Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU)
Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform RFI:
The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center, in support of Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment, is conducting a market research investigation for manufacturing capability to produce the Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU) for a potential requirement of 150,000 uniforms. The goal of this effort is to identify firms with the capability to manufacturer IHWCUs and determine the level of manufacturing available by requesting quantity per month capabilities. This may lead to a future broader procurement pending Army direction to make the IHWCU an optional clothing item, or part of the Organizational Clothing & Individual Equipment (OCIE) allowance. The IHWCU must be capable of meeting the requirements of the purchase descriptions as listed and summarized below:
1) GL-PD-15-04B Coat, Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform
The coat fabric will be printed in the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). The coat design has a single-breasted, raglan sleeve front with a five (5) button closure; a fold down collar with a fusible interlining, long sleeves with cuffs and one (1) button, three (3) buttonholes adjustable cuff tab. The top of the button down closure is open to accommodate a pen. The front has loop tape to accommodate the Name and US Army Tapes. The front placket has a loop tape for the Rank Patch. The coat has two (2) bellow style top opening upper sleeve pockets and includes an eyelet drain-hole. The coat sleeves have an elbow reinforcement patch. Both sleeves have an Identification Friend or Foe tab cover that can be opened and closed using hook and loop fastener. The IFF tab cover is centered and sewn onto the sleeve above the upper sleeve pocket. The coat has a double turned and cleaned finished hem.
2) GL-PD-15-05B Trousers, Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform
The trouser fabric will be printed in the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). The trousers design shall have the following characteristics; a covered fly with a four (4) button/ buttonhole closure, or three (3) button/buttonhole closure, depending on size, seven (7) belt loops, two (2) side hanging pockets, two (2) front side pleated cargo pockets with three (3) button/ two (2) buttonhole closure flaps, and two (2) lower leg side pockets with one (1) button/ one (1) buttonhole closure flaps. The side cargo pockets shall have three (3) sewn-in eyelets hidden by the bellows. The trousers shall have a double needle seat patch and a pleated knee reinforcement incorporated into the pant leg at the knee. The trousers have a one (1) piece single gusset, two (2) front side hanging pockets, a mesh fabric attached on the inside of the trousers at the bottom of the legs as inner cuffs. The bottom of the trousers leg hems, the inner cuffs, and the waistband shall have drawstrings.
Interested sources must, within thirty (30) days following the publication of this RFI, respond with information on their current capability. Interested sources shall include detailed information regarding their firm's experience, personnel, facilities and domestic production capabilities, and relevant company background/experience. If a firm chooses to submit a sample, no payment will be made by the government for such sample. Firms should provide pricing for currently available product and/or estimated pricing for uniforms to be produced. Firms responding shall indicate whether or not they are a small business. This notice is for market research only. Responses to this notice are to be sent to Ms. Stacey Lee, U.S. Army NSRDEC, RDNS-SEW-EWC, General Greene Avenue, D205, Natick, MA 01760-5019. This is not a request for proposal/quotation. No solicitation document exists. The information received under this announcement may be used to purchase items for Government testing and/or developing acquisition strategy. Email your questions or requests for a copy of the Purchase Descriptions to Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment at Stacey.L.Lee8.civ@mail.mil.
FAR 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes, applies herein.
Matthew Buchanan, Phone 5082336141, Email matthew.r.buchanan6.civ@mail.mil
