The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Natick, MA and Executive Program Office Soldier, Haymarket, VA have a need to identify possible solutions to add Flame Retardant (FR) properties to the outer shell of the A rmys currently fielded Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) by means of novel or experimental flame retardant fibers/materials. The government is conducting a market investigation seeking product information, manufacturing capabilities and/or samples of novel FR ma terials, which are comparable in weight and specifications to the current OTV. Non-woven and alternative technologies will be accepted. The outer shell fabric shall meet or exceed the performance specifications in CO/PD 00-02G. The government will perfo rm all physical and other required testing to determine the best performing material / solution available. Companies may request testing results regarding only their own materials. Results from this evaluation may be used to update the current military s pecification to include novel FR materials in construction of the OTV shell. When submitting U.S. contracts, offers are cautioned that their products (all materials and manufacturing) must comply with Berry Amendment Restrictions (see DFARS 252.225-7012). Products shall meet the following critical performance requirements: (1) Conform to current IR spectral performance requirements listed in CO/PD 00-02G, (2) Conform to current visual color requirements listed in CO/PD 00-02G, (3) Conform to current phys ical performance requirements listed in CO/PD 00-02G, and (4) Flame retardant with a focus on durability, ignition time and melt and drip. It is also desired that this material be comparable to current OTV outer shell materials in performance, weight, an d where possible, cost. Interested firms are requested to submit information on their product within thirty (30) days following the publication of this synopsis. Information should include, but not limited to, product cost, technical information (e.g. ph ysical properties, performance characteristics, test methodology (e.g. ASTM, AATCC, NFPA 701)), certification/compliance, production capability, any environmental issues, EPA compliant chemicals, chemicals which could be an irritant to the wearer, relevan t company background/experience, and any other information that the company believes demonstrates the value of their product(s) and the ability to meet the aforementioned requirements. Companies are also encouraged to submit samples for evaluation. Any i nformation/samples submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the government for such samples. The testing results will be controlled and used for governmental purposes only. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Mr. Francisco Ma rtinez, Multifunctional Materials Team, ATTN: AMSRD-NSC-WS-TM, 15 Kansas St., Natick, MA 01760-5019. This notice is for market survey only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. No solicitation document exists. The information received under this annou ncement may in the future be used to update the current specification to include Inherently FR materials. POC for this request is Francisco Martinez (508) 233-5802, FAX (508) 233-4651 or email
[email protected]. Email your questions to US A rmy Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center at
[email protected]