• Not responding to this SSS does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued.


• The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government’s understanding of a proposed effort, as well as the respondent’s understanding of the Government’s requirements.


• Responses to questions from interested parties will be promptly answered and posted on SAM.gov unless some release of proprietary information is involved or the answer addresses a question peculiar to a company or that company’s response. Post submittal, one-on-one information sessions with respondents are not contemplated; however, they may be offered to respondents to clarify the government’s understanding of their submittal, the capability ramifications, or to discuss their business approach. Information feedback sessions may be offered to respondents after the SSS assessments are completed.


• Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. All questions will be answered through postings to SAM.gov; except as provided above. Additionally, questions must NOT contain trade secrets or classified information. The Government reserves the right to not address questions received after 16 January 2025.


• Respondents that submit proprietary data shall clearly mark the data with appropriate markings on the cover sheet and on each applicable page. Any proprietary data submitted may be handled by contract support services personnel who have signed an NDA. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish the capability and requirements for any future systems acquisitions, so as to not inadvertently restrict competition. Any material that is not marked proprietary will be considered publicly releasable


• Broad industry participation for this Sources Sought is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond to this SSS/RFI.


• If a company is capable of some, but not the entire requirement stated in this Sources Sought Synopsis, please provide a response that explains the requirements for which you are capable.


• Small Businesses are encouraged to provide responses to this SSS in order to assist the Program Office in determining potential levels of competition available in the industry, as well as helping to establish a basis for developing any subsequent subcontracting goals.


• Companies responding to this SSS/RFI are encouraged to provide quotes for existing items. These quotes are for planning purposes only.


• Indicate whether the company is currently selling proposed solution to Department of Defense customers and whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.


• This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Please check the SAM.gov for updates to this announcement and register to receive e-mail notices of any updates.

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