SAM #W911QY_26_RFI_JSAM_JSF

RFI: Production of Joint Service Aircrew Mask for F-35 (JSAM-JSF)

The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) Natick, in coordination with the Joint Program Manager for Chemical Biological Nuclear Radiological Protection (JPM CBRN Protection), is seeking industry input for the production of the Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF): - Government Buyer: - U.S. Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) Natick - Joint Program Manager for Chemical Biological Nuclear Radiological Protection (JPM CBRN Protection) - OEMs and Vendors: - Gentex Corporation is the current OEM for the JSAM-JSF system - Products/Services Requested: - Design, development, qualification, and production of the JSAM-JSF, a chemical and biological protective mask for F-35 pilots - Mask must integrate with all F-35 aircraft variants and subsystems, including the Helmet Mounted Display - No specific part numbers or quantities provided - Unique or Notable Requirements: - The government does not possess a complete, unrestricted Technical Data Package (TDP); proprietary data rights are held by Gentex and its subcontractors - Respondents must address their ability to deliver a fully qualified, airworthy, F-35 integrated system without a government-owned TDP - The RFI seeks to assess whether the lack of a TDP is a barrier for non-incumbent sources - Mask must meet stringent chemical and biological protection and survivability requirements - Integration and testing with F-35 systems is required - Place of Performance and Delivery: - Work and integration are associated with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter platform - Contracting office located at Natick Division, 10 General Greene Ave, Natick, MA

Description

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI): Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF) Production

Notice Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought  

NAICS Code: 336413 - Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing Product

Service Code (PSC): 1660 - Aircraft Air Conditioning, Heating, and Pressurizing Equipment

1.0 Synopsis

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY FOR MARKET RESEARCH AND PLANNING PURPOSES. This RFI also serves as a Sources Sought notice to determine the feasibility of a Small Business Set-Aside.

This RFI does not constitute a solicitation (RFP/RFQ) and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. No contract will be awarded from this announcement.

The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this RFI, and respondents are solely responsible for all costs associated with responding.

The Joint Program Manager for Chemical Biological Nuclear Radiological Protection (JPM CBRN Protection) is conducting market research to identify potential sources and understand current market capabilities for the production of a chemical and biological (CB) protective mask for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), known as the Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF). This RFI will allow the Government to assess industry’s ability to meet stringent performance, integration, testing and fielding requirements, specifically noting that the Government does not possess a complete technical data package (TDP) for the current system.

The Government specifically seeks to identify if the lack of a Government-owned Technical Data Package (TDP) represents an insurmountable barrier to entry for non-incumbent sources.

2.0 Background

The Joint Service Aircrew Mask for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF) is a critical component of the F-35 pilot's life support equipment, providing protection against Chemical and Biological (CB) warfare agents. The system must integrate seamlessly with all F-35 aircraft variants and their subsystems, including the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD), to ensure pilot safety and mission effectiveness.

The Government currently fields the JSAM-JSF, which is produced by Gentex Corporation. The Government does not possess a complete, unrestricted Technical Data Package (TDP) for this system, as it is encumbered by proprietary data rights held by the incumbent contractor and its subcontractors for several critical sub-components and integration hardware. The Government is seeking to understand how potential sources would develop and deliver a fully qualified, airworthy, F-35 integrated system without a Government-owned TDP.

Due Date: June 5, 2026

Please see Attachment 1 JSAM- JSF Request for Information 06May2026 for additional details and instructions.

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