This notice constitutes a Request for Information/Comment only, THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION; no award will be made for this effort at this time. The United States Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) and the Program Manager - Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-CIE) are requesting information regarding Flame Retardant (FR)- Thermally Protective eco-friendly and sustainable textiles/materials, whether in part or entirely, for use as combat clothing or individual equipment . Objective: To identify opportunities for research, development, commercialization and manufacturing of FR/Thermally protective combat uniforms and equipment from Eco-Friendly - Sustainable textiles/materials in order to e nhance performance and increase Warfighter protection from flame and thermal threats. General Information: The desired performance of the materials or treatments submitted would ideally be equal to or better than currently fielded FR combat mater ials, examples of performance can be found in physical performance requirements of GL-PD-07-12 (FR ACU Fabric) dated 28 Feb 07. Due to the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the desired capabilities, the Army will consider any and all materials that are i nherently FR Thermally Protective derived from plants, crops, etc, or treatments to textile substrates derived from eco-friendly/sustainable sources that can add an FR performance and thermal protection (i.e. intumescent) to non-FR textiles in both natura l and/or synthetic fibers. Eco-Friendly is defined as a product or process that is ecologically and economically viable and does not have a harmful effect on the natural environment and its inhabitants. Sustainability is defined as a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely. Flame Retardance is defined as the ability of a textile substrate to self extinguish once the source of flame is removed. In addition the materials should not exhibit any melt/dr ip. Thermal protection is defined as the ability of the textile substrate to reduce, dissipate or repel a radiant, conductive and/or convective force described as heat flux. Traditional test methods such as Vertical Flame Test ASTM D6413, Thermal Protectiv e Performance ISO17492, Pyroman Test ASTM F-1930 will be utilized to verify performance. Other test methods, depending on the type and characteristics of materials or technologies submitted will be considered. For developmental products , estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for both the developmental material and the fabrication method (woven, knit, non-woven, other) of the material technology should also be included. All interested firms, regardless of size, are encouraged to resp ond to this RFI by submitting technology description, product literature, product potential, technical specifications, pertinent test data (including pictures and videos), cost, material safety data sheets (if applicable), product availability, product us es (past, present or future) and comments on material performance. Responders are encouraged to provide an initial response NLT 31st February 2008. Proprietary information will not be disclosed outside the US Government. The Government will not pay for inf ormation and materials received in response to this RFI and is in no way obligated by the information received. Inclusion in this RFI or the resulting database does not constitute Government approval for any product. Technical POC for this matter i s: Mr. Francisco J. Martinez
[email protected] Please mail all submitted items to: Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center 16 Kansas Street Natick, MA 01760 Attn. Francisco J. Mart inez D253