84--GLOVES, COLD WEATHER COMBAT

The Product Manager- Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-CIE) at the U.S. Army Natick Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Natick, MA has a need to identify possible commercially available Gloves for Cold Weather Combat environments. The Government is conducting a Market Investigation seeking product information and/or samples of innovative off-the-shelf or non-developmental solutions for consideration of a Cold weather combat glove to replace the Winter flyers glove for Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI) only. The Government is seeking modern versions of these gloves using state-of-the-art materials and design features. The Government may technically test materials of these commercial items to determine the best performance available. Results from this technical and informal evaluation will be used to assist the Government to write a Capabilities Production Document (CPD), which will detail the requirements of a winter combat glove. For the purposes of this RFI, only Berry Complaint samples may be submitted. The capability of these sample items may be one item or a modular system (e.g. outer shell and liner, for additional warmth and has components that will provide environmental protection). Product shall meet the following critical performance requirements: (1) Flame resistant or No melt or melt/stick to the hand (NFPA 2007 edition, NFPA 1971-07 Sec. 7.7.3) (2) Cold weather protection, i.e. provide environmental protection warmer than the current RFI Army combat glove. (3) Waterproof or highly water resistant. (4) Fast drying; provide maximum moisture vapor transmission rate/ breathability and comfort. (5) Maximum durability, dexterity, and tactility, while maintaining Flame resistance and warmth. (6) Palm must be leather. (7) Subdued in color. (8) Provide a means to attach the gloves to an item on a carabiner. Testing: Samples submitted may be technically tested by the Government for the above requirements; however, not restricted to only these. Interested firms are requested to submit information (i.e. identify materials used in the development) of their product(s) within thirty (30) days following the publication of this synopsis. Additional information should include, but not limited to, product cost, technical information (e.g. physical properties, performance characteristics, test methodology (e.g. NFPA, ASTM, AATCC)), certification/ compliance, warranty terms, relevant company background/experience, ISO 9000 certification, and any other information that the company believes demonstrates the value of their product(s) and ability to meet the requirements. Companies are limited to submitting one design for evaluation. Companies are also encouraged to submit a minimum of 2 sample pairs (size Large) for evaluation, but are not required to. Initial information and samples submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the Government for sample(s) submitted. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Ms. Valerie Banville, PM-CIE, ATTN: AMSRD-NSC-WP-WA, Kansas St., Natick, MA 01760-5019. This notice is for market survey only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. No solicitation document exists. The information received under this announcement may in the future be used to purchase items by the Government for testing and/or the preparation of a solicitation package for development prototypes. POC for this request is Valerie Banville +1 (555) 000-0000, FAX +1 (555) 000-0000, or email contact@example.gov. Email your questions to US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center at contact@example.gov