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Request for Information (RFI): Powered and Unpowered Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation During Maneuver or Logistics Support Activities THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY for Po... Request for Information (RFI): Powered and Unpowered Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation During Maneuver or Logistics Support Activities THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY for Powered or Unpowered exoskeletons which are capable of meeting the basic requirements described below. This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB). It is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources for planning purposes only. Responses to this notice are not considered as offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of responses nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any information presented or the use of any such information. Any information and/or samples submitted may not be returned, and no payment will be made by the Government. DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Solder Center (DEVCOM SC) is conducting a market survey to identify sources of supply for exoskeleton technologies. The Army seeks to canvass technologies that can improve Soldier performance during repetitive tasks during logistics support or movement and maneuver operations. Exoskeletons are viewed by the Army as a promising approach to enable Soldiers to maintain peak performance when designed to improve strength, endurance and ergonomics while maintaining user safety and reducing physical injury risk during various occupational tasks, loads, or repetitive motion. Information is requested to evaluate the state of the technology readiness and state of the market. In addition to the below desired features, exoskeleton systems must have demonstrated the principles of user safety, comfort, ease of use, integration with user clothing and individual mission equipment, energy efficiency. The Technology Readiness level (TRL) for exoskeletons must be 5 or higher. Exoskeletons that are currently under evaluation in market settings such as the automotive industry, other government agencies, or related applications are highly desired. Submitted materials not exceeding five (5) pages shall include: a brief technical description of the system; the type of environment/tasks that are targeted for augmentation; a synopsis of any technical evaluations and experiments with data that support claims; preliminary user feedback; and the point of contact for the project. Cost of end products or anticipated cost per unit can included. Links to online multimedia materials can be included. Product samples can be included. No foreign products will be considered resulting from this RFI. Technical Capabilities Sought Logistics and Sustainment Support - Capabilities to either augment strength and productivity or reduce risk of injury during lifting, loading, unloading and transporting tasks. May require compatibility with tools or other common DoD Service load interfaces. Light Tasks – lightweight but ergonomically challenging tasks (e.g., tool use, overhead work) Medium Lift and Carry – Lifting tasks from a variety of postures, from a range of starting and ending heights including overhead. Technologies may enable more productive lifting, or lower stress lifting at similar work rates. Heavy Lift and Carry – Lifting tasks including those exceeding 50+ lbs and potentially requiring multiple Soldiers (e.g., loading and unloading 100+ lb objects from vehicles and pallets). Technologies may enable multi-person load handling tasks to be safely performed by a single Warfighter. Movement and Maneuver Support - Augments the Warfighter’s performance by reducing metabolic energy during maneuvers to allow for either: Longer distances at the same speed and carried load Faster speed at the same distance and carried load Heavier carried load at the same speed and distance More energy (decreased energy expenditure) after moving the same distance with the same carried load at the same speed Specific Warfighter tasks of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: Conduct tactical movement (walk / march) with carried load of 99-136 lbs Walk in crouched posture, climbing stairs and crawling in a confined space while wearing fighting load (75-90 lbs) Conduct bounding rushes (start prone, 3-5 second dash, back down to prone) while wearing fighting load (75-90 lbs) Conduct up-armored door breach and close quarter battle maneuvers Digging or filling sandbags Lift and transport (e.g. fireman's carry) 270 lb casualty a distance of 45ft Casualty drag 270lb a distance of 45 ft Loading and unloading pallets, including lift and carry of materiel varying in size, shape, and weight (up to and exceeding 100 lbs) Medium and heavy lifting in compromised postures (e.g., low overhead height) and positions (e.g., lifting with rotation, staggered stances, single arm lifts) Overhead aircraft and/or vehicle maintenance tasks Jumping from high places or landing after parachuting REQUESTED INFORMATION: Vendors who believe they have technology capable of meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a short (no more than 5 pages total) summary in PDF format, including company name, address, Web page URL, point of contact with phone number and e-mail address, DUNS number, Cage Code and a statement regarding any small business designation (if applicable), by the date and to the address noted below. Respondents should include a short description their company’s background, experience, and any other information that demonstrates value, performance, and capabilities. No foreign owned businesses, please. Companies are allowed to provide product samples; however, this is not a criterion for response. Interested parties shall submit requested information in PDF format to chad.w.haering.civ@mail.mil. Other applicable materials can be sent to: ATTN: Chad Haering RDNS-SEO-MA 15 General Greene Avenue Natick, MA, 01760 Materials are due by 6PM Eastern, [30 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This RFI is solely for information purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or the issuance thereof. This notice does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation and/or award a contract. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. Any information or sample materials submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the Government for such information or sample materials. Any testing results will be controlled and used for governmental purposes only. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for any potential requirement.