Description
The US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, in support of Program Manager - Clothing and Individual Equipment, is conducting a market research investigation to identify potential technologies and end item concepts that may be used to m eet the needs for a future multi-theater, multi-functional footwear system that will be known as the Modular Boot System (MBS). MBS will take advantage of advances in technology and materials resulting in an improved, lightweight combat footwear system de signed to incorporate enhanced biomechanical properties, increase comfort and enhance performance in multiple operational environments. MBS will be compatible with legacy and developmental individual uniforms. MBS will provide warmth and protection subst antial enough for the Soldier to perform assigned mission essential duties and individual movement techniques in operational environments ranging from Basic Cold (-5 to -25 degrees F) to Hot (90 to 120 degrees F). MBS will meet or exceed the operational c apabilities of the following OCIE footwear items: Boot, Hot Weather Type I (Jungle) and II (Desert); Boot, Combat Temperate Weather, Type II, Tan; Boot, Cold Weather; and Boot, Intermediate Cold Wet; as well as potentially eliminate the need for additional specialty and environmental boots. Interest is in a readily available product/technology that could be used in developmental production within the next six to twelve months. MBS must be capable of meeting critical technical requirements as follows [requ irements are listed as Threshold (T) or Objective (O)]: 1) Provide protection -20 (ambient) to 110 degrees F surface temperature (T). 2) Achieve reductions in weight and a weight reduction of 5% (T), 10% (O) over current boots and components. 3) Enhance Soldier's comfort, mobility, and traction. Increase traction over current leather boot (T); increase over current boots and components (O). 4) Be lightweight (rugged), comfortable and supportive boot designed for prolonged foot movement (road marches) w hile the Soldier carries heavy loads. 5) Be compatible with standard (T) clothing and individual equipment and existing and developmental (O) OCIE equipment normally worn, carried, or used by the Soldier. 6) Outer layer elements of the MBS must be subdue d in color (T). All layers must reduce the operator's signature in temperate, desert, urban, mountain and/or arctic environments (O) while not increasing the multi-spectrum signature. 7) Have flame resistance equal (T) to or better than (O) current OCIE boots. 8) Be easy to don and doff. 9) Have a service life of 120 days, and a shelf life of 5 years. 10) Be able to withstand wiping and/or brushing (T). Be resistant to deterioration from contact with petroleum-based products and similar type materials (O). 11) Resist mold and fungus growth. 12) Be able to be worn and operated by a warfighter in any terrain type and climatic condition (Basic Cold and Hot). 13) Have a moisture wicking capability equal to or better than the aforementioned OCIE boots. 14) Have a replaceable (i.e., resolable) sole that incorporates compounds and design techniques to provide enhanced cushioning and sole flexibility during prolonged foot movement and individual movement techniques while minimizes the clinging and build up of mud and foreign materiel. Interested sources must, within thirty (30) days following the publication of this synopsis, respond with information on their proposed solution(s) as well as how they are made or could be modified to address the military requ irement for a MBS. Interested sources shall include detailed information regarding their firm's experience, personnel, and facilities. Product information should include estimated product cost, technical information (e.g. technical literature, data and il lustrations, independent laboratory test results), performance capabilities, relevant company background/experience, and product sample if available. If a firm chooses to submit a sample, no payment will be made by the Government for such sample. Firms should provide estimated pricing for proposed footwear system including estimated pricing to purchase samples for possible evaluation. Firms responding shall ind icate whether or not they are a small business. This notice is for market research only. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Mr. Michael Holthe, US Army Soldier Systems Center, AMSRD-NSC-IP-A Bldg 4 Room D323, 15 Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-50 19. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. No solicitation document exists. The information received under this announcement may be used to purchase items for Government testing and/or developing acquisition strategy.