This is NOT a Request for Proposal; therefore responses to this request will not be considered as offers.

PM Soldier Warrior (PM SWAR) is issuing this Request For Information (RFI) as market research to determine potential sources of a militarily ruggedized USB 3.x compliant connector solution that passes power and data for an integrated suite of Soldier-worn technologies.

The connector shall:
• Have full USB 3.x Wiring
o Minimum of sixteen (16) conductors (not including shell)
o Additional pins for analog audio (minimum 4 - GND, MIC, L, R)
o Ability (design impact, delivery impact) to modify connector if fewer conductors are required
• Have a max 5A rating Power pins (quantity four) (surge characteristics)
• Have a max 1A rated for 5Gbp/s data rate assuming full bandwidth for USB 3.x
• Have a max cable IR drop of 250 mV for ground and 500 mV for Vbus
• Fit through Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) webbing
• Have a quick disconnect force rating of 12lbs, +/- 3lbs quick
• Be compliant with MIL-STD-461G
• Have a backshell component for connection to allow proper bonding/termination to a shielded cable that would be manufactured by a different supplier
• Be compliant with MIL-STD-810G tailored for Soldier/Ground based operations
• Be compliant with USB Type-C Standard Cable Wire Assignments and Wire Gauges
• Have accommodations for first mate last break ground
• Meet standards for USB 3.1 signaling with power delivery
• Support E-marker
• Be produced with desired low weight/size/cost
• Preferably have an open source / releasable design
Based on the results of this RFI, a future solicitation requirement may be forthcoming.

Note: Interested respondents shall review the information above before submitting their response. Respondents shall be responsible for all costs associated with preparing a response to this Request For Information (RFI).

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Responses shall include the following information:

a) A written response (PDF or WORD document) that shall not exceed three (3) pages, one-sided, 12 font, Times New Roman, Single-spaced, 1 inch margins.

b) Company Name, Street Address, and Points of Contact to include name, email and phone #. Include CAGE code and suggested NAICS code(s) and any GSA Contract(s) the company currently holds for the Soldier Power Generation (SPG) Item.

c) Capability Statement to include: Specific information on companies capability to produce a system that can meet all the requirements identified above such as weight, size, manufacturability, human factors (usability with protective equipment such as gloves.), how adaptable to and the cost impacts associated with modified USB 3.1/C connectors, data sheets, and connector drawings/size for commercially available genders (bulkhead and pigtail). Companies who desire to participate in this market survey are encouraged to submit a response which supports the company's claim that it presently has the technology, qualifications, and capabilities to satisfy (through existing technology) the performance and technical objectives described above. Companies shall also provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) price, the anticipated production lead time for delivery of samples and high volume outputs.

d) Respondent shall identify their business size in accordance with the NAICS code suggested: Large, Small, or any other small / socio-economic type business.

e) Respondent shall provide any additional statement advising the Government, if their product is available commercially, available to the general public, is an open source or proprietary design and/or available to non-governmental agencies.

SUBMIT TO:

Point of Contact:

Kristin L. Hines at [email protected] no later than 10:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 31 May 2017.
Telephone requests for additional information will not be honored. The Government reserves the right to close this Request for Information/Sources Sought Notice once adequate responses have been received.
Contracting Office Address:
ACC-APG - Aberdeen Division D,
4310 Boothby Hill Road,
Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD 21005-3013

Place of Performance:
PM Soldier Warrior
10125 Kingman Rd, Building 317
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

Point of Contact(s):
Kristin L. Hines, (410) 306-2572