U.S. ARMY SOLDIER SYSTEMS COMMAND, ACQUISITION DIRECTORATE, ATTN AMSSC-AD, NATICK MA 01760-5011

A -- FISCAL YEAR 1997 BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) SOL DAAK60-97-R-9601 DUE 013198 POC Contract Specialist ED LAVIGNE (508) 233-4367 Fax 508-233-5286 (Site Code DAAK60) This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) will be open continuously through 31 January 1998. The U.S Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center (NRDEC) BAA identifies scientific and technical areas of interest for research and/or exploratory development. Contractors can obtain a copy of the BAA by accessing the Soldier Systems Command (SSCOM) Homepage at http: www-sscom.army.mil. Copies of the BAA will only be mailed to those prospective offerors that cannot access the SSCOM Homepage and who submit a request in writing. In an effort to minimize proposal preparation costs, this BAA will utilize a two step process. The first step will be the submission of a concept paper in accordance with the prescribed format. Those concept papers found to be consistent with the intent of the BAA and are of interest to the Government will be invited to submit a proposal (step two). Such an invitation does not assure that the submitting organization will be awarded a contract. Instructions for the submission ofconcept papers and proposals are contained in the BAA. The submission of a concept paper is required prior to the submission of a proposal and failure to follow the two step process will preclude the chance for an award. Concept papers will be accepted up until 30 November 1997. The BAA areas of interest are divided into the following groups: (A) Combat Ration Research and Development with objectives towards improving storage stability, distribution efficiency, consumption and acceptance enhancement, and human performance/maintenance enhancement. (B) Protective Packaging Systems for the protection of food, food service equipment, clothing and individual equipment, tentage and organizational equipment with protection against various environmental threats. (C ) Food Service and Field Service including combat food service equipment for the feeding of individuals and groups of varying numbers of personnel, including all related sanitary/environmental considerations. (D) Clothing and Individual Equipment including advanced integrated combat clothing system for the individual military person in the field with protection against various environmental threats. (E) Soft/Rigid Wall Shelters and Organizational Equipment with protection against various environmental threats. (F) Airdrop Systems with a focus on advanced personnel and cargo airdrop systems. (G) Textile Technology Centers ( must be United States Institutions of higher learning) programs to be covered under this topic must include protection of the individual soldier against various environmental and battlefield threats. (H) Modeling and Simulation including individual and small unit performance and survivability and airdrop systems. Contractual and Administrative questions can be directed towards, Edward C. Lavigne; elavigne@natick-amed02.army.mil. All technical questions shall be directed towards the technical POC listed under each Topical Area in the BAA. (0031)

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