Cold Weather Aviation System (CWAS) Multi-Layered Garments Request for Information (RFI): #WNUK-13-004 General Introduction: 1. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Division (AF LCMC/WNU) is conducting market research to identify, as potential sources, companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities and experience to respond to the requirements listed in this document. AFLCMC is issuing this RFI to explore technical textile expertise to provide this capability. This is only an RFI in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3, Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997). This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This RFI does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. 2. AFLCMC is not seeking proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this RFI. Please be advised that all submissions become U.S. Government property, therefore will not be returned. All costs associated with responding to this RFI are the sole responsibility of the responding party. 3. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. Small Businesses are encouraged to provide responses to this RFI in order to assist AFLCMC in determining potential levels of competition available in the industry, as well as helping to establish a basis for developing any subsequent potential subcontract plan goal percentages. 4. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor the FedBizOpps website for additional information pertaining to this RFI. 5. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this inquiry. This announcement is not to be construed as a formal solicitation. It does not commit the U.S. Government to reply to the information received, to later publish a solicitation, or to award a contract based on this information. Purpose: Gather information from industry to gauge the market place to perform evaluation and testing of Government Furnished Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-the-Shelf (GOTS) of cold weather garments to determine if they meet the specifications of the attached Statement of Objectives (SOO) and more specifically, to gather information of a service-provider's capability to evaluate and test textiles. Questions: Responses from U.S. and non-U.S. firms will be accepted relevant to the Cold Weather Aviation System (CWAS) Multi-Layered Garments RFI. Response to questions from interested parties will be promptly answered and posted on this FBO website, unless some release of proprietary information is involved or the answer addresses a question specific to a Company or that Company's response(s). Post submittal and one-on-one information sessions with respondents are not contemplated. The U.S. Government plans a meeting to responders to discuss/clarify the U.S. Government's requirements, and to further discuss their business approach. Information feedback sessions may be offered to respondents after the RFI assessments are completed. Government Points of Contact (POC) for this RFI: Deborah Clayborn, Contract Negotiator deborah.clayborn@wpafb.af.mil Capt. Rebecca Healea, Program Manager rebecca.healea@wpafb.af.mil Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. All questions will be answered via posting answers to this FBO website; except as provided above. Additionally, questions must NOT contain trade secrets or classified information. The U.S. Government reserves the right to not address questions received after 5:00 PM EST on Monday, 18 February 2013. RFI Responses 1. Please provide your RFI responses to rebecca.healea@wpafb.af.mil and deborah.clayborn@wpafb.af.mil by 5:00pm EST on Monday, 18 February 2013. Title e-mail responses in the subject line of the e-mail as follows: "Response to Cold Weather Multi-Layered System RFI" 2. Please answer the following questions in your response: a. Provide information relating to existing relationships with domestic (U.S.) laboratory testing facilities and your textile laboratory experience. b. What are the necessary labor categories anticipated to perform this evaluation and testing? c. The U.S. Government plans to provide the COTS and GOTS items for this effort at time of any future award. Do you anticipate any issues with completing this evaluation and testing within one year? Provide a brief outline on how you would accomplish this effort. d. Does your company have the ability to plan and execute a test program that meets the objectives in the SOO and SOO Attachments? Please provide the following (or similar) technical information. A. Please see Appendix A for SOO with attachments. a. PACAF's requirements memo dated 13 Nov 11 titled, "Operational Need for Cold Weather Aviation System" b. CWAS Ensemble System/Sub-System Level Test List c. CWAS Ensemble Material Level Test List 3. Please limit your responses to answers to the questions above, and identify a representative to support further Government inquiries and requests for clarification of the information provided, if needed. 4. Respondents should indicate which portions of their responses are proprietary and mark accordingly. All information received in response to this RFI that is properly marked as "proprietary" will be handled accordingly. Proprietary information must be clearly marked on the outside container and on the materials inside. The U.S. Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified. 1. Company/Institute name 2. Physical Address (street, city, state, zip code + 4-digit suffix) 3. Point(s) of Contact 4. Cage Code 5. DUNS Number 6. Telephone Number 7. E-mail Address 8. Web page URL 9. Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 541380. Based on the NAICS Code, state whether your company qualifies as a: a. Small Business (Yes/No) b. Woman Owned Small Business (Yes/No) c. Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes/No) d. 8(a) Certified (Yes/No) e. HUB Zone Certified (Yes/No) f. Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes/No) g. Service Disabled Small Business (Yes/No) h. System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly known as Central Contractor Registration (CCR)) (Yes/No) i. Statement whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign owned, please indicate country of ownership). j. For small business consideration, would your firm be able to compete under NAICS 541380? If not, why? Please provide your recommendations concerning the proposed NAICS.
