84--Request for Information/Materials: Deployable Protective Garment Material Concepts

Description The Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) in Natick, MA is conducting a market survey seeking information from Industry, Academia and Government facilities on concepts of on-demand deployable technologies for sleeves and/or trouser legs for use on protective garments. Materials used are expected to be either rolled or gathered at the upper arm/upper leg area (as applicable) in a stowed configuration until needed. When needed, the sleeves/trouser legs should be capable of being utilizing manual or mechanical means. * Materials o Materials should be capable of being rolled or gathered at the shoulder or groin area. o The rolled material should pose no health hazard; significant discomfort due to bulk, thickness or texture; or damage to the material itself or other worn equipment when stowed or when in deployed configuration. o Materials should provide some level of protection, against standard battlefield concentrations of chemical warfare agents, to the area covered when the sleeves are fully unrolled/un-gathered and sealed at the wrist or ankle. o Some level of flame protection (for escape from a burning vehicle or area) is desired, but not required. Materials that do not meet all of the above performance characteristics may still be submitted for consideration. Materials will be evaluated for their potential to be utilized for a protective garment. In addition to a material system sample measuring at least one square yard, the vendor should provide a detailed description of materials utilized including: cost, any available test results (including test method utilized) which demonstrate the addressing of the requirements identified above, MSDS for all component compounds, as well as a point of contact, phone number, and email address. Information provided should include: product description, performance characteristics, production lead time, component production location, weaving/lamination location (as applicable), and illustrations/photographs with corresponding descriptive information that best describes the components and finished material. Vendors should also submit any available documentation, literature, and brochures pertaining to the mechanism, including citations of current users and benefits of your concept. Please submit responses by 29 May 2009 to the point of contact identified below. This RFI is solely for information 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 or materials submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the government for such information or materials. Responses to this notice are to be sent to, Anabela Dugas, Natick Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Kansas St, Natick, MA 01760. This notice is for market survey only. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. No solicitation document exists. POC for this request is Anabela Dugas, via phone +1 (555) 000-0000 or email contact@example.gov.