***Please refer to full the full Technical Volume as the paragraphs below a limited in their scope for evaluation.**** TETAC, which is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, is interested in collaborating with Marine Corp and manufacturing stakeholders to define and pursue engineering solutions to modernize the APOB. Our team has direct experience with ordnance and engineering energetic solutions adhering to WSESRB and MIL-STD-1316 requirements. Specific technical efforts include: Reduce Number of APOBS Misfires/Fratricides TETAC intends to work with Ensign Bickford (Letter of Support included) to conduct live fire evaluations using inert APOB systems and live rockets to gather data. Upon identification of the suspected issues (most likely parachute deceleration and mismatched rear backpack velocity gradients), TETAC will engineer solutions to mitigate the issues. Initial insight from observing live fire videos is leading us to believe that we need to integrate an energy dampener/mitigation system between the parachute and the line charge. Terminating or designing a disconnect between the rear bridle and the backpack would also go a long way in mitigating the mismatched velocities present at the rear of the device. Variable Angle Deployment TETAC intends to engineer a variable angle launch attachment that can be prepositioned (in the safe area) prior to employment. This ensures minimal emplacement time, but also allows the warfighter the ability to adjust the launch angle during emplacement if required. While further information is required to narrow the design requirements, we believe that out engineering concept as presented (figure in technical volume) is a good conversation starter to initiate customer discovery for design iterations. It should be noted that angle markings on the system, positive blocks to prevent under/over rotation, and other design features are still required. Other Performance Specification Enhancements Numerous system improvements can also be pursued to enhance the APOBS. Phase I efforts should include in depth discussions with stakeholders to incorporate options such as lighter backpacks, faster deployment methods, versatile emplacement systems, and adaptations of these systems to support soft backpack launch operations. Some areas for consideration are outlined below. a. Reduce time to Emplace Container by including designs for an optional "rip cord" latch system (as shown in image). b. Investigate weight reduction opportunities. c. Investigate other opportunities to enhance performance as determined by the stakeholders. d. Investigate integration to unmanned ground and aerial systems such as the USMC REAPr as discussed with USMC project managers.
