RFI - Novel or Multifunctional Fibers, Yarns, Coatings/Finishes and Fabrics for Soldier Protection and Comfort (MFFYF)

Wat de aanbestedende dienst vraagt

SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center, in coordination with the Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM SCIE), to identify potential sources of multifunctional fibers, yarns, fabrics, coatings, or finishes for Soldier protection, thermal comfort and/or physical comfort. The RFI is issued for the purpose of identifying and assessing novel fibers, yarns, fabrics, coatings or finishes. Of primary interest are multifunctional submissions that provide at least two (2) functionalities (e.g., a moisture management fiber knit into a vector protective structure, an oil repellant coating or finish applied to flame resistant fabric). The Government seeks both near- and far-term approaches: Near-Term Solutions (TRL 5–7+): Mature, drop-in, or near-term standalone textile solutions that can be rapidly validated by DEVCOM SC and could be inserted into active military Programs of Record (PORs). Near-term solutions should be able to withstand laundering and abrasion while maintaining functionality. Far-Term Next-Generation Concepts (TRL 2–4): Emerging, exploratory concepts (e.g., novel fiber cross-sections, grooved/star-shaped capillaries, re-entrant geometries, mechanical vector-barrier architectures, vector protective chemistries, biomimetic moisture channels, and advanced microclimate finishes) to inform technology investments for future uniform platforms. The RFI is issued solely for information gathering and planning purposes. The RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals and will not directly lead to any contract awards. The following sections of this announcement contain details of the scope of technical interest as well as instructions for submitting a response. The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to paola.a.dangelo.civ@army.mil and joseph.a.orlando38.civ@army.mil by 23 December 2026 by 5pm EST. Background: This RFI is intended to identify products and suppliers that provide textile multifunctionality to enhance the environmental protection of dismounted Warfighters. Dismounted Warfighters are often exposed to rapid shifts between extreme physical exertion (producing high metabolic sweat and vapor) and prolonged static postures (firing in the prone, kneeling on sub-zero surfaces, sitting in observation posts/foxholes). Protection against extreme environmental conditions (cold or hot, wet or dry) and the compounding physiological stresses induced by their specific mission profiles, equipment loads, and operational postures is desired. Description: Each material submission should ideally provide at least two (2) multifunctionalities that, when combined with other DEVCOM Soldier Center developments, have the potential of providing optimal protection for dismounted Warfighters operating in either temperate to cold or temperate to hot environments. While the primary interest of this RFI is in multifunctional solutions, the Government is also interested in novel, single-function materials in early stages of development (e.g., TRL 2-4) that demonstrate advancements in their respective performance areas. Submissions for single-function materials should include a description of their potential to be integrated with other materials (e.g., through coatings, fiber blends, or multi-layered systems) to create a multifunctional product in the future. These functionalities include but are not limited to: Moisture management: Approach features a moisture management solution that can transport liquid sweat rapidly to the outer face of the fabric and spread it across a large surface area. Evaporation directly against the skin in sub-freezing climates must be minimized to prevent cold related injuries. Must dry quickly in all temperature and humidity conditions. The movement of moisture out from trapped places is also of interest. Thermal protection: Approach must maintain uniform insulation value regardless of state (wet, dry,…

Taal van deze aankondiging: English. Titel en beschrijving tonen we precies zoals de aanbestedende dienst ze heeft gepubliceerd.

How this compares

• This is one of 12 open tenders in Verenigde Staten for Leder, textielweefsels, kunststof en rubber materialen.
• Bidders were given 61 days from publication to the deadline; the median for open tenders in Verenigde Staten is 21 days.

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