84--Camouflage Uniform System for soldiers

The U. S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Natick Soldier Center, Natick, MA is conducting a market investigation to identify domestic products, suppliers and manufacturers of commercially-available, individual Soldier camouflage c lothing and pack covers (aka Camouflage Uniform System for Soldiers (CUFSS)). Commercial items may require minor modifications to meet Government requirements. The CUFSS clothing is worn over the Soldier’s Battledress Uniform and provides camouflage capability to blend with various environments and terrain. A separate pack cover conceals the Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) and is available in three sizes to cover various sizes of load carrying equipment. There are three concepts identified: a one-size-fits-all, one-piece coverall; a one-size-fits-all, one-piece poncho; and pack cover (three sizes). The items are manufactured in each of two camouflage patterns (Advantage Classicâ and Natural Gearâ) of three-dimensional, leaf -cut, basic fabric that is reinforced and stabilized with a sewn-on, open-mesh, backing fabric. The front face of the Coverall (incl. knees and elbows) shall be a durable, abrasion and snag-resistant, non-leaf-cut fabric that contains the same, matching c amouflage colors/pattern as that of the leaf-cut basic fabric. The camouflage colors/patterns are Advantage Classicâ (Milliken Co. style (or equal): Advantage Classicâ, Intrigueâ leaf-cut fabric, Style No. 815538) and Natural Gearâ (Milliken C o. style (or equal): Natural Gearâ, Intrigueâ leaf-cut fabric, Style No. 815402). The fabric/materials of the CUFSS shall be water repellent or quick drying and be of sufficient strength to accommodate the attachment (i.e., tie, sew) of indigenous f oliage to enhance concealment; the fabrics/materials shall be flame resistant/self-extinguishing to the maximum extent possible. Interested sources must, by 1700 hours on 22 March, respond with information on their current commercial product(s) and how th ey address the Military requirement. Interested sources shall include information detailed in the CBD Note 25 regarding a firm's experience, personnel, and facilities. Information should include estimated product cost, technical information (i.e., techni cal literature, data and illustrations, patents, web-based catalogue reference), and relevant company background/experience. Firms responding shall indicate whether or not they are a small business. Sample items are NOT required and will NOT be accepted, at this time; however, clear photograph(s) (i.e., electronic .jpeg format is acceptable) of the item(s) is requested. No payment will be made by the Government for any samples. Email responses only to this notice are to be submitted to Mr. Christopher P entheny or Ms. Kathleen Swift, U. S. Army Natick Soldier Center: contact@example.gov # or contact@example.gov # This notice is for market research only. THIS IS N OT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. No solicitation document exists. The information received under this announcement may be used for Government preparation of a solicitation package.