--Request for Information  Inherently Flame Retardant Materials or Flame Retardant Treated Materials for the Sniper Ghillie Suit Accessory Kit (GSAK), NSN 8415-01-394-7698

The Clothing Team of the Warfighter Protection and Aerial Delivery Directorate at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center in Natick, MA has a need to identify possible solutions to add Flame Retardant (FR) properties to the materials used in the construction of the currently fielded Snipers Ghillie Suit Ac cessory Kit (NSN 8415-01-394-7698) by means of inherently flame retardant fibers / materials or treatments to existing materials. The government is conducting a market investigation seeking product information, manufacturing capabilities and/or samples of inherently FR materials or FR treated materials, which are comparable in weight, durability, and use that is required by the Ghillie Suit Accessory Kit. The Ghillie Suit, without a set specification, is unique in that each individual sniper constructs thei r own from the base layer outward. Materials used in the construction of the Ghillie suit include jute and non-flame retardant materials. The use of jute and other materials are preferred in that they reflect the physical characteristics of natural environ ments (smell, appearance, etc). It is common that Ghillie suits are left outside for weeks at a time to endure natural decay and weathering so that it will better blend into surroundings. The new flame retardant materials will also have to reflect this tra it. The government will perform all physical and other required testing to determine the best performing material / solution available. Companies may request testing results regarding only their own materials. Results from this evaluation may be used to update the current military specification to include inherently FR materials to FR treated materials in the construction of the Ghillie suit. When submitting U.S. contracts, offers are cautioned that their products (all materials and manufacturing) must c omply with Berry Amendment Restrictions (see DFARS 252.225-7012). Products shall meet the following critical performance requirements: (1) Flame retardant with a focus on durability, self extinguish upon removal of ignition source, no melt and drip. It i s also desired that this material be comparable to current Ghillie suit construction materials in performance, weight, and where possible, cost. Interested firms are requested to submit information on their product within thirty (30) days following the pu blication of this synopsis. Information should include, but is not limited to, product cost, technical information (e.g. physical properties, performance characteristics, test methodology (e.g. ASTM, AATCC, NFPA 701)), certification/compliance, relevant c ompany background/experience, and any other information that the company believes demonstrates the value of their product(s) and the ability to meet the aforementioned requirements. Companies are also encouraged to submit samples for evaluation. Any info rmation/samples submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the government for such samples. The testing results will be controlled and used for governmental purposes only. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Mr. Francisco Marti nez, Multifunctional Materials Team, ATTN: AMSRD-NSC-WS-TM, 15 Kansas St., Natick, MA 01760-5019. This notice is for market survey only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. No solicitation document exists. The information received under this announce ment may in the future be used to update the current specification to include inherently FR materials or FR treated materials. Point of Contact for this request is Francisco Martinez at +1 (555) 000-0000, FAX +1 (555) 000-0000 or email contact@example.gov. Email your questions to US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center at Francisco.Martinez8@us. army.mil.