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Request for Information – Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility Walking Shoe for USPS Letter Carriers On behalf of the United States Postal Services (USPS), the Navy Clothing and Textile Researc... Request for Information – Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility Walking Shoe for USPS Letter Carriers On behalf of the United States Postal Services (USPS), the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) is conducting a market research investigation for a walking shoe to be worn by letter carriers of the United States Postal Service. The goal of this effort is to identify firms with capabilities to provide/design/develop a walking shoe for use by letter carriers walking on various surfaces in a wide range of environmental conditions (both fair and inclement), to include walking on paved roads and walking on un-improved trails. Interest is in readily available product(s) or developmental items that will be commercially available within the next six months (must be based on a concise and attainable development/commercialization plan). This request for information (RFI) is issued solely for information gathering and planning purposes on behalf of USPS. This RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals and will not directly lead to any contract awards. The walking shoe(s) must be capable of meeting critical technical requirements as follows: 1. Durable enough to last for over 12 months of heavy use while conducting USPS letter carrier duties during winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons; 2. Designed to reduce pressure points, discomfort, or irritation during walking on pavement surfaces throughout the useful life of the item; 3. Does not interfere with normal walking or reduce User performance and capability to move while carrying light to medium load; 4. Breathable, to allow for air to circulate around the foot when worn; 5. Wicks moisture away from the foot and dries quickly; 6. Resistant to degradation due to fungus and bacteria; 7. Leather as specified in USPS 89E dated 5 November 2018; 8. Outsole meets slip resistant requirement as specified in USPS 89E dated 5 November 2018; 9. Provide impact attenuation when walking up to 13 miles per day; Interested sources must, within thirty (30) days following the publication of this synopsis, respond with information on their current product(s) and how they address the requirements listed above. Interested sources shall respond by including up to two (2) types of production quality samples (Men’s size 10, D width), detailed information regarding their firm’s personnel, facilities and production capabilities, and relevant company background/experience. Only responses with physical samples will be reviewed. Submissions must include two whole pairs and one pair cut-lengthwise per shoe style. No payment will be made by the government for such samples. Firms shall submit the following information for each style of production sample provided: 1. Retail and/or wholesale pricing 2. Whether the firm has the capability to produce the submitted footwear style domestically, i.e. Berry Amendment complian a. NOTE: It is not required that the firm be capable of producing such samples domestically in order to submit a sample. All USPS footwear must ultimately be Berry Amendment compliant. 3. List of available sizes (lengths and widths) a. Whether the footwear style is available in both Men’s and Women’s sizes b. Whether Women’s sizes are manufactured using female-specific lasts or lasts also used to manufacture Men’s sizes 4. If applicable, classification of the samples as “Neutral/Cushioned”, “Stability”, or “Motion Control”, as well as the intended user and use for each shoe style (i.e. high, normal, or low arch; user weight; running service; etc.). 5. Independent laboratory test results for the following test methods (if available): a. Whole Shoe Slip Resistance Test (ASTM F 2913 or equal) b. Impact Attenuation for Soling Systems and Materials (ASTM F 1976 or equal) c. Outsole Wear from Walking (SATRA STM-528 or equal) d. Dry Shoe Flex Durability (SATRA TM-92 or equal) e. Dynamic Footwear Stiffness Index, Longitudinal and Torsional (SATRA STM-507 or equal) f. Moisture Management using Sweating Foot (SATRA STM-567 or equal) g. Compression Set (ASTM D 395 or equal) h. Weight/mass per shoe i. Any other test results the firm wishes to submit DISCLAIMERS AND IMPORTANT NOTES This is an RFI issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Respondents are advised that NCTRF is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received, or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. NCTRF will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited, nor is the Government obligated to issue a solicitation based on responses received. Input on technical aspects of the responses may be solicited by NCTRF from non-Government consultants/experts who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements. Submissions are limited to two (2) styles per submission per company. Required documentation and samples are due by close of business 15 SEPTEMBER 2021. Information will be handled as proprietary and samples will be Government property and will not be returned. This notice is for market research only. Please submit electronic responses to this RFI to Kelly Fratelli, 508-206-2762, kelly.a.fratelli.civ@mail.mil.and Ms. Anita Perkins, U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center. Samples and hard copies of RFI are to be sent to Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, 10 General Greene Ave, Bldg. 86, Natick, MA 01760-5019. This is not a request for quotations. No solicitation document exists. The information received under this announcement may be used to purchase items for Government testing and/or to develop a science and technology research strategy. Email your questions to Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility at Anita.A.Perkins.civ@mail.mil. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. No solicitation document exists.