Request for Information - Aerial Delivery Equipment (ADE) Cargo Parachute

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and performance specifications.

Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing Hardware Aerial Delivery Equipment (ADE) solutions in support of Aerial Insertion activities.

Aerial delivery requirements for the Guardian Angel (GA) and Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) communities have expanded in recent years. These requirements necessitate a new improved cargo parachute solution, enabling static-line parachute insertion of currently fielded vehicles and watercraft, and provide additional capacity to encompass future requirements. GA requires modernization of ADE capabilities to enable the deployment of the Side by Side Vehicle (SXV) and future watercraft with a full combat load.

Additionally, the system should be able to be reefed, that is, cluster multiple cargo parachutes together to achieve heavier bundle weight limits with acceptable decent rates. The ADE system (cargo parachute system) should fit within existing Guardian Angel logistics facilities, be lighter than existing systems, and have a reefing cutter that is simple to configure and reuse.

Additionally, the system should be able to airdrop equipment weights as light as 400 pounds and as heavy as 8,500 pounds when clustered with multiple parachutes. A single cargo parachute designed for heavy capacity of bulk-type platforms, container delivery system loads, and combat expendable platforms capable of dropping upwards of 2,200 pounds. Can be used for air delivery of fragile items. Designed for deceleration and stabilization of bulk-type platform air delivery cargo loads across multiple build platforms.