THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT A NOTICE OF SOLICITATION ISSUANCE. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. Any formal solicitations will be announced separately. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information provided in response to this RFI. 1. The Air Force Uniform Office (AFUO), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH is an organization within the AFLCMC/WNU Aircrew Performance Branch with responsibility for the design, development, test and sustainment of AF uniforms. Human Systems Division is requesting information to identify qualified sources to provide a flame resistant stretch panel fabric to be used in the manufacturing of a Maternity Flight Suit. In addition to flame resistance, the fabric shall provide moisture management properties and be durable and stretchable. The fabric also shall provide a good and stable recovery force during the lifespan of maternity flight suit. The identified fabric(s) providing the required properties will be used as a guideline for creating the fabric document used in the manufacturing of the maternity coverall used by Air Force aircrew and other personnel throughout the military services. Only Berry Amendment Compliant fabric/fabrics will be considered. NOTE: No reimbursement will be made for any costs incurred to provide information in response to this announcement, or any follow up information requests. 2. PURPOSE/GENERAL INFORMATION: The AFUO is conducting market research seeking information from Industry on flame resistant stretch materials. The cloth can be a stretch woven or knit. The cloth must meet the initial Key Performance Parameters (KPP’s) of the vertical flame resistance requirements and stretch interim requirements as listed in Table I below. It is desired that submissions also meet the additional performance attributes identified in Table II below. The materials shall meet or exceed as many of the Additional Attribute requirements as possible. It is requested that information on the cloth’s fiber content, yarns per inch (EPI, PPI), yarn size, and weight be provided with the response. Materials must pass the first phase of tests listed in Table I in order to be considered for testing of Additional Attributes listed in Table II. Submittals shall also provide improved moisture wicking, fast drying and breathability. A final Maternity Flight Suit will be required to pass a Manikin burn test. The color of the cloth must match uniform shade and the cloth shall maintain the shade through the lifetime of the garment for uniform appearance. The color of the cloth shall be capable of matching Air Force Sage Green 1659, Army Tan 499, Air Force Tan 1654 and Coyote Brown 498. The Sage Green and Tan cloth shall meet the spectral reflectance requirements Sage Green 1659 and Tan 380 as listed in MIL-C-83249, Cloth, Plain and Basket Weave, Aramid. 3. RESPONSE GUIDANCE: Please provide a white paper describing your capabilities and technical data sheets for physical properties. If possible, include a 12”X12” swatch of the product, or a representative sample. Respondents shall describe the proposed solution and its current state of technical maturity and address the ability to meet the characteristics listed in section 2, and Table I and II. Respondent shall provide the fiber blend/content, yarn count, yarn size, and weight. It is also requested that pricing be included with the submitted product and information. What is the anticipated price per yard for each cloth submitted? Please list any order quantity price breaks. If the product/system is not currently in production, what is the anticipated lead time for obtaining the cloth and what is the minimum order required? The respondent is not obligated to address non-applicable items and is requested to indicate which items they consider to be not applicable. A full description of products, with supporting documentation (including test reports or operational assessment reports that document system performance in an aviation environment) would be beneficial. Respondents should also include a description of the company’s background and experience and any other information that the respondent believes demonstrates the value, performance and capabilities. If a company is capable of some, but not the entire requirement stated in this Sources Sought Synopsis/Request For Information, please provide a response that explains the requirements for which you are capable. As papers are received and reviewed, additional materials and/or information may be requested. Please submit responses by December 16, 2019 to point of contact identified in paragraph 5. This RFI is solely for information and does not constitute a solicitation or the issuance thereof. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Any information submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the Government for such information. Please see paragraph 5 for POCs. This notice is for market survey only. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. No solicitation document exists. Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) Table I and Table II are located in the attachment. 4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Responses shall include the following information: A. Company/Institute name B. Address C. Point of Contact D. Cage Code E. DUNS Number F. Phone Number G. E-mail Address H. Web page URL I. Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 313210 (size standard = 1000). Based on the NAICS Code, state whether your company qualifies as a: aa. Small Business (Yes/No) bb. Woman Owned Small Business (Yes/No) cc. Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes/No) dd. 8(a) Certified (Yes/No) ee. HUB Zone Certified (Yes/No) ff. Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes/No) gg. Service Disabled Small Business (Yes/No) hh. Central Contractor Registration (Yes/No) ii. Statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign owned, please indicate country of ownership). J. For small business consideration, would your firm be able to compete under NAICS 313210 (size standard = 1000)? If not, why? Please provide your recommendations concerning the proposed NAICS. 5. POINTS OF CONTACT: Primary POC: Amanda D. Stull Contract Specialist
[email protected] (937) 938-3816 Alternate POC: Lance S. Sorensen Contracting Officer
[email protected] (937) 904-3488 Please submit all RFI responses to: Human Systems Program Office, Attn: Amanda Stull 1981 Monahan Way, Bldg 12 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433 Please submit all samples to: Air Force Uniform Office, Attn: Capt Marshal Quebatay 1901 10th Street, Bldg 63 Wright Patterson AFB OH 45433