Woven Fabric for U.S. Navy Summer White Uniforms

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: NAVY CLOTHING AND TEXTILE RESEARCH FACILITY IMPROVED WOVEN FABRIC FOR U.S. NAVY SUMMER WHITE UNIFORMS Background: The Navy's summer white uniform is constructed using a 100% polyester Certified Navy Twill (CNT) fabric. Although durable, the fabric is considered to be uncomfortable in the hot summer weather it is intended to be worn in. The white CNT fabric is also semi-transparent allowing undergarments and garters to be visible thereby impacting appearance and sailor satisfaction. Objective: The Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) is seeking woven white uniform fabrics for test and evaluation purposes. No fiber blend is specified, however, fabrics must meet or exceed the durability, colorfastness, soil release, wrinkle resistance and shade characteristics of the current 100% polyester CNT. Fiber blends, constructions, and/or finishes enhancing comfort and coverage (greater opacity) are sought. A copy of the CNT purchase description and shade standard will be provided upon request. Candidates: In response to this RFI, interested candidates are REQUIRED to submit all of the following to enable the Government to evaluate the viability and benefit of the proposed solutions: 1. A fabric description, identification of fiber blend (including fiber percentages), physical property characteristics (weave, yarns per inch, weight, breaking strength, tear strength, dimensional stability), production lead time, and production location. 2. Complete disclosure of chemical treatment if using topical finishes or coatings and applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be submitted. The finished material/product shall not present a dermal health hazard when used as intended. 3. Documentation for Berry Amendment, 10 USC 2533a; compliance is required. 4. A cost per linear yard (specify width of material), broken down by quantity reflecting economies of scale. 5. A minimum of five (5) linear yards. 6. A point of contact, phone number, and email address. Please submit responses by 30 JUNE 2015 to the point of contact identified below. 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 or materials submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the Government for such information or materials. Contact: Please submit responses to this notice to Kate Young, Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, 15 Kansas St, BLDG 7/ WH-20, Natick, MA 01760-5019. This notice is for market survey only. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. No solicitation document exists. POC for this request is Kate Young, 508-233-1350, [email protected]