Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG)

Special Notice Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) General Information Classification Codes: 84 - Clothing, Individual Equipment, and Insignia NAICS Code: 315228, 315331 Contracting Office Address Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, Marine Corps Systems Command, 2200 Lester Street, Quantico, VA, 22134-5010 Description The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) will host a Flame Resistant Clothing Industry Conference on February 23, 2006, at the Wingate Inn located in Stafford Virginia on February 23rd, 2006, starting at 8:30 a.m. The Wingate Inn is located at 15 Salisbury Drive, Stafford, Virginia 22554, phone number 540-659-3600. The Marine Corps would like to explore capabilities and technologies that will protect the Marine from Improvised Explosive Devises, and other combat related injuries that are a result of fire. This conference is part of MARCORSYSCOM’s effort to identify potential sources and best practice information regarding the availability, design and development of Flame Resistant clothing items that will provide protection against flame, heat and flash point of no less than 800 degrees F (427 C) to the face, neck, upper torso, and extremities (arms, hands & legs). The current uniform clothing system is composed of various uniform items. The first layer of clothing the Marine wears is the base layer to include a t-shirt, socks and underwear. The second layer is comprised of the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU). The MCCUU is a blouse and trouser made of a 50/50 Nylon Cotton blend. The third layers include outerwear worn by the Marine, which includes but is not limited to Jackets, fleece pullovers, and Cold weather coats, boots, caps and gloves. Lastly, special occupational fields in the Marine Corps require Marines to wear coveralls. The current uniform, however, is not designed for fire/flame protection during USMC missions. While the end items we seek include, but are not limited to; balaclava, face mask, bandana, neck gaiter, gloves, long sleeve t-shirts, boxers and long underwear drawers, jackets and coveralls, funding limitations dictate that MARCORSYSCOM give priority to face, neck and torso protection. The Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) will result in end items that will provide protection to the previously mentioned areas. The items must pass all industry standard tests for heat and flame. The desired final products must not melt, drip, burn, nor support combustion in the air. Additionally, all items must be comfortable to wear, breathable, quick drying, machine washable and durable. The base layer must also be moisture wicking and we seek an anti-microbial element as well. Appropriate industry standard testing will determine the quality above listed properties. You will be informed of all testing requirements at the conference. Please plan to present and submit results of any independent testing that will provide proof of claim to the above properties. Note the Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) requirements are not yet complete and a formal solicitation has not yet been developed. Berry Amendment restrictions will apply to any future procurement. A known Berry Amendment waiver exists for the use of modacrylic fibers; however, the waiver does state that industry should continue to seek a domestically produced resolution to this problem. In designing/developing FROG end items, companies are expected to apply best practice human-factors, casualty reduction analysis and business analysis to meet the needs of Marines. At the conference, MARCORSYSCOM will provide an overview of current issues, uses, capability needs, constraints, and provide other information and answers to written questions or concerns received before the conference date. A limited number of individual sessions can be arranged with the acquisition team by appointment to discuss company-specific ideas and concerns through the contracting officer. Such one-on-one sessions will not exceed 30 minutes each and should include company qualifications, samples and best practice ideas towards creating FROG end items. Companies wishing to attend the conference or make a session appointment should register by no later than 16 February, 2006, 4:00 PM Eastern Time, by emailing Mark Sanderson at [email protected]. Firms must limit participation in one-on-one meetings to three people. Questions regarding this notice should be submitted to Mark Sanderson at [email protected]. Alternate point of contact is Jennifer Breder! at [email protected]. THE SUBMISSION OF THIS INFORMATION IS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES, NOR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR THE INFORMATION RECEIVED. NO ENTITLEMENT TO PAYMENT OF DIRECT OR INDIRECT CHARGES BY THE GOVERNMENT WILL ARISE AS A RESULT OF SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES TO THIS RFI AND GOVERNMENT USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS. Point of Contact Mark Sanderson, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 432-3271, email [email protected] Alternate: Jennifer Breder, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 432-3266, email [email protected]