Active Solicitation · DEPT OF DEFENSE
AI Summary
The Department of Defense is seeking preproposals for a Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) prototype. This Request for Information aims to gather capabilities from private entities to support high-altitude parachutist missions. Responses are due by June 26, 2026, and must comply with specific performance requirements and regulations.
PODS: Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System
THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. IT IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 10 responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Please respond by 26 June 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Objective
This Request for Project Preproposal (RPP) is issued to request preproposals (white papers) in accordance with Section III, B, 1 of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA) 22-01 competitive announcement and is being issued for planning purposes only. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to award an agreement, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE) is seeking information on the capabilities and willingness of private entities (non-profit and commercial) to provide a Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) design that will support a prototype project, as defined on page 5 of the BOTAA.
Background
PdM SCIE is executing a project to evaluate prototype supplemental oxygen delivery systems. The PODS capability is intended to be single materiel solution that is suitable for Military Free Fall (MFF) operations utilizing the Advanced Ram Air Parachute System (RA-1).
The PODS system is planned to support the U.S. Army’s MFF community by addressing a capability gap to support all high-altitude parachutist mission profiles (e.g., High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High-Altitude High Opening (HAHO)) requiring supplemental oxygen. The PODS will comprise the following components: Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM), Individual Oxygen Source (IOS), pre-breathing ports, transfer pump, and test stand.
Included is a Non-traditional Defense Contractor Certification form to be filled out.
Requirements
The purpose of this RPP is to request preproposals to conduct Test and Evaluation (T&E) of systems that can meet PODS capability requirements. The proposed designs may be based on reusing, modifying, or enhancing existing designs.
The preproposals shall address the full requirements of this RPP for a technology that is at or above Technology Readiness Level (TRL) six (6) as defined in the attached Technology Readiness Assessment Guidebook. Proposed solutions shall be fully compliant with the Berry Amendment, Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.225-7012, and the Buy American Act, DFARS 252.225-7001.
PdM SCIE will conduct a phased T&E approach to select the best materiel solution for the Army. The T&E will include the following phases: Developmental Testing (DT) Phase 1, DT Phase 2, and Operational Testing (OT). The Government will make the final down-selection to one (1) candidate system at the conclusion of DT Phase 1 Live Jumps at 17,999ft Mean Sea Level (MSL). However, failure to meet performance criteria at any stage of DT Phase 1 may result in candidate systems being disqualified from continuing to the next stage.
DT Phase 1 will include:
Following Live Jumps at 17,999ft MSL, the Government will down-select to one (1) candidate system to continue T&E. Selection will be based on best value. Life cycle costs, including initial procurement and sustainment based on the proposed maintenance concept, will be considered in addition to technical performance.
DT Phase 1 will then conclude with the down-selected candidate system completing Live Jumps at 24,999ft MSL.
DT Phase 2 will consist of a series of Live Jumps by Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) test jumpers up to 24,999ft MSL.
OT will consist of Live Jumps by the operational force to include various mission profiles including those outlined in the requirements. In addition, the test stand, console, and maintenance concepts will be evaluated.
A Production OTA may be awarded to the down-selected vendor after successful completion of OT and obtaining Milestone C and Low-Rate Initial Production decisions. Production OTA award is contingent on availability of funds.
PODS Performance Requirements
The system performance requirements are given in Tables 1, 2, and 3 below. These tables provide both Threshold (T) and Objective (O) levels. The objective level is the performance goal, whereas the threshold level is the minimum acceptable level. PdM SCIE strongly prefers a solution that can meet objective levels of the PODS performance requirements.
Table 1: Key Performance Parameters
Key Performance Parameter (KPP)
Production Threshold
Production Objective
KPP #1 – Performance (POM).
Shall be capable of delivering the parachutist with O2 during pre-breathe, jump and landing (T=O).
T=O
KPP #2 – Performance (IOS).
Shall provide parachutist with sufficient supply of O2 for minimum of 45 minute parachutist descent using a minimum 400 liter capacity utilizing the POM (T).
Shall provide parachutist with sufficient supply of O2 for minimum 1 hour descent, plus provide sufficient O2 to support parachutist through pre-breathing phase of 75 minutes (O).
KPP #3 – Reliability and Confidence (IOS and POM).
Shall have reliability of 0.95 @ 90 percent (90%) confidence level without occurrence of system abort or system failure (T).
Shall have reliability of greater than (>) 0.95 at 90 percent (90%) confidence level without occurrence of system abort or system failure (O).
Note on KPP#2 – (O) allows for different capacity/size IOS than the stated minimum size in the (T)
Table 2: Key System Attributes
Key System Attribute (KSA)
Production Threshold
Production Objective
KSA #1 -
Performance (Pre-Breather Ports).
Each shall be capable of providing 20-lpm of O2 for 75 minutes (T).
Each shall be capable of providing a parachutist with 20-lpm for 2 hours (O).
