Objective: This Request for Project Proposal (RPP) is issued to request preproposals in accordance with Section (B) of the U.S. Army Contracting Division, Natick Contracting Division Broad Other Transaction Authority – DEVCOM SC BOTAA 22-01 competitive announcement. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to award an agreement, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. This RPP is in compliance with the DEVCOM SC BOTAA 22-01.

The Combat Capability Development Command – Soldier Center (CCDC-SC), located in Natick Massachusetts is seeking proposals on the capabilities and willingness of private entities (non-profit and commercial / nontraditional) for an Arctic Heater (AH) to replace the legacy Space Heater Arctic used with 5-man and 10-man Arctic Shelters (AS)

Background: The Government (DEVCOM Soldier Center) is seeking project proposals for non/self-powered heaters capable of providing heat for 5-man and 10-man AS.  The AH shall provide a minimum of 15,000-28,000 BTU/hr. while burning a maximum of 1/3 gallon/hour (5-gallon can = 15 hours).  The AH will assist soldiers performing a multitude of mission supporting tasks while increasing their safety.  The AH shall maintain the AS internal ambient temperature of 40ºF. An AH external to the AS would be desired to eliminate the fire guard, however, the ability to melt snow/boil water inside the AS is also desired.

Description: DEVCOM SC seeks potential solutions with the following characteristics:

• It is desired the AH can bring the interior ambient temperature of the Arctic Shelters (AS) from

 -65 ºF to 40ºF.

• AH size options:
  1. One AH heats a 5-man AS, two AHs are necessary to heat a 10-man AS.
  2. One AH heats a 5-man AS, a different higher capacity AH is used to heat a 10-man AS.
  3. One AH can heat both a 5-man AS and a 10-man AS.
• The AH packed cube should be minimized, and ideally not exceed 17” x 17-1/2” x 9” or (2,600 cubic inches) (If 2 AH are required for the 10-man AS, the combined AH cube of 2 AH shall not exceed 2,600 cubic inches).
• The AH weight should not exceed 50 lbs. (If 2 AH are required for the 10-man AS, the combined AH weight of 2 AH should not exceed 50 lbs.).
• The AH shall maximize the use of standard military equipment.
• THE AH  should operate with standard battlefield fuel (JP8) or other innovative sustainable power sources. 
• The AH fuel burn rate should not exceed 1/3 gallon/hour (5-gallon can = 15 hours).
• Ideally the AH will have the ability to burn solid fuel (wood, coal, etc.…) In event of an emergency.
• The AH shall be designed so it cannot be assembled incorrectly, and can be setup/disassembled quickly at -65, when the soldiers are wearing their artic gear.
• The AH should be able to dry clothing and boots while providing warmth in the AS.
• Ideally the AH will be able to melt snow/ice for cooking/drinking water.
• The AH shall not generate emissions/noxious gas concerns for breathable air in the AS  i.e., air must be clean.
• A CO monitoring/alarm to ensure the AS doesn’t get above 35 PPM is a desired.  
• The AH shall be designed to prevent accidental burn or ‘melting’ into the snow resulting in destabilization / tipping of the AH.
• The AH should be designed to integrate into the 5-man AS, and 10-man AS without modifying the AS.
• The AH should have system diagnostics and auto-shutdown features to reduce fire hazards.
• The AH should not excessively increase Internal moisture levels of the AS
• The ability to generate electricity for alternative uses from the AH is desired.
• The ability to directly cook food with the AH is desired.

Performance Objectives: Preproposals shall be submitted to the following email address: [email protected]

Preproposals should be limited to three pages, and include the following:

1. A description of the relevant technology including supporting data (when available), the scope of the proposed effort including a high-level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and a description of the proposer’s research, development, manufacturing, past performance, or other special qualifications.

2. The preproposal should indicate the TRL level of the proposed prototype if applicable.

3. The preproposal must also include a projected cost for the efforts described in the preproposal.

Administration: The Government will retain comments and information received in response to this RPP. Proprietary information should be identified as Company Proprietary. Do not use Government security classification markings. All written responses must be received by COB June 5, 2023. Responses should be sent by e-mail to: [email protected] with Subject Line of Responding Organization and RPP Title. Material that is advertisement only in nature is not desired. Respondents may review the DEVCOM SC BOTAA at sam.gov for additional areas of interest and/or preproposal submission instructions and representative POCs.