Soldier systems technology is focus of Army researcher briefings to industry on 12 June

NATICK, Mass., 12 May 2015. U.S. Army researchers will brief industry next month on soldier systems technology challenges and future contracting opportunities for the Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC). Presentations will center on warfighter survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness, and quality of life.

The NSSC Soldier Innovation Day briefings will be from 7:15 to 11:30 a.m. on 12 June 2015 at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St., in Lowell, Mass. Attendance is free.

Soldier systems technology research and development (R&D) challenge areas centered on maximizing the Warfighters survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness, and quality of life by treating the Soldier as a System, Army researchers say.

Sponsoring the NSSC Soldier Innovation Day is the New England Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). Presentations will be from the Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM), the Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), and the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM).

The presentations will be from the deputy commanding general of RDECOM/senior mission commander of NSSC, the technical director of NSRDEC, and a division chief of USARIEM. Briefings are to promote collaboration between Army and other U.S. government, academic, and industry representatives.

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Soldier systems technology challenges of interest include:

-- armor for warfighters;
-- human performance metrics for the system-level soldier and squad;
-- models and analytical tools for the soldier as a system;
-- aerial resupply on-demand for small units on the move;
-- accurate low cost aerial delivery systems;
-- tactical habitats in diverse geographical climates and locations;
-- rapidly deployable base camps and equipment;
-- waste to energy systems;
-- shelter-integrated alternative energy systems;
-- foods to improve physical and cognitive performance;
-- identifying regional food safety threats;
-- food processing and packaging;
-- energy-efficient refrigeration; and
-- next-generation lightweight, nonwoven, antimicrobial, and flame-resistant fabrics for clothing and shelters.

Organizations interested should register online no later than 5 June 2015 at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07easyhp4wd368098c&oseq=&c=&ch=. The event's Website is at www.ndianewengland.org/events/icalrepeat.detail/2015/06/12/43/5/ndia-new-englands-soldier-innovation-day-natick-soldier-systems-center. Email Maggie Schoening with the NDIA New England Chapter at [email protected] for more information.

Federal government employees who would like to attend should email NSRDEC's Benjamin Hall at [email protected] to register.

For questions or concerns phone the Army's Darlene Rideout at 508-233-4112. More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/notices/ea68951d6eb20763544a82a5adffbfba.