Cotton or Cotton Blend Material for Navy Dixie Hat

Background: The Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) is conducting a market survey to determine the availability of Berry Compliant Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) white cotton or cotton blend fabrics. After review and initial physical test evaluation of industry submissions, the most promising fabrics may be down selected and subjected to additional physical property testing. Successful candidate fabrics could be used in future uniform procurements. Description: NCTRF seeks to identify alternate materials for use in the Hat, Service, White in accordance with A-A-55108. The fabric should be a twill weave, be able to be produced in the color white and incorporate a soil release finish. The material should be capable of meeting or exceeding the physical and performance characteristics outlined in Table I (see attached document). The material must be able to be made into a hat without any workmanship issues with the sewing. Candidates: To respond to this RFI, interested candidates are REQUIRED to submit the following for their submission to enable the Government to efficiently evaluate the viability and benefit of the proposed material(s): 1. A material description, to include product description; identification of fiber (fiber percentage and length), mercerized, bleached, de-sized, singed, carded or combed, yarn structure (yarns per inch, twists per inch, ply and twist), weave structure, pre-shrunk and performance characteristics, production lead time, production locations (fiber, yarn, weaving and finishing). Complete disclosure of chemical treatment if using topical finish, applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and documentation for Berry Amendment, 10 USC 2533a, and compliance is required. 2. A minimum of 5 yards. 3. An estimated unit cost per linear yard (specify width of material), which may be broken down by quantity reflecting economies of scale. 4. A sample hat made in accordance to A-A-55108. 5. Information which certifies that the finished product is composed of materials which have been safely used commercially or provide sufficient toxicity data to show compatibility with prolonged, direct skin contact. The finished cloth shall not present a dermal health hazard when used as intended. Submissions are limited to five (5) materials per candidate. Initial fabric samples and required documentation submitted by interested candidates are due by COB 15 DECEMBER 2018 at NCTRF. Information will be handled as proprietary and samples will not be returned. Contact: Please submit responses to this notice to K. Fratelli, Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, 10 General Greene Ave, Bldg 86, Natick, MA 01760-5019. 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 Kelly Fratelli, 508-233-1333, kelly.a.fratelli.civ@mail.mil