Call for Solutions for Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II)
ID: W911QY-25-MCASType: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE ARMYW6QK ACC-APG NATICKNATICK, MA, 01760-5011, USA

NAICS

Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290)

PSC

HEADSETS, HANDSETS, MICROPHONES AND SPEAKERS (5965)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army's Program Manager – Protection and Integration (PM-PI), is soliciting innovative solutions for the Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II), which includes headsets, cables, and interoperability tools designed to enhance communication capabilities in diverse operational environments. The primary objective is to develop a ruggedized communication system that provides reliable audio separation and minimizes cognitive overload for users in terrestrial, maritime, and air operations. This initiative is crucial for improving tactical communication for Special Operations Forces (SOF) and conventional military units, ensuring effective operational readiness in challenging conditions. Interested vendors must submit white papers by 12:00 PM EST on July 22, 2025, with potential follow-on production contracts valued up to $75 million. For further inquiries, contact Danny Soto at danny.soto3.civ@army.mil or Michelle Lin at michelle.lin4.civ@army.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines a Go/No-Go Matrix for the assessment of a prototype, designed to evaluate its viability for government contracts. The evaluation is divided into two parts: Initial White Paper Evaluation and Final White Paper Evaluation. The first part focuses on assessing the technical merit, innovation, desired attributes, feasibility, impact, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed technology. The second part examines specific required technical attributes, including multi-net capability, high noise suitability, various military and international standards (like MIL-STD-810H and IEC 60529 IP66), and functionalities such as NET training provision. Desired attributes also include speech intelligibility, ergonomics, weight, and wireless operation. The matrix serves as a critical tool for determining a project’s potential success and alignment with federal guidelines, ensuring that any awarded contracts meet both technical specifications and operational goals essential for government applications.
    The document outlines various testing standards and methods as part of compliance requirements related to military and safety specifications. It references MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461G, detailing specific procedures for extreme conditions, such as immersion, vibration, humidity, temperature variations, and environmental exposure to salt fog and dust. Additionally, it includes protocols for measuring electrostatic discharge, radiated emissions, and radio interference susceptibility. The document also cites ANSI standards for assessing hearing protection devices in both continuous and impulsive noise environments. Results for the tests can fall into categories: PASS, FAIL, or NOT TESTED. Overall, this document serves as a technical guideline for products that must meet rigorous military standards and safety requirements, crucial for federal and state procurement processes, ensuring equipment reliability in challenging environments.
    The document outlines the mobility platforms and tactical communications systems for U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) and conventional forces. It categorizes various priority aircraft, ground mobility vehicles, combatant craft, and communications radios essential for operational effectiveness. SOF fixed-wing aircraft include the CV-22, MC-130, and C-17, while rotary-wing variants prioritize the MH-60M, MH-47G, and MH-6. Ground mobility priorities feature vehicles like the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MATV) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). In terms of communications, handheld and manpack radios are highlighted, including models like AN/PRC-163 and AN/PRC-167. The document mentions the compatibility of specific end-user devices. Additionally, it includes notes on chemical contamination sources and specific materials needed for operational readiness, stressing that substitutions may be made as necessary. This structured compilation serves as a guide for procurement and development in line with established military standards and interoperability requirements, facilitating both SOF and conventional military operations across various scenarios.
    The document outlines a Call for Solutions for the Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II) and addresses questions raised by potential vendors. Key aspects include the definition of Active Noise Reduction (ANR), which must allow users to control noise reduction levels without additional software. Cost effectiveness will be evaluated based on existing government pricing data and new technology performance. While data sheets are optional, the evaluation of White Papers will occur in two parts; Required Technical Attributes must be marked as “GO” in Part 2, whereas desired attributes may proceed with a “NO-GO” or “N/A” status. This structured query response indicates the government's careful approach in assessing proposals for advanced communication accessory technologies while emphasizing performance and cost efficiency. The document serves as a guideline for vendors to comprehend the evaluation process and requirements needed for their submissions.
    The document outlines the Call for Solution for the Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II), including responses to queries from potential vendors. Key focuses include the implementation of Active Noise Reduction (ANR) functionalities, which must be controllable by the user, and evaluations for cost-effectiveness based on current government contract pricing and technology advancements. The distinction between required and desired attributes for evaluations is clarified, noting that while required attributes must achieve a "GO," desired attributes allow for some flexibility. Training requirements specify that New Equipment Training (NET) for users should not exceed 30 minutes. Additionally, the document details testing standards for product durability and effectiveness in noise reduction, with specific ANSI standards provided for measuring performance. The timeline for the submission of white papers and delivery of demo units is also specified, indicating an estimated delivery date for demo units as August 19. This file is part of federal RFP processes aimed at acquiring innovative solutions to enhance maritime communication capabilities, indicating an ongoing commitment to improving operational effectiveness while ensuring adherence to stringent technical and training requirements.
    The Program Manager for Protection and Integration (PM-PI) has issued a Call for Solutions for the Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II), aimed at enhancing tactical communication capabilities for Special Operations Forces. The project seeks innovative prototypes for headsets, cables, and interoperability components to provide reliable communication in challenging terrestrial and maritime environments. Key attributes include multi-net capabilities, high noise protection, and interoperability with existing systems, alongside specifications for robustness against harsh conditions. A significant challenge is the effective management of multiple radio networks, which currently overwhelms users. Submissions must include a white paper by July 22, 2025, highlighting how proposed solutions meet the outlined requirements, followed by the requisite demonstration units for further evaluation. The government may award contracts potentially valued up to $75M based on the prototype's effectiveness. This solicitation emphasizes innovation and feasible solutions to enhance military communication, ultimately improving operational efficiency and ensuring rigorous evaluation via a two-part process. Additionally, non-Government advisors may assist in the evaluation, ensuring a comprehensive review of all submissions.
    The government is seeking innovative solutions through the Call for Solutions for Maritime Communication Accessory Suite Block II (MCAS BLK II) to enhance tactical communication for Special Operation Forces (SOF). The requirement includes headsets, cables, and interoperability tools that ensure reliable communication in diverse operational environments. The existing systems are criticized for cognitive overload due to ineffective audio separation and challenging cable management, with needs for ruggedization and resilience against harsh conditions. The desired solution should enable multi-channel monitoring, provide hearing protection, ensure interoperability with tactical radios, and offer robust environmental survivability while being easy to train on and use. Proposals must meet specified technical and desired attributes outlined in the document. Interested companies must submit white papers by 12:00 PM EST on 22 July 2025, demonstrating their capability to meet the outlined requirements. Evaluation will occur in two phases: an initial white paper review followed by demonstration unit assessments for selected candidates. The government anticipates potential awards up to $75 million for follow-on production contracts. This initiative reflects the government's focus on advancing communication technologies for military applications to improve operational effectiveness and decision-making.
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