Request for Information (RFI): Berry Compliant Jute yarn/twine and/or Hemp Yarn/Twine

Synopsis: Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-SCIE) is seeking information on Jute or Hemp yarn for use with the sniper uniform. This effort is part of a Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 effort to support the Operational Clothing and Individual for the Improved Ghillie System (IGS). Interest is specifically in a yarn/twine/thread used to break up the Snipers outline made from Jute, Hemp or similar natural fiber. PM SCIE is seeking approximately a 48 lb Jute Count, 3 ply, Jute, Hemp or similar natural fiber, yarn/twine in a natural color. This request for information (RFI) is issued solely for information gathering and planning purposes. This RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals and will not directly lead to any contract awards. The following sections of this announcement contain details of the scope of technical efforts of interest as well as instructions for the submission of responses. The current demand for the Jute/Hemp yarn is 400,000 yards. FAR 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes, applies herein. Background & Scope: The IGS is a new and improved Sniper concealment system developed to meet the concealment needs of the Sniper community. The IGS shall have amendable camouflage materials (e.g. jute, hemp, or similar natural fiber) that can be used to change the appearance of the sniper. The IGS Jute, Hemp or other natural fiber will help conceal the Sniper and Scout during missions allowing them to remain undetected within close proximity of the enemy forces. The base uniform recommended for wear with the IGS is the Flame Resistant (FR) Advanced Combat Shirt (ACS) and the FR Advanced Combat Pant (ACP), which will provide an FR layer beneath the IGS. The ACS and ACP are not included in this requirement but should be considered when deciding on optimal colors/shades. PM SCIE is specifically requesting information on materials. The targeted requirement for the IGS Jute, Hemp or other natural fiber is as follows: Key Performance Parameters: Yarn/Twine must not have finishes that would prevent modification using standard materials in the Army supply system and non-standard materials not typically found in the Army supply system (e.g. dyes, paints). 48 lb Jute Count, 3 ply or similar Jute, Hemp or natural fiber yarn/twine in a natural color Berry Compliance conditions: Jute yarn must be spun in the U.S., but can be made from imported jute fiber Hemp yarn may be imported as yarn Additional, Key Systems Attributes The material shall not present a health hazard to the Soldier and must show compatibility with prolonged, direct skin contact. Must not add significant amount of weight The submissions may be used by the Government in formulating a program to assess the performance of the submitted materials and design concepts for functionality in the above defined environments. PM SCIE requests that material submittals be accompanied by all available and relevant performance and cost data. Responses shall contain the following: A one page cover sheet that identifies the title, organization(s), respondent's technical and administrative points of contact - including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of all co-authors - and clearly indicating its association with this RFI. A substantive, focused, information paper of no more than five pages that includes: a description of the materials being submitted or developed; a summary of the technical approaches taken to meet the performance requirements of this RFI; and the ability and lead time needed to scale up production if requested. Estimated cost per material or system in a relevant unit of measure (e.g. price per yard, price per package, etc.) All available test data demonstrating the performance of the material being submitted as it compares to the technical requirements of this RFI. A material description including fiber blend percentages and Berry compliance documentation. Additional Information: Responses are not required to include a complete end item sample (i.e. yarn/jute). If a physical sample of the end item or system is not available, drawings or renderings of the candidate system are requested, along with an estimate of lead time needed to complete manufacturing of a physical sample. All properly marked proprietary information will be appropriately handled. Submitted material will not be returned. Respondents may submit up to two (2) different candidate materials, but should clearly identify the advantages/disadvantages of each of the competing products. Any coatings/finishes added to component materials should be described in the response. Samples that do not meet all requirements listed above may still be considered and respondent should clearly identify any shortcomings and discuss the trade-offs. Specifications and Purchase Descriptions of current Army issued sniper materials are available upon request for comparison purposes. JUTE SAMPLE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Please email Donna Cox at donna.d.cox8.civ@army.mil if you need a sample Submission Instructions to Respondents: Responses to this RFI are due no later than Monday, 27 JULY 2022 at 1500 EDT. All submissions must be electronically submitted to (donna.d.cox8.civ@army.mil) or hardcopy submission to: Donna D. Cox Senior Engineer, PdM Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment 5981 13th Street, Bldg. 1155 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 703.963.4662 DISCLAIMERS AND IMPORTANT NOTES This is an RFI issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Respondents are advised that NCD is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received, or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. NCD/PM SCIE will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited, nor is the Government obligated to issue a solicitation based on responses received. Input on technical aspects of the responses may be solicited by NCD from non-Government consultants/experts who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements.