Hearing Enhancement Devices

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding a Request for Information (RFI) related to hearing enhancement devices and their integration with the AN/PRC-163 tactical radio and a high-cut helmet.

• ROM Pricing: Respondents should assume a "complete, fieldable system" including all necessary components and accessories for Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing.

• Helmet Compatibility: The RFI does not specify a particular high-cut helmet model. Respondents should describe their proposed solution's compatibility with common high-cut helmet systems and detail helmet mounting systems and human factors testing data. Dimensional or interface information for a specific helmet will not be provided.

• Performance Requirements: The RFI is for market research; specific threshold vs. objective performance requirements are not defined. Respondents should describe how their proposed solution meets the desired capabilities.

• Integration: The RFI focuses on integration with the AN/PRC-163 tactical radio. Respondents should not assume integration with other communications platforms unless specified. The term "stable" integration means the headset is secure and does not shift during normal use.

• Technical Data Rights: Respondents are asked to describe their standard position on providing technical data rights to the Government for sustainment and future competition.

• End User Devices (EUDs): The RFI does not include requirements for the integration or powering of EUDs.

• The RFI is for market research and planning purposes only and does not guarantee a future solicitation. No individual feedback will be provided on responses.

• Respondents should monitor SAM.gov for any updates or announcements regarding potential future industry engagement events or solicitations.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Product Manager Combat Service Support Equipment (PdM CSSE) for market research purposes to identify potential sources capable of providing a suite of Hearing Enhancement Devices. The objective is to find solutions that offer hearing protection from noise while enhancing a Marine's auditory situation awareness.

• Performance: Ability to attenuate hazardous noise while preserving or enhancing the user's ability to localize ambient sounds (e.g., speech, footsteps).
• Integration: Seamless electronic integration with the AN/PRC-163 tactical radio and physical compatibility with high-cut helmets.
• Ruggedization: System must be capable of sustained operation in global environments, validated against standards like MIL-STD-810H and Ingress Protection (IP) ratings.

Interested parties should submit a response (limited to 12 pages) including:

• Corporate Information: Company name, address, CAGE Code, Unique Entity ID, Point of Contact, and business size/designation.

• Technical and Capability Information: Executive summary, material description of proposed headsets, detailed responses to desired capabilities (performance, integration, ruggedization) with substantiating data, commerciality determination, technical data rights position, Product Service Code (8470), and NAICS code (334220).

• Pricing: A non-binding Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) unit price for a complete system at quantities of 7,000 and 50,000.

• Questions: Due by March 20, 2026, submitted via email to Cheryl Dunn (cheryl.dunn.civ@usmc.mil) with a courtesy copy to Kimberly Stone (kimberly.a.stone@usmc.mil). Questions and answers will be posted on SAM.gov.

• Responses: Due by April 13, 2026, submitted via email to Cheryl Dunn with a courtesy copy to Kimberly Stone.

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP).

• The Government will not pay for any information submitted or costs incurred in response to this RFI.

• All submissions become Government property.

• Responders are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for any future updates or solicitations.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Product Manager Combat Service Support Equipment (PdM CSSE), for market research purposes. The government is seeking to identify potential sources capable of providing a suite of Hearing Enhancement Devices. These devices should offer hearing protection from combat and training noise while simultaneously enhancing a Marine's auditory situation awareness.

The government is interested in two types of over-the-ear headsets:

• Communication-enabled headset
• Non-communication headset

Key desired capabilities include:

• Performance: Attenuate hazardous noise while preserving or enhancing the ability to localize ambient sounds (e.g., speech, footsteps).
• Integration: Seamless electronic integration with the AN/PRC-163 tactical radio and physical compatibility with a high-cut helmet.
• Ruggedization: Sustained operation in global environments, validated against standards like MIL-STD-810H and relevant Ingress Protection (IP) ratings.

Interested parties must submit a response (limited to 12 pages) addressing:

• Corporate Information: Company details (Name, Address, CAGE, UEI), Point of Contact, and Business Size/Designation.

• Technical and Capability Information: Executive Summary, Material Description (addressing performance, integration, and ruggedization with specific data), Commerciality determination, and Technical Data Rights position.

• Pricing: A non-binding Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) unit price for a complete system (communication + non-communication headset) at quantities of 7,000 and 50,000 systems.

• Questions Deadline: 20 March 2026 (via email to cheryl.dunn.civ@usmc.mil, cc: kimberly.a.stone@usmc.mil).

• Response Deadline: 13 April 2026 (via email to cheryl.dunn.civ@usmc.mil, cc: kimberly.a.stone@usmc.mil).

• This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or obligate the government to procure any items.

• The government will not pay for information submitted.

• All costs associated with responding are the sole responsibility of the respondent.

• Responses will become government property.

• Future solicitations, if any, will be posted on SAM.gov.