KSA #2 - Air Standardization (System)
Use of Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen (ABO) shall not degrade system, components or safety (T=O).
T=O
KSA #3 - Override System (Pre-Breather)
Pre-Breather shall possess means to override IOS pressure when parachutist is connected to Pre-Breather port/station (T).
Shall possess visual indicator to alert parachutist if oxygen from IOS is being consumed during pre-breathing operations (O).
KSA #4 - Pressure Gauges (System)
Transfer Pump, Pre-Breather, and IOS shall possess indicators and pressure gauges to verify functionality (T).
Shall possess digital indicators readable in all light conditions and while wearing NVD and will be read by the parachutist (O).
KSA #5 – POM
Shall have provision for communications, compatible with parachutist’s organic devices (T=O).
T=O
Table 3: Additional Performance Attributes
Additional Performance Attribute (APA)
Production Threshold
Production Objective
APA 1 - Performance (Transfer Pump).
Shall be capable of recharging 6 IOS simultaneously (T).
Shall be capable of recharging 12 IOS simultaneously (O).
APA 2 – Connectors / Fittings / Valves (System)
Connectors shall be self-sealing quick disconnect assemblies; Transfer Pump shall possess pressure bleed-off valves; Transfer Pump manifold shall possess individual shut off values and individual pressure relief values; all connectors shall provide protection for O2 fittings when not in use (T=O).
T=O
APA 3 - Compatibility (System)
IOS shall be physically and functionally compatible with legacy POMs, Pre-Breathers and charging assemblies (T).
Shall be capable of modification to incorporate new technologies (O).
APA 4 - Hoses (POM and Pre- Breather)
Shall possess self-sealing medium pressure
(50 – 100) pounds per square inch (psi)) and withstand rigors of high altitude operations. Shall not impede parachutist’s ability to locate and deploy main or reserve parachutes (T=O).
T=O
APA 5 - Environmental
Conditions (IOS and POM)
Shall operate at temperatures ranging from -45 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to 120 degrees F and humidity ranging from zero to 100 percent (100%) non-condensing, in non-cold soak environment (T). Shall remain operable in predominantly sand and dust environment without any additional support requirements beyond those for current O2 equipment. (T=O).
Shall operate at temperatures ranging from -65 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees F and humidity ranging from zero to 100 percent (100%) non-condensing, in non-cold soak environment (O).
APA 6 - Carrier (IOS)
Shall provide means to secure IOS to Type Classified (TC) and non-standard parachutes systems. Carrier shall not interfere with the performance of the parachute or parachutist (T).
Shall be capable of accommodating all parachutist sizes and equipment worn (O).
APA 7 - Size and Weight (IOS)
Size and Weight (IOS). Shall not impede parachutist performance in all phases of the operation (T).
Shall reduce weight and size while increasing capacity (O).
APA 8 - Restraint Points (Pre- Breather)
Shall be capable of being restrained without damage to aircraft in accordance with DoD aircraft regulation (T=O).
T=O
APA 9 - Transportability (Pre-Breather, Transfer Pump)
Shall provide handles or other suitable means of grasping, handling, maneuvering and carrying on to standard and non-standard military aircraft by 2 persons (T=O).
T=O
APA 10 - Frost or Ice Accumulation (POM)
Frost or ice accumulation inside or outside of the mask shall not impede proper mask operation (T=O).
T=O
APA 11 - Anti-Suffocation Valve (POM)
Shall provide an anti-suffocation valve (T=O).
T=O
APA 12 - Performance (Test Device)
Shall provide a method to test flow rate, anti-suffocation valve, exhalation valve, dilution and leakage of POM without disassembly, to ensure proper operation, as well as flow rates and outlet pressures of IOS and Pre-Breather. Shall not require calibration more than once a year (T).
Calibration is capable of being performed at unit level using current TMDE processes. Maintenance is capable of being performed at unit level (O).
APA 13 - Transport and Storage
Shall meet or exceed Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for transport and storage of pressurized vessels and systems (T=O).
T=O
In addition to the performance requirements given in Tables 1-3, testing and evaluation of candidate systems will incorporate analysis based on the following:
Government testing of the PODS for compliance with KPP/KSA/APA is anticipated to consist of the following:
MIL-STD-810H, Sand and Dust, Method 510.7, Procedure I. A climate chamber may be utilized in combination with a vacuum/pressure chamber. A climate chamber may be brought down to a minimum negative temperature of -45F (T) and -65F (O).
The Transfer Pump for DT Phase 1 will be the Masterline 7000A-2. Proposed solutions must be compatible with this Transfer Pump which is currently in use by the US Army. DT Phase 2 will evaluate any proposed transfer pump.
The Government strongly prefers a solution that utilizes a supplemental bottle(s) to meet the pre-breather requirements.
