84--Camouflage Patterns, Concepts and Design/Analysis Tools

This is a modification to the notice posted 30 April 2010. The only change is an extension to the response date. Responses to the previous notice should not be resubmitted unless there is a significant amount of additional new information available. The Multifunctional Materials Team, Warfighter Science, Technology and Research Directorate at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Natick, MA has a need to identify possible solutions that provide improved camouflage to Soldiers deployed in current and future Military Operating Environments. The government is conducting a market investigation that encompasses: manufacturing capabilities and/or samples of camouflage patterned materials, novel means of developing camouflage patterns, novel materials/concepts that enhance camouflage, and camouflage pattern evaluation methods that provide objective, quantitative measures of effectiveness. Camouflage fabric submissions shall meet or exceed the fabric performance specifications in MIL-DTL-44436A. Respondents should describe their submitted product/technology/method and identify the level and type of camouflage protection offered (e.g., sensor types and/or terrains addressed, detection levels and protection time, environmental effects, etc.). Respondents should also provide available test results (including test method utilized) that demonstrate the performance trade-offs vs. currently fielded systems, status of manufacturing and production, any unique or proprietary construction requirements related to the products, cost, whether their submission is compliant with Berry Amendment Restrictions (see DFARS 252.225-7012) and any other information that the company believes demonstrates the value, performance and capabilities of their product(s) and the ability to meet the aforementioned desired performance. For developmental products, include estimates of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) as defined in the cover sheet. Respondents shall complete a separate questionnaire contained in the cover sheet in the attached Word document and submit it with their response. The government will assess submissions and may choose to perform independent physical and other testing to determine the best performing material / solution available. As such, companies may be contacted for additional information or asked to submit samples for further consideration. Companies may request only the test results regarding their own materials. 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/samples submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the government for such information/samples. Any testing results will be controlled and used for governmental purposes only. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Ms. Lisa Hepfinger, Multifunctional Materials Team, ATTN: RDNS-WSD-M, 15 Kansas St., Natick, MA 01760-5020. This notice is for market survey only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. No solicitation document exists. POC for this request is Ms. Lisa Hepfinger +1 (555) 000-0000, FAX +1 (555) 000-0000 or email contact@example.gov. Email your questions to US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center at contact@example.gov.