SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (CCDC Soldier Center) to identify potential sources to provide a light weight, fabrics that may be suitable for use in composite materials for chemical/biological defense and are capable of meeting the basic requirements described below. This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB). It is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources for planning purposes only. Responses to this notice are not considered as offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. 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. The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to
[email protected] and
[email protected] by 17 Jun 2020 by 5pm EST. Description: The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command – Soldier Center (CCDC-SC) is requesting information on commercially-available fabrics that may be used as part of a material composite for chemical/biographical defense. These fabrics may have the potential to be used as an inner or outer layer cover fabric of composite materials. Specific Specifications: The objective of this RFI is to determine the availability in the commercial marketplace of both non-melting and dripping fabrics and Flame Resistant (FR) fabrics that may be suitable for use in a material composite. Further considerations are as follows: Flame Resistant fabrics to be used as an outer or inner (next to skin) cover fabric Non-melting or dripping fabrics to be used as an inner cover fabric. Desired weight range of 1.0-5.5 oz./yd2 when tested in accordance with ASTM D 3776 (Method C) Submitted fabrics shall not exhibit melting and dripping when exposed to a flame when tested in accordance with ASTM D 6413. FR Fabrics should exhibit the following properties when tested in accordance with ASTM D 6413: After Flame < 2 seconds After Glow < 15 seconds Char Length < 4.5 inches Materials of interest are commercially available woven, knit, and non-woven fabrics. Deliverables: Vendors who believe they have materials capable of meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a short (no more than 5 pages total per sample) summary, including Company name and address, point of contact with phone number, DUNS number, CAGE Code and a statement regarding any small business designation (if applicable), by the date and to the address noted below. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 313310 and the small business size is 1,000 employees. Responses should include A description of the fabric (s) being submitted. Estimated cost per linear yard. Fabric sample(s) equivalent to a minimum of one (1) linear yard (in any color). A material description including fiber blend percentages and Berry compliance documentation (all textile-based technology products—all materials and manufacturing—must comply with Berry Amendment Restrictions, per DFARS 252.225-7012). Respondents may submit up to eight (8) different fabric candidates, but should clearly identify the advantages/disadvantages of each. Any finishes added to the fabric should be identified in the response. The submissions may be used by the Government in formulating a program to assess the performance of the submitted materials and design concepts for functionality in a composite material. While there is no guarantee that a subsequent solicitation will be issued and/or a contract awarded, currently, it is the Government’s interest to explore the feasibility of procuring lighter weight non-melting and dripping and FR fabrics for chemical/biological defense composites. Delivery Date: Respondents are requested to provide information and sample materials by COB Wednesday, 17 June 2020. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Ms. Melynda Perry, CCDC-SC, 15 General Greene Ave., Natick, MA 01760-5019. This notice is for information and sample materials only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. No solicitation document exists. POC for this request is Ms. Melynda Perry. Email your questions to the POC at the following address:
[email protected] . Government Furnished Property : N/A Interested parties are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Announcement. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY This Sources Sought Announcement is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify interested sources. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. This Sources Sought does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. It is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Further, unsolicited proposals will not be accepted. Funding is not available at this time. The United States Army has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this Sources Sought Announcement should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Response to this Sources Sought Announcement is voluntary and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this and any follow-on information requests. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Not responding to this Sources Sought Announcement does not preclude participation in any future RFP if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps) website. It is the responsibility of the potential responders to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this subject. RESPONSES: Interested parties may identify their interest and capability by sending responses regarding this requirement to CCDC Soldier Center via e-mail ONLY to
[email protected] and
[email protected] no later than 17 Jun 2020 by 5:00 p.m. EST. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this Notice. All costs associated with responding to this Notice will be solely at the expense of the interested party. Please provide business size (indicate your socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code, and CAGE code. If you hold a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract, please identify your contract number. QUESTIONS: Any questions for clarification may be emailed to
[email protected] and
[email protected] no later than 10 Jun 2020 by 5:00 p.m. EST. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. An unattributed list of questions and answers will be published at the same web location of this Sources Sought Announcement.