THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE FOR THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (RDC) IN NEW LONDON, CT. This Request for Information (RFI) is part of a market research effort to assess industry capabilities that will best address the USCG's need.

The USCG RDC is seeking sources capable of providing a reusable Non-Pyrotechnic Flashbang Grenade (NPFG) device for use by USCG boarding teams. Current conventional pyrotechnic flashbang grenades are diversionary devices that provide a tactical advantage by temporarily creating psychological and physiological conditions designed to incapacitate personnel while minimizing fatalities, permanent injury to personnel, and undesired damage to property and the environment. These devices may generate an instantaneous combination of sound, light, and/or pressure that distracts or diverts the subject by temporarily causing confusion or disorientation. Existing devices use a pyrotechnic flash component that produces excessive smoke and flame. Consequently, USCG teams have the need for an NPFG that will greatly diminish the risk associated with smoke and secondary fire, but can create both the physiological and psychological effects of a conventional pyrotechnic flash bang diversionary device.

The USCG RDC intends to use the information collected from this RFI to conduct detailed systems analysis that quantifies and evaluates technology readiness and, device or equipment capability.

You are invited to respond with information to assist the USCG RDC with its market research to identify proposed solutions of non-lethal technologies and associated equipment applicable to law enforcement operations.

SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED
The following information is requested for each proposed solution. If multiple solutions are presented by the same entity, the information should be specific to each solution.

(1) Ability to produce an audible signal of at least 150 decibels;
(2) Ability to produce a uniformly distributed, omni-directional non-pyrotechnic flash of three million candelas at a distance of seven feet;
(3) Availability of features (i.e. strobing) designed to induce maximum debilitative effects without inflicting permanent physiological damage;
(4) Size and weight compared to existing military and non-military flash bang devices;
(5) Ability to incorporate a user selectable delay;
(6) Reusable/rechargeable operation;
(7) Capability to provide a safe-to-arm safety feature(s) (prevention of inadvertent activation);
(8) Availability of an indicator to show the device is fully charged and operational;
(9) Resistance to water intrusion and humidity;
(10) Operational temperature range;
(11) Durability characteristics including shock, drop or vibration performance
(12) Known or projected Mean Time Between Overhaul (MTBO) and Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) data;
(13) Storage and shelf life limitations;
(14) Compliance with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP) limits of exposure to incoherent, broadband optical radiation, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines of occupational noise exposure (OSHA Regulation 29CFR1910.95).

The following questions/statements should be addressed for each proposed solution submitted in response to this RFI. If multiple solutions are presented by the same entity, the responses to these questions should be specific to each solution.

(1) What technologies/devices do you have that have the potential to address the NPFG characteristics listed above?
(2) What agencies, governments, or other law enforcement entities currently use the technology solution described?
(3) What are your company's technical capabilities and technology development approach?
(4) Are any development efforts or test activities currently underway or planned to mature your technology and/or assess its maturity?
(5) Describe the effort required to mature your technology to a fully tested, ready for production technology readiness level in terms of development time and expense.

Responses to this RFI shall be limited to five (5) pages. Page limit does not apply to certification documentation, photos or drawings, if provided. Information collected through this announcement will be reviewed by individuals from the USCG RDC. Please include an e-mail POC in case additional information is needed.

Responses to this market survey shall be sent directly to: [email protected]. Only electronic responses will be accepted and shall be submitted no later 16 April 2010. The NAICS code for this RFI is 325998. Please identify if you are a Small or Large Business. PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, VOICE MAIL MESSAGES LEFT WILL NOT BE RETURNED, AND EMAILS WILL NOT BE RESPONDED TO.

 

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