RFI - Preproposals for Prototype: Integrated Helmets, Helmet Accessories

U.S. Army Contracting Division, Natick Contracting Division, DEVCOM SC-BOTAA 22-01 REQUEST FOR PROJECT PROPOSAL

Area of Interest: Integrated Protective Headborne Equipment

Prototype: Integrated Helmets, Helmet Accessories

Objective: This Request for Project Proposal (RPP) is issued to request preproposals in accordance with Section IV, C, of the U.S. Army Contracting Division, Natick Contracting Division, Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA) for Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center DEVCOM SC-BOTAA 22-01 competitive announcement. 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. This RPP is in compliance with the DEVCOM SC-BOTAA 22-01. The Integrated Multi-threat Headborne System (IMHS) Program is seeking information on the capabilities and willingness of helmet and helmet accessories vendors to manufacture prototypes as described in the IMHS Interface Control Document (ICD), CAD package, and Concept of Operations (CONOPS). These documents will be provided after review of a signed Non-Disclosure and Non-Use Agreement (Attachment 0001).

Background: The IMHS Program aligns objectives under 4 key focus areas: headborne technology architecture, increased threat protection helmet, enhanced eye protection capability, and integrated hearing protection and wireless communication, to enable integration paths for advancements focused on increasing Soldier protection, lethality, and situational awareness aligned to the future needs of the Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) Ready Soldier. The resulting prototypes will provide a next generation headborne system enabling active technology integration, optimized power and data management, improved system balance with reduced neck torque, and reduced cable snag hazards. 

Requirements: The purpose of this RPP is to solicit preproposals for the availability of a variety of design and material improvements for integrated helmet systems and/or helmet accessories concepts that may be considered for prototype development. Prototypes for this effort shall produce helmets and accessories capable of being evaluated in a relevant environment. The preproposal should identify the current Technology Readiness Level (TRL), the military utility, concept, materials, manufacturing methodology, and novel technology of the proposed prototype. The Government anticipates the award of a prototype agreement(s) for an innovative technology, process, or concept proposed in response to this announcement. The targeted requirements for each integrated helmet system and/or helmet accessory prototype are defined in the IMHS ICD, CAD package, and CONOPS.  

Anticipated deliverables for the prototype development effort are listed below:

1. Twelve (12) size large prototype integrated helmet systems and helmet accessories in accordance with the IMHS ICD, CAD package, and CONOPS.
2. Report detailing the anticipated power draw of each accessory (if provided as part of the prototype system); anticipated run times of the integrated helmet system at 100%, 50%, and 25% power draw; and full operating instructions.

Performance Objectives: Preproposals shall be submitted to the following email addresses: benjamin.p.fasel.civ@army.mil, mary.k.prebensen.civ@army.mil.

Preproposals should be limited to ten pages, and include the following:

1. A description of the relevant technology, including supporting data (when available), 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.
2. The preproposal should indicate the TRL level of the proposed prototype.
3. The preproposal must also include a projected cost and schedule for the efforts described in the preproposal. The anticipated period of performance is 12 months.

Additional Information:

1. Responses do not require a complete end item sample or Production Demonstration Model (i.e. integrated helmet system and accessories) or test data, unless readily available.
2. Prototypes that do not fully meet all requirements listed above or in the provided documents (e.g., a prototype containing no accessories or an accessory only) may still be considered and respondent should clearly identify any shortcomings and discuss the trade-offs. Current or future commercial and/or military products that do not meet the requirements of the IMHS ICD (i.e., proprietary connectors) will not be accepted as a preproposal.
3. Brochures or other descriptions of general organizational or individual capabilities will not be accepted as a preproposal.
4. 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 30-45 days of submission.

Administration: The Government will retain comments and information received in response to this RPP. Proprietary information should be identified as Company Proprietary. Do not use Government security classification markings. All written responses must be received by COB 20 December 2024. Responses should be sent by e-mail to: benjamin.p.fasel.civ@army.mil and mary.k.prebensen.civ@army.mil with Subject Line of Responding Organization and RPP Title. Material that is advertisement only in nature is not desired. Respondents may review the BOTAA at sam.gov (https://sam.gov/opp/126eaf3a78d847f69b7c94b606877f92/view) for additional areas of interest and/or preproposal submission instructions and representative POCs.

Integrated Multi-threat Headborne System Prototype Salient Characteristics

• Helmet Shell
  • Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) Gen 2 (also known as Next Gen (NG) IHPS)
• Helmet Power & Data Architecture w/Accessories
  • STUB Battery Integration
  • ENVG-B Integration
  • Tactical Flashlight/IR Light
  • Map Light
  • IR Strobe
  • Hearing Protection/Communications Headset
  • Eye Protection
    • Active anti-fog
    • Variable transmission lens

**Attachment 0002 posted to answer vendor questions