SOURCES SOUGHT
59 -- Wireless Goggle Display for Joint Military Freefall Operations
- Notice Date
- 9/17/2010
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- Contracting Office
- RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick R&D (RDECOM-CC), ATTN: AMSRD-ACC-N, Natick Contracting Division (R and BaseOPS), Building 1, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5011
- ZIP Code
- 01760-5011
- Solicitation Number
- W911QYA9
- Response Due
- 10/15/2010
- Archive Date
- 12/14/2010
- Point of Contact
- Jason Craley, (508) 233-6244
- E-Mail Address
-
RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick R&D (RDECOM-CC)
(jason.craley@us.army.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- The Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), Airdrop Technology Team (ATT), Natick, MA is conducting a market survey to locate potential manufacturers or suppliers of a wireless goggle display (WGD) for use during Joint DOD Military Freefall (MFF) operations and follow-on missions. The WGD will support MFF training and operations for Army Special Forces, Air Force Parachute Jumpers, and Marines by rebroadcasting a navigation computer display user interface. The WGD will rebroadcast the video display wirelessly to a micro display worn by the jumper. The display will allow MFF jumpers to view the display interface for a navigation computer while it is safely protected in a rucksack. The Wireless Goggle Display shall- 1)Wirelessly receive and rebroadcast the display from a Window-based ruggedized laptop via USB interface (T=O), up to 10 feet (T) 12 feet (O) away. Jumper situational awareness and accuracy is greatly enhanced with GPS navigation data. MFF jumpers must be able to access and view the navigation information at all times during a High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) jump profile. A heads up display with wireless transmittal of information is a key enabling technology for the mission insert capability. This will eliminate hazards to the jumpers associated with data cable entanglement. This device will rebroadcast the navigation computer screen and visually display information to jumpers allowing for increased situational awareness. A previous NSRDEC RFI identified a Windows-based, ruggedized laptop as an optimal hardware platform for a GPS-based navigation system for MFF operations. The WGD shall be required to interface with this type of computer. The rebroadcasting unit will utilize the onboard USB port to draw power from the computer battery. Cables attached to the jumper present both a snag hazard and cable separation hazard. A wireless solution eliminates these hazards, allowing placement of the computer and rebroadcasting unit within the parachutists rucksack. The wireless solution should allow for the signal to rebroadcast up to 10 feet (T) 12 feet (O) away from the laptop. This will allow for the display to be functional during all stages of freefall. 2)Have a monocular design, with adjustable optical alignment and configurable to either right or left eye use (T=O). The design of the display shall be a monocular design, as to not impede the jumpers field of vision. The system shall be usable for either a right or left eye configuration. The WGD shall also be adjustable so that each jumper can position the goggle where it is most comfortable for use during freefall operations. An opaque background for the display is acceptable; a transparent display to enhance situational awareness is desired. 3)Have user function controls on the display to include an on/off and brightness switch. The brightness control shall allow for full visibility use during day or night operations (T=O). The WGD shall allow a jumper to manually turn the system on and off from the display unit. This will conserve battery power by turning the WGD off when not needed. Additionally, the user shall be able to manually control the brightness of the display from the display itself and adjust the system for use during day or night-time operations. 4)Provide access to basic mouse functions on the display unit (T=O). The WGD shall also incorporate basic mouse functionality to allow users to manipulate screens or query information from the computer unit. 5)Function at altitudes up to 24,999 ft, to minimum temperatures of -30F, and maximum temperatures of 120F (T); at altitudes up to and including 35,000 ft, minimum temperatures of -60F, and maximum temperatures greater than 120F (O). Current HAHO missions require navigation equipment to function at extreme altitudes up to 35,000 ft, and extreme temperatures as low as -60F. By employing a wireless goggle solution, jumpers can stow their navigation computers inside their rucksacks or other protective casings which serve as insulators from the extreme cold and altitude. The WGD will function as the display for the jumper, and must be able to function at these extremes reliably and repeatedly. 6)Be powered by a replaceable battery power source that shall last 3 hours (T) to 6 hours (O) of continuous usage. The transmitter portion of the WGD will draw power from a USB connection to the navigation computer. The rebroadcasting portion will be powered externally by a battery source that shall be easily replaceable by jumpers. 7)Have a weight (including display, power source and all associated hardware) of no more than 12 oz (T), 8 oz (O). The weight of a jumpers helmet during a HAHO mission is already substantial and includes the weight of the helmet, oxygen system, communication system, and during night operations- night vision devices. The goggle portion of the system shall therefore be as light as possible to not overburden the soldier. Additionally, the rebroadcasting device shall not exceed one third the size and weight of the navigation computer. 8)Be compatible with current military free fall equipment solutions. This includes the MICH/ACH/BUMP ACH (T=O) helmets, and currently approved night vision devices (T=O). The display will also be compatible with standard MFF goggles, such as Kroops, ESS Military Flight Deck, Gentex, and Sorz, and blast shield face protectors (T=O). The WGD shall also be compatible with the MC-4 parachute system, Multi-Mission Parachute System (MMPS) and the PHAOS Oxygen mask. The battery should be able to attach to a parachutists helmet allowing for power to be routed along the helmet to the display. The display will have the ability to be fixed onto ones goggles and not require a separate strap, headband, or other type of attachment device. 9)The unit shall be operable in a MFF environment and all stages of a MFF operation (T=O). The WGD will be operated in a MFF environment and must satisfy all Military Standards regulating mechanical shock, vibration, and temperature. Additionally, the WGD will be used in an EMI rich environment due. This will include exposure to the Joint Precision Airdrop (JPADS) Self-Contained Kit, MBTR Radios, JPADS cargo bundles, jumper navigation computers and the aircraft electrical system. The WGD must also be able to operate effectively in the presence of multiple WGD units. This will be up to 24 units used in close proximity to one another. Finally, the WGD shall also have an open architecture to promote interoperability with other wireless devices if desired for future development. All interested firms and manufacturers, regardless of size, are encouraged to respond to this request for information. Information submissions should include available technology, product literature and illustrations, and relevant company background/experience. Available product pricing will also be provided as part of the information submission. If a company does not possess a commercial product currently capable of satisfying these requirements but is interested in developing this technology the POC for this Sources Sought notice will accept a white paper detailing development plans to include schedule and funding requirements. Information submissions must be received by 15 October 2010. Responses to this notice should be directed to: Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Airdrop Technology Team, ATTN: Andrew Margules, Natick, MA 01760-5057 or e-mail to Andrew.Margules@us.army.mil. All information supplied will be considered confidential, unless otherwise specified by the firm or available from other sources without restriction. This Market Survey is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be taken as a future commitment by NSRDEC.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/8952e969b56e8aa9b688919cc83af5c7)
- Place of Performance
- Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick R&D (RDECOM-CC) ATTN: AMSRD-ACC-N, Natick Contracting Division (R and BaseOPS), Building 1, Kansas Street Natick MA
- Zip Code: 01760-5011
- Zip Code: 01760-5011
- Record
- SN02287291-W 20100919/100918000121-8952e969b56e8aa9b688919cc83af5c7 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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