The Program Manager-Special Operations Forces Survival, Support & Equipment Systems (PM-SOF SSES) office at the U.S. Army Soldier Research Development, and Engineering Center, Natick, MA is conducting market research on currently available touch-screen compatible (TSC) glove technologies for possible use in the Special Operations Forces Modular Glove System (MGS). This glove system provides environmental protection in wet and cold environments down to -20oF. Respondents to this market research notice are requested to submit 2 pairs of gloves, sized medium or large, which utilize the TSC technology, as well as responses to the questions below. 1) Which of the following does your company produce: the TSC technology, the glove that it is utilized on, or both? 2) Can this TSC technology be utilized on any available glove, or are there manufacturer restrictions? 3) Does the wearers' skin have to be in contact with the interior side of the TSC technology in order for it to function on touch screens? 4) What is the estimated cost to have this technology integrated into the pointer finger and thumb of a glove? 5) Are there any limitations to the function of the TSC technology in the environmental conditions detailed above? 6) Does the TSC technology allow for function of all current commercially available touch screens? If no, please provide information on what the limitations are to the TSC technology. 7) Are there any durability limitations to the TSC technology? I.e., will the technology last for the life of the glove, or could it wash out or wear out over time? Items and technologies submitted in response to this market research request do not have to comply with the Berry Amendment, 10 USC 2533a. Any future procurement that may result from this market research would be for Berry Amendment compliant items though. If the item or technology being submitted is not currently Berry Amendment compliant, please provide the following information: 1) Can this product or technology be transitioned to comply with Berry Amendment requirements? 2) If yes, what is the development timeframe in order to achieve Berry Amendment compliance? 3) Would there be any performance or appearance differences that result from the transition to Berry Amendment compliance? If yes, please provide details on anticipated differences. Any information/samples submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the Government for such samples. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Charlotte Jennings at PM-SOF SSES, Attn: Charlotte Jennings, 15 Kansas Street, Bldg. 4 Room D-017, Natick, MA 01760. This notice is for market research only. 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 and may lead to the development of a solicitation. POC for this request is Charlotte Jennings, (508) 233-6298 or Email at
[email protected].