20 -- WATER PROOF EQUIPMENT BAGS FOR USE BY SWIMMERS AND SCUBA DIVERS

Notice Date

May 16, 2001

Contracting Office

Commander, Marine Corps System Command, Code CTQ, 2033 Barnett Avenue, Ste 315, Quantico, VA 22134-5010

ZIP Code

22134-5010

Response Due

June 8, 2001

Point of Contact

Major S.J. Colcombe, 2033 Barnett Ave Suite 315, Quantico, Va 22134-5010, Major S.J.Colcombe phone (703) 784- 2006 EXT 2703, e-mail colcombesj@mcsc.usmc.mil, Fax (703) 784-2314

E-Mail Address

click here to contact Marine Corps Systems Command (colcombesj@mcsc.usmc.mil)

Description

The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI). MARCORSYSCOM is conducting a market investigation on the availability of waterproof bags that can be for both surface and sub-surface use in all climates and temperatures, to include large plunging surf zones. The bags will need to withstand the effects of pressure and the extreme environment of various surf zones and beach compositions. Due to the nature of complex electronics and the effects of salt water on weapons systems, a means of preventing salt water and other forms of corrosive agents such as sand, volcanic rock, seaweed etc. from destroying or rendering these systems ineffective is needed. Three types of bags are needed to protect equipment. The units that may utilize these bags use submarines and diving equipment to transport them and their boats to within range of the operating area. Therefore the bags must with stand the pressure of 60 feet of seawater without leaking. Because of the nature of sub-surface operations there must be a method to regulate the air content within the bag. This is done by having a pressure relief valve on the bag, which will allow the diver to allow expanding air to be released while ascending to the surface. 1. Once the Marine is on the surface an oral inflation tube located on the outside of the bag will allow the Marine to increase the air within the bag so that a proper amount of air will keep the bag afloat which will help the Marine while towing the bag on the surface. An attachment point will be needed so that a towline may be attached which will allow the Marine to tow the bag from a distance so that it does not interfere with the Marines fins. 2. The first bag will be used by scout swimmers who are sent into the beach with small amounts of equipment to accomplish the mission. The bag will need to be the size of a daypack and have shoulder straps. An outside pocket, which will not necessarily need to be waterproof, will also be needed. A water proof zipper to close the bag will be used during transit in the water and an outer zipper will be used once the Marine is on land to reduce wear on the water proof zipper. The bag needs to be large enough to fit radios, optics and small amounts of clothes and food. 3. The second bag will need to be large enough to store the current Marine Corps Sniper Drag bag with the sniper rifle and optical sights attached and in the drag bag. This will also allow Marines from Raid companies to swim in medium caliber machine guns and pieces of crew served weapons broken down. The bag will need both the oral inflation tube and the pressure relief valve. It will also need to have shoulder straps placed on the outside so that the marine may place it on his back and leave the water while using a secondary weapon. The straps will need to be placed so that the Marine may walk without the bag interfering. 4. The third bag will need to able to hold the PRC-113, 138 and 119 radios and a smaller bag to hold the handset. The connectors for the handsets, antennas will need to be mounted on the outside of the bag. A clear window and some type of soft rubber will be needed so that the Marine may see display windows and manipulate the controls or at a minimum allow the Marine to operate the on and off switches. The connectors on the outside of the bag will need to be connected to the mounts inside on the radio which will allow the Marine to use the radio while in the water. In the past, Marines have used trash bags and tape to try and keep the water off the radio. This is impossible in many cases and large amounts of radios are destroyed during training. Future radios are being developed that are waterproof. Unfortunately these are only low power radios with minimum range. Since Reconnaissance Marines are far in advance of assault forces a means to use the high power high frequency radios is needed. Raid forces use radios inside the rubber raiding craft. In extreme weather and during transit through the surf zone, the craft sometimes capsize. If the radios are not completely water proofed they are destroyed. 5. No more than 3,500 scout swimmer bags may be needed. Fewer Marines roughly 400 will use the large weapons bag and radio bag. 6. All three bags will need to have shoulder straps, oral inflation tubes, pressure relief valves and a towing point. A common patch kit and some type of liner to prevent damage to the interior of the bag will also be needed. 7. Information on production capabilities will be needed to complete the project. Please send information on your products and production capabilities to MARCORPSYSCOM, Major S. J. Colcombe. The Marine Corps is looking at purchasing ten (10) bags from four (4) venders to be tested and will down select from those four (4) to one (1). The down select will not occur this fiscal year.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010518/20SOL003.HTM (W-136 SN50M2E9)