-THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY- 23 September 2008 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: USMC COLD WEATHER GLOVE BACKGROUND: United States Marine Corps (USMC) is conducting a market survey to determine the availability of commercial or modified commercial products with improved cold/wet weather protection compared to the USMCs current 5-finger Cold Weather (CW) Glove. The intent is to replace the USMCs current Cold Weather Glove. After review and evaluation of industrys submissions, the most promising candidates may be procured for FY09 Marine field testing to determine if it warrants Marine Corps adoption. DESCRIPTION: The Marine Corps seeks products that meet the requirements outlined below: "Provide cold/wet weather protection and insulation "Waterproof yet breathable with water repellant outer shell fabric "Fast drying "Removable water repellant insulated liner "Good durability "Good dexterity & grip "Will not freeze "Clo value minimum of 1.2 "Will consider flame resistant (FR) or no melt/no drip items, but it is not required. If testing supports adoption of the CW Glove, it would be issued as organizational equipment from the USMC Special Training Allowance Pool (STAP) as required for unit training and deployment. Basis of issue (BOI) will be 1 per. The quantity USMC would procure would be dependent on the phase in plan and available funding. STAP full stock level is 35,000 pairs. Sustainment quantity is projected to be 10,000 pair per year. GLOVE CANDIDATES: The Government requests interested suppliers identify gloves that are within their existing product line production capabilities, or can be easily modified to meet the required salient characteristics. To respond to this RFI, interested suppliers are REQUIRED to submit the following for their submission to enable the Government to efficiently evaluate the viability and benefit of your proposed glove. Information will be handled as proprietary and samples will not be returned. 1.Material Description, and if glove component is or could be Berry compliant if adopted. The supplier must identify the requirements it meets. If a supplier submits multiple products to fulfill a component, they must identify the advantage/disadvantage of competing products. 2.Provide estimated unit cost per pair. 3.Submit 5 pairs (in any color or print on hand) of various sizes including SM, MED and LRG. 4.Describe other attributes that may not be apparent from material description provided and a visual inspection of gloves. Initial samples submitted by interested suppliers are due 15 Nov 08 for Marine Corps review. If the Marine Corps is interested in further evaluating a glove submission, the Government will procure additional samples and/or material for testing within 15 30 calendar days after initial submission. The Government expects to complete its detailed laboratory screening evaluation and select candidate gloves by 30 Dec 08. If the Marine Corps selects gloves for field testing, it is anticipated 200 CW Gloves will be procured. CONTACT: Direct questions and samples to: Jennifer Fernald Tel: 508-233-5449 Email:
[email protected] Mail samples to: U.S. Army NSRDEC Attn: J. Fernald (D-225) 15 Kansas St, D-225 Natick, Ma 01760