You are invited to respond with information to assist the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center (R&DC) in market research for the development of propeller entanglement systems intended to stop non-compliant small boats and larger ships. Background: The Coast Guard and various DOD agencies have been developing propeller entanglement systems for many years. Experience has shown that some configurations and materials are more successful than others in engaging the propeller(s), and in resisting the forces applied. However, most testing has been done at full scale where high speed, bubble formation and turbidity have prevented detailed visualization of interactions with the vessel and propeller(s). An opportunity now exists to survey materials and entangler designs, leading to controlled model scale testing with high-speed underwater flow visualization, and ultimately to full scale testing of selected designs. Vessels of interest include small boats powered by one or more outboard or I/O engines, and larger single or twin screw inboard-powered vessels up to several hundred feet in length. Government Needs: (1) This program requires identification of lightweight, high performance materials capable of resisting cutting, abrasion, and breaking when heavily twisted and/or wrapped around low radius edges. Proprietary data should be clearly marked, and will be safeguarded by the Government; (2) This program also requires identifying commercially available products such as ropes, nets, straps, etc. fabricated from one or more suitable materials. Product descriptions and available standard physical property test data (e.g. density, stretch, breaking strengths (including small radii turns), abrasion resistance, etc.) are requested. Proprietary data should be clearly marked, and will be safeguarded by the Government; and (3) Finally, responders are invited to submit scaled drawings of proposed entanglers, and information on selecting material scantlings for such entanglers based on vessel configuration, HP, propeller diameter, RPM etc. Proprietary designs will be kept protected, and if selected for further testing, test results on submitted designs will be shared only with those who submitted the designs. NOTE: The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. RESPONSES: Responses to this market survey shall be sent directly to
[email protected] with a copy to
[email protected] . E-mail responses are required and may reference specific websites. Submissions are not to exceed 25 pages. Respondents are requested to respond before May 1, 2008. In your response using NAICS Code 541711, please identify if you are a Small or Large Business. PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND MESSAGES LEFT WILL NOT BE RETURNED.