68--Reactive Membrane Limited Production

Self-decontaminating membranes for chemical protective garment applications are required for technology demonstration efforts at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC). Based upon prior work conducted by industry and by the NSRDEC in 2009-2010, new reactive membranes are sought for a limited production run to provide 50 yards of self-detoxifying membrane for use in a new garment concept by the NSRDEC. There are a limited number of companies with this technology and production capability, and the purpose of this RFI is to determine the extent of the capabilities that expert industry in the field of chemical protective fabric production can offer. The Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), and more specifically Warfighter Science Technology and Applied Research Directorate (WARSTAR) has an acquisition requirement of 50 yards of 50 inch wide coated expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) or ePTFE membrane. The coating is specified to be a polymer capable of reacting with chemical warfare agents at a humidity of at least 80% r.h., and coated onto the ePTFE substrate within a thickness of 50-100 microns. Additionally, the Government expects that specialized additives in the coating could be proposed to enhance softness, polymer humidification and reaction rates. These additional features will be determined by the Government after testing samples of membrane provided by the performer prior to a final full scale process run. For purposes of this RFI, sources must be able to: (1) demonstrate destruction of chemical warfare agent simulants with proposed membrane compositions (2) demonstrate that a thin, uniform and flexible membrane will result from the proposed material coating process, (3) demonstrate adherence to contract schedule, milestone, and delivery requirements, and (4) provide efficient and effective cost control. The contractor's primary focus shall be to manufacture 50 yards of coated ePTFE membrane according to the Government's specified composition, including adequate thickness and uniformity. This RFI is solely for information purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or the issuance thereof. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Any information submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the government for such information. Any information/samples submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the government for such samples. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Dr. Heidi Schreuder-Gibson , ATTN: RDNS-WSC-C, 15 Kansas St., Natick, MA 01760-5020. This notice is for market survey only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. POC for this request is Heidi Schreuder-Gibson (Heidi.schreudergibson@us.army.mil). Email your questions to US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center at Heidi.Schreudergibson@us.army.mil.