SOURCES SOUGHT
39 -- Industrial Human Augmentation System
- Notice Date
- 12/11/2014
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 423830
— Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, NSWC Carderock Division, 9500 MacArthur Boulevard, West Bethesda, Maryland, 20817-5700
- ZIP Code
- 20817-5700
- Solicitation Number
- N00167-15-SN-1001
- Point of Contact
- Joy D. Kamara, Phone: 3012273475
- E-Mail Address
-
joy.kamara@navy.mil
(joy.kamara@navy.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Industrial Human Augmentation System Request for Information Pursuant to FAR Part 15.201(e) 1. PURPOSE The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI), as defined in FAR 15.201(e), is to gather information from interested parties for planning purposes in an effort to expand Department of Defense (DoD) use of exoskeletons and human augmentation systems in industrial, logistic, repair and maintenance applications and to extend DoD's professional knowledge and understanding of supply for this type of capability. Interested parties should reply to this RFI no later than 13 March 2015. The Navy is specifically seeking information regarding Industrial Human Augmentation Systems (iHAS) that remove the weight of industrial tools from a worker's body and transfer the load directly to the ground, with minimal physical strain on the worker. This RFI is specifically focused on human-powered or non-powered exoskeleton-based human augmentation technologies. The Government seeks information on sources that could potentially provide fully integrated units to DoD in the 2015-2016 timeframe. All interested sources are encouraged to respond. This RFI is NOT a solicitation for procurement or other acquisition proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. 2. BACKGROUND To date the Navy has tested iHAS prototypes at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF), the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Newport News Shipbuilding. Further testing is planned at PSNS&IMF and Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Two proof-of-concept prototype tests at two other shipyards have also been conducted. All test results to-date have demonstrated a noticeable improvement in productivity and quality while reducing worker fatigue. At this time, there are commercially available exoskeletal arms for holding industrial tools; however, there are no sources for commercially or readily available, fully integrated, mobile exoskeletal tool holders, or system components. The iHAS prototype used during previous Navy testing consisted of a commercially available, spring driven, exoskeletal arm mounted onto a lower extremity human-powered exoskeleton. Currently there are many types of exoskeletons available for medical applications and a number of prototype exoskeletons being developed for other military and commercial applications. 3. DESCRIPTION OF NEED DoD seeks human-powered iHAS-related technology that improves the health and safety of the DoD workforce and reduces the high Total Ownership Cost (TOC) of DoD assets, including U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, surface ships and submarines. Labor is the single largest cost component associated with the construction, maintenance, repair and disposal of DoD assets. Technological advances are needed to help reduce the labor component of TOC by increasing productivity, improving quality, and reducing costs associated with workplace injuries, including injuries related to repetitive motions. Exoskeleton-based human augmentation has the potential to remove much of the physical strain from workers who use hand-held tools during the construction, maintenance, repair and disposal of DoD assets. The application of exoskeleton-based human augmentation technology has the potential to increase productivity and quality while decreasing injury rates, thus significantly improving workforce welfare and reducing TOC. Although applicable through the entire life cycle of DoD assets, this technology is initially being developed for application at regional maintenance and repair facilities where the number of manufacturing tasks using hand-held tools has the highest concentration. The primary purpose for an iHAS component, or fully integrated unit, is to provide the individual worker with a mobile tool holder capability that improves ergonomics and productivity by transferring the weight of the tool to the ground. It should allow the worker to control the application of the tool to the work surface in an unencumbered manner while removing the weight of the tool from the human operator. The current goal is to get as much capability from non-powered exoskeleton technology prior to considering the addition of minimal types of onboard power. The Navy anticipates fielding exoskeleton-based iHAS in the near future that will significantly improve the performance of Navy maintenance and repair activities. The U.S. shipbuilding industry, which builds all new Navy vessels, and other DoD maintenance and repair activities will also be encouraged to utilize these tools, once they are made available at an affordable cost by commercial sources of supply. 