Hot Weather Combat Boot

Request for Information (RFI): Novel Materials/Components/Designs for an Improved Hot Weather Army Combat Boot The Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) is seeking information on novel component materials, and/or designs that may be beneficial to future Army combat footwear systems. The primary goal of this request for information (RFI) is to identify footwear vendors capable of manufacturing prototypes as described in Attachment 0001. Responses are also requested from footwear component manufacturers whose product may provide one or more of the requested capabilities defined herein. Interest is specifically in responses defining component materials, constructions, and/or footwear designs that are optimized for use in a hot weather environment. 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. Background & Scope: The NSRDEC Soldier Clothing and Configuration Management Team (SCCMT) is conducting market research to identify innovative materials and novel footwear designs which may provide improved performance and enhanced capabilities to next generation combat footwear. NSRDEC is specifically requesting information on materials/designs optimized for performance and protection in a hot weather environment (where temperatures range from 50 to 120'F) which may benefit future Army footwear designs, with a special interest in materials/designs that reduce footwear weight and increasing comfort. The targeted requirements for each footwear prototype and material/system are defined in the attached document (Attachment 0001). Manufacturers of component materials and/or footwear systems which meet the requirements defined in Attachment 0001 are encouraged to submit a response defining the novel material/system of interest. The submissions may be used by the Government in formulating a program to assess the performance of the submitted materials and design concepts for functionality in the above defined environments. NSRDEC requests that material submittals be accompanied by all available and relevant performance and cost data. Responses must have the following: 1. A one page cover sheet that identifies the title, organization(s), respondent's technical and administrative points of contact - including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of all co-authors - and clearly indicating its association with this RFI. 2. A substantive, focused, information paper of no more than ten pages that includes: name of prototype(s) being presented (e.g. Prototype A, B, C, and/or D); a description of the materials/system being submitted or developed; a summary of the technical approaches taken to meet the performance requirements of this RFI; and the ability and lead time needed to produce up to 400 pair of prototype boots, if requested. 3. Estimated cost per material or system in a relevant unit of measure (e.g. price per yard, price per pair, etc.) 4. All available test data demonstrating the performance of the material being submitted as it compares to the technical requirements of this RFI. 5. A description of all submitted materials, such as fiber blend percentages, compound chemistry, surface treatments, Berry Amendment compliance, etc. 6. Size status for NAICS Code: 316210 - Footwear Manufacturing Additional Information: 1. Responses are not required to include a complete end item sample or Production Display Model (i.e. combat boot) or test data, unless readily available. If a physical sample of the end item or system is not available, drawings or renderings of the candidate components/systems are requested, along with an estimate of lead time needed to complete manufacturing of a physical sample. 2. All properly marked proprietary information will be appropriately handled. 3. Submitted material will not be returned. 4. Respondents may submit up to eight (8) different candidate materials/systems, but should clearly identify the advantages/disadvantages of each of the competing products. 5. Any coatings/finishes added to component materials should be described in the response. 6. Samples that do not meet all requirements listed above or in the attached documents may still be considered and respondent should clearly identify any shortcomings and discuss the trade-offs. Submission Instructions to Respondents: Responses to this RFI are due no later than Friday, 15 June 2018 at 1200EST. All submissions must be electronically submitted to (Anita.A.Perkins.civ@mail.mil) or hardcopy submission to: Anita Perkins, 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 NSRDEC 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. NSRDEC 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. It is the responsibility of the respondent to identify any and all proprietary information. Any information or sample materials that are not marked as such shall be assumed by the Government to be publically releasable in future solicitations and/or publications. Input on technical aspects of the responses may be solicited by NSRDEC from non-Government consultants/experts who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements.