RFI - Commercial Off the Shelf Snow Mobility Components

The U.S. Army Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM-SCIE) is conducting a market survey to identify commercial off the shelf (COTS) over the snow mobility components. The goal of this effort is to identify Buy American compliant COTS items that can withstand a temperature of -40 Fahrenheit and which can be delivered for evaluation in winter 2024-2025.

Desired over the snow mobility components and minimum design features:

1. Snow Skis:
   1. Minimum functional floatation surface area of 1,500cm squared
   2. Weight equal to or less than 10 pounds
   3. Provides a sidecut radius of 22m or less
2. Ski Bindings
   1. Have an adjustable heel safety release setting capable of being set according to user height, weight, and ability and capable of being adjustable on both the lateral and vertical axis
   2. Preference is for universal bindings capable of working with a range of tactical boots (ie Cold Weather Combat Boots, Vapor Barrier Boots, etc), although 75mm bindings may also be considered
3. Snowshoes
   1. Minimum functional floatation surface area of 1,500cm squared
   2. Weight less than 3 lbs 12 oz
   3. Allow for stable movement on side slopes and have traction aides to prevent slipping
   4. Minimize noise while walking on fresh snow
4. Ski Poles
   1. Collapsible and adjustable up to 155cm
   2. Contain internal locking mechanism
5. Ice Cleats
   1. Contain at least 10 points of contact
   2. Be capable of attaching to a range of tactical boots (ie Cold Weather Combat Boots , Vapor Barrier Boots, etc)

Interested sources shall, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the publication of this RFI, respond with information on their current product(s) and/or future product(s) and how they would address the requirements listed above.

The information package shall contain the following:

1. General information pertaining to the firm, such as address, point of contract, business size, CAGE code, etc.
2. If the firm submitting a response is a third-party supplier, state the relationship with, and any pertinent information for the original item manufacturer.
3. Information regarding the firm's production capabilities for the submitted product(s), to include whether the item(s) are Buy American compliant.
4. If the item is currently not Buy American compliant, indicate if it could become compliant in the future, and if so, how long it would take to achieve compliance.
5. Pricing for currently available product(s) or estimated pricing for potential product(s). Note if freight is included in the price.
6. Delivery lead time for a small order of 40 to 70 of each product. 
7. Technical specifications for the submitted product(s).

This notice is for market research only.  Responses to this notice are to be sent to Alejandro Silva (alejandro.a.silva.ctr@army.mil), Erika Torrez (erika.m.torrez.ctr@army.mil), James Filson (james.c.filson2.civ@army.mil), and Robert Drown (robert.e.drown.civ@army.mil) via email.  This is not a request for quotations.  No solicitation document exists.  The information received under this announcement may be used to develop an acquisition strategy.  You may email your questions to the listed POCs. Last day for questions to be answered will be day prior to RFI submission deadline.  

Point of Contact(s):

alejandro.a.silva.ctr@army.mil

erika.m.torrez.ctr@army.mil

robert.e.drown.civ@army.mil

james.c.filson2.civ@army.mil