RFI -ROU-A046259 Space Force Mess Dress.pdf

Fabric for Space Force Mess Dress Request for Information (RFI) #ROU-A046259

General Introduction:

1. This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) only. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/ROU) is conducting a market assessment to identify potential sources, and companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to respond to the requirements listed in this document. AFLCMC/ROU is issuing this RFI to explore cost effective options to provide this capability and to obtain valuable feedback regarding the requirements for the Space Force Mess Dress listed within this RFI. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and may be considered to determine the acquisition strategy for Space Force Mess Dress as well as potential future solicitations.

2. This is not a request for competitive proposals. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this RFI. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party’s expense.

3. AFLCMC is not seeking proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals.

4. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued.

Small Businesses are encouraged to provide responses to this RFI in order to assist the Program Office in determining potential levels of competition available in the industry, as well as helping to establish a basis for developing any subsequent subcontracting goals. The acquisition strategy is still being determined. Market research results will assist the Air Force in determining whether this requirement will be a full and open competition, a small business set aside, a sole source acquisition, or another contracting method.

5. If there is sufficient demonstrated interest and capability among small business contractors, then it may be determined that a small business set-aside is appropriate. A key factor in determining if an acquisition will be a small business set-aside is that two or more potential small business prime contractors must be capable of performing at least 50% of the effort, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.219-14, “Limitations on Subcontracting.” Note: The Non-manufacturer Rule exception applies to this acquisition (see FAR 19.102(f) for more details).

6. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor the Beta.SAM.gov site for additional information pertaining to this RFI.

7. Companies may be contacted if additional information is needed to fully understand the marketplace and/or comments to the requirements presented below.

Purpose:

The purpose of this RFI is to gather information on the availability of vendors which can provide dress fabrics for use in the production of Space Force Mess Dress.

Fabric Requirements for Space Force Mess Dress:

The suggested materials with physical characteristics and finishes are as specified in Table I.

Table I – Fabrics and Product Descriptions

Associated End Items

Suggested Fabric Weight

(oz/sq yd)

Suggested Fabrics

Suggested Characteristics

Tank, Skirt, Dress, Blouse 3.0 – 8.0 Polyester/ Spandex, Stretch Satin High sheen & low sheen, crepe

Vest, Bowtie 3.0 - 4.0 Polyester Woven pattern, Jacquard

Dress Shirt 3.5 - 4.5 Poly/Cotton Blend Stretch, easy-care, wrinkle-resistant

Coat, Trousers, Slacks 6.0 - 8.0 Polyester/Wool Blend with Spandex Easy-care

The scope of your responses should include the following:

1. Is your firm currently capable of producing any of the materials listed in Table I?

2. If your firm is not currently capable of producing any of the materials listed in Table I, is your firm interested in beginning production? Please provide additional context, such as, quantities, and cost estimates, as necessary.

3. Provide rough order of magnitude (ROM) for any of the materials listed in Table I that your firm can produce.

4. What are your firm’s estimated lead times for initial procurement, within one calendar year?

5. What are your firm’s estimated lead times for ongoing procurement, outside of one calendar year?

6. Describe the amount of production capacity your firm is able to dedicate solely to the production of materials listed in Table I.

7. If available, please include a small sample (12 Inch by 12 Inch) of the proposed material(s).

8. Does your firm currently have Berry Compliant materials available? If not, do you offer alternative materials that are non-Berry compliant but align with the fabrics and product descriptions specified in Table I?

General Information:

The Air Force Uniform Office (AFUO) is conducting market research for the Space Force Mess Dress program, which encompasses fabrics and materials for the following garments: Dress Coats, Dress Vests, Dress Shirts, Dress Trousers/Slacks, Dress Skirts, Dresses, and Bow Tie. The AFUO is seeking suppliers capable of providing materials that meet specific performance and aesthetic criteria.

The required fabric/materials must exhibit the following characteristics: a formal quality suitable for black-tie events, a luxurious and drapey texture, and a sophisticated, chic, and modern appearance with flattering movement appropriate for evening wear. Additionally, the fabric should feature a refined finish, a smooth texture, and consistent color to preserve the formal aesthetic.

All submissions will be reviewed and considered.

RFI Responses:

1. Please provide your Request for Information responses to joseph.derevage.1@us.af.mil by 5:00pm EST on 20 March 2025 ~ (30 days from posting) title e-mail responses in the subject line of the e-mail as follows: “Response to Fabric RFI for Space Force Mess Dress #ROU- A046259”.

2. Responses shall include the following information:

a. Company/Institute name

b. Address

c. Point of Contact

d. Cage Code

e. DUNS Number

f. Phone Number

g. E-mail Address

h. Web page URL

3. All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DoD contract. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM.

4. The NAICS Code for this action is 313310, size standard 1000 employees. Based on the NAICS Code, state whether your company qualifies as a:

a. Small Business (Yes/No)

b. Women-Owned Small Business (Yes/No)

c. Economically Disadvantaged Small Business Women-Owned Small Business

(Yes/No)

d. 8(a) Certified (Yes/No)

Date certified: ____________________

e. HUB Zone Certified (Yes/No)

f. Veteran-Owned Small Business (Yes/No)

g. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (Yes/No)

h. Statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign owned, please indicate country of ownership).

i. Statement as to whether your company is the manufacturer of the item or the reseller.

5. Please limit your responses to no more than 15 pages, to include product sheets, charts and answers to the questions above; and identify a representative to support further Government inquiries and requests for clarification of the information provided, if needed. If a company is capable of some, but not the entire requirement stated in this Request for Information, please provide a response that explains the requirements of which you are capable. Marketing materials are considered an insufficient response to this Request for Information.

6. Respondents should indicate which portions of their responses are proprietary and mark accordingly. All information received in response to this RFI that is properly marked as “proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Proprietary information must be clearly marked on the outside container and on the materials inside. The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages, for any proprietary information not properly identified.

Questions:

Responses to questions from interested parties will be promptly answered via email, unless some release of proprietary information is involved, or the answer addresses a question specific to a company or that company’s response. Post submittal, one-on- one information sessions with respondents are not contemplated; however, they may be offered to responders to clarify the government’s understanding of their submittal, the capability ramifications, or to discuss their business approach. Information feedback sessions may be offered to respondents after the RFI assessments are completed.

Points of Contact (POC) for this RFI:

Joseph Derevage, Contracting Officer joseph.derevage.1@us.af.mil Contracting Office Address:

Bldg. 12 1981 Monahan Way Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433

Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. All questions will be answered via email, except as provided above. Additionally, questions must NOT contain trade secrets or classified information.

The Government reserves the right to not address questions received after 19 March 2025 ~ (30 days after posting).