Contracts Group, NAVAIRSYFCOMHQ, Bldg 441, Unit 7, 21983 Bundy Road, Patuxent River, Md 20670-1127

16 -- IMPROVED ESCAPE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES SOL N00421-00-R-0283 DUE 052500 POC Alfred Hensler, Contract Specialist, (301) 757-9081 Maryellen K. Lyons, Contracting Officer, (301) 757-2610 E-MAIL: hensleraw@navair.navy.mil, hensleraw@navair.navy.mil. Naval Air Systems Command Patuxent River, MD, Code 4.6.2.2, is seeking information from potential sources regarding industry technologies applicable to improving ejection seat performance in Navy aircraft and aircrew protection during ejection. Current ejection seats exhibit a lack of stability at higher speeds which can lead to injurious loads. Furthermore, in-service restraint systems and personal equipment were often developed separately as needs arose, rather than as part of the ejection system. The resulting lack of system integration has resulted in a flight ensemble which does not provide optimal aircrew protection throughout the mission and ejection sequence. In order to address these deficiencies the Navy wishes to acquire designs, developments and qualifying promising performance enhancements. The purpose of this request is to define the scope of any potential efforts, and assist in preparation of detailed requirements. Of particular interest are systems and technologies which will benefit future escape systems and also have potential retrofit applicability to a wide range of current systems. In order to help limit the range of technologies considered, respondents may assume that any potential program would have to be completed within 3 years of initiation with a budget in the area of $5M-$7M. Ejection seats which should be considered for potential retrofit applicability include; NACES (SJU-17 series) and SJU-4. Flexibility to integrate the improvements into Air Force ACES II ejection seats is also desired. Specific information sought is as follows: (1) Overview of off-the-shelf designs for improved stabilization which could be adapted to Navy ejection systems. Description of technologies available which could be developed to improve stabilization in the event off-the-shelf systems don't exist or cannot be adapted. Estimates of reasonable performance gains. Deployable aerostabilizers are an example of a technology which may satisfy requirements in this area; (2) Overview of off-the-Shelf designs for improved ejection seat restraint. Information on both modifications to the existing torso harnesses or entire replacement systems are sought. Description of technologies which are available for development of an improved restraint if off-the-shelf systems cannot be adapted to Navy requirements. Application of inflatable (i.e. airbag) technology to supplement existing restraint systems is an example of a technology which may satisfy requirements in this area; (3) Modifications to existing personal equipment ensembles which improve performance, aircrew protection, comfort and retention in high speed ejections. In addition to the development challenges of any future efforts, the Navy is aware of the difficulty in integrating these systems onto existing seat structures. The Navy believes that successful execution of any future effort will require potential sources to work closely with seat manufactures to resolve integration issues. Also, there is a possibility of multiple awards if a contract(s) is determined to be within the best interests of the Government. Again close cooperation between the sources would be required to insure adequate integration of all improvements. The Navy requests potential sources identify any barriers which would prevent formation of necessary associate agreements for exchange of information and ideas germane to this effort. Companies responding to this request should provide responses to Mr. Alfred Hensler, Code 2.5.4.2.2.5, Bldg. 441, NAVAIRSYSCOM, 21983 Bundy Road, Patuxent River MD 20670-1127 at (301) 757-9081 or by e-mail hensleraw@NAVAIR.NAVY.MIL. Please address all technical inquiries to W. Giblin Code 462000D, NAWC-WD, (760) 939-1580. Proprietary information submitted in response to this request MUST be marked as such on each page. This Request For Information (RFI) does not in any way constitute a Request For Proposal (RFP) and, as such, is not to be construed as a commitment by the government. The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice,nor otherwise pay for information/items solicited. Data, drawings and other materials submitted will not be returned. To be of maximum benefit to the program responses must be received by 25 May 2000. Posted 04/25/00 (W-SN448273). (0116)

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