--Flame Retardant Coatings/Topical Treatments for the 500 Denier Nylon Cordura Fabric used on the Outer Shell of the Outer Tactical Vest (OTV).

The Materials and Systems Integration Team, Individual Protection Directorate at the U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Soldier Systems Center, Natick, MA has a need to identify possible solutions to add Flame Retardant (FR) pr operties to the outer shell 500 denier Nylon Cordura for the Armys currently fielded Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) by means of coatings or topical treatments. The government is conducting a market investigation seeking product information, manufacturing capa bilities and/or samples of FR Outer Shell fabric in the year 2006 to enhance the flame protection of the OTV. The treated outer shell fabric shall meet or exceed the performance specifications in OC/PD 00-02G. The government will perform all physical tes ting required to determine the best performance available. Companies may request testing results regarding only their own materials. Results from this evaluation may be used to update the current military specification to include FR capabilities. When s ubmitting U.S. contracts, offers are cautioned that their products (all materials and manufacturing) must comply with Berry Amendment Restrictions (see DFARS 252.225-7012). Products shall meet the following critical performance requirements: (1) Conform to current IR spectral performance requirements listed in OC/PD 00-02G, (2) Conform to current visual color requirements listed in OC/PD 00-02G, (3) Conform to current physical performance requirements listed in OC/PD 00-02G, and (4) Flame retardant with a focus on durability, increasing ignition time and reducing melt and drip. It is also desired that this treatment be applicable to other Nylon Cordura fabric currently used. Interested firms are requested to submit information on their product within thi rty (30) days following the publication of this synopsis. Information should include, but not limited to, product cost, technical information (e.g. physical properties, performance characteristics, test methodology (e.g. ASTM, AATCC, NFPA 701)), certifica tion/compliance, relevant company background/experience, and any other information that the company believes demonstrates the value of their product(s) and the ability to meet the aforementioned requirements. Companies are also encouraged to submit sample s for evaluation. Any information/samples submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the government for such samples. The testing results will be controlled and used for governmental purposes only. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Mr. Francisco Martinez, Materials and Systems Integration Team, ATTN: AMSRD-NSC-IP-MS, 15 Kansas St., Natick, MA 01760-5019. This notice is for market survey only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. No solicitation document exists. The infor mation received under this announcement may in the future be used to update the current specification to include FR capabilities. POC for this request is Francisco Martinez +1 (555) 000-0000, FAX +1 (555) 000-0000 or email contact@example.gov. Emai l your questions to US Army Natick Soldier Systems Center at contact@example.gov.