--REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: FABRIC FOR USMC MOUNTAIN CAMMIE

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION U.S. Army RDECOM Acquisition Center, Natick, MA on behalf of the United States Marine Corps (U.S.M.C.) is seeking information regarding the availability of fabric that satisfies the Government's requirements as described below and in the attached documents . This notice is constitutes a Request for Information only, THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION, no award will be made for this effort at this time. BACKGROUND: USMC is developing a combat uniform specifically for mountain operations referred herein as Mountain Cammies. The Mountain Cammies will NOT replace the Marine Corps' current 50% Nylon/50% Cotton twill Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU). The purp ose of the Mountain Cammie is to provide durability of MCCUU while significantly decreasing drying time once wet, increasing wind resistance, and including design features needed for mountain operations. MARCORSYSCOM proved out the concept and the benefit of a specific Mountain Cammie in Winter 2005 field testing and now must find optimized fabric and garment design to complete it's development. The developmental Mountain Cammie will be evaluated in field validation testing winter/spring 2007 for user acc eptance. Once approved by Program Manager-Infantry Combat Equipment (PM-ICE), the Mountain Cammie will be issued as organizational equipment from USMC Special Training Allowance Pool (STAP) as required for unit training and deployment. While the maximu m STAP stock level has yet to be established, MARCORSYSCOM estimates the initial operational capability at a minimum of 33,000 cammie sets (blouse and trouser) up to 116,00 maximum with an estimated 3,000 -5,000 sets for an annual peace-time sustainment. Once a suitable the Mountain Cammie is adopted, MARCORSYSCOM intends to buy the initial capability of 33,000 sets in FY07 if funds are available. MARCORSYSCOM anticipates an additional 2 years may be required to reach the maximum STAP level (to be establi shed) depending on the availability of funds. FABRIC CANDIDATES: The Government requests interested suppliers identify fabrics that are within their existing product line production capabilities that meet the salient characteristics below. The essential characteristics for the uniform fabric are delineated in Category 1 where good tear strength durability, maximum breathability for on the move comfort, maximum wind resistance for cold weather comfort, and fast drying are the highest priorities. Categorie s 2 and 3 build upon Category 1 requirements with enhanced characteristics if available. To respond to this RFI, interested suppliers are REQUIRED to submit the following for each candidate fabric to enable the Government to efficiently evaluate the viab ility and benefit of your proposed fabric for Mountain Cammie development effort: (1) Furnish laboratory test data IAW the specified test methods - fill in columns to right of attached requirements. (2) Describe fabric composition and construction. (3) Pro vide estimated unit cost per linear yard (specify width). (4) Estimate number of days desert MARPAT printed and finished fabric after receipt of order (ARO). (5) Submit a 1/4 yard fabric swatch (in any color or print on hand). (6) Describe other attributes that may not be apparent from table of data or visual inspection of cloth. Response to this RFI is 30 days. If the Government is interested in further evaluating a fabric submission, the Government will procure sample yardage for additional testing withi n approximately 15 calendar days after initial submission. The Government expects to complete its detailed evaluation and select a candidate fabric by 1 Aug 06. The selected fabric will be a directed source on USMC fabrication contract for test items to f abricate Mountain Cammies within 3 months desired (4 months required) for test item fabrication of 8,000 Mountain Cammie blouse and trousers each. To enable this field test, it is anticipated approximately 35,000 linear yards of the fabric will be needed in the early fall 2006 to fabricate 8,000 each of the Mountain Cammie blouse and trouser. USMC will share these findings with Army's Program Manager - Clothing and Individual Equipment Gen III and Special Operations clothing developers for awareness but has no influence on current program activities. Please see attached files for salient charac teristics. Questions concerning this RFI can be directed to Dee Townes, Project Officer, at contact@example.gov.