Background: The Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) is conducting a market survey to determine the availability of Berry Compliant Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) white fabric suitable for use as a trim material. After review and initial physical test evaluation of industry submissions, the most promising fabrics may be down selected and subjected to additional physical property testing. Successful candidate fabrics could be used in future uniform procurements. Description: NCTRF seeks to identify white fabric suitable for use in trims, submissions should incorporate the following performance criteria: wicking, stain resistance/soil release and comfort (hand). Samples submitted in response to the RFI should be white in color and capable of being cut into a trim and sewn into the Navy white hat (A-A- 55108) as an inner band to provide stability on the head. The material should be capable of meeting or exceeding the physical and performance characteristics outlined in Table I. Please see attachment for Table I Material Requirements. Candidates: To respond to this RFI, interested candidates are REQUIRED to submit the following for their submission to enable the Government to efficiently evaluate the viability and benefit of the proposed material(s): 1. A material description, to include product description, identification of fiber blend (including fiber percentages), performance characteristics, production lead time, fiber production location, yarn production location, weaving/knitting location, finishing location, and illustrations/photographs with corresponding descriptive information that best describes the material. Complete disclosure of chemical treatment if using topical finish, applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and documentation for Berry Amendment, 10 USC 2533a, compliance is required. 2. A minimum of 5 yards in any color or print available and written assurance that the material can be produced in a solid white color. 3. An estimated unit cost per linear yard (specify width of material), which may be broken down by quantity reflecting economies of scale. 4. Information which certifies that the finished product is composed of materials which have been safely used commercially or provide sufficient toxicity data to show compatibility with prolonged, direct skin contact. The finished cloth shall not present a dermal health hazard when used as intended Submissions are limited to five (5) materials per candidate. Initial fabric samples and required documentation submitted by interested candidates are due by COB 24 October 2014 at NCTRF. Information will be handled as proprietary and samples will not be returned. Contact: Please submit responses to this notice to E. Hamalian, Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, 15 Kansas St, 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 Eileen Hamalian, 508-233-1320,
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