Request for concept paper - jungle fabric and architecture development effort

Added: May 11, 2015 3:51 pm The US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, & Engineering Center (NSRDEC) is seeking concept papers for novel fabric developments and/or uniform architecture designs that could be employed within a lightweight tropical uniform. Respondents may submit concept papers for novel fabric development and/or novel garment architecture development. Concept Papers should be submitted under the NSRDEC's Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Basic and Applied Research, Solicitation Number W911QY-15-R-0016 (effective 1 March 2015 through 28 February 2020. The BAA can be found at http://www3.natick.army.mil/NSRDEC-Broad-Agency-Announcement.aspx. The period of performance is anticipated to be 1.5 years beginning in 2Q16.

Background & Scope:
This fall the Army will be conducting user evaluations on various commercially available fabrics in order to gain a better understanding of perceived Soldier protection and thermal comfort when compared to laboratory test data. Information gained from these user evaluations will be used to inform requirements for a jungle ensemble and to provide information to aid in the development of novel fabrics and garment architectures specific to the jungle environment. In the interim, a recent Soldier survey was conducted to understand Soldier needs and priorities when in a tropical wet environment. This input has been used to guide this request.
The intent of this RFI is to solicit concept papers for the development of novel fabrics and/or novel uniform architectures for use in a tropical wet environment, where temperatures range from 75 to 95 F and relative humidity ranges from 100 to 75%. The intent of the novel fabric development is to leverage technical advances in industry and fabric development techniques that can be incorporated into an appropriate tropical uniform architecture that may be used for deployment and training by the US Army. Desired material performance goals are available upon request. These are likely to be refined as more is learned during the upcoming user evaluations. General priorities include:

Soldier prefer a uniform that is quick drying followed by breathable, durable and lightweight.
The Army is looking to develop woven, knit, mesh or nonwoven materials that meet Soldier preferences. Materials must be machine washable.
Attributes such as no melt/no-drip materials and vector protection (via permethrin treatment or other modes of action) are required. Fabrics should provide a physical barrier and/or contain an EPA approved treatment (e.g. Permethrin, etc.).
In a tropical wet environment the 50/50 nyco ripstop uniform (~6.5 osy) takes more than 4 hours to dry. A more acceptable range in this environment (i.e., 75-95 F and 70-100% RH) is 1-2 hours.

This RFI also seeks to identify innovative design approaches for a jungle specific ensemble that enhances Soldier performance, comfort, and protection while operating in a tropical environment. Information known at this time is as follows:

The most noted environmental cause of uniform durability and skin irritation issues was a wet/clinging uniform, which is likely to be both a material and design issue.
Soldiers prefer a uniform that does not restrict movement when wet and has fewer pockets so that it dries quickly.
The design (and fabric) must minimize heat build up to prevent heat stress.
Fifty-three percent of Soldiers polled would prefer a loose trouser like the Army Combat Uniform trouser.
Sixty-two percent of Soldiers polled would prefer a form-fitting top like the Army Combat Shirt. The same percentage of Soldiers would prefer a uniform that is quote mark more form fitting and stretches quote mark with them, as opposed to a uniform with a quote mark roomy cut. quote mark

Preparation Instructions for Respondents:
US Army NSRDEC requests that respondents submit concept papers that address this RFI. The concept paper should be written in accordance with the guidance found in the Natick BAA W911QY-15-R-0016. Technical approach, type of development and cost estimates should be included in the concept paper. All properly marked proprietary information will be appropriately handled.

This Sources Sought notice is subject to the Berry Amendment, 10 USC 2533a.
This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement.

Submission Instructions to Respondents:
Responses to this RFI are due no later than Tuesday 30 June 2015 at 1200EST. Instructions can be found within the BAA solicitation. All submissions must be electronically submitted under Section VI, Part F, Area 1 - Multi-Functional Materials, of the BAA. Questions shall be sent to melynda.perry.civ@mail.mil. Do not send questions with proprietary content. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

Primary Point of Contact:
Melynda Perry, Textile Chemist
ATTN: RDNS-SEW-TDT
15 Kansas Street
Natick, MA, 01760
melynda.perry.civ@mail.mil