Replacement Textiles for 500 Denier Nylon

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), Natick, MA, is conducting market research into textiles with similar or improved properties over 500 denier nylon. The U.S. Army is specifically interested in information on any textiles that match the following criteria: 1. Weighs less than 5 oz/square yard 2. May be dyed or colored to shade match Tan 499 3. Have minimum yarn break strengths of 360 lbs (warp) and 270 (fill) 4. Have dynamic absorptions less than 20% after one laundering cycle 5. Have FR performance: after-flame time (3 seconds), after-glow time (2 seconds), char length (4 - inches), average melt/drip (<1 drop in warp and fill directions) The findings from this Market Research effort may impact future solicitations related to this requirement. This Market Research is not a solicitation as defined by FAR 2.101, and the Government is not requesting offers for proposals at this time. This is a Request for Information and does not constitute a solicitation or request for proposal. This is a market survey for planning purposes. If a solicitation is issued, the Government does not guarantee that it will be issued to RFI respondents. The Government is also requesting that restrictive or proprietary markings NOT be used in response to the RFI. The information received under this announcement may be used for developing acquisition strategy and refining operational requirements. Capability Statements, including attachments, are limited to ten (10) pages. Responses should be submitted in MS WORD and/or MS Excel or PDF, including attachments. Interested sources shall include information regarding a firm's experience, personnel, and facilities. Information should include product cost, technical information (i.e., technical literature, data and illustrations, photographs, patents), relevant company background/experience, and a sample (optional). Firms responding shall indicate whether or not they are a small business. Any information/samples submitted will not be returned. If a firm chooses to submit samples, no payment will be made by the Government for such samples. Interested parties shall also supply the following information: name of company and point of contact, telephone number, address and email of POC, business size (i.e. large business, small business, SBA certified HUBZone Business, Economically Disadvantaged Small Business, Woman-Owned Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business), proposed NAICS code, a brief description of the technology and if possible any relevant mechanical testing of treated para-aramid materials. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. No telephonic submissions will be honored. All product information shall be submitted at no cost or obligation to the Government. Interested parties should respond by January 30, 2018. Questions and responses to this notice are to be sent to Dr. Elizabeth Hirst at elizabeth.s.hirst.civ@mail.mil or mail to Elizabeth Hirst, Natick Soldier RD&E Center, 10 General Greene Avenue, Building 4, Rm 114, Natick, MA 01760.