--PACKAGING MATERIALS FOR CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

The US Army Natick Soldier Center, on behalf of the Joint Project Management Office - Individual Protection (JPMO-IP), is conducting a market research and investigation seeking product information and product samples of barrier materials suitable for use in the packaging of chemical//biological (CB) protective clothing. Any information and/or product samples submitted will not be returned. If a firm chooses to submit product samples, the Government will not make payment for such samples. This marke t investigation is seeking innovative commercial off-the-shelf or non developmental material solutions that include the latest improvements in barrier bag material technology. The barrier bag material must have the following performance characteristics: be impermeable to all chemical/biological warfare agents, water, and petroleum, oil and lubricants (POLs); have no degradation in performance (physical properties and chemical resistance) when decontaminated using the standard equipment decontamination ki t issued to military personnel; must not be adversely affected by prolonged storage under any climatic conditions; be able to withstand exposure to ultraviolet radiation for at least one year without degradation in performance (physical properties integr ity and chemical protection resistance); possess adequate durability to allow the packaged CB protective clothing to withstand carrying by an individual in a combat environment with no loss of protective capability. The barrier bag materials sought must have improved properties and performance over the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) barrier bag material which is constructed of a flexible, multi-layer nylon/foil film. The JSLIST nylon/foil film has an opaque finish, is tan or green depending on whether the garment is in a woodland or desert camouflage pattern. The barrier bag materials sought will at least have the following physical properties: maximum water vapor transmission rate of 0.30 g/cm2/24 hrs when tested in acco rdance with ASTM F1249; minimum tensile strength of 24 lbs (machine direction) and 20 lbs (cross machine direction) when tested in accordance with ASTM D883; minimum tear strength of 140 grams (machine direction) and 100 grams (cross machine direction) wh en tested in accordance with ASTM D1922; minimum seam strength of 10 lbs/in when tested in accordance with ASTM F88; and ultraviolet resistance which is indicated by no alligatoring or detrimental degradation of the sample after 350 hours exposure when tes ted in accordance with ASTM D3218. The barrier materials will be capable of being constructed into a bag which: has inside dimensions of approximately 12 x 20 inches; can be heat sealed to a minimum strength of 10 pounds per linear inch when tested in acc ordance with ASTM F88; is suitable for printing identification and manufacturing markings, and for the placement of a small notch (1/8 inch deep) at its edge. The bag packaged with the JSLIST coat or trouser will be capable of being vacuumed sealed at 21-2 4 inches Hg. This Request for Information (RFI) does not constitute a Request For Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment from the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice, nor otherwise pay for information/materials. Product samples will not be returned. Interested sources must, within thirty (30) days following the publication of this synopsis, respond with information on their product(s). Information may be in the form of product lit erature, technical specifications, material specifications, test data, and a sample. Information should include product cost, relevant company background/experience, and facilities. Firms responding shall indicate whether or not they are a small business . Please submit information and samples to US Army Natick Soldier Center, ATTN: Marie Jean-Pierre AMSRD-NSC-IP-JS, Room D215, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760. Any questions can be directed to Ms. Marie Jean-Pierre at JSC@natick.army.mil.