84 -- HYDRATION SYSTEMS

Notice Date

June 6, 2001

Contracting Office

U.S. Army Robert Morris Acquisition Center Natick, ATTN: AMSSB-ACN, Natick, MA 01760-5011

ZIP Code

01760-5011

Solicitation Number

N/A

Response Due

July 6, 2001

Point of Contact

John Kirk, Team Leader (508) 233-5453

E-Mail Address

Click here to contact the Technical Representative (john.kirk@natick.army.mil)

Description

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center is looking for commercial personal hydration systems with the following features: Between 70 and 100 ounce volume, a tube delivery to the mouth with a bite valve and positive shut off. The hydration system shall provide a marine/soldier with the capability to drink while road marching with a loaded rucksack without the need to stop. The system shall have an olive drab carrier with comfortable thin shoulder straps that don't interfere with standard load-bearing equipment shoulder straps. The system shall be worn on the torso so as not impede individual movement in a combat environment when worn with load-bearing equipment and body armor. The system bladder or reservoir shall have an olive drab screw cap, and dull, low reflective surface. There shall be no leaks in the system when subjected to a compression force of 400 lbs. A one hand operated bite valve shall have a minimum flow rate of 16 ml/s. The bite valve flow rate shall be measured by subjecting a full bladder to a 12 lb weight measuring "6 x 6". The bite valve shall be positioned over a graduated cylinder with hose and tube kept level with the bladder. The valve shall be opened for 30 second and empty into the graduated cylinder. The volume shall be recorded and the test repeated two more times with the water that remains in the bladder, i.e. the bladder shall not be refilled. The average value of the three trials will be used to calculate the flow rate in ml/s. The intended use within the military is re-issue of the bladder from one user to the next (The bite valve and tube shall be replaced before re-issue). The system shall not promote growth of mold or fungus when used or stored. Systems must be durable to survive 120 days of combat use. Resistance to chemical agents is desired but not required. The purpose of the test is to identify requirements for use with the Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system. Interested vendors shall submit product literature, and 1 sample that may be subjected to destructive lab testing. Each vendor may submit up to two different candidates. Up to 75 test items may be procured for follow-on testing. All textile items must be 100% Made in the USA to be considered.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010608/84SOL004.HTM (W-157 SN50O0R0)