Deliverables
Planned deliverables for DT Phase 1 are listed below:
Planned deliverables for DT Phase 2 are listed below:
Planned deliverables for the OT phase are listed below:
Quality Assurance
Quality Program and Risk Management Requirements
The Government may witness onsite, observe or assess any one of the manufacturing or quality requirements listed in this Agreement as applicable without unnecessary burden on the Primary Agreement Holder (PAH).
Quality Program Plan
The PAH shall develop and apply a Quality Program Plan (QPP) and quality program principles to proactively reduce costs and risks associated with the prototype effort.
Quality Management Requirements
The PAH shall apply QMS ANSI/ISO/ASQ 9001-2015 or an equivalent standard to products and services within all program phases. All quality requirements shall be necessary, practical, measurable, verifiable, and enforceable as part of the quality program. The PAH shall document these requirements and integrate them into quality program processes and records.
Quality Metrics
The PAH shall monitor trends, document quality metrics, identify issues and implement corrective actions to maintain schedule and performance. Metrics shall be reported during the Technical Working Group (WG).
Manufacturing
The PAH shall demonstrate, through documentation and assessments, that the design is optimized for production (producibility) with mature processes and technologies (manufacturing readiness) supported by a feasibility study (prototype to production) that verifies economic and practical viability (production feasibility), and that manufacturing can efficiently scale up while maintaining quality and performance (production scalability). Additionally, the PAH must prove a robust supply chain capacity and an industrial base throughput adequate to meet production schedules, ensuring overall production suitability, while also providing a detailed plan for managing long lead items, including risk assessments, procurement schedules, and contingency strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions during full-scale production. The Government may observe and assess manufacturing processes and facilities to confirm status. The PAH shall coordinate and allow access to enable these assessments.
Risk Analysis, Mitigation, and Acceptance
The PAH shall conduct its own risk analyses related to quality and program performance, develop mitigation strategies, and document accepted risks. Program risk information shall be reported to the Government during the Technical WG.
Final Test, Inspection & Checkout (FTIC) and Acceptance
The PAH shall conduct FTIC of each end item using its own final test, inspection and checkout processes. The PAH shall notify the Government at least 15 calendar days prior to conducting FTIC activities, regardless of location, to allow for Government participation and witnessing. The PAH is responsible for ensuring end items are ready for Government acceptance and delivery.
Request for Variance (RFV)
The PAH shall notify the Agreement Officer Representative via a Request for Variance (RFV) when unable to meet OTA requirements or delivery of nonconforming work is needed in order to maintain delivery and test schedules. The Government may withhold a portion of the related payment until the PAH submits and the Government accepts corrective action and closes the RFV. Payment will resume upon Government acceptance of corrective actions.
Performance Objectives
Preproposals should be limited to three pages and include a description of the relevant technology including supporting data, the scope of the proposed effort including a high-level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and a description of the proposer’s research, development, manufacturing, past performance, or other special qualifications. The preproposal should indicate the TRL of the proposed design per the TRL definitions found in the attached Technology Readiness Assessment Guidebook. The preproposal shall also include an anticipated cost (including anticipated sustainment costs for the proposed maintenance concept) for the efforts described in the preproposal. Preproposals shall be submitted to the following points of contact:
Brochures or other descriptions of general organizational or individual capabilities will not be accepted as a preproposal. All preproposals will be assigned an identification number, and an email will acknowledge receipt of a preproposal. Usually, the Project Manager of the submitting organization should receive a decision letter or email regarding the preproposal within 30-60 days of submission.
Vendor(s) that receive a Request for Full Preproposal (RFFP) shall provide supporting information within the full preproposal on the following topics in addition to what is specified in DEVCOM SC BOTAA Section III, B, 2:
Technical Section
Project Management
Pricing
Subcontractor Management
All preproposals will be evaluated based on best value to the government. Technical performance will be more important than Pricing, which is equal to Project Management, which is more important than Subcontractor Management.
Administration
Proprietary/Competition Sensitive information (appropriately marked) will be protected from
disclosure to the greatest extent practical, however it is preferred that respondents do not
provide proprietary or otherwise restricted responses. Responses to this notice must be received no later than 11:59 PM ET on 26 June 2026. Responses and any questions for clarification are to be sent electronically to the primary and alternate points of contacts provided in this notice. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. This notice is for information only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION or PROPOSAL. No solicitation document exists for this action. Vendors will not be reimbursed for any costs associated with this announcement. FAR 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes, applies herein.
Contracting Office Address:
ACC-APG Division D
6515 Integrity Court
APG, MD 21005-3013
Primary Point of Contact: Jeffrey Campbell, Jeffrey.m.campbell18.civ@army.mil
Alternate Points of Contact: Anthony Nguyen, anthony.nguyen42.ctr@army.mil; Evan Frulla, evan.m.frulla.ctr@army.mil
PARACHUTIST OXYGEN DELIVERY SYSTEM (PODS) PROTOTYPE is a federal acquisition solicitation issued by DEPT OF DEFENSE. Review the full description, attachments, and submission requirements on SamSearch before the response deadline.
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