SOURCES SOUGHT: US Air Force Academy Swimsuits

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is seeking to procure cadet swimsuits through a competitive acquisition process, specifically targeting 980 men's and 450 women's swimsuits for their clothing and uniform program. The Department of the Air Force Headquarters Air Force Academy will manage this procurement, with strict specifications for material composition, sizing, and design characteristics for both men's and women's swimsuits. Key contract requirements include compliance with the Buy American Act (DFARS 252.225-7001), with contractors responsible for procuring all manufacturing materials and completing first article testing as per FAR 52.209-4 Alt 1. The government intends to award a firm-fixed price contract with delivery FOB Destination to the USAF Academy in Colorado. Interested vendors are required to submit a capabilities statement and respond to market research questions, specifically demonstrating previous experience producing similar items and understanding Buy American compliance requirements.

The pre-solicitation notice indicates no specific set-aside designations for this contract, making it open to broad competition within the Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing sector. While no incumbent contractor is mentioned, the swimsuits must be manufactured in royal blue using specified materials: 85% Nylon/15% Spandex for women's and 100% nylon Taslan for men's designs. Size ranges will include multiple options for both genders, with women's sizes spanning XS to M (32-36) and men's sizes ranging from Small to XXLarge (28-47). The solicitation is currently in a sources sought phase, with responses due by December 23, 2024, and potential full solicitation expected to follow shortly after. Delivery will be directly to the USAF Academy location, with the government seeking a contractor capable of meeting precise technical specifications and production volumes.