3.1 TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES SOUGHT The Navy is seeking sources for non-powered iHAS components and fully integrated units that provide the following capabilities: Should be able to be worn comfortably for what would constitute a normal work shift, without causing any type of physical harm or discomfort. Should be ergonomic and minimize the physical demands on the worker. Should transfer as much of the tool and exoskeleton weight, as possible, directly to the ground, thereby removing the tool load from the worker. Should minimize the amount of force a worker needs to apply to the tool to achieve acceptable work piece quality and throughput rates. Should allow an industrial operator to be completely mobile, move in all directions, able to safely traverse around an industrial work environment with or without a tool mounted (e.g. stairs, ladders, scaffolding, ship hatches, doors, etc...), as needed to traverse to and from the worksite. Should allow the operator to safely control and manipulate portable, handheld power tools in ergonomic and comfortable positions through all ranges of motion, without restricting reach or other crucial aspects of executing a task. Should allow for easy, natural three dimensional movement of the worker so that tools can be easily and safely applied to the work piece. Should allow a worker to easily access system and tool controls (normal on/off controls, emergency shut-off of system/kill switches, adjust speeds, etc.). Should allow the operator an unencumbered view of the work surface and tool throughout the entire anticipated range of motion needed to perform various industrial tasks. Should provide an interface to the tool that can accommodate multiple types of handheld power tools, attaching and supporting them to allow the operator to easily balance and control the tool, while allowing full access to all tool functions and controls. Tools may be battery powered and untethered; and/or require power by a separate power source (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.). Processes may require other supply connections and hoses (water, sand blast grit, etc.) that should be accommodated as part of the tool interface. Should provide an interface to the tool that easily allows for quick mounting and dismounting of multiple types of handheld power tools, and require no more than 5 minutes to mount a tool, and 5 minutes to dismount a tool (ideally less). The preference is for workers to be able to mount and dismount tools without any assistance; however, the use of outside assistance for this function will also be considered. Should accommodate all tool protective guards and safety features. Should be optimized for ease of movement above, at and below the waist. Should provide a tool holding capability that supports all or most of its own weight, and all, or most of the weight of many common handheld industrial, portable, commercially available power tools. In addition, possibly with customized interfaces, it should have the ability to accommodate specialized tools. At a minimum, it should accommodate a majority of the following handheld power tools: Grinders Heat induction tools Drills Sanders Riveters Welding torches Blasting guns Hydro-Lancers Cutters Impact guns Torque tools Crimpers Percussive/peening tools Routers, and Sawz-alls Should be capable of supporting a tool weight from 4 to 50 pounds (ideally 75 pounds). This range can be met by making each unit adjustable or by providing a family of units that cover the entire tool weight range. Should accommodate a large range of worker heights that represent a majority of the targeted workforce. It should accommodate individuals from 5'0" to 6'6" in height. This range can be met by making each unit adjustable or by providing a family of units that cover the entire height range. The height range for each unit may be correlated to a combination of different weight and body types. Should accommodate a range of workers weighing between 100 and 300 pounds. This range can be met by making each unit adjustable or by providing a family of units that cover the entire weight range. The weight range for each unit may be correlated to a combination of different height and body types. Should be adjustable to accommodate a wide range of both men's and women's body sizes, shapes and types. Should accommodate the 90th percentile of both U.S. men and women shoe sizes (Source: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons) a)Men's shoe sizes 7-16 b) women's shoe sizes 4-11 Should be designed to maintain the operator's balance throughout the entire anticipated range of motion with, and without, a tool mounted, while minimizing the use of any type of counterwights. Should be stable for standing and walking while a worker is holding a tool. Should be a single system interfacing directly to a tool, or be comprised of several individual systems integrated together in order to interface with a tool. Should weigh less than 45 pounds without a tool, including the counterweights, tool holder and all other necessary accessories. Should have a target cost of $20K (ideally less than $10K) for a fully integrated unit. Such a unit should interface directly with a majority of the tools listed in Item #14. Should provide a fully integrated unit that is purely mechanical, untethered and human-powered. However, minimally powered components and system concepts will be considered. Should allow a worker to don a fully integrated unit in under 2 minutes discounting the time needed to mount a tool. Should have passive safety features incorporated that allows a worker to doff a fully integrated unit in less than 5 seconds, with 2 seconds being preferable. The safety features should be easily activated and designed so that they cannot be accidentally activated. Should address the safety needs associated with a worker working in close proximity to water. Passive types of self-righting flotation capability are sought. Ability for this safety feature to automatically deploy is sought. Should be fire resistant and non-conductive. Should be resistant to various types of anticipated industrial hazards and exposure related to heat, moisture, airborne particulates and common industrial chemicals. This includes environmental conditions such as salt water, dust, grit, debris, etc... It should be waterproof and fully operable in temperatures ranging from 0° F to 