The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is seeking selected sample Flame Resistant Organization Gear (FROG) for the purposes of prequalification. This is not a solicitation. Specifically, MARCORSYSCOM is seeking sample balaclavas, neck gaiters and long sleeve mock neck tshirts, along with sample material for the submitted garments. No compensation will be made for submitted samples, which will become the property of the Government. The Government is not obligated to undertake any purchases. Samples will be subjected to destructive testing and will not be returned. Testing will only be conducted on Berry Amendment compliant garments that are lightweight, comfortable and breathable to ensure wearability under typical operational conditions. Testing will include an evaluation of fire resistance and other properties. Firms must include with their sample submissions a confirmation that submitted samples are Berry Amendment compliant (produced, processed in the! United States, see DFARS 225.7002-1) Only the highest rated samples will be prequalified, with a maximum of four firms for each garment type being selected for prequalification. Only prequalified firms will be considered for a future solicitation, if a solicitation is issued. Sample testing results will be shared with the U.S. Army. The following testing will be performed on samples: a. Vertical Flame (No Melt/Drip) b. TPP c. Moisture Wicking d. Laundering: shrinkage e. Pilling f. Abrasion g. Drying Time h. Bursting Strength i. MVTR j. Anti-microbial properties for the tshirt (not for facial protection garments). k. Sizing specs on long sleeve tshirt. Interested firms are advised that selected low end (minimum) and high end (maximum) performance standards are at the end of this notice. MARCORSYSCOM is interesting in tan or desert tan colored material for facial protection items (balaclava and neck gaiter) and desert tan for the long sleeve mock neck tshirt. Color is subject to change. Instructions For Sample Submission For each garment type submitted (balaclava, neck gaiter, and/or long sleeve mock neck t-shirt) interested firms must submit five yards of material and ten (10) end items. Example, a firm wishing to submit a sample balaclava must submit ten (10) samples of that balaclava and five yards of the material of which the balaclava is made. If submitting more than one garment type made of the same material, submit only one five yard sample of that material. Example, if submitting a balaclava and neck gaiter made of the same material, submit 10 balaclava samples and 10 neck gaiter samples, but only one five yard material sample. Firms are not to submit alternative garment selections for a given garment type, i.e., firms are not to submit more than one kind of balaclava or one kind of neck gaiter or one kind of long sleeve mock neck tshirt. Firms must also submit any available existing testing results and criteria for each sample. Interested firms must notify MARCORSYSCOM of their intention to submit samples no later than March 20, 2006, 1500 Eastern Time by notifying Mark Sanderson via email at
[email protected]. Samples may not be accepted from firms failing to meet the notification deadline. Samples must be sent to U.S. Army Soldier Center, ATTN Jennifer Fernald, 15 Kansas St., Natick, Massachusetts, 01760 – to be received not later than April 6, 2006, 1500 Eastern Time. Samples rcceived after this deadline may not be tested. Firms are encouraged to submit samples as soon as possible. All questions may be referred to Mark Sanderson, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 432-3271, email
[email protected]. THIS REQUEST FOR SAMPLES IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES, NOR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR THE SAMPLES AND/OR INFORMATION RECEIVED. NO ENTITLEMENT TO PAYMENT OF DIRECT OR INDIRECT CHARGES BY THE GOVERNMENT WILL ARISE AS A RESULT OF SUBMISSION OF SAMPLES AND/OR INFORMATION AS A RESULT OF THIS REQUEST AND GOVERNMENT USE OF SUCH SAMPLES AND/OR INFORMATION. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS. LOW END PERFORMANCE VERTICAL FLAME TESTING WARP After Flame – 14 seconds After Glow – 38 seconds Char Length – 10 inches Melt Visual – NONE FILLING After Flame – 18 SECONDS After Glow - 40 SECONDS Char Length – 10 inches Melt Visual – NONE THERMAL PROTECTIVE PERFORMANCE TESTING (TPP) After Flame – 5 seconds Char Length – 13 inches MELTING POINT OF EACH MATERIAL - NONE MOISTURE VAPOR TRANSMISSION RATE- 1250 WICKING- 5 inches DRYING TIME- 60 minutes ----------------------------------------------------------- HIGH END PERFORMANCE VERTICAL FLAME TESTING WARP After Flame – 2 seconds After Glow – 5 seconds CharLength – 5 inches Melt Visual – NONE FILLING After Flame – 2 seconds After Glow - 5 seconds Char Length – 5 inches Melt Visual – NONE THERMAL PROTECTIVE PERFORMANCE TESTING (TPP) After Flame – 2 seconds Char Length – 4 inches MELTING POINT OF EACH MATERIAL - NONE MOISTURE VAPOR TRANSMISSION RATE- 1100 WICKING- 3 inches DRYING TIME- 45 minutes