Athletic Footwear Version 2 (AFW V2)

06 Jan 2021 Questions and Answers: Q1: What are the sizes of men's and women's shoes needed in the 800 prototypes? A1: The Government is looking to have a limited size run for the prototype shoes in order to limit costs for manufacturers. There will be a core size set to ensure Men and Women can be fit with the shoes; for example sizes 5-7 and 9-11. Q2: Does NSRDEC expect to issue a RFFP and require a full proposal IAW NSRDEC BOTTA 17-1 or will NSRDEC negotiate and award an OTA Agreement (contract) directly from the preproposal submission? A2: The Government will be issuing Requests for Final Proposals after the receipt of pre-proposals. ----------- U.S. Army, ACC-APG-Natick, BOTAA 17-01 REQUEST FOR PROJECT PROPOSAL Area of Interest: Soldier and Small Unit Protective Equipment & Mission Enhancement Prototype: Athletic Footwear Objective: This Request for Project Proposal (RPP) is issued to request preproposals in accordance with Section IV, D, of the U.S. Army ACC-APG-Natick Broad Other Transaction Authority BOTAA 17-01 competitive announcement. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to award an agreement, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. This RPP is in compliance with the BOTAA 17-01. Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-SCIE) is seeking information on the capabilities and willingness of footwear vendors to manufacture prototypes as described in Attachment 0001. Background: The purpose of the Athletic Footwear Version 2 (AFW V2) effort is to identify and develop innovative materials and novel footwear designs which may provide improved performance and enhanced capabilities to next generation military Athletic Footwear (AFW). The effort will have a special interest in materials/designs that reduces the overall application from a - running shoe to more of a - cross trainer function while decreasing the AFW weight, increasing comfort, and improving aesthetic appearance. Requirements: The purpose of this RPP is to solicit preproposals for the availability of a variety of design and material improvements for the AFW V2 concepts that may be considered for prototype development. Prototypes for this effort shall produce AFWs capable of being evaluated in a relevant environment by Initial Military Training (IMT) recruits in U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The preproposal should identify the current Technology Readiness Level (TRL), the military utility, concept, materials, manufacturing methodology, and novel technology of the proposed prototype. The Government anticipates the award of a prototype agreement(s) for an innovative technology, process, or concept proposed in response to this announcement. The targeted requirements for each AFW V2 prototype and material/system are defined in Attachment 0001. Anticipated deliverables for the prototype development effort are listed below: 1. 800 pair of prototype AFWs, per design in accordance with Attachment 0001. Limited size tariff to cover core male and female sizes. 2. Report detailing concept component materials, component suppliers used, general construction techniques, as well as a two dimensional line drawing of the prototype AFW produced. Performance Objectives: Preproposals shall be submitted to the following email address: matthew.r.buchanan6.civ@mail.mil Preproposals should be limited to three pages, and include the following: 1. A description of the relevant technology including supporting data (when available), the scope of the proposed effort including a high-level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and a description of the proposer's research, development, manufacturing, past performance, or other special qualifications. 2. The preproposal should indicate the TRL level of the proposed prototype per the TRL level definitions found in Attachment 0004 of the BOTAA. 3. The preproposal must also include a projected cost for the efforts described in the preproposal. Additional Information: 1. Responses do not require a complete end item sample or Production Demonstration Model (i.e. AFW V2) or test data, unless readily available. If a physical sample of the end item or system is not available, drawings or renderings of the candidate components/systems are requested, along with an estimate of lead time needed to complete manufacturing of a physical sample. 2. Respondents may submit up to four (4) different candidate materials/systems, but should clearly identify the advantages/disadvantages of each of the competing products. 3. Samples that do not meet all requirements listed above, or in the attached document, may still be considered and respondent should clearly identify any shortcomings and discuss the trade-offs. 4. Brochures or other descriptions of general organizational or individual capabilities will not be accepted as a preproposal. 5. All preproposals will be assigned an identification number and an email will acknowledge receipt of a preproposal. Usually, the Project Manager of the submitting organization should receive a decision letter or email regarding the preproposal within 30-45 days of submission. Administration: The Government will retain comments and information received in response to this RPP. Proprietary information should be identified as Company Proprietary. Do not use Government security classification markings. All written responses must be received by COB 15 January 2021. Responses should be sent by e-mail to: matthew.r.buchanan6.civ@mail.mil and mary.b.armacost.civ@mail.mil with Subject Line of Responding Organization and RPP Title. Material that is advertisement only in nature is not desired. Respondents may review the BOTAA at Beta.Sam for additional areas of interest and/or preproposal submission instructions and representative POCs. Attachment 0001 Athletic Footwear Version 2 Prototype Salient Characteristics Changes to the current Athletic Footwear (Athletic Footwear GL-PD-16-06) include: Design and Last Changes: - Cross trainer style to accommodate wider range of training activities ? Increase lateral support - Reduced heel to toe drop (6-8mm drop) - Reduced stack height (as low as possible with some cushioning) - Reduced weight (current is about 13.5oz) - Reduce stiffness at flex line while increasing/maintaining stiffness at midfoot - Easy don and doff without unlacing - Add stitching to prevent delamination Materials Changes: - Eliminate medial midsole post - Polyurethane midsoles only; no EVA - Toe rand/toe area abrasion protection - Torsional support (integrated - orthotic plate under insole board) ? Increase stiffness, so there is not too much flexibility - Standardized cushion insert thickness