120° F. Should be able to accommodate the use of standard protective equipment by the worker, such as, but not limited to, the following: Hard hat with face shield Safety glasses High and low top steel toe boots Work coveralls Safety harnesses for use in man-lifts and scaffolding Respirators Gloves Rain Gear Leathers Rain Boot Covers Communication Devices Should incorporate safety mechanisms preventing the tool and all parts of the system from contacting a worker's head and extremities. Should be provided with one container for shipping and storage, with ergonomic handles and wheels no larger than 3' by 2' by 2' and weighing no more than 10 pounds empty. Should have all exoskeleton parts and components designed for a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of at least 5 years, assuming that maintenance is performed in accordance with technical guidance. 3.2 OPEN ARCHITECTURE CONSIDERATIONS All hardware should provide standardized interfaces for attaching and holding tools and other system accessories to the exoskeleton. Although the primary focus of this RFI is on unpowered exoskeleton capability if the component or system concept requires minimal power to operate then it will need to use standard electrical interfaces for all connections between system components, including power charging equipment. If the component or system concept requires software for any reason, all software should be easily supported and compatible with Navy IT requirements. 3.3 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Life cycle considerations should include such factors as ease of production, environmental exposure, versatility, modularity, maximum utilization of off-the-shelf components, initial acquisition cost, maintenance and repair requirements, operating and support costs, training requirements, technical support and recycle/disposal. 4. INFORMATION REQUESTED The following information (where applicable) is requested: 1. A description and discussion of respondent's capabilities with respect to fulfilling the needs outlined in this RFI. 2. A description of previous experience in the design, development and/or production of exoskeleton components and fully integrated systems and/or portable tool holding devices. 3. A discussion of an approach which has the potential to meet the performance requirements, including a discussion of previous experience/accomplishments with the identified concepts. 4. A description of the offered solution(s), including the approach, past and present examples, associated technologies and their maturity, physiological impacts, production impacts, and present and predicted reliability. 5. A perspective on the technological impediments that must be overcome to advance the development and application of exoskeleton technology over the next five years. 6. An identification of any needed R&D for the offered solution(s) relative to the requirements above, and a discussion of any further actions required on the part of the offeror to meet any and all of the desired capabilities. 7. Any additional information that will assist in understanding your response to the RFI. 4.1 SUBMISSION FORMAT Responses to this RFI shall be submitted electronically via email. Limit responses to between 10 pages. Respondents shall submit an electronic copy of the response in Portable Document File (PDF) format. Clearly mark submissions with RFI # N00167-15-SN-1001. The electronic document submitted must be formatted to print as typewritten on single-sided paper with one-inch margins on all sides and 1.5-spaced text. Use 12-point font with normal (uncondensed spacing). The Navy may choose to meet with respondents to this RFI. A meeting would be intended to obtain further clarification of respondent capabilities and technical details. Submissions should identify a point of contact in case meetings are requested. Please send submissions via e-mail joy.kamara@navy.mil to, No phone calls accepted at this time. 4.2 RESPONDENT'S SUBMISSION; TECHNICAL DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) may disclose respondent's information only to authorized government and non-government third-parties for evaluation and planning purposes. Non-government third-parties shall be required by the Government to sign a certificate of non-disclosure prior to their gaining access to the respondent's information. NSWCCD will treat the respondent's submission to this RFI as tacit consent to such disclosure. If the respondent wants their submission held in strict confidence and not disclosed to any other entity for any reason then the respondent needs to request this in writing as part of their submission. Respondents shall assure that all proprietary information and documentation is appropriately and clearly marked. In accordance with FAR Part 15.201(e), this RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation and should not be viewed as a request for proposal. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked "Proprietary" will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. The responses will not be considered offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for their expenses associated with responding to this RFI. NSWCCD reserves the right to accept, reject, or use without obligation or compensation, any information submitted in response to this RFI that is not proprietary. The Government does not commit to providing a response to any inquiries or communications.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/N00167/N00167-15-SN-1001/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: at contractor site., United States
- Record
- SN03593660-W 20141213/141211234453-fe37b26002bc2d3725f703ee8f5f0756 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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