Short Wave Infrared (SWIR)/Near Infrared (NIR) Signature Reducing Technology for Textiles

Subject: Request for Information (RFI) - Short Wave Infrared (SWIR)/Near Infrared (NIR) Signature Reducing Technology for Textiles The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (CCDC-SC) is requesting information and printed/dyed textile materials that address Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) and Near Infrared (NIR) mitigating properties while maintaining acceptable visual signatures. Materials shall be colored by using rotary screen textile printing processes, dying processes for solid colored materials, or a combination of. Small quantities of camouflage printed textiles of each color of the camouflage patterns and/or solid colored textiles (See attached MS Excel File) that meet SWIR/NIR apparent reflectance target values are requested. The file includes the list of materials of interest. Submission of each material/pattern or material/solid color combination is not required. In general, textiles, materials and information provided under this RFI should attempt to meet SWIR/NIR apparent reflectance target values evaluated using the apparent reflectance calculator that will be provided under a Non-Disclosure Agreement. The objective is to apply SWIR and NIR camouflage signature reducing technology to several textiles while maintaining acceptable visual shade conformance of current materials. Laboratory data, including spectral and physical properties, as well as print strike-offs or single color drawdowns of each color within a camouflage pattern shall be included in the submission under this RFI. The SWIR/NIR reflectance of each print/color will be compared to current SWIR/NIR target values. Camouflage patterns and textile combinations of interest are provided below. Submissions should also include pertinent information such as, but not limited to; Printing Capabilities and types of substrate materials they printed Spectral Measurement Capabilities (internal/external) Spectrophotometer Type and File Output Type Testing Capabilities (e.g. American Society for Testing and Materials and American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) Manufacturing and Production Capabilities Minimum Yardage Quantities Required, if applicable Printed Material Cost/yard Company's relevant background and experience The company may provide any other information that they believe demonstrates the value of their technologies and ability to meet the aforementioned desired performance. While there is no guarantee that a subsequent solicitation will be issued and/or a contract awarded, currently, it is the government's interest to procure textile materials with enhanced camouflage protection in the SWIR/NIR electromagnetic spectral region while maintaining current visual shade conformance. Respondents are requested to provide information and sample materials identifying how their technology offers a level of camouflage protection up to July 2020 following the publication of this RFI. All textile-based technology products (all materials and manufacturing) must comply with Berry Amendment Restrictions (see DFARS 252.225-7012). This RFI is solely for information purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or the issuance thereof. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Any information or sample materials submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the government for such information or sample materials. Any testing results will be controlled and used for government purposes only. In the near future, the government plans/intends to issue and solicitation and award a contract(s) including to print various camouflage patterns on different substrate materials including FR textiles and webbing materials that meet government validated SWIR/NIR target reflectance values while maintaining acceptable visual signatures. At that time, multiple contract awards are envisioned due to the wide variety of substrate fabrics and webbings although a single contract may be awarded if proposer can accommodate all fabric substrates, webbings and patterns. Point of Contacts (POCs) for responses to this notice shall be sent to Mr. James Fairneny +1 (555) 000-0000 or Mrs. Anabela Dugas +1 (555) 000-0000, at US Army, CCDC-SC, Disruptive Materials and Fibers Team, ATTN: FCDD?SCP?MD, 15 General Greene Ave., Natick, MA 01760-5000 or e-mail your questions to the POCs at the following email address: contact@example.gov and/or contact@example.gov. This notice is for information and sample materials only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. No solicitation document exists.