Request for Information (RFI): Brassiere Cup Molding Capabilities for Female Performance Garments

SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (CCDC Soldier Center) to identify potential sources to provide brassiere cup molding capabilities for a female performance garment. The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to mary.k.prebensen.civ@mail.mil and ashley.n.cushon.civ@mail.mil by 22 April 2020 by 5pm EST. Background: The Government (CCDC Soldier Center) is in the need of novel brassiere cup and/or fabric molding capabilities to be employed within a next-to-skin performance garment and that utilizes fabrics that are capable of meeting the basic requirements described below. This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB). It is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources for planning purposes only. Responses to this notice are not considered as offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of responses nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any information presented or the use of any such information. Description: The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (CCDC-SC) Design Pattern and Prototype Team will be developing a next-to-skin performance garment with the intention of improving female Soldier performance, comfort and support during physical activity. CCDC-SC is conducting a market survey to identify novel approaches in bra cup molding processes, bra cup material composition and/or construction that is suitable for long wear durations and high impact activity. This includes, but is not limited to spacer knit molding, custom mold development and novel cup construction - ensuring that the proposed process will lighten thermal burden to the wearer and sustain moisture management capability. Material performance goals will be further refined as more is learned through feedback from the user on their needs and preferences during an upcoming focus group. Specific Specifications: This RFI is to determine the current availability of molding materials, processes and end items in the marketplace that meet the following priorities: 1. Processes and/or end items must be suitable for a compression type garment and should accommodate custom dimensions 2. Materials used should meet the following requirements: Must be breathable and moisture wicking - providing some form of moisture and/or thermal and temperature management properties. Must have good surface and wash resistance - suitable for hand laundering with mild soap; suitability for machine laundering on delicate cycle preferred Shall not chafe or irritate the skin, even when exposed to sweat (antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties as well as odor management should be considered) Must retain shape - having good bending and draping performance Must promote a quick dry time Shall be non-toxic 3. All material treatments must be safe for next-to-skin applications and perform even when saturated by moisture/sweat 4. Materials and processes must meet Berry Compliance requirements (see note below) Deliverables: Respondents who believe they have capabilities that meet the above requirements are requested to submit a short (no more than 10 pages total) summary, including Company name and address, Web page URL, point of contact with phone number and e-mail address, DUNS number, Cage Code and a statement regarding any small business designation (if applicable), by the date and to the address noted below. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 314999 and the small business size is 500 employees. Respondents should include a description of company's background, experience, and any other information that demonstrates value, performance, and capabilities. Respondents MUST include a statement as to whether the company is domestically or foreign owned. If foreign owned, please indicate country. NOTE: All textile-based technology products (all materials and manufacturing) must comply with Berry Amendment Restrictions (see DFARS 252.225-7012). Samples are requested. If submitting fabric swatches along with samples, please provide in the form of a 12 inch x 12 inch swatch. These samples will be used in the assessment of the respondent's capability to meet the requirements described above. Please also include in your submission all material characteristics to include test report(s) and materials data, if available. Test Reports and materials data shall not count against the 10 page limit. Delivery Date: Interested parties shall submit requested written information, test reports/materials data and/or sample materials to mary.k.prebensen.civ@mail.mil and Ashley.n.cushon.civ@mail.mil. Sample materials must be sent to the following address by 5PM Eastern Daylight Time, 22 April 2020: U.S. ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND SOLDIER CENTER ATTN: Ashley Cushon (RDNS-SES-DD) 20 General Greene Avenue Building 4; D-128 Natick, MA 01760 United States Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government anticipates a delay in the lead time for items that require manufacturing for sampling. If delays are expected, please identify timeframe required for delivery in your response. Government Furnished Property (Equipment/Materials/Information/Computer Utilization): N/A Interested parties are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Announcement. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY This Sources Sought Announcement is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify interested sources. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. This Sources Sought 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 Army 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 Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps) 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 CCDC Soldier Center via e-mail to mary.k.prebensen.civ@mail.mil and ashley.n.cushon.civ@mail.mil no later than 22 April 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 mary.k.prebensen.civ@mail.mil and ashley.n.cushon.civ@mail.mil no later than 22 April 2020 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.