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Request for Information (RFI) / Market Survey Extreme Cold Weather Fuel Handler Gloves The Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM-SCIE), located at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, i... Request for Information (RFI) / Market Survey Extreme Cold Weather Fuel Handler Gloves The Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM-SCIE), located at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, is conducting a request for information / market investigation to identify domestic products, suppliers and manufacturers of Extreme Cold Weather Fuel Handlers Gloves. Table 2-1 of Army Regulation 70-38 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation of Material for Extreme Climatic Conditions, defines three cold climates: Basic Cold -5oF to -25oF; Cold -35oF to -50oF; Severe Cold -60oF (Cold soak). For the purposes of this RFI, PdM SCIE is interested in potential material solutions for Basic Cold and Cold climates as defined above. It is anticipated these gloves will be used in operational environment Zone VII as defined in Table B-1 of Common Table of Allowances (CTA) 50-900 "Clothing and Individual Equipment" These gloves must provide flame resistance from flash fires that may occur in petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) operations and remain flexible in extreme cold weather. In addition, the Government is interested in identifying emergent technologies and capabilities that will meet or exceed the following parameters: 1) Temperature Protection for the range of -25oF to 120oF Rationale: In addition to the irritant properties of POL in contact with the skin, POL contamination significantly increases the skin's susceptibility to cold weather injuries. In order to prevent cold weather injuries, protective hand wear must be worn. During warmer temperatures, the glove will ensure protection to the soldier's arms and hands up to 120oF while not interfering with the soldier's ability to perform POL missions. 2) POL Protection from Kerosene based fuels, JP-8 and all other military POL products for the hands to mid-forearms Rationale: Using current "bag item" issue hand wear for fueling operations decreases the environmental protective characteristics of the hand wear insulating materials. It also increases the hazard of fire as a result of excessive fumes and liquid captured within the insulating layers. Standard hand wear does not provide the ability to repel POL or provide any wrist or forearm protection from splashed or spilled POL during refuel operations. 3) Tactility/Dexterity while performing fueling operations to include configuring fueling equipment. Rationale: Soldiers must be able to grip and operate all types of hoses, nozzles, pump controls, couplings and valves, push buttons, and flip switches in all kinds of weather and field conditions. These operator functions are necessary in order for the POL handler to successfully accomplish the mission. Failure of the FHG to incorporate state of the art designs and materials which are comfortable and acceptable to soldiers allowing the soldier to perform any given mission would result in the gloves not being used by soldiers and exposing them to the hazards of POL products. The Government is conducting this market investigation to acquire information on the types and sizes of businesses that will be able to compete on potential future contracting actions, potential costs, as well as production and delivery capabilities. This request for information is not a formal solicitation nor requires that a formal solicitation be issued (FAR 15.201(e)). Interested firms are requested to submit relevant information on their company within 21 days following the publication of this RFI. Information submitted shall include unit production cost, literature and illustrations, component material(s) of construction, technical parameters, manufacturing location, relevant company background/experience and any documented test/analysis information that would indicate the results of performance tests. Interested parties may submit glove samples, accompanied by corresponding technical data reflecting the performance results of any independent laboratory testing as specified in this announcement, business size statement and information. Firms responding to this announcement shall indicate whether or not they are a small business. Any information submitted will not be returned. If a firm chooses to submit samples, be advised that no payment will be made by the Government for such samples or any information submitted in response to this notice. Any relevant company background/experience, business category, costs, and any other information that the company believes demonstrates their value / ability to meet the aforementioned requirements should be included. All information and evaluation results will be controlled and used for Governmental purposes only. Responses to this notice shall be sent to the Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment, Attn: Mrs. Brenda Lay, at Brenda.m.lay.ctr@mail.mil. This notice is for informational purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. NO solicitation document exists for this action (FAR 15.201(e). The primary POC for this request is Mrs. Brenda Lay at Brenda.m.lay.ctr@mail.mil.