MOLLE 4000

Request for Information/Market Survey Modular Light-weight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) Rucksack for Airborne and General Purpose Forces The Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE), located at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, is conducting a request for information / market investigation to identify domestic products, suppliers and manufacturers of a new Modular Light-weight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) Rucksack. PdM SCIE has identified a need for a new MOLLE Rucksack for Airborne and General Purpose Forces. As the life cycle manager of these items, the PdM SCIE has the responsibility to maintain, develop, and improve Soldier clothing and individual equipment to include load carrying equipment such as rucksacks. The new MOLLE Rucksack for Airborne and General Purpose Forces is a Government-owned design. It has an approximately 4000 cubic inch capacity and made of 1000 Denier nylon coated fabric, has an external frame, adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt. The exterior of the rucksack has multiple storage pockets and pouches of varying dimensions. The interior of the main compartment of the rucksack has a pouch for carrying a radio / hydration bladder or other similarly sized equipment. The interior of the main compartment of the rucksack has a center zippered flap that divides the main compartment into two approximately equal upper and lower halves. The bottom of the rucksack has a separate storage compartment and also above that a zippered access into the lower part of the main compartment. The Government is conducting this market investigation to acquire information on the types and sizes of businesses that will be able to compete on future contracting actions, potential costs for the rucksack, as well as production and delivery capabilities. Some examples of such information include but are not limited to: - Estimated per unit cost of the MOLLE Rucksack for Airborne and General Purpose Forces if manufactured on a schedule of approximately 130,000 over a 12 month period at an approximate rate of 10,833 units per month. - Maximum surge capacity for monthly production of the (MOLLE) Rucksack for Airborne and General Purpose Forces. - The business's understanding and experience with using sub-contractors for component work and procuring fabric (coated nylon fabric and webbing, etc.) and hardware (frames, buckles, grommets, snaps, etc.) from commercial sources. This request for information is not a formal solicitation nor requires that a formal solicitation be issued (FAR 15.201(e)). Interested firms are requested to submit relevant information on their company and facilities within 45 days following the publication of this RFI. Information submitted shall include unit production cost, literature and illustrations, component material(s) of construction, technical parameters, manufacturing location, relevant company background/experience and any documented test/analysis information that would indicate the results of performance tests. Interested parties may submit samples, accompanied by corresponding technical data reflecting the performance results of any independent laboratory testing as specified in this announcement, business size statement and information. Firms responding to this announcement shall indicate whether or not they are a small business. Any information submitted will not be returned. If a firm chooses to submit samples, be advised that no payment will be made by the Government for such samples or any information submitted in response to this notice. Any relevant company background/experience, business category, costs, and any other information that the company believes demonstrates their value / ability to meet the aforementioned requirements should be included. All information and evaluation results will be controlled and used for Governmental purposes only. Responses to this notice shall be sent to the Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment, Attn: Mr. Dan Young, at: contact@example.gov. This notice is for informational purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. NO solicitation document exists for this action (FAR 15.201(e).