Passenger, Crew and Aircraft Crash Protection The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division is requesting information (RFI) from potential sources for the following specific requirements. The U.S. Navy is interested in information regarding new technologies and no cost products samples that could enhance occupant crash protection for Naval rotorcraft that experience a significant percentage of their mishaps over-water. The technologies and products would need to be capable of being developed and integrated into existing and future Naval and joint service rotorcraft. Of particular interest are innovative approaches that could increase occupant crash protection for both water and ground mishap scenarios, and those that could be deployed with reduced cost and weight penalties when compared to conventional approaches. Examples of the types of technologies and products sought include the following: Systems that could improve occupant crash protection by reducing the vertical component of impact acceleration transmitted to aircrew and passengers. Approaches are sought that could compensate for the ineffectiveness of energy absorbing landing gear and conventional energy absorbing sub-floor structures in water mishaps, and complement/enhance the performance of energy absorbing seating systems. Systems that could reduce the probability and severity of head, torso, and limb contact injuries with rotorcraft crew stations, flight controls, and interior structures. Concepts are sought that could complement or enhance the performance of existing occupant restraint systems. Systems that could facilitate the rapid post-crash emergency egress of aircrew and passengers in ground mishaps and over-water mishaps in which escape often occurs underwater, inverted, and in darkness. The Navy is interested in minimizing crew compartment accelerations and forces during crashes, and to reduce the severity of injury to occupants, and to enhance post-crash escape with innovative design solutions. The Standard Industry Code (SIC) is 8711 or North American Industry Classification system (NAICS) 541330. Interested parties are requested to submit a brief one-page statement demonstrating their capability to perform the services listed above. Interested sources should clarify if their product is commercially available or if the product would be a non-developmental item that could be modified to meet the governments needs. Related information, brochures, photos, concept papers, copies of drawings, may be submitted via e-mail to
[email protected]. or to the following address: Crashworthy and Escape Systems, ATTN: Ms. Zoraida Vega Rodriguez , Code 4.6.2.2 Bldg 2187, Suite 1280-B8, NAVAIRSYSCOMHQ, 48110 Shaw Road, Unit 5, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1906. Interested sources should also indicate whether or not they are a small, small disadvantaged, 8 (a), or large business. The Government is not committed nor obligated to pay for the information provided and no basis for claims against the Government Shall arise as a result of a response to this RFI or Government use of such information. No solicitation documents exist and no further information is available at this time. The deadline for response to this request is 28 June 2002.