Novel Materials/Designs for Use in - Jute like materials

Sources Sought: Request for Information (RFI): Novel Materials/Designs for Use in - Jute like materials 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 flame resistant or not highly flammable - jute for use with the sniper uniform. This effort is part of a Fiscal Year (FY) 2017/2018 effort to support the OCIE RD for an Improved Ghillie System. Interest is specifically in responses defining component materials that are optimal for: A) fabric/fiber used to break up the Snipers outline (commonly called "jute"), shall meet the flame spread (rate of burning) requirements mandated for general wearing apparel (threshold) as mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission requirement for general wearing apparel. B) shall self-extinguish when ignition source is removed (Objective) C) Materials utilized will provide enhanced protection without sacrificing other performance factors critical to the Soldier such as durability, breathability, fast drying, water repellency, and moisture wicking properties D) The fabric/fiber must retain the ability for modification of the shape, size, and color using standard materials in the Army supply system and non-standard materials not typically found in the Army supply system (i.e. dyes, paints). This request for information (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. FAR 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes, applies herein. Background & Scope: In 2005, two Soldiers died when their Non-Flame Resistant (FR) Ghillie Suits caught fire. Items of clothing, protective or concealing equipment must not be dangerously flammable, but safe for a Soldier to wear during operations. The Ghillie Suit Soldiers wore did not meet the same safety standards as those purchased from licensed Army vendors. The Army's focus is to keep Soldiers in the fight by reducing potential hazards and minimizing risks. In 2008, Product Manager-Soldier Clothing & Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE) and Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center (NSRDEC) developed the FR Ghillie Suit and the Ghillie Suit Accessory Kit (FRGS) as an interim solution through the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI). The RFI solution FRGS provides surveillance and sniper units with various camouflage multi-functional materials to construct, repair and modify Ghillie Suits to meet unique mission requirements. The FRGS has become more of a training solution and does not meet the Soldiers operational requirement. As part of the Ghillie Suit Accessory Kit, a pack of skeins is provided but does not meet the operational requirements for snipers. As part of the IGS, we are seeking an improved material that allows for the ability for modification of the shape, size, and color using standard materials while providing some level of flame resistance. The IGS - jute shall provide an appropriate level of mitigation from flame and thermal threats, increased Soldier mobility and agility, and increased integration with existing individual equipment or personal protective equipment. The IGS - jute will provide Snipers/Scouts with a tool to enhance security and situational awareness in the operating environment. The IGS - jute will help conceal the Sniper and Scout during missions allowing them to remain undetected within close proximity of the enemy forces. The base uniform recommended for wear with the IGS is the FR Army Combat Shirt (ACS) and the FR Army Combat Pant (ACP), which will provide an FR layer beneath the IGS. The ACS and ACP are not included in this requirement but should be considered when deciding on optimal colors/shades. NSRDEC is conducting market research to identify innovative materials which may provide improved performance and enhanced capabilities to next generation Soldier/Sniper. NSRDEC is specifically requesting information on materials The targeted requirements for the IGS - Jute is as follows: Key Performance Parameters: shall meet the flame spread (rate of burning) requirements mandated for general wearing apparel as mandated by The Consumer Product Safety Commission shall self-extinguish when ignition source is removed (Objective) Materials utilized will provide enhanced protection without sacrificing other performance factors critical to the Soldier such as durability Breathability fast drying water repellency moisture wicking properties Fabric/fiber must retain the ability for modification of the shape, size, and color using standard materials in the Army supply system and non-standard materials not typically found in the Army supply system (i.e. dyes, paints). As part of the IGS the - jute shall perform equal to or better than the baseline system across all global operating environments (except snow), including arid/desert, transitional, and jungle/woodland in the visible (unaided eyes) and near infrared (night vision goggle) spectrums As part of the IGS the - jute shall prevent visual detection by a trained observer at 200 meters (T); 50 meters (O) and shall not emit an audible signature from movement detectable at greater than 50 meters (T); 20 meters (O). Additional, Key Systems Attributes The IGS - jute shall not present a health hazard to the Soldier and must show compatibility with prolonged, direct skin contact and shall contain no health hazards, or Toxic Industrial Chemical (TICs)/Toxic Industrial Material (TIMs) (T=O). The - jute shall provide the capability for the Soldier to configure the IGS - Jute to blend with multiple natural environments and provide attachments points for natural camouflage materials Must not add significant amount of weight The IGS - jute shall not hinder the Soldier's full range of motion and shall not interfere with access to mission essential items in the fighting load. Shall feature anti-snag design throughout, and must not hinder movement. shall be capable of quick donning and doffing The IGS - jute shall provide multispectral signature mitigation in the short-, mid- and long-wave spectrums at 300 meters (T); 100 meters (O). The IGS - jute The IGS shall be constructed of quick-drying materials Manufacturers of component materials which meet these requirements are encouraged to submit a response defining the novel material 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 shall have the following: 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. A substantive, focused, information paper of no more than five pages that includes: a description of the materials 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 scale up production if requested. Estimated cost per material or system in a relevant unit of measure (e.g. price per yard, price per package, etc.) All available test data demonstrating the performance of the material being submitted as it compares to the technical requirements of this RFI. A material description including fiber blend percentages and Berry compliance documentation. Additional Information: Responses are not required to include a complete end item sample (i.e. yarn/jute). If a physical sample of the end item or system is not available, drawings or renderings of the candidate system are request, along with an estimate of lead time needed to complete manufacturing of a physical sample. All properly marked proprietary information will be appropriately handled. Submitted material will not be returned. Respondents may submit up to two (2) different candidate materials, but should clearly identify the advantages/disadvantages of each of the competing products. Any coatings/finishes added to component materials should be described in the response. Samples that do not meet all requirements listed above may still be considered and respondent should clearly identify any shortcomings and discuss the trade-offs. Specifications and Purchase Descriptions of current Army issued sniper materials are available upon request for comparison purposes. Submission Instructions to Respondents: Responses to this RFI are due no later than Tuesday, 05 JULY 2022 at 1700 EDT. All submissions must be electronically submitted to (debbie.d.williams.civ@army.mil) or hardcopy submission to: Debbie Williams Assistant Program Manager Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment Tactical Soldier Mobility Team Bldg 1155, 5891 13th Street, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5820 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. 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.