--Advanced Combat Uniform Supply Chain Management

The US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center, Natick Contracting Division intends to negotiate and award a sole source contract to Clemson Apparel Research (CAR), Clemson University, 500 Lebanon Road, Pendlton, SC, fo r supply chain management of initial production and delivery of the new Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and patrol cap. As part of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Apparel Research Network (ARN) MANTECH project, CAR has developed advanced supply chain managem ent concepts, developed commercial software, BalancedFlow, and continues to direct industry in this revolutionary approach to supply chain management. These advanced concepts include the ability to predict stock levels at every juncture, smooth the flow o f raw goods and pull material as needed for end item construction. CAR personnel have extensive knowledge with the clothing and textile industry, with particular focus on the military-side of the industry. In this effort, CAR will manage the supply chain by maintaining total asset visibility and providing synchronized replenishment order, shipping and manufacturing recommendations based on the supply chain concepts and tools developed for the DLA ARN program. This novel acquisition concept is intended to demonstrate total supply chain management from raw materials to finished garment delivery. The goal of this demonstration is to reduce both cost and schedule, while increasing quality through leveling the production flow throughout the supply chain. CAR is the source for this effort as they are on the cutting edge of lean manufacturing processes, which is the one of the key tenets driving the future military acquisition streamlining initiatives. CARs knowledge of supply chain management coupled with their previous efforts with the DLA ARN MANTECH project, will be instrumental in ensuring the success of this ACU advanced supply chain management demonstration. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. A determination by the Government not to compete this pr oposed contract based upon responses is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Interested parties may identify their inte rest and capability in response to this requirement to: Kimberly Chamberlain (AMSRD-ACC-NS) at [email protected]. This notice expires 23 July 2004 at 1500 EDT. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. See FBO Note 22.