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

84 -- FLOTATION DEVICE SOL W13G07-8121-2002 POC Contract Specialist KATHLEEN WILDER (508) 233-4124 "kwilder@natick-amed02.army.mil" (Site Code DAAN02) The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command intends to procure approximately 20,000 each of a commercially available/non-developmental Improved Personal Flotation Device, Model No. 6155 CAM from Stearns Manufacturing Company, PO Box 1498, St. Cloud, MN 56302, to be delivered to various destinations within the continental United States by 30 Oct 98. This sole source procurement is based on the results of lengthy tests conducted on vests bought from several companies who responded to a market survey that led to the selection of the flotation device offered by Stearns Manufacturing Co. The following test procedures and protocol were used: a pool test in the Navy's "dunk tank" with both a 5th percentile female and 95th percentile male, to assure safety of future tests with non-controlled environment; a Human Use Review Committee authorization; Operational Testing with soldiers training to build bridges, and performing missions while wearing the vests. Laboratory tests were performed on vests by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command for resistance to the growth of mold and fungus, and the ability to be used safely after exposure to mold and fungus, the ability to be stored effectively in a field environment, and compatibility with the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), along with Human Factors testing for maneuverability and comfort. The form, fit, and function testing criteria required the vests to be worn while conducting bridgecrew operations around and in water. The criteria used was: the vest was sized to fit the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male; the stature range encompassed 60.15 inches to 74.64 inches; the weight range encompassed 109.43 pounds to 216.21 pounds. Added to the weight of the person was the weight of the clothing and equipment, which was a total of 288 pounds and consisted of battle dress uniform (BDU), battle dress outer garment (BDO), boots on feet, personal armor systems ground troops (PASGT) vest, load bearing equipment (LBE) belt and harness with the following equipment attached appropriately (two ammo pouches), two canteens filled, entrenching tool, mission oriented protective posture (MOPP I) case with mask, gloves and Multi-purpose overboot (Mulo), personal armor systems ground troops (PASGT) helmet on head, and weapon in hand. The flotation vest was required to fit over the total ensemble to insure adequate compatibility, maneuverability, and buoyancy. The vest provided a minimum buoyancy of 22 pounds with at least 62 percent of the buoyancy located in the front. The vest had three (3) means of closure that secured it to the wearer and allowed for a quick release; it was constructed so that the collar of the vest did not interfere with wearing a helmet or restrict head mobility so that the soldier could not complete the mission and it was capable of supporting an unconscious soldier's face and head above water. The assembled vest weight did not exceed 5 pounds; and provided camouflage protection equal to that of the combat uniform; capable of being used and stored in all climatic weather conditions. The material component of the vest does not foster growth of fungi and mildew or any plant/flora growths and therefore will provide a maintenance free shelf life of ten years. The vest will not require maintenance above the organizational level other than routine cleaning and care as specified in the manufacturer's manual. The vest is U.S. Coast Guard approved and is mission capable. Stearns Manufacturing Co. was the only company who provided a vest that successfully passed all the testing. The purchase of any vest not among the original group tested would require completing testing using the above noted criteria, and would cause the government to incur substantial duplication of costs and further delays of fielding this life saving device. No solicitation document is available. See Note 22. (0132)

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