Inactive

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY for a Power and Data Management System. This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB). It is a marke... THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY for a Power and Data Management System. 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. Background/Description Problem: The arrival of next-gen feature-rich radio systems and advanced electronic devices bring with them a myriad of critical capabilities. The advances in these segments of warfare also present a number of challenges such as: reduced battery life, non-integrated systems, increased cable management requirements, reduced load-bearing equipment (LBE) ergonomics, inability to scavenge power when unsupported, and improper heat dissipation. The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (CCDC-SC) is conducting market research to find company(s) capable of producing an integrated power and data management systems with an integrated human-machine-interface that allows the operator to effectively and efficiently power, monitor, and control all attached next-gen radios and electronic devices. Salient Characteristics 1. This program is seeking power and data management systems or system components consisting of wearable batteries, power and data hubs, and necessary cables/connectors. 2. All components shall be durable enough for operational use in US Navy maritime, land, airborne, shipboard, and transitional environments. 3. The system and system components shall provide IP67 protection of 1 meter submersion for 30 minutes in turbulent sea-water conditions. Components shall come with plugs and/or covers for un-used ports/hubs/plugs/cables, etc. to prevent water intrusion. 4. The wearable batteries shall provide power and data to the following End-User-Devices (EUDs) and radios for greater than 12 hours. There may be more than one battery swapped out to achieve runtime: a. 1 x AN/PRC-148C, 1 x AN/PRC-163S, and 1 x Samsung Galaxy S10, or; b. 2 x AN/PRC-148C, and 1 x Samsung Galaxy S10, or; c. 2 x AN/PRC-163S, and 1 x Samsung Galaxy S10 5. The batteries must be capable of trickle-charging the above devices and radios in an operational environment. The battery connectors shall be compatible with common battery types or Nett Warrior battery connections. Batteries shall be recharged through a power scavenger integrated into the hub. The scavenger shall be able to power scavenge from common vehicles, boats, walls (AC - 110/220), XX90-5590 Primary batteries, and 2590 rechargeable batteries with adaptors, alligator clips, and/or solar panels. 6. The system shall include a roll on/roll off capability for use on mobility platforms to support trickle-charging connected batteries through the power scavenger integrated in the hub. The roll on/roll off capability shall utilize commonly available military batteries including but not limited to XX90 style batteries. The roll on/roll off capability should support 8 users for 4 hours. 7. The power and data hub should allow remote physical control of radio functions via a cable from the radio to hub. Remote mechanical control of channel, volume, and lock with rotary knobs similar to those on the radio itself is desired. The hub shall connect to the AN/PRC-148C and AN/PRC-163S radios. 8. All connectors must be common connectors that can interface with other common connectors and adaptors. 9. The hub EUD connection should provide power and data pass-through with processing speeds of 5 Gbps or greater. 10. An android based power management application shall be provided to be installed and used on the EUD to provide port control and management. 11. System Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) should be is minimal as possible while still achieving system requirements. 12. The power hub should be capable of providing auxiliary power and data to the helmet battery pack via cable connection. 13. The system should minimize cables and remain as streamlined as possible in order to minimize snag-hazards and minimize real-estate on the operator’s load-bearing vest. It should provide pouches or a back panel housing solution for all components and be compatible with common load-bearing vests utilizing MOLLE panels. Requested Information CCDC-SC is seeking currently available solutions as well as companies able to collaborate to develop a power and data management system consisting of wearable batteries, power and data hubs, and necessary cables/connectors. Manufacturers/Vendors are encouraged to provide as much information as possible related to both available technologies (with similar salient characteristics as described above) and/or their ability to conduct research and development. Valuable information would also include a general approach for achieving a system that solves the problem. Please provide company name and address, point of contact with phone number, DUNS number, Cage Code and a statement regarding any small business designation (if applicable), by the date and to the address noted below. Any information submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the Government for such information. Responses to this notice are to be sent to the RFI POC below. This notice is for market survey only. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. 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 the response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement. Point of Contact (POC) Interested parties shall submit responses to this RFI to: Jonathan Rich Email: jonathan.g.rich.civ@army.mil Responses shall be received no later than 4:00PM EST 21 December 2021. Responses shall be e-mailed to the address above. No telephonic or hardcopy responses to this RFI will be considered. Additional Information All information received in response to this RFI marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Responses to this RFI are not offers for contract and will not be used by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.