Request for Information (RFI): High Performance Stretch Fabrics,Flame Resistant (FR) Fabrics and Elastic Webbings 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 high performance stretch fabrics, FR fabric and elastic webbing 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 need of compression and/or stretch fabrics, FR and elastic webbings suitable for use in next-to-skin, high performance athletic garments and which 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) is conducting a market survey to identify sources of supply for fabrics and elastics webbings suitable for next-to-skin performance garment applications. This includes, but is not limited to, performance mesh, spacer knits, flame resistant (FR) and/or non-melting compression and/or stretch fabrics, performance compression fabrics with elasticized/spandex fibers and fabrics with finishes that provide thermal and/or moisture management, cooling properties, wicking, and antimicrobial/odor control properties. Elastic webbings with similar properties or structural elements (i.e. perforation for venting, wicking, etc.) and compatible for use as a strap and/or band are preferred. Elastic webbings are not required to be FR or non-melting. 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 high performance fabrics and elastics in the marketplace that meet the following critical characteristics: 1. Fabric submissions must be suitable for a compression type garment 2. Fabrics should meet the following requirements: Must be breathable and moisture wicking - providing some form of moisture and/or thermal and temperature management properties. Must contain between 16-25% elasticized fibers (not applicable to FR fabric submissions) 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 Must have a smooth hand 3. Elastics webbings should meet the following requirements: Must be available in a width range of 1 to 2.5 Must have good elasticity/recovery Must be have a soft hand 4. All material treatments must be safe for next-to-skin applications and perform even when saturated by moisture/sweat 5. 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). Material samples in the form of a 12 inch x 12 inch swatch, in any color, are requested. These samples will be used in the assessment of currently available materials capable of meeting 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. Amendment 0001: Question 1: Confirm that you are looking forBOTH FR and NON FR compression type fabrics? Answer 1: Correct, we are looking for both FR and NON FR compression type materials Question 2: Can you advise when you say - next to skin if you are looking for fabrics more suited for under garments or is your sources sought also looking for compression type fabrics that could go into tees, leggings'type application? Answer 2: We are looking for materials that can perform well as shell (outer) and /or liner (inner) materials for a compression type performance garment. A compression legging is an appropriate garment for comparison. Garments made from these materials (even when constructed in 2-ply) must be comfortable enough to be worn under a uniform while over underwear (if preferred) - though we anticipate this garment being worn next-to-skin.