Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS) Design Optimization - Canopy Release Assembly (CRA)

1.0 Introduction

The Project Manager Soldier Survivability (PM SSV), Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE), Personnel Airdrop Systems team is conducting market research to identify potential industry sources capable of designing, developing, or providing a modernized Canopy Release Assembly (CRA). This RFI supports the Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS) Design Optimization effort. The Government is seeking information on next-generation release assembly to modernize mass tactical airdrop capabilities. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation.

2.0 Background

The current ATPS architecture utilizes the legacy Capewell Canopy Release Assembly to allow the jumper to disconnect the main parachute canopy from the harness upon landing, mitigating the risk of being dragged by surface winds. The current fielded CRA components are identified by part numbers 11-1-7350 (female assembly) and 60J4328 (male assembly). The PdM SCIE team is pursuing an ATPS Design Optimization effort to modernize this interface to improve ergonomics, reliability under tension, and ease of actuation for the Warfighter while ensuring absolute fail-safe security during the airdrop sequence. Furthermore, the corrosion issue across the T-11 and MC-6 harness fleet has raised material concerns about the current CRA.

3.0 Technical Requirements / Information Requested

The Government requests white papers and technical data packages (if available) detailing proposed replacement components for the Capewell CRA. Proposed solutions must address the following criteria:

• Primary Objective: Identify a functional, modernized replacement for the existing Capewell canopy release assembly (PNs 11-1-7350 and 60J4328).
• System Compatibility: The proposed CRA must integrate with the existing T-11 and MC-6 risers and the T-11 harness system.
• Riser Design: The absolute top priority for this modernization effort is maintaining structural and operational compatibility with the current riser designs. Vendors must provide engineering analysis or proof-of-concept data demonstrating how their proposed release assembly attaches to and operates with standard risers and harness without requiring comprehensive redesigns of either component.
• Assembly Release Requirement: The proposed release assembly must feature a Static Line style 2-stage release process. The system must require two distinct, deliberate physical actions by the paratrooper to actuate the release, thereby preventing inadvertent deployment during aircraft exit or the opening shock sequence.
• Material Requirement: The proposed release assembly should feature appropriate plating or other material solutions that address the corrosion issue seen across the T-11 and MC-6 harness fleet. Corrosion considerations include industry salt spray and synthetic sweat exposure tests.
• Load Ratings: Submission should include information on shock loading, sustained loading, and failure loading characteristics of the proposed release assembly.
• Industrial Capability: Submissions should address:
  • Current or planned domestic availability in compliance with Buy America Act and/or Berry Amendment if applicable
  • Current or planned manufacturing volume to support parachute production
  • Projected timeframe for ramping up to full rate production
• Pricing: Submissions should address:
  • Current cost estimate per set of hardware
  • Projected cost estimate for full rate production

4.0 Submission Instructions

Responses should be submitted in PDF or DOCX format and must not exceed ten (10) pages, excluding cover pages and technical data appendices (schematics, CAD drawings, etc.). Submissions must include the company name, CAGE code, point of contact, a statement regarding the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the proposed Canopy Release Assembly, and business size under NAICS code 314999 (All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills) and NAICS code 332999 (All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing).

Interested parties may identify their interest and capability by sending responses with information on their current commercial product(s) and how they might address the Military requirement via e-mail ONLY to Mr. Eric Louglin, eric.w.loughlin.civ@army.mil, Mr. Tashfiq Salam, Tashfiq.salam.civ@army.mil, and Mr. Mark Whiteman, g.m.whiteman.civ@army.mil, no later than 29 September 2026. Responses shall provide a courtesy copy to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Specialist points of contact included below.