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NAICS 314910 and 336612 The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is looking for information on modifications to improve rapid personnel egress from a capsized small boat equipped with a removable soft enclosure si... NAICS 314910 and 336612 The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is looking for information on modifications to improve rapid personnel egress from a capsized small boat equipped with a removable soft enclosure similar to the USCG 26 ft Trailerable Aids to Navigation Boat (TANB). The USCG is also looking for information on new, state-of-the-market small boat soft enclosures that incorporate design considerations and features for rapid personnel egress in the event of a vessel capsize. The TANB removable soft enclosure protects crewmembers from environmental conditions (weather, wind, noise, sea spray, cold temperature, etc.) thereby increasing crew endurance and mission effectiveness. However, several recent mishaps have highlighted concerns of rapid egress from a capsized TANB, or similar vessel, with a soft enclosure that encompasses the small boat console operating area. Egress methods from a capsized vessel with a soft enclosure often require the crew to use pulls to open zippered doors, unsnap enclosure panels, or cut through vinyl or other material. These methods can present significant safety hazards due to the expected level of personnel effort required to locate, operate, and execute these tactics in a capsized vessel. Rapid egress from any capsized vessel is challenging due to personnel disorientation, potential darkness, personal protective equipment (PPE) interference, and others. When a soft enclosure is deployed (typically during already unfavorable conditions), the above factors significantly impact the location and operation of devices such as zippers, metal snaps, and other tools often required to safely egress the capsized vessel. Additionally, over time these zippers, snaps, and other tools can become damaged and challenging to use due to exposure to a marine environment, presenting additional challenges to personnel egress. Ideally a soft enclosure will retain the realized habitability benefits to the crew (protection from weather, wind, noise, sea spray, cold temperatures, etc.) while offering improved and deliberate considerations for egress that are appropriate for operation by personnel in the event of a capsizing. QUESTIONS TO POTENTIAL OFFERORS 1. Do you currently produce a soft enclosure that incorporates considerations for rapid egress through two or more points (forward, aft, port, starboard)? If yes, please respond with information on the enclosure itself and the intended method(s) and of egress. 2. Do you offer modifications or add-ons to existing soft enclosures that incorporate rapid egress considerations, design enhancements, or other aids? If yes, please respond with information on the offered modifications or add-ons. 3. If yes to questions 1 or 2, is your rapid egress soft enclosure system currently in use on any government or military vessels? If yes, please provide available details such as vessel characteristics, agency name, and information on incorporated soft enclosure egress design considerations or aids. 4. If yes to questions 1 or 2, what is the rough order of magnitude (ROM) price of your rapid egress soft enclosure and/or soft enclosure rapid egress modification(s)? 5. What is your primary and secondary NAICS codes, and Small Business Size relative to those NAICS codes? 6. What is your DUNS? 7. Do you have any existing contracts with the US Government for these or similar items? Table of Preliminary Requirements for the Rapid Egress Soft Enclosure for U.S. Coast Guard Small Boats Purpose The present RFI for rapid egress small boat soft enclosures will be used to: ? Inform potential modifications to existing USCG small boat soft enclosures similar to those currently employed on the USCG 26’ Trailerable Aids to Navigation Boat (TANB) ? Provide state-of-the-market information on available rapid egress small boat soft enclosure systems for future USCG small boat acquisitions. Soft enclosures on the USCG TANB and other small boats provide operational benefits by protecting the crew from environmental conditions (weather, wind, noise, sea spray, cold temperature, etc.). Protection from the elements reduces crew fatigue and increases overall operational efficiency. With these benefits, the potential hazards presented by soft enclosures should also be considered. Existing methods of egress from soft enclosures requiring the crew to utilize zippers, metal snaps, knives, and other tools can be unreliable and difficult to operate in a capsizing environment. Ideally a soft enclosure will retain the realized habitability benefits to the crew (protection from weather, wind, noise, sea spray, cold temperatures, etc.) while offering improved considerations for egress which are appropriate for operation by personnel in the event of a capsizing. Human Factors & Safety Personnel Accommodation Any modification or new soft enclosure system shall accommodate rapid egress and accessibility during capsizing conditions (underwater, dark, disorientation, PPE) by 5th percentile female to 95th percentile males, as defined in ASTM F1166 Section 9 including accommodations for applicable PPE. Habitability Any modification or new soft enclosure system shall retain and provide habitability benefits (ie. protection from weather, wind, noise, sea spray, cold temperature, etc.) to the maximum extent possible. Tools & Egress Aids When egressing from enclosure, the need to access and use tools (ie. knives) or egress aids (ie. snaps, zippers) shall be limited. Engineering Visibility Any modification or new soft enclosure system shall allow for the maximum level of visibility possible in all directions. Installation Installation of a new rapid egress soft enclosure system shall be possible at the individual unit level.