Sustainment Aerial Delivery Equipment -Sling Load (SADE-SL) Low-Cost Cargo Net

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This competitive Request for Project Proposal (RPP) seeks pre-proposals (white papers) for the preliminary design of a Low-Cost 5000-pound and 10,000-pound Helicopter Cargo Net system, referred to as SADE-SL. The objective is to find entities capable of developing a design that can serve as a prototype, potentially by modifying or enhancing existing designs. This is for planning purposes and does not commit the government to an award.

• Cost Reduction: Achieve a 35% (threshold) to 75% or more (objective) reduction in individual item cost compared to current nylon cargo nets.

• Rigging Time: Not increase current sling-load rigging time by more than 25% (threshold), ideally reducing it by 25% or more (objective).

• Aircraft Compatibility: Compatible with current Army rotary wing aircraft (UH-60, CH-47) and other military/civilian rotary wing aircraft (CH-46, CH-53, CV-22, FVL). Compatible with standard or recently developed sling load and airdrop components.

• Environmental Conditions: Operate and store in Basic, Hot, Cold (down to -60°F objective), and high-altitude conditions. Must function in all terrain types and inclement weather, including precipitation and salt fog.

• Compliance: May be verified at a government-approved facility per MIL-STD-810G methods for various environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration, etc.).

• Ergonomics: Designed for ease of operation and maintenance by soldiers/marines/airmen of varying percentile sizes, wearing different uniform types, and with cold weather gloves.

• Transportability: Capable of highway, rail, marine, and air transport worldwide per MIL-STD-1366E.

• Payload Compartment: Must provide quick release latching mechanisms for efficient unloading.

• This RPP is issued under Other Transaction Authority (OTA) 10 USC 4022(b).

• The government is seeking information on capabilities and willingness to develop a design for a prototype project.

• Pre-proposal Due Date: 24 March 2026, 1200 EDT.

• Pre-proposal Content: Limited to three (3) pages, including relevant technology, supporting data, scope of effort (with WBS), and anticipated cost.

• Submission Method: Email to designated points of contact (Ethan Seal and Sean Auld).

• Evaluation: Pre-proposals will be evaluated against RPP requirements and BOTAA criteria. A decision letter or email will be sent within 15-90 days.

• Full Proposal: Successful vendors will receive a Request for Full Proposal (RFFP) with detailed instructions.

• AI Evaluation: The government may use AI tools to assist in proposal analysis, but final judgments remain with government personnel.

• This RPP is issued under the DEVCOM SC BOTAA 22-01 competitive announcement.

• Submissions must include a completed Non-Traditional Defense Contractor (NTDC) Certification.

• The document references attached Statement of Work (SOW), List of CDRLs, and NTDC Certification Form.

• Proprietary information should be identified. Do not use government security classification markings.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This SOW details the design, test, fabrication, performance requirements, and deliverables for the SADE-SL Low-Cost Net effort. The primary goal is to design a Low-Cost Cargo Net capability for the SADE-SL system.

• Design a Low-Cost Cargo Net to support 5,000lb and 10,000lb payload weight classes.

• The net must match the physical characteristics of legacy cargo nets.

• Achieve a 35%(T) and 75%(O) reduction in overall item cost compared to legacy cargo nets.

• Ensure compatibility with UH-60 and CH-47 aircraft by maintaining existing interfaces.

• The system must support suspended weight capabilities for 5,000 and 10,000-pound capacity.

• Reduce rigging time and/or personnel required by 25% (O).

• Allow for ease of rigging for future payload variants with minimal redesign.

• Operate and store in basic, hot, and cold climatic categories, and function in various terrain types and inclement weather.

• Be adaptable for other US forces and designed for ease of operation by both male and female soldiers/airmen/marines.

• Not explicitly defined in this section, but testing locations include Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, and Natick Soldier Systems Center, MA.

• Testing: Includes Static Proof Testing (SPT), Design Validation (DV) testing, and Flight Developmental Testing (DT).

• Documentation: Requires a Technical Data Package (TDP), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and Critical Design Review (CDR).

• Quality Control: Contractor must develop and implement a Quality Plan, perform regular inspections, and manage non-conformances.

• Configuration Management: Contractor must maintain an internal Configuration Management (CM) program.

• Deliverables: Prototypes, technical reports, packaging design, and final TDP.

• Support: Contractor must provide engineering support, data analysis, and logistics support.

• Meetings: Post Award Conference, Design Review Meetings, and Monthly Teleconference Meetings are required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that outlines the specific data deliverables required from a contractor. It serves as a reference for the types of reports, packages, and plans that must be submitted.

• CDRL A001: Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Package
• CDRL A002: SADE-SL LCN Critical Design Review (CDR) Package
• CDRL A003: SADE-SL LCN Test Data and Analysis Report
• CDRL A004: SADE-SL LCN Packaging Design
• CDRL A005: SADE-SL LCN Technical Data Package (TDP)
• CDRL A006: SADE-SL LCN Quality Assurance and Inspection Plan

This CDRL is crucial for bidders as it specifies the detailed documentation and data that will be required upon contract award. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurately estimating proposal costs and ensuring compliance with contract terms.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Warranties and Representations required for an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) under Section 4022 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018. It is used to determine if the prime contractor and any proposed nontraditional defense contractors meet the criteria for utilizing this authority for prototype projects.

• Prime Contractor Status: Requires selection of whether the prime contractor is a "traditional defense contractor" or a "nontraditional defense contractor." A definition for "nontraditional defense contractor" is provided.
• Nontraditional Defense Contractor Information: If a traditional contractor proposes using a nontraditional one, specific details are required, including:
  • Legal Name
  • DUNS #
  • Address
  • Point of Contact (Name, Title, Phone #, Email)
• Significant Contributions: Bidders must select at least one significant contribution from a nontraditional contractor, including:
  • Developing/providing new key technology or product.
  • Developing/providing a new part or material not readily available (with a specific request for description).
  • Use of skilled personnel, facilities, or equipment.
  • Material reduction in cost or schedule.
  • Enhancement of mission effectiveness.
• Additional Information: Specific questions are posed regarding:
  • Additional capabilities beyond those listed.
  • Specific tasks/phases where the nontraditional contractor will be used.
  • Total estimated cost of the nontraditional contractor's involvement.
• Certification: Fields for Date, Signature, Printed Name, and Title are included.

This form is critical for bidders responding to opportunities utilizing Other Transaction Agreements. It dictates how to identify and justify the use of nontraditional defense contractors, which is a key component of the authority. Bidders must accurately complete this form to ensure their proposal meets the requirements for utilizing OTA authority.