PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: UNIVERSAL STATIC LINE (USL) The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command (SSCOM) is currently coordinating plans to conduct an integrated development, test, and production effort for a Universal Static Line (USL) during fiscal years 1997 through 2000. The USL will be used with T-10 and MC1-1 static-line deployed troop parachutes. The USL will consist of: a static line, static-line safety snaphook, and the parachute deployment bag. It will replace the 15 foot static line currently used by the U.S. military, which is not an appropriate length for use with the new USAF C-17. SSCOM is investigating possible commercial sources for USL material and components, including commercially available and foreign military designs for the USL. SSCOM desires a contractor/government team effort for the USL. SSCOM is interested in obtaining information on marketplace technologies and products for potential use with the USL, and issues effecting manufacturing of the USL. SSCOM intends to conduct a four-phased effort for the USL:(1) develop possible configurations for USL, investigate materials and hardware, develop static and dynamic laboratory test procedures, investigate manufacturing methodologies, and down-select candidate(s) for developmental testing and evaluation; (2) conduct developmental testing and evaluation, and down-select candidate(s) for operational testing and evaluation; (3) conduct operational testing and evaluation, and prepare for production; and (4) enter into production. The USL solicitation will be for phases two (2) through four (4). SSCOM will facilitate industry participation in phase one (1) through pre-solicitation conferences and communications. An initial pre-solicitation conference is scheduled for Wednesday, 21 May 1997, at SSCOM, Natick, MA. Interested firms should notify the SSCOM POC of their intent to attend the initial pre-solicitation conference, and/or request inclusion on a mailing list. Interested companies should respond to Program Point of Contact: CPT Robert Culver at (508) 233-5631, e-mail: "rculver@natick-emh2.army.mil".

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