The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is interested in identifying Chemical/biological (CB) protective glove liners that protect from Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) for Ground and Aviation use. The hand wear concept will integrate a CB protective liner that is worn underneath existing standard duty gloves (Summers Flyers Gloves, Cold Weather Gloves, Fuel Handlers Glove, Assault Gloves, etc.). The U.S. Army Natick Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), on behalf of USSOCOM, is looking for vendors to provide Commercial-off-the shelf (COTS), Non-Developmental items (NDI), or near NDI CB protective liners that can be fully integrated with current U.S. CB protective garments to enhance capabilities. The gloves must have the following performance attributes: Provide for 12 [T] hours to 24 hours [O] of CB protection after 48 [T] hours or 96 [O] hours of wear; Provide protection against 5g/m2 [T] or 10g/m2 [O] liquid agent challenge and 5000 ct (mg/min/m3) vapor /aerosol; limit sweat build-up equal or better to current CB gloves [T] or provide a breathable [O] candidate; Not significantly reduce the tactility and dexterity of the outer standard duty glove; Possess non-melting properties [T] or meet FR to resist self-ignition, or if ignited, self-extinguish equal to or faster than current non-CB flight gloves [O] ; Have sufficient gauntlet length to interface with the sleeve of the current fielded CB protective garments; Protection against chemical agents HD, TGD, VX in liquid, vapor and aerosol forms; Maintain CB protection when exposed to operational contaminants such as JP-8, hydraulic fluid, weapons lubricants, munitions residue, standard decontaminants, blood, and salt and fresh water. Additionally, USSOCOM is interested in innovative and creative approaches to CB hand wear protection that meet the above requirements but which may provide unique candidates/alternative concepts beyond the stated liner approach (Example: a single glove approach which can provide requisite FR and CB protection without sacrificing tactility/dexterity). The Government may acquire for testing purposes one or more vendor products that appear to meet or exceed the stated performance attributes. Responses to this market survey are due on or before 1 May 2009 and must include a product description with performance parameters, technology readiness level (i.e. maturity level), manufacturing readiness level, summary of prior testing, test reports, where and how the product is currently used; a statement on current availability, an estimated schedule and estimated cost for the price of test articles and production units. Submit responses to U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center, Attention Karen Burke (AMSRD-NSC-WP-WI), Kansas Street, Natick, MA, 01760. No solicitation document exists at this time. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only. This is not an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be taken as a commitment by the Government to issue an order or otherwise pay for the information solicited. Point of Contact Karen Burke, 508-233-4087 Email your questions to RDECOM Acquisition Center - Natick at
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