RFI FOR STATE OF THE ART FIRE RESISTANT WIND RESISTANT COMBAT SHIRTS FOR NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AIRCREW

To promote early exchanges of information with Industry in accordance with FAR Subpart 15.2, Naval Air Systems Command, Aircrew Systems (NAVAIR PMA202) of Patuxent River, Maryland is issuing this Request for Information (RFI). NAVAIR is requesting information to identify qualified sources to provide commercially available fire resistant, wind resistant combat shirts (FRWRCS) for Navy and Marine Corps aircrew. The requirements for these garments are provided below and in Table 1. Interested parties are invited to describe their capabilities to provide the product as described herein. The Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) garments submitted in response to this RFI will be evaluated for the capability to meet the material performance requirements listed below and the table listing key system attributes. The fire resistant, wind resistant, combat shirt is needed to bridge the gap between wearing a flight suit and wearing a cold weather jacket. The FRWRCS shall be made from materials and incorporate design features that meet the requirements of Table 1 and the following characteristics. The FRWRCS shall have a quarter zip opening at the center front and a pencil pocket on the upper sleeve. Any pockets must securely close with a zipper or similar closure system to prevent items from falling out and creating foreign object damage to the aircraft. The FRWRCS shall provide wind resistance to aid in the thermal protection of the aircrew during inclement conditions or when operating in rotary wing aircraft with the doors open. Resistance to rain and precipitation is desirable. The garment shall integrate with aircrew life support equipment, primarily a survival vest and body armor and a helmet. The design shall minimize hot spots and minimize bulk and weight. The garment shall allow for garments to be worn underneath, including a CWU-27/P flight suit, an approved 2 piece flight suit and/or long underwear. The cuff/closure system at the wrist shall be compatible with both summer and winter flight gloves. The Navy plans to approve COTS FRWRCS items that meet user requirements for local procurement by squadrons as required for mission needs. Cost will be a consideration in determining COTS items approved for use. There is no current plan to add this item to the federal supply system. Multiple items could be approved if found to be acceptable. Interested parties are invited to describe their capabilities as well as provide samples as described herein. In response to this RFI, please provide specification sheets showing the compliance with the above listed requirements, which will be at no cost to the Government. RFI responses are limited to 25 pages. The product sample as well as product information shall be submitted at no expense to the Government. The samples and corresponding information will not be returned. It is also requested that pricing be included with the submitted product and information. Proprietary data MUST be marked on a page-by-page basis, and will be kept confidential and protected in accordance with the Uniform Trades Secret Act. Interested sources shall state whether their product is available commercially, made domestically of domestic textiles (must be Berry compliant – manufacturers must list the origin and place of manufacturing operations of all components).