Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) Prototype
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC), through Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE), has issued a Request for Project Preproposal (RPP) for a Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) Prototype. This RPP, under a Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA), seeks innovative designs for a single materiel solution to support Military Free Fall (MFF) operations, addressing a critical capability gap for high-altitude parachutist mission profiles. Preproposals (white papers) are due by June 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The PODS will provide supplemental oxygen for MFF operations, including High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High-Altitude High Opening (HAHO) missions. The system is expected to comprise a Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM), Individual Oxygen Source (IOS), pre-breathing ports, a transfer pump, and a test stand. The effort involves a phased Test and Evaluation (T&E) approach, including Developmental Testing (DT) Phase 1, DT Phase 2, and Operational Testing (OT), to select the best materiel solution.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Project Preproposal (RPP) for a Prototype Project under a Broad Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Announcement. This is not a solicitation but a Request for Information (RFI) for planning purposes.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
- Published: June 17, 2026.
- Potential Award: A Production OTA may be awarded to the down-selected vendor after successful completion of OT, Milestone C, and Low-Rate Initial Production decisions, contingent on funding.
Requirements & Deliverables
Proposals must present a technology at or above Technology Readiness Level (TRL) six (6), compliant with the Berry Amendment, DFARS 252.225-7012, and the Buy American Act, DFARS 252.225-7001. Key performance parameters (KPPs), key system attributes (KSAs), and additional performance attributes (APAs) are detailed, with a strong preference for solutions meeting objective levels. Deliverables for DT Phase 1 include 6 POMs, 6 IOS, 6 Pre-Breather Ports/supplemental bottles, and 1 Test Stand, along with New Equipment Training (NET) at Yuma Test Center (YTC). Subsequent phases require additional test assets, data deliverables (e.g., Technical Manuals, Training materials), and NET at YTC and Fort Bragg, NC.
Evaluation
Preproposals (limited to three pages) should describe the relevant technology, scope, proposer's qualifications, TRL, and anticipated costs. If a Request for Full Preproposal (RFFP) is issued, vendors will provide detailed technical data, production plans, quality assurance, project management, and firm fixed pricing. Evaluation will be based on best value to the government, with Technical Performance being more important than Pricing and Project Management (which are equal), and both being more important than Subcontractor Management.
Additional Notes
This RPP is for planning purposes only; the Government will not pay for information solicited. Proprietary information will be protected, but respondents are encouraged to avoid providing restricted responses. All responses and questions must be submitted electronically to the provided points of contact.