Lightweight Protective Hood (LPH)

Questions - posted 12 August 2020: 1) Test data in the PD is preferred but not required? All of these test methods are currently in the Purchase Description. Some of the test attributes may be trade offs for other characteristics. For instance, lower air permeability performance may lead to a less breathable/less comfortable garment. We are looking for a more comfortable/more accepted hood for the Soldier. Some of these test attributes may be trade offs if necessary to accomplish an improved hood. The only attribute that is likely not negotiable is the ASTM D6413 Flammability test. 2) Interested parties shall provide "Documentation of Berry Amendment compliance". This documentation from fabric suppliers? Yes, Berry Compliance certifications can come from component suppliers. 3) Are we allowed to submit more than 1 proposed hood? Yes, you may submit more than one proposed hood. Lightweight Protective Hood (LPH) Request for Information (RFI) Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE), is conducting market research into the manufacturing capability for Lightweight Protective Hoods (LPH). This Request for Information (RFI) is 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 contains the details of the Government's interest as well as instructions for the submission of responses. The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to contact@example.gov by 15 July 2020 at 5pm EST. BACKGROUND: The LPH is an essential part of the Soldier's battlefield Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The LPH is fielded to the deploying Soldier for Flame Resistance (FR) protection for the face and neck area. It must integrate easily with other equipment such as helmets, communication devices, eye protection, etc. Based on feedback from Soldiers who have used the current LPH, PdM SCIE has determined that improvements in materials and design are necessary to gain more user acceptance. The purpose of this RFI is to identify the manufacturers that have commercially available hoods that could potentially improve the user acceptance of this product. DESCRIPTION: The hood shall be used for FR protection of the face and neck. Ideally, it should have an adjustable face opening, so that it may cover the mouth and nose completely or be pulled down and worn under the chin, while still covering the neck. The finished edges or trim material around the face opening shall fit tightly against the skin, preventing air gaps and maximizing protection when worn properly. The hood should fit snugly without fabric bunching or air gaps around the edges, and should be compatible with the combat helmet. The materials used in the LPH should be lightweight and comfortable in hot and humid environments. The portion of the hood that covers the neck shall be long enough to be tucked into the collar of an Army issued uniform. The materials used in the hood shall be FR to the extent that they shall not melt or drip and should self-extinguish in less than 2 seconds when tested according to ASTM D 6413. REQUIREMENTS: The LPH shall: Provide FR protection for the face and neck and shall not melt or drip. Self-extinguish and have an after flame of less than 2 seconds when tested according to ASTM D 6413. Have a service life of at least 120 days under combat/field use. Minimize fogging when worn with eyewear. Be dyed to Tan 499. Be easily donned and doffed. Minimize irritation against the skin. Be Berry Amendment compliant, meaning the end item and all components of the end item are required to be manufactured domestically. Be comfortable and breathable in hot and humid environments. DELIVERABLES: Interested parties shall provide: Company address, telephone number, primary contact(s) with email address(es). Business size, applicable NAICS code, CAGE code, and if you hold a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract, your contract number. A brief statement of capability demonstrating background, relevant past experience, technical skills, and available production capacity. This can also include current or past performance of providing this or similar products to the Government. The part/item number of the hood. A fact sheet/white paper detailing product specifications (materials, construction, finishes, design features) and relevant test data/analysis to include ASTM D6413 and ASTM E96, Method B Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) test results. Data such as weight, burst strength, pilling, air permeability, laundry shrinkage, wicking and Heat Transfer Performance (HTP) for all materials that are used in the hood design is preferred but not required. Any available test data will suffice for this RFI. Documentation of Berry Amendment compliance. One sample of each proposed hood Bulk pricing estimate as well as minimum and maximum delivery schedule for each submitted hood. RESPONSES: Responses must be electronic only (recommended in PDF file format) and should be submitted to contact@example.gov by 15 July 2020 at 5pm EST. All properly marked proprietary information will be appropriately handled. Submitted items will not be returned. The sample hoods shall be submitted to the following address: ATTN: Donna Cox ATTN: SFAE-SDR-SCIE 5981 13th Street, Bldg. 1155 Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060-5800 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Interested parties are invited to submit a response to this RFI. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify interested sources. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. It is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Further, unsolicited proposals will not be accepted. Funding is not available at this time. The United States Army has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Response to this RFI is voluntary and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this and any follow-on information requests. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Beta.Sam.Gov website. It is the responsibility of the potential responders to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this subject. The U.S. Government will NOT pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this Notice. All costs associated with responding to this Notice will be solely at the expense of the interested party. QUESTIONS: Any questions for clarification may be emailed to contact@example.gov by 15 July 2020 at 5pm EST. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. An unattributed list of questions and answers will be published at the same web location of this RFI. Primary Point of Contact: Project Engineer Donna Cox contact@example.gov +1 (555) 000-0000 FAR 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes, applies herein.