190520_Att_07_Marine_Corps_Boot_Cerification_Program.pdf

Marine Corps Certification / Recertification Plan for the Hot Weather and Temperate Weather Infantry Combat Boot

The purpose of this document is to establish the procedures for certification/recertification of manufacturers for the Hot Weather and Temperate Weather Infantry Combat Boot. All current and future vendors will go through a two step process of testing consisting of a technical evaluation and a field user evaluation (FUE). All certification announcements will be posted on FEDBIZOPS.

To begin the certification/recertification process, manufactures will complete the request for certification utilizing the current Manufactures Application for Certification form and submit test results from a certified testing facility identifying the product has passed all testing requirements based on the Purchase Description (CR-PD 06-31 temperate weather and CR-PD 06-32 hot weather) for each type of boot. The cost of the initial lab testing will be the responsibility of the manufacture. MARCORSYSCOM PM ICE will then review the test results and then notify the manufacturer in writing they have been approved / disapproved to participate in the certification program. The manufacturer will have 10 days from the date of the notification letter to submit six samples, three of each (size 10 male and size 8 female) to MARCORSYSCOM PM ICE for Phase 1 testing. Due to the fact that ICE is now incorporating the field user evaluation as part of the certification process, certification is opened from 1 March – 1 September. Any product received after 1 September will not be considered for certification until 1 March of the following year.

Phase 1- Technical Evaluation

MARCORSYSCOM PM-ICE will conduct a visual inspection and follow on lab testing at DSCP on each of the six samples. All testing will be based on the Purchase Description for each type of boot. Once the product has passed the visual inspection and lab testing, the manufacturer will be notified in writing that they have successfully completed phase 1 of the certification process and may now proceed to phase 2. If the manufactures product fails in any of the two areas of phase 1 testing, a notification letter will be issued identifying all failures within phase 2. This will count as the first attempt with one attempt at certification remaining.

Phase 2- Field User Evaluation (FUE)

The manufacturer will have 30 days to submit 50 pairs of boots in the following size range for Phase 2 testing (8-13 male sizes only to include regular and wide sizes).

Size breakdown provided below. The FUE will be used to quantitatively identify user validation of the boots’ material characteristics and provide user-based information on product performance, durability, and functionality of the boot in an operational environment. FUE quantities will be 50 pairs of each type of boots being requested for certification with the cost being the responsibility of the manufacture.

MARCORSYSCOM PM-ICE will not accept the FUE boots until the successful completion of phase 1. Manufacturer-provided boots will be field-tested to define their respective product utility within units for controlled testing up to 90 days. The FUE will define user acceptance in the following areas:

a. Fit

b. Comfort

c. Durability of all components in a variety of environments

d. Breath ability

e. Regulation of foot temperature and moisture.

f. Resistance to sole delamination

g. Biomechanical design resistance to lower leg injuries

h. Overall User Acceptance

Marines participating in the FUE will complete a survey and a FUE report will be compiled. Manufactures must achieve an 80% acceptance in each category to be certified.

Manufacturers will be notified in writing as to the test results noting the deficiencies and subsequent certification decision. If certification is awarded, the certification will be valid for two years from the certification date at which time recertification will be required. MARCORSYSCOM reserves the right to revoke any certification based off of quality deficiencies identified throughout the Marine Corps.

In order to reduce man hours and the cost involved in testing for all parties, each manufacture will be authorized to submit for certification twice within a calendar year to include failures. If the manufacture does not pass on the second attempt, they will be prohibited from participating in the Marine Corps certification program for two years on that particular item.

MARCORSYSCOM, PM-ICE reserves the right to make any modifications, updates or suspend the certification at any time in regards to the tucsonaz1best interest of the Marine Corps.

All documentation and boots are to be mailed to the below address, any questions or concerns please call Todd Towles @ 703 432 5666 email todd.towles@usmc.mil

MARCORSYSCOM PM ICE

ATTN: Todd Towles 2200 Lester Street Quantico, Va. 22134 mailto:todd.towles@usmc.mil

Marine Corps Certification / Recertification Plan for the Hot Weather and Temperate Weather Infantry Combat Boot