Request for Information on Combat Boot Sock
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The U.S. Marine Corps Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps and Program Manager Combat Support Systems are conducting market research through a Sources Sought Announcement to identify manufacturers capable of producing high-performance combat boot socks. These socks are intended for Department of Defense personnel operating in environments above 20 degrees Fahrenheit, with the goal of enhancing foot comfort, durability, and performance. The required socks must be over-the-calf length and feature cushioning to prevent blisters, graduated compression to promote blood flow, a non-slip top cuff, and nylon reinforcement at the heel and toe. Material specifications require a minimum of 52 percent wool, 20 percent nylon, and 1 percent spandex, with a strict prohibition on cotton or rayon fibers. The socks must be produced in four classes: Marine olive drab green, black, coyote 498, and undyed/natural, and offered in sizes small through extra-large. Key compliance requirements include adherence to the Berry Amendment, strict dermal toxicity and sensitization standards to ensure skin compatibility, and specific marking requirements where sizes are permanently knotted on the exterior cuff in a contrasting color. Quality assurance involves visual and dimensional examinations based on ASTM and ASQ/ANSI standards, with a requirement that the product has been previously sold to the commercial market or government. Interested sources must submit their business size, NAICS code 315120, and CAGE code to the designated points of contact by October 30, 2026.
General Info
Place of Performance
Natick, MA, 01760, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the U.S. Marine Corps Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC) to identify potential sources to provide a Combat Boot Sock. The goal is to provide warfighting capability and mission support in various environments by enhancing foot comfort, durability, and performance for military personnel.
The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to mary.k.prebensen.civ@army.mil and harvey.walker1@usmc.mil by October 30, 2026 by 5 PM EST.
Background: Program Manager Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) is conducting market research to identify potential sources capable of manufacturing a high-performance combat boot sock that meets the requirements of Purchase Description MC-PD-24-003. The sock is intended for use with the applicable standard-issue combat boots identified in the purchase description. This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for market-research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation, request for proposal, or commitment by the Government to procure any product or service.
Description: The Marine Corps is seeking sources capable of manufacturing a durable, reliable combat boot sock designed to provide comfort, protection, and performance during demanding operational use. The sock shall meet the following Salient Characteristics specified in Purchase Description MC-PD-24-003, including, but not limited to, the following key requirements:
- Sock shall feature an over-the-calf length with cushioning comfort to protect the wearer from hot spots, pressure points, and blisters when wearing combat boots, and they provide graduated compression to promote blood flow from the foot with a non-slip top cuff opening. The foot of each sock includes contouring for the sock to stay in place without bunching, arch support, a gore heel and toe for improved fit, and nylon reinforcement at the heel and toe for durability. A seamless toe closure or a recessed closure with equivalent low profile is used for comfort and durability.
- Basic Materials. The sock shall contain wool a minimum of 52% wool (no coarser than US 60s (25 microns or finer)), a minimum of 20% nylon, and a minimum of 1% spandex and shall not contain cotton or rayon fiber.
- Shade. Shall be in accordance with section 3.3 of the Purchase Description
- Visual shade matching. Shall be in accordance with section 3.4 of the Purchase Description
The finished socks shall conform to the requirements specified in table II when tested as specified.
**Please refer to Table II. Sock performance requirement**
Deliverables: This is a Sources Sought Announcement / RFI to identify potential sources. Based on responses, the Government may plan for a future acquisition. Interested parties should demonstrate their capability to produce socks meeting the above requirements. The Government may request samples for future evaluation.
Submission Instructions:
THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. This is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. Responses are for information and planning purposes only.
This Sources Sought Announcement does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. It is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Further, unsolicited proposals will not be accepted. Funding is not available at this time. The United States Marine Corps has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this Sources Sought Announcement should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Response to this Sources Sought Announcement is voluntary and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this and any follow-on information requests. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.
Not responding to this Sources Sought Announcement does not preclude participation in any future RFP if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the SAM.gov website. It is the responsibility of the potential responders to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this subject.
RESPONSES:
Interested parties may identify their interest and capability by sending responses regarding this requirement to PAE MC via e-mail ONLY to harvey.walker1@usmc.mil no later than October 30, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. EST. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this notice. All costs associated with responding to this Notice will be solely at the expense of the interested party.
Please provide business size (indicate your socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code, and CAGE code. If you hold a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract, please identify your contract number.
QUESTIONS:
Any questions for clarification may be emailed to harvey.walker1@usmc.mil no later than October 26, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. EST. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. An unattributed list of questions and answers will be published at the same web location of this Sources Sought Announcement.
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