Cold Weather Combat Boot

Sources Sought: Request for Information (RFI): Cold Weather Combat Boot The US Army Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM SCIE) is seeking information for industry interest and capability to support procurement of Cold Weather Combat Boots (CWCBs) built against the attached draft Purchase Description (PD) (Attachment 01). The goal of this RFI is to collect feedback on concerns or challenges that interested manufacturers would face in producing combat boots against the current draft of the CWCB PD, and to identify firms with the capabilities and interest to produce CWCBs as described in Attachment 01. This RFI is issued solely for information gathering and planning purposes. This RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals and will not directly lead to any contract awards. The following sections of this announcement contain details of the scope of technical efforts of interest as well as instructions for the submission of responses. FAR 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes, applies herein. Background & Scope: PM SCIE is asking that interested manufacturers review the attached PD (Attachment 01). If a manufacturer would like to propose changes to the material or performance requirements listed in this PD, it is requested that an alternative requirement be provided in a written response. The manufacturer should also provide any associated edits to the PD required as a result of the proposed change. All proposed changes should clearly identify how the change in material or performance could affect the finished boot, both positively and negatively. PM SCIE makes no guarantee that proposed edits will be accepted, but will carefully consider all responses. PM SCIE is also asking any footwear manufacturers with the interest and capability to produce CWCBs meeting the requirements of the PD to submit a response and identify the name/number of the relevant style. The CWCB must be domestically produced in compliance with Section 2533a of Title 10 U.S. Code (known as the "Berry Amendment"). PM SCIE requests that any material submissions be accompanied by all available and relevant performance and cost data. Responses shall have the following: 1. Respondent's primary point(s) of contact - including name, title, address, phone number, and email address. 2. List of any proposed changes or edits to the CWCB PD (Attachment 01) 3. Name/style number of any domestically produced products (i.e. in compliance with Section 2533a of Title 10 U.S. Code) capable of meeting the requirements of the CWCB PD. 4. Estimated retail and/or wholesale pricing for relevant styles 5. Test reports verifying the requirements listed in the PD are met (if available). a. If test reports verifying thermal insulation values are not available, detailed information regarding the insulation package utilized is requested. 6. A single product sample (size 10, D width) may be submitted, if available. If a firm chooses to submit samples, no payment will be made by the government for such samples. Additional Information: 1. Responses may be paper or electronic and are not required to include a physical sample (e.g. combat boot). 2. All properly marked proprietary information will be appropriately handled. 3. Submitted material will not be returned. Submission Instructions to Respondents: Responses to this RFI are due no later than Monday, 8 February 2019 at 1600 EST. All submissions must be electronically submitted to (Jay.McNamara.civ@mail.mil) or hardcopy submission to: Jay McNamara, US Army NSRDEC, 15 General Greene Ave., Bldg 4, D-323, Natick, MA 01760-5019 DISCLAIMERS AND IMPORTANT NOTES This is an RFI issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Respondents are advised that PM SCIE is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received, or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. PM SCIE will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited, nor is the Government obligated to issue a solicitation based on responses received. Input on technical aspects of the responses may be solicited by PM SCIE from non-Government consultants/experts who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements.