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SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center to identify potential sources to participate in novel footwear manufacturing. The Government requests that res... SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center to identify potential sources to participate in novel footwear manufacturing. The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to Wendy Johnson at wendy.k.johnson26.civ@army.mil and Anita Perkins at anita.a.perkins.civ@army.mil by 7 June 2024 by 5pm EST. Background: The Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM Soldier Center) is seeking information on novel component materials that may be beneficial to future combat footwear systems. This request is part of a research and development effort under the FY24 Congressional Military Footwear Research Initiative. Description: The Army DEVCOM SC as part of the FY24 Congressional Military Footwear Research Initiative is looking to identify footwear manufacturers that are willing to participate in novel footwear manufacturing, improvement of current manufacturing processes, and development of prototyping of multiple styles of footwear (such as combat boots, athletic shoes, dress shoes, etc.). Specific Specifications: Interested parties would be manufacturers interested in utilizing FY22 and FY23 Congressional Military Footwear Research Initiative or internal innovation efforts to improve footwear performance and manufacturing processes with the goal of transitioning these technologies into the military or domestic military/commercial markets. Deliverables: Prototype samples may include but are not limited to variations of insoles, midsole, outsoles, and midsole/outsole hybrids, passive and active thermal insulation, upper materials (knits and alternative leather), e-textiles sensor systems, etc. Prototype samples will be tested in laboratory settings and evaluated in military training and operational environments. Novel and improved manufacturing capabilities will be documented. Delivery Date: The Government anticipates 18 months lead time for this item. Government Furnished Property (Equipment/Materials/Information/Computer Utilization): DEVCOM Soldier Center’s Footwear Performance Lab will be used to conduct end item testing of footwear if test machines are available. Interested parties are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Announcement. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY This Sources Sought Announcement is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify interested sources. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. This Sources Sought does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. It is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Further, unsolicited proposals will not be accepted. Funding is not available at this time. The United States Army has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this Sources Sought Announcement should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Response to this Sources Sought Announcement is voluntary and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this and any follow-on information requests. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Not responding to this Sources Sought Announcement does not preclude participation in any future RFP if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the SAM.gov website. It is the responsibility of the potential responders to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this subject. RESPONSES: Interested parties may identify their interest and capability by sending responses regarding this requirement to DEVCOM Soldier Center via e-mail ONLY to Wendy Johnson at wendy.k.johnson26.civ@army.mil and Anita Perkins at anita.a.perkins.civ@army.mil no later than 7 JUN 2024 by 5:00 p.m. EST. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this Notice. All costs associated with responding to this Notice will be solely at the expense of the interested party. Please provide business size (indicate your socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code, and CAGE code. If you hold a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract, please identify your contract number. Please respond to the RFI with the following information: 1.Identify which footwear or manufacturing process you are interested in innovating, prototyping, and developing. 2.Potential domestic suppliers that would aid in this effort or if you are open to new suppliers. 3.Whether you are open to suggested improvements/technology or have any internal manufacturing improvements that you would like to work on. QUESTIONS: Any questions for clarification may be emailed to Wendy Johnson at wendy.k.johnson26.civ@army.mil and Anita Perkins at anita.a.perkins.civ@army.mil no later than 7 JUN 2024 by 5:00 p.m. EST. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. An unattributed list of questions and answers will be published at the same web location of this Sources Sought Announcement. Amendment 0001 to answer questions: Q1. I’m hoping you can provide some additional information/clarification about the RFI, specifically on midsole and outsole variations. A1. We are looking for footwear manufacturers that are open to developing prototype Improved Hot Weather Combat Boots or Cold Weather Combat Boots that may have various midsole and outsole compounds (such as rubber, polyurethane, foams, etc.) that are/were developed during our FY22 and FY23 Congressional Military Footwear Research Initiative. DEVCOM SC is also interested in evaluating additional material or components that were not included in our FY22 and FY23 Congressional Military Research Initiative. Any available test results and expected benefits will be considered before they are included in prototype developments and User Evaluation.