Request for Information: Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles for Department of Defense (DoD) Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII)

The Washington Headquarters Services Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on behalf of the Office of Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program. This RFI seeks market intelligence to refine the acquisition strategy for a potential Other Transaction Agreement to establish a Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII) focused on Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing. The opportunity is part of a broader DoD initiative to create public-private partnerships that revitalize domestic manufacturing capabilities and enhance strategic competitiveness. The RFI is specifically targeting information about advanced manufacturing technologies in the textile sector, with a goal of supporting the military's future manufacturing needs. This solicitation is part of a national network of Manufacturing Innovation Institutes designed to bridge government, academia, and industry expertise.

Contractors are invited to provide insights into the proposed Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Institute, with responses due by February 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET. The RFI seeks information on current manufacturing capabilities, intellectual property sharing approaches, cost-sharing models, and infrastructure needs across the textile supply chain. While the MII is intended to be led by a non-profit organization, all responsible sources under NAICS code 541715 may submit information. The initiative will focus on key areas including automated textile manufacturing, engineering design tools, materials databases, circular supply chain processes, standards development, education, and research and development support. An industry day is planned for March 2025 to provide additional opportunity for feedback and discussion. Respondents should limit their submissions to 5 double-spaced pages and address specific questions outlined in the detailed RFI document. The ultimate goal is to develop a collaborative platform that can advance manufacturing technologies from material research levels 4-7 and support the development of innovative textile manufacturing capabilities.