ECV_Fabric_RFI.docx

Request for Information Fabrics for the Environmental Control Vest

Description.

The Unites States Army Product Manager Air Warrior (PM AW), on behalf of the Program Executive Office Soldier (PEO Soldier), is issuing this request as a means of conducting a Market Survey to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support the production of the fabrics that compose the Environmental Control Vest (ECV). The ECV is a lightweight heat transfer garment that provides heat stress relief when connected to an aircraft-mounted or body-worn personal cooling system. Flexible, small-diameter tubing is affixed to the ECV fabric through which a chilled coolant is pumped, providing the personal cooling effect. Specifically, PM AW is seeking sources for lightweight, knit fabrics that are fit-for-use as a military heat transfer garment worn next to the skin for which conformal fit, moisture management, breathability, durability, flexibility, flame management, and skin comfort are important characteristics. The fabric must enable the ECV to fit snugly against the body and must resist shrinkage, as it is important that the stitched tubing pattern remains undistorted and lays flat against the body after twenty-five machine wash/dry cycles (wash temperature 41±3°C (105±5°F); drying procedure: permanent press; detergent shall be without optical brighteners (WOB)).

The fabrics, when manufactured into the ECV, must be durable to wear by U.S. Army aircrew in mission days as long as 11 hours, and with 180-day inspection cycles. The ECV is worn under protective clothing (chemical/biological protective garment or surface immersion suit), body armor, and a survival gear carrier.

Four fabrics compose the ECV. To meet weight and performance goals, following are some of the physical characteristics and performance criteria required for each.

Fabrics A and B must enable up to 120 feet of flexible, plastic tubing (3∕32” inner diameter, 5∕32” outer diameter) to be securely cover-stitched in a zig zag pattern to the fabric using stitch type 304 (see ASTM D6193).

Candidate solutions should strive to meet all of the requirements listed below. Information on items that do not necessarily meet all the requirements, but could potentially achieve the desired capability with slight modifications or development, is also of interest.

Responders are invited and encouraged to submit the following in response to this Special Notice:

1. Material technical description (i.e. fabrication, materials, specification sheet, environmental ranges, sizes, weight), including how the above requirements are achieved with the proposed solution and/or where it may be deficient.

2. Status of Berry Amendment compliance, fiber composition, yarn construction, knit construction, finishes, and a list of any products in which the fabric is currently being used.

3. A one page summary of company history to include previous major products and primary customer base. Also provide organization name, address, email address, telephone number, size and type of ownership.

4. A summary of your company's experience within the last five years for work of a similar size, type, and complexity as described above.

5. Unique manufacturing requirements and production capabilities.

6. Durability information based upon test data or analyses.

7. Test methods used to evaluate performance.

8. Production unit cost estimate and lead time from contract award to delivery.

9. Company Size Standard and NAICS code.

10. Optional: Provide available physical samples of the proposed solutions.

The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this announcement or to otherwise pay for the information or samples solicited. This Market Survey shall not be construed as a request for proposal. The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for any technical information identified (e.g., limited and/or restricted rights). This Special Notice is issued by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) Natick Contracting Division, Natick, MA.

Interested parties who consider themselves qualified to manufacture lightweight knit fabrics for use in the ECV are invited to submit a response to this Request for Information Notice by 11 May 2016. Submit written responses via e-mail in Microsoft Office or PDF format to Brad Laprise (bradley.s.laprise.civ@mail.mil). Physical samples and supplemental hardcopy materials such as brochures, etc. (two copies each) may be sent to:

Brad Laprise U.S. Army NSRDEC

ATTN: RDNS-SEW-EMU

BLDG #4

15 General Greene Avenue Natick, MA 01760-5019

All submissions must clearly identify the manufacturer, point of contact information, solicitation number and whether multiple submissions are being provided. Oversight of this Market Survey will consist of a panel of Government representatives. Technical questions regarding this Market Survey should be directed in writing via e-mail to Brad Laprise (bradley.s.laprise.civ@mail.mil).

The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 313240.

Point of Contact Email your questions to bradley.s.laprise.civ@mail.mil.

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