Market Research - Request for Information - Flame Resistant Army Combat Uniform Trouser (Army Combat Pant)

The purpose of this modification is to correct the submission due date, which stated previously that "All information shall be submitted within 15 days following the publication of this RFI" to "All information shall be submitted by 28 July 2011 at 16:00 EST."

See change below.

This is a request for information (RFI) only. This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB). All information received will be for planning purposes only. 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. All proprietary information shall be marked as such.

The U.S. Army is seeking the availability and technical capability of qualified sources to provide production of Flame Resistant (FR) Army Combat Pant (ACP). The FR ACP is to be produced in both the current Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) and the current Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) as well as meet the following characteristics:

The Army Combat Pant shall be constructed of Flame Resistant materials which provide protection equal to the current Flame Resistant Army Combat Uniform fabric and provide the same general appearance as the current FR ACU trouser and capable of meeting all required shade standards and Near Infrared Signature requirements. The pant must be constructed with a minimum of belt loops capable of supporting and compatible with all military equipment, a ruggedized seat, and minimum 8 pocket configuration (2 hip, 2 back, 2 cargo and 2 calf) with additional knife or pen pockets with secure closures. The Fly and Crotch construction must be durable. Crotch Construction must exceed current FR ACU and ACU Trouser tear strength. A built in repair kit that has the capability to repair snags, rips or tears in field environment without the need for additional specialized equipment and without affecting the safety of the user should be included. Integrated removable hard-shell knee pad with flap capable of covering knee pad insertion point to prevent soil and debris from entering the pant when knee pad is not in use is required. The total weight with knee pads installed will be equal to or less than 2lbs 3 oz. for size Medium Regular or equivalent. The size range must be sufficient to fit the 95th percentile of all soldiers. The construction and materials should attain the following characteristics: low noise detection signature; color and shade integrity; heat and moisture management.

The intentions of this RFI are to investigate qualifying producers of the FR ACP as described above. The government is conducting this market investigation to acquire information on the types and sizes of businesses that will be able to compete on future contracting actions, potential costs, as well as delivery capabilities. Expected annual quantities will be approximately 180,000 (OCP) and 130,000 (UCP).

Information Sought

Potential offerors are invited to describe their capabilities to provide the product as described herein. All respondents shall include all of the information listed below in an email to jed.watkins@us.army.mil and dianna.kerns@us.army.mil. All information shall be submitted by 28 July 2011 at 16:00 EST and responses are limited to no more than 10 pages.

1) Company name and Solicitation number in the email subject line.
2) Company address, telephone number, primary contact(s) with e-mail address(es), NAICS code(s), business size (i.e., small/large/HUB Zone), CAGE code, and DUNS number. (Respondents must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database in order to obtain a DUNS number. Firms may register with CCR at http://www.ccr.gov.)
3) Statement of capability demonstrating background, experience, skills, ability and availability to fulfill the Government's requirements described herein, to include recommended improvements. This can also include current or past performance of providing this or similar products to the Government.
4) Estimated cost, typical delivery schedule, and anticipated volume discounts.
5) If applicable, a description of currently available commercial products, as well as the ability to modify existing products or develop new products that could meet the requirements described herein.
6) All assumptions, including any assumed Government support.

Address any questions about this request for information to Dianna Kerns - dianna.kerns@us.army.mil or U.S. Army PM SCIE, 5981 13th Street Bldg 1155, ATTN: Dianna Kerns, Fort Belvoir VA, 22060.