Cold Weather Combat Boot

The contract awarded under number SPE1C126C0017 for the Cold Weather Combat Boot (NSN 8430-01-693-6925) is a sole-source action justified under FAR 6.103-3(b)(1) and 10 U.S.C. § 3204(a)(3) to preserve industrial mobilization capability. The sole manufacturer, Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company (CAGE 90976), is the only entity capable of producing this boot with its specialized Vibram outsole designed for performance in extreme cold down to -20°C, and no viable alternatives exist for this critical component. The contract value is $2,461,350.00 and is not intended for delivery of boots but rather to sustain production lines, retain the skilled workforce, and ensure supply chain continuity until a competitive acquisition is expected in December 2026. Industrial readiness is the primary objective, with the contract serving as a bridge to prevent irreversible loss of manufacturing expertise and capacity. The contracting activity is DLA Troop Support, Department of Defense, located in Philadelphia, PA, and the procurement was exempted from public synopsis due to the statutory industrial mobilization exception. No formal evaluation factors, delivery quantities, pricing line items, payment instructions, inspection criteria, or packaging standards are detailed, as the focus is solely on maintaining production readiness rather than fulfilling immediate delivery requirements. The government retains oversight responsibility for acceptance, and the absence of a defined period of performance or place of delivery reflects the non-delivery nature of this action, which centers entirely on preserving the industrial base for future national needs.