SOURCES SOUGHT, The Navy is seeking qualified manufacturing sources willing to provide a new concept for pillows for use on board ships and vessels of the U.S. Navy. Existing pillows are 26 inches by 20 inches and are comprised of waterfowl feathers. User reports indicate that they are too flat and do not provide adequate support. These reports also indicate that the covers are too stiff and rough, and that feathers protrude through the cover resulting in many users utilizing nonstandard and possibly flammable or other hazardous commercial replacements. The replacement concept would address these reported deficiencies by providing pillows with varying degrees of thickness and support, and softer covering materials providing an overall improved feel. In addition, if feathers are part of the concept, they will not leak from, nor protrude from, the cover. The concept also needs to address fire performance that has not yet been determined by the Navy; the baseline for this requirement would be the existing feather pillow, but will evolve as the Navy tests candidate pillow concepts. Submissions should include all salient design features of the concept including proposed filling and cover materials. This announcement is not a formal solicitation and is not a request for proposal. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. No reimbursement will be made of any costs to provide information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requests. Availability of any formal solicitation will be announced under a separate NECO announcement. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Each response must reference the "Sources Sought" subject. Response should be sent to Naval Sea Systems Command, Attn: James Thurber, Code SEA 05H, 1333 Isaac Hull Ave SE, Washington, DC 20376-5100. Mr. Thurber is the point of contact for this "Sources Sought" notice and may be reached at telephone (202) 781-3604 and e-mail address
[email protected]. Responses must be received in writing no later than 21 August 2009, by 4 p.m. e.s.t.