State-of-the-Art Survival Items program

Mech, Spring, 2004 by Margie Conlin Gauntt

In 1987, something finally was done about outdated aviator's survival equipment. The chief of naval operations sponsored a program at NAVAIR to document deficient equipment and to implement a system for getting new items to users. The State of the Art Survival Items (SOASI) Program, it was established to identify new or replacement items for the fleet. Unfortunately, funding cutbacks hurt the program, and many deficient items were not being replaced in a timely manner.

The fleet and OPNAV still supported the program but needed a less costly and more expeditious means to introduce low-risk items. A streamlined process would reduce the cost and time needed to provide product options to the fleet, and candidate items could be submitted through their type commander. These items could range from expensive, well-made items to inexpensive, cheaply made items. Updates authorizing new gear were sent via message, reducing long waits for manual revisions.

An annual SOASI authorization message is published once or twice a year and includes a list of alternatives to already-required items, along with a list of other optional items. These alternatives allow a one-for-one replacement of each piece of survival equipment--at the fleet user's discretion. These alternatives are tested to meet performance, safety and integration requirements.

Optional equipment--those items in addition to required items--is counted as part of the five pounds of extra gear authorized. These items are considered "endorsed equipment," meaning they are proven safe and effective. This list doesn't limit other approved optional items that the user wants to carry.

This published list of optional items creates many benefits:

* Fleet users are notified of optional items NAVAIR endorses.

* These items reduce the chance of a user choosing dangerous alternatives. Aviators have carried and used items that didn't seem dangerous when chosen but turned out that way (such as an item becoming a FOD hazard).

* The fleet is outfitted with items that enhance survival and improve signaling capability. The old development method took years to research, assemble, test, and evaluate before making it to the fleet. The SOASI program rapidly transitions items using non-developmental items (NDI) and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment, reducing the time and effort to push products to fleet users.

How does the fleet suggest items for SOASI to consider? Simply follow these seven steps and timeline:

* Submit a written request (naval message or letter) to the TYCOM and then to NAVAIR to evaluate a proposed new item, replacement item, or an idea for an unresolved requirement. Use plain language and include details about the proposed item. List a single point of contact who can identify more specific information, if needed.

* An internal review board screens requests within 30 days of receipt.

* An integrated-program team (IPT) does an initial assessment within 45 days.

* The request originator or vendor provides samples within one to four months. Test samples also can be purchased, using program funds.

* An analysis, test and fleet assessment (if required) are done in the next one to four months.

* Within 30 days of that milestone--should that item pass the required tests--it is declared acceptable. The program team recommends an airworthiness certificate, and a message is sent, authorizing local purchase.

* If the item fails tests for safety, effectiveness or integration, the originator is notified within 30 days. This item no longer is considered, unless the requirements are changed or redefined.

The SOASI program must keep up with continuous changes and advances in technology. This state-of-the-art equipment helps to ensure our warfighters are the best equipped in the world.

Ms. Gauntt works in the Human Systems Department at NAVAIR (Air 4.6.3).

For more info ...

The POC for the SOASO program is Mr. Frank Boka; (301) 342-9222, or e-mail: frankboka@navy.mil. Visit the SOASI website at https://pma202@navair.navy.mil/SOASI. It contains the naval message that autrhorizes equipment to be ordered this way, a flow chart that demonstrates the process, a more in-depth SOASI-program process schedule, and various other documents about the SOASI program. Signing up to the PMA202 website is quick and easy.

The last message authorizing equipment is 1016152 Nov 03, PSN 351243M18, Annual State-of-the-Art Survival Equipment. SOASI messages are released in the spring and fall.