84--Hot Weather Jungle Combat Boots - Request for Information

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center, in support of Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment, is conducting a market research investigation for non-waterproof, hot weather, jungle combat boots. The goal of this effort is to indentify firms with capabilities to provide/design/develop boots for use by the combat soldier in various jungle terrains and conditions. Interest is in readily available product(s) or information on development that will be available within the next six to twelve months (must be based on a concise and attainable development/commercialization plan). The hot weather jungle combat boots must be capable of meeting critical technical requirements, as follows: 1) Durable enough to last 12 months of wear in jungle environments where high humidity and repeated submersion in water are expected; 2) Quick drying and highly breathable, to allow for heat and moisture to exit the boot when worn; 3) Drainage which allows for evacuation of water from the boot while walking; 4) Light weight construction (under 2lbs/boot) with materials that resist water absorption ; 5) A Pronounced heel to allow for improved grip when walking down loose, muddy declines; 6) Tread/Lug pattern that easily sheds mud and debris while walking; 7) Outsoles that provide propulsion and superior traction while allowing for braking and stability moving both up and down wet, muddy slopes; 8) Able to keep mud, sediment, and debris out of boot while maneuvering through water and deep mud; 9) Designed to reduce pressure points and discomfort during descents on uneven, rugged terrain; and 10) Provide for quick break-in. Interested sources must, within thirty (30) days (no later than 22 May 2013 at 12:00 PM EST) following the publication of this synopsis, respond with an information package no greater than ten pages in length describing their current product(s) and how they are made or could be modified to address the U.S. Army requirement. Interested sources shall include detailed information regarding their firm's experience, personnel, facilities and domestic production capabilities, independent laboratory test results, and relevant company background/experience, and a single product sample (10R), if available. If a firm chooses to submit a sample, no payment will be made by the government for such sample and samples will not be returned. Firms should provide pricing for currently available product and/or estimated pricing for footwear currently under development. Firms responding shall indicate whether or not they are a small business. This notice is for market research only. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Mr. Albert Adams, U.S. Army NSRDEC, Bldg 4, Room D323, 15 Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5019. This is not a request for quotations. No solicitation document exists. The information received under this announcement may be used to purchase items for Government testing and/or developing acquisition strategy. Email your questions to Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment at [email protected]. Point of Contact(s): Albert Adams, [